Pocono News Section

Casino Bets on Table Games

Casino Bets on Table Games - Monday, September 21, 2009 at 6:12PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Monday, Sep 21, 2009 @ 06:12pm EDT
PARADISE TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Casino managers are calling the state budget agreement a jackpt. The agreement announced Friday would allow table games in Pennsylvania Casinos.

Eyewitness News visited Mount Airy Casino Resort to find out what that meant for game players and the community.

Pennsylvania players looking to score in black jack have had no choice but to play with virtual dealers but their luck could soon change. Sue Bell of New York said, “I think it’s exciting. I think it will be something different.” Kevin Fryer of New Jersey said, "I think it wold be a lot better than just hitting the screen." He said he would visit Mount Airy more often if he could bet on a real roulette wheel. He explained, “I like playing with the chips in my hand and having the dealer slide over a bunch of chips instead of racking ‘em up in a screen in front of you.”

Bell and her friend Christina Splong said they might also visit more. Bell said, “You could win more money – if you win – you win big – if you lose – you’re broke.”

She enjoys the energy of a crowd gathered round a table. She explained, “It’s fun to sit and talk to people and cheer each other on.”

Once the budget is signed Mount Airy could replace virtual dealers with real dealers in just three months. CEO George Toth said, "If table games are a part of the budget then we have a new revenue stream and a new way to improve our business here in the Poconos.”

He said table games would be like an economic Royal Flush brining in extra tax money and jobs. He expects he would have to hire a bout 250 people to work in connection with table games.

Even though the state budget agreement counts on income from table games, lawmakers have not yet passed a bill that allows or regulates the games.