Pocono News Section

PA Beats NJ Slots

PA Beats NJ Slots - Friday, January 22, 2010 at 3:33PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Friday, Jan 22, 2010 @ 03:33pm EST

PARADISE TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY - Pennsylvania took in more slot revenues than New Jersey last month. That's the first time that has happened since Pennsylvania allowed slot machines.

Jodi Fahnel lives in Nazareth. She visits Atlantic City a lot less than she used to. Instead she gambles at Mount Airy Casino Resort. She said, "It's a lot closer to our house. A lot closer."

Even people who live near New Jersey are opting to see what's new in Pennsylvania. Judy Castro is from New York. She said, "It's just as easy to get here as it is to get to Atlantic City."

The people who run Mount Airy say that's good news for local businesses. Spokesperson Wendy Wilson explained,
"They're gonna gas up at the regional gas stations they might stop in one of the local supermarkets to pick up a snack for the ride home."

She added it's also good for Pennsylvania tax payers. She said,"Mo re customers spending more money means more tax relief for Pennsylvanian's when it comes to property taxes."

While it may all be a jackpot for some people area businesses who used to organize bus tours say they're not raking in any chips.

Wanda Martin runs West End Travel, Inc. For 20 years she ran a weekly bus trip from Brodheadsville to Atlantic City. That stopped when Mount Airy opened. She said, "Our business is way down when it comes to the Atlantic City buses."

Martin told Eyewitness News she's still planning crusies and other vacations. She's glad for that because she can't bank on slots.

People from the Scarnton area now take bus trips to Mount Airy. There's a free shuttle from the Steamtown Mall on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.