Thousands gamble at new slots parlor at Philadelphia Park

[Penndems]

Cross-posted from the Pennsylvania forum:

By MICHAEL RUBINKAM
The Associated Press

BENSALEM, Pa. (AP) — Philadelphia Park opened southeastern Pennsylvania's first slot-machine parlor and the second statewide on Tuesday, attracting gamblers who said they were happy for a local alternative to the casinos in Atlantic City, N.J.

Hundreds of people poured in when the doors opened shortly after 11:30 a.m. and began stuffing bills into the machines, and the casino enjoyed a brisk business in its first hours of operation.

Ines Beiez, 47, a North Philadelphia woman who was one of the first to sit down at a machine, said Philadelphia Park would become her gambling destination of choice.

Although she was a frequent patron of Atlantic City and the Delaware Park casino in Delaware, "I'm coming here now," Beiez said as she played Hot Hot Super Jackpot, a nickel machine. "It's closer to my house."

Link:
http://www.pennlive.com/newsflash/pa/index.ssf?/base/news-44/1166542755164680.xml&storylist=paslots

[MrSlayer]

1. And tomorrow the city gives out it's first licenses.

I'm hoping for a South Philly location. I'd love to build those casinos.

[Penndems]

2. Tomorrow is a big, big day in the Keystone State

One position I would not like to be in at this point in time is as a member of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Those folks have some incredibly agonizing decisions to make. The midnight oil is probably being burned at their offices in Strawberry Square in downtown Harrisburg.

No matter who they select to receive permits, there's going to be those who will be disappointed. Every single consortium vying for a license gave outstanding presentations. Not a bad one in the bunch. For Philadelphia, the Foxwoods group completely sold me. A beautiful, aesthetically-pleasing development, conveniently located. I'll be cheering them on.

If Gettysburg gets one of the licenses, that'll work best for us. We've already got a group together here in Virginia that want to drive up and throw money into Pennsylvania's coffers! :)

We'll find out tomorrow morning at 10:00. Hope PCN will be broadcasting the announcement from The Forum Building in H-burg.

[MrSlayer]

3. Yes, I'll be listening on the radio for the announcement.

Foxwoods is the one I want too but for purely selfish reasons. It's only a ten minute walk from my house to the site.

[Penndems]

4. The Foxwoods design is absolutely breathtaking

If a casino could come anywhere close to looking like the Metropolitan Opera complex in Manhattan, this one would be it. It's obvious that a lot of care and forethought were put into it by the architects in an effort to have it harmonize with its environs. The artist's conception of Foxwood just says "class" to me.

The Trump plan looks like a circus tent to me, an absolute abortion of a model. It does nothing for the surrounding neighborhoods. That project would fit in with the glitz and glitter of a Las Vegas or an Atlantic City, but not in downtown Philly!

My fingers and toes are crossed for the Foxwoods development. If the Gettysburg plan falls through, we'll have to make tracks up to Philadelphia, and spend our money there.

[windbreeze]

5. I suppose if I ask a question here of

Philadelphians....I may look as though I am hijacking the thread...but I would just like a one word answer...do the Mummers still strut on New Year's day??? yes/no??? casinos downtown??? can't imagine it...not with all the history that abounds there...
wb