Pennsylvania Gaming Board to hold public hearings on casino license renewals

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has scheduled a public hearing for April 3, 2025, to review the license renewal applications of two major casino operators: Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, which manages Parx Casino in Bucks County, and Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, the operator of Hollywood Casino Morgantown in Berks County.

This hearing will be an opportunity for public officials, community organizations, and residents to express their views on the operations of these establishments, potentially influencing the outcome.

Set to take place at both the Bensalem Township Municipal Building and the Caernarvon Township Building, the hearings will provide a forum for stakeholders to present testimony.

If you’re interested in making your voice heard, you must register by noon on April 1, 2025, through the PGCB’s website, with written comments also accepted via email, fax, or mail.

Casino licenses in Pennsylvania are subject to periodic renewal, requiring a comprehensive review of each operator’s adherence to state regulations.

The process unfolds in two key stages to ensure all bases are covered:

Local input hearing – The first stage involves gathering public feedback in the areas where the casinos are based. Officials will evaluate the impact of the gaming establishments, including their contributions to the local economy, and compliance with any operational regulations.

Formal review in Harrisburg – A subsequent hearing will be held in Harrisburg, where board members will assess the gathered testimony, question casino representatives, and come to a decision as to whether the licenses should be renewed for another five-year term.

Casino operators bear the responsibility of demonstrating their ongoing suitability for renewal, which includes proving compliance with licensing conditions, contributions to tax revenues, job creation efforts, diversity initiatives, and engagement with the surrounding communities.

Any deviations from the above could unfortunately result in a license removal.

These hearings come at a time of continued expansion for the state’s gaming sector. For example, in November 2024, Pennsylvania’s total gaming revenue hit a whopping $562.4 million, a 26.06% increase from the previous year.

The digital gaming market has seen particularly strong growth, with iGaming revenue climbing to $200.5 million and sports betting revenue surging by 498% to reach $77.1 million.

In contrast, traditional table games at brick-and-mortar casinos reported a modest decline of 2.45%.

As the regulatory review process unfolds, the PGCB will determine whether Parx Casino and Hollywood Casino Morgantown meet the necessary standards to continue their operations.

With gaming revenue at record highs, these proceedings will play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future in Pennsylvania.

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