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Pocono News Section
A Date with Lady Luck
A Date with Lady Luck - Monday, October 22, 2007 at 4:52PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Oct 22, 2007 @04:52pm EST
PARADISE TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Pennsylvania's first stand alone slots casino opened Monday. The Mount Airy Casino Resort in Paradise Township is expected to generate millions of dollars in property tax relief and bring millions of dollars to the Pocono Tourism industry.
Gamblers from all over the north east lined up for the opening Monday. Joe Battaglia drove two hours. "I feel lucky much! Very so much lucky!" he exclaimed.
Then stood in line for almost four hours. He excitedly explained, "'Cause I want to get to the machines and start to play!"'
Just to be the first person inside when the Mount Airy Casino Resort opened Monday. He shouted, "I'm excited! Very excited! To be the first one over here!"
Battaglia came from Brooklyn, New York with some luck in his pocket. A charm from his father. It must have worked because Joe got the top spot in the long line to get inside the casino. He said, "It gives me the chills. It makes me feel great 'cause I might have a better chance today."
Joe's luck continued inside when he dropped some cash in a penny slot machine. He shouted as he racked up 5,000 credits right away. In minutes his pennies grew into dollars. More than a hundred dollars. Joe showed off his voucher - proudly saying "A hundred twenty eight...maybe it's 'cause I'm the first one here."
Whatever the reason, Joe had a good opening day at Mount Airy and he plans to come back. He used to visit the Poconos about once a month. Now he plans to come every week. "Now I'll come here. It's closer and I think I"m gonna enjoy myself better 'cause they have the hotel here," Joe said.
Pocono tourism officials bet Mount Airy will attract thousands of other gamblers just like Joe to try their luck and bring their money to Northeast Pennsylvania.
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