2013 IN REVIEW: Applicants Try Their Hand at Second Casino License In Philadelphia
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The six applicants interested in a second casino license to be issued in Philadelphia showed their best hands in hearings and numerous press conferences.
Without exception, each of the operators emphasized their experience, vision, design and financials. They ranged from $400-million to nearly $1-billion projects.
Developer Ken Goldenberg touted his 8th and Market Streets spot, because it would transform what has become a dreary Market Street East Corridor:
"That's our entire team's goal," he said.
Developer Bart Blatstein told state gaming officials the superior choice was the former Inquirer building on North Broad Street:
"What if Philadelphia would be the first major city in the country that had a true entertainment complex in its core, not just a casino?" he asked.
Las Vegas entrepreneur Steve Wynn pitched a resort in Fishtown, north of the currently up and running Sugarhouse Casino:
"I'm a hotel developer, not a slots in a box builder," says Wynn.
But in November, Wynn suddenly withdrew his application and pulled out.
Three more applicants want to locate in the Stadium District of South Philadelphia. State gaming officials would like to make a decision by next spring.
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