Gaming Update 2011

Pennsylvania Pennsylvania's 10 casinos posted impressive numbers this January, raking in more than $43 million in table games revenue -- the second most lucrative month since the state legalized such gaming last year. Leading the pack was the Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pa., which took in $7.6 million from its 152 tables -- the most gaming tables in the state. Parx is 20 minutes north of Center City, Philadelphia, and currently is updating its 260,000 square feet of gaming space.

The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem posted the second-largest table games revenue for January. The property plans to open its 300-room hotel tower in May, featuring more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space, an indoor pool and a fitness center. Still in the works are an additional 50,000 square feet of multipurpose/event space and 200,000 square feet of retail space.

In September, the SugarHouse Casino opened on Philadelphia's Delaware River waterfront with more than 1,600 slots and 43 table games. An on-site restaurant and bar, The Refinery, can be booked for private events.

Gaming matters aside, the biggest meetings-related news in Philadelphia is the opening of the expanded Pennsylvania Convention Center. The ribbon cutting took place March 4, and by March 9 the venue was hosting two large shows simultaneously, which previously would not have been possible. With the expansion, the convention center is 62 percent larger, with 1 million square feet of usable space.

Out west, Pittsburgh's Rivers Casino received expansion approval at the end of January. Nineteen game tables were added, for a total of 107. The property also got the green light to construct a 15,000-square-foot ballroom. The venue will provide riverfront and skyline views upon opening late this summer. – M.J.S.


 
South California Just 20 minutes southeast of downtown Palm Springs, Calif., the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa introduced a new 4,000-square-foot poker room last October with 16 tables, a beverage station and nine flat-screen televisions. The 340-room property includes six dining options, a 10,500-square-foot spa and fitness center, and 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

In June, the 662-room Harrah's Rincon Casino & Resort opened a new $6.2 million dining facility called The Buffet. The restaurant includes more than 270 dishes in a setting that includes carving stations, fresh artisan breads and a made-to-order pasta station. The resort, which is a 45-minute drive northeast of San Diego in Valley Center, has 13,500 square feet of meeting space. – M.C.L.

There's a lot more gaming news from other destinations, including Florida, the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Northern California, Macau and Singapore, all found online at mcmag.com/webexclusives.