Two and a half years have passed since Ira Lubert (SG gaming) won the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Category 4 mini-casino license. The green light for the anticipated Nittany Mall casino in Centre valley is still held back in court hearings.
What is a Mini-Casino?
Pennsylvania was the first state to introduce mini-casinos in 2017, along with online gaming, interactive lotteries, video gaming terminals, and sports betting. Since then, mini-casinos have been slow to get underway in Pennsylvania. Mini casinos are designed to cover territories between bigger casinos due to the state legislation prohibiting new casinos from being within 40 miles of existing brick & mortar casinos to prevent overlap.
Unlike traditional casinos, mini-casinos are smaller, have fewer slot machines and table games, and serve confined regions. Mini casinos feature between 300 and 700 slot machines and 20 to 30 table games. in comparison – the average casino holds between 1,500 and 3,000 slots and 30 to 100 tables.
Why Mall Casinos?
Despite the gambling venue size and other restrictions, mini-casinos offer plenty of advantages, from being more private and quiet to creating more local jobs. This and other advantages facilitated collaborations between mall owners and casino operators throughout the state.
Mall owners benefit in terms of attracting more visitors, and casino operators benefit from utilizing the mall advantages such as built-in traffic, marketing efforts, parking space, and all the other needed amenities to support their venture without making a significant investment.
The Nittany mall mini casino history
After securing the mini-casino PGCB license in partnership with Bally’s, Ira Lubert faced many challenges. The primary challenge was the opposition from Stadium Casino LLC and Cordish Companies, bidding to open their casino on location. Both companies filed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, claiming that the board was violating the state’s gaming law by allowing Lubert’s SC Gaming to proceed with their bid.
In addition, Lubert faced opposition from community members concerned about the possible dangers of a mini-casino in the area. Some argued that the casino would lead to increased crime, traffic, and gambling addiction, while some suggested that the casino take away businesses from existing restaurants and hotels. Lubert had to address these concerns by holding public meetings, addressing the community’s doubts about the project, and reassuring them that the mini-casino would assist the community by adding over 300 jobs to the job pool. As for safety – the mini-casino will have all measures in place to ensure responsible gambling, such as self-exclusion programs and on-site counseling service.
Present situation:
Submitted State College Casino layout
Stadium Casino RE, LLC has gained some ground in its legal battle against SC Gaming over the Bally’s Casino license in State College as a court order has been issued against SC Gaming and the PGCB by the Commonwealth court. A three-judge panel has ordered SC Gaming and the PGCB to respond within 30 days to allegations regarding Bally’s Casino license eligibility.
State law requires bidders to have ownership of existing casinos in PA. Under this law, Lubert’s original bid was submitted through his ownership in Rivers Casino, Pittsburgh. But, in January 2021, Bally’s announced a partnership with Lubert on the casino project, which caused concern as Bally’s was not a part of the original bid due to needing a PA license.
What’s next?
The controversy surrounding the local Nittany mall casino license in State College, Pennsylvania, remains ongoing. SG gaming and Bally’s casino have defended themselves against the allegations and will probably continue doing so in the next 30 days. If the allegations against SC gaming and the PGCB are proven true, it might lead to the mini-casino license termination and potentially impact the casino’s operations and the local economy and might have higher-level implications on the industry in general.
Revenue-breaking year for the Pennsylvania gambling industry and high hopes towards 2023
The Pennsylvania gambling industry continues to grow, suppressing previous years and setting new revenue records yearly.
According to Pennsylvania’s gaming control board (PCGB), a press release from Jan 18th, 2023, the combined revenue generated from online wagering, slots, Sports Betting, VGTs, and table games broke the previous record in over half a billion USD, totaling 2022 in $5,211,303,191. A significant increase compared to $4,734,552,201 in 2021, and 2023 revenue is expected to soar even higher.
Growth drivers
Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has experienced significant success which can be attributed to several factors. However, when reviewing the 2022 yearly statistics, it is evident that a few factors were more significant than others in this success. Among those are Slots, Online gambling, and sports betting.
