Wind Creek Casino had an eventful 2022. The Pennsylvania casino in Bethlehem broke the state record for table game revenue in a single month in July and also underwent $160 million in renovations.
PlayPennsylvania spoke with General Manager Kathy McCracken about Wind Creek’s prosperous year.
Wind Creek’s historic table game revenue
Wind Creek is one of the largest casinos in the state and is consistently in the top three in generating revenue for slots and tables.
Before the pandemic, Wind Creek recorded $237.3 million in table games revenue, leading Parx Casino with $192.1 million in revenue for the No. 1 spot in 2019.
Wind Creek lost the top spot to Parx in 2020 and 2021 in table game revenue, but regained it in 2022. Wind Creek reported $243.7 million in revenue, compared to Parx’s $204.9 million.
In July, Wind Creek Casino broke a Pennsylvania single-month record for table game earnings, bringing in $23.6 million.
“We’re exceptionally proud of that accomplishment and our table games and marketing team members’ efforts have been instrumental to our success,” McCracken said. “To ensure that the guest experience is second-to-none, we consistently evaluate our offerings and optimize accordingly.”
Wind Creek did just that by rolling out Live Dealer Stadium Gaming, which offers blackjack, roulette, war and baccarat. Live Dealer Stadium Gaming is played through a touchscreen at your own betting terminal that connects you to multiple tables at once. There’s only a $5 minimum to play.
“We wanted to provide our guests, who might otherwise feel intimidated by a traditional table game, the opportunity to play in a more casual environment,” McCracken said. “Stadium Gaming is less intimidating, offers low minimums, and encourages guests to play at their own pace. It allows guests to experience the thrills of playing against a live dealer – located in the center of the stadium – at an electronic betting terminal.”
Wind Creek spends big on renovations
Wind Creek has spent $160 million on renovations since 2020, that includes a 23,000-square-foot ballroom, a second hotel tower and a new lobby.
The project represented how to better serve guests in regards to the demand Wind Creek was seeing prior to the pandemic.
“Wind Creek Bethlehem’s high occupancy rates pre-pandemic, combined with the ability to accommodate larger events in a 23,000-square-foot ballroom, solidified the decision to move forward with this project,” McCracken said. “The property can now host larger events that previously required space only found in major metropolitan areas. We’re not only establishing the property as a regional competitor, but also bringing additional tourism opportunities to the Lehigh Valley.”
According to McCracken, Wind Creek can now accommodate larger trade organizations, state associations, weddings, expos, trade shows and more.
“As the project nears completion, we can confidently say that this tower – from the lobby to the ballroom and beyond – has captivated and awed audiences who have had a chance to see it in person,” McCracken said.
Wind Creek Casino’s new poker room
Wind Creek invested some of the renovations into the poker room.
The new poker room includes:
- 20 action-packed tables
- Dedicated cage inside of the poker room
- Table side massage service available
- Upgraded poker lounge for guests waiting to play
- Complimentary beverage service
Wind Creek holds poker tournaments six days a week. The rest of the February schedule is as follows:
- Feb. 21: $300 High Hand, Deepstack Tournament
- Feb. 22: $300 High Hand
- Feb. 23: $250 High Hand
- Feb. 24: No Limit Hold ‘Em
- Feb. 26: No Limit Hold ‘Em
- Feb. 27: $300 High Hand
- Feb. 28: $300 High Hand, Deepstack Tournament
