Pocono News Section

DeNaples Casino License Reinstated

DeNaples Casino License Reinstated - Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 5:00PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2009 @ 05:00pm EST
PARADISE TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Mount Airy Casino Resort owner Louis DeNaples has been accused of involvement with organized crime and faced perjury charges. He's even been stripped of rights to run his own business. But it looks like his luck may be changing.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reinstated Louis DeNaple's gaming license. The mood inside the man's Paradise Township Resort Casino was jovial Wednesday. President and CEO George Toth said, "It's great to have an owner back on the property and let's get back to business. It's great news."

He added the resort can now consider moving ahead with expansion plans. He remarked, "We can go back to thinking bout the plans that were thought about 18 months ago."

Plans for a casino and hotel expansion were put on hold after DeNaples was arrested in February of 2008. Prosecutors believed he lied about ties to organized crime when he applied for his license. While the District Attorney worked on the case, the Gaming Control Board suspended DeNaple's license and banned him from operating his business or stepping foot on the property. Toth said, "I think Mr. DeNaples has been through plenty in the last 18 months and so has the family."

In April, prosecutors dropped the charges and DeNaples requested his license back. Wednesday the board granted his request with some conditions. Toth explained, "He'll be an adviser and he'll be able to consult but not able to operate day to day."

While DeNaples will be allowed back on his property, he will not be allowed to control or profit from the business. He will eventually transfer ownership of the casino to a trust which his daughter Lisa will head. Lisa is the COO of this casino. She declined to speak with media but issued a written statement saying having her father back will be invaluable.

DeNaples is expected to get back to the casino for the first time in 18 months sometime this week.

A gaming board trustee has been overseeing resort operations. He will stay in place during DeNaple's transition.