Pennsylvania’s Mount Airy Casino Resort submitted its plan for a mini-casino to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, based on its successful bid last February of just under $22 million to qualify for one of the 750-slot, 30-table game casinos created under last year’s gaming expansion law.
Mount Airy’s plan is for a mini-casino as part of an entertainment complex on 100 acres of land in Big Beaver, Pennsylvania, on the Ohio border in Lawrence County. Mount Airy officials initiated discussions with Beaver County officials on workforce development and possible local impact. Under the Category 4 regulations, the operator is required to open the casino by late 2019.
“While the due diligence process is under way, we’re enthusiastic about working with the community on job training and other partnerships,” Mount Airy Marketing and Gaming Operations VP Vincent Jordan told the Beaver County Times. “We are looking forward to communicating our plans and are appreciative of all the help and collaboration we have received from Beaver County officials.”
“It’s great to see another organization and business come into Beaver County who is willing to and will be a great neighbor to our community,” said Daniel Camp, chairman of the county board of commissioners, according to the Times. “I think them being here this early prior to breaking ground is a sign that shows the commitment to the community and the project.
“From the due diligence we have done here, we know what the Mount Airy organization does for the community in Mount Pocono. We’re excited for them to bring that here, along with the family-sustaining jobs they will be providing for workers from Beaver County and all through the region.”
According to the construction plan, the initial phase of the project will include a casino and restaurants, with a second phase of expansion to provide additional entertainment amenities. The project will create an estimated 400-500 permanent jobs and 300 construction jobs.