Slots: The PA spinning reels show no sign of slowing down
Slots have always led the gambling revenue board of Pennsylvania’s gambling industry. The state’s casinos have invested heavily in slot machines, which have become increasingly popular among players because they are easy to play and offer the chance to win large jackpots. With slot machines now being placed in racetracks, truck stops, and even certain malls, there is no wonder the segment revenue increased by 4.51% from $2,28 billion generated in 2021 to $2,39 Billion generated in 2022, indicating that slots popularity trend is far from over.
Online gambling: major convenience, massive growth
Online gambling’s popularity reached new heights in 2022. Since its legalization in 2019, iGaming has opened up a new revenue stream for gambling operators by offering a more convenient way to play for those who can afford the game but can’t always afford the time. Younger players 21-36 are increasingly turning to online gambling as their go-to way to gamble on table games, slots, poker, and wager on sports. Pushing online gambling revenue growth to nothing less than remarkable with a yearly growth surge of 22.6%. This massive increase of $252 Million totaling 2022 online gambling revenue at $1.36 billion and is expected to reach new heights in 2023.
Sports wagering: $7.24 billion handle
With eight major league professional teams, it is no wonder that sports fans in the keystone state widely embraced the legalization of sports betting in 2018. With $7.24 billion wagering handles and a sports revenue of $401 million, The statistics show beyond a doubt that sports have become one of the most popular activities among Pennsylvanians. Several factors have driven the popularity of sports betting. Still, the recent growth can be attributed to the entrance of online gambling and mobile sports betting apps, providing players with a wider range of sports and events to bet on with significant payouts available and accessible.
Tourism
One of the most important factors that cannot be summed into wagering growth is the impact gambling tourist had on the staggering $5.2B revenue in 2022. The PA “Expanded Gaming Act” paved the way to regulated gambling but also to the transformation of the keystone state into one of the hottest locations in the world for casino resort vacations, Offering world-class brick & mortar casinos, racinos, and other forms of entertainment. 2022 also represented the year the world finally broke out of the 2020-21 quarantine circle and returned to normality – which means more and more tourists flowing into the state to view this remarkable transformation first-hand and participate in all the fun activities.
Looking Ahead to 2023 and Beyond
As we move into 2023, Pennsylvania’s gambling industry shows no signs of slowing down. With the state continuing to explore new opportunities for growth, including the expansion of online gaming and sports betting, there is every reason to believe that we will see another year of record-breaking revenue soon.
By continuing to foster a welcoming environment for the gambling industry, the state is well-positioned to maintain its position as one of the top gambling destinations in the United States for many years to come and, most important – provide more jobs to Pennsylvanians and support all other aspects of the economy.
Super Bowl LVII recap: The end of one chapter is the beginning of another
There are a lot of great compliments to be given regarding this NFL season’s Eagles performance. before we jump into those, we must first address the elephant in the room: The Super Bowl vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts summed up what we all feel in two words: “It Stings”. And if we think the same – For Jalen, who had a massive impact on taking the early lead and executing one of his finest plays so far, matching the most points scored for a player record, it stings a little more. Let’s jump into the Super Bowl LVII recap.
Super Bowl LVII First Half: Philly Take Early Lead
After winning the coin toss, Kansas City chose the second half and gave the Eagles the ball to start the game. Jalen Hurts led the offense by driving 75 yards in 11 plays and a 1-yard touchdown, stationing the eagles at a 7-0 lead. 41 yards belongs to DeVonta Smith for a fantastic catch and run and an extra 5 for creating an opening in a crossing route underneath. Devonta and Hurts made us go wild and proved that teamwork makes the dream work.
The 7-0 Eagles lead placed a lot of pressure on the Chiefs and was responded to by Isiah Pacheno’s 24-yard run and a touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes to Travice Kelce, tying the game at 7-7.
Eagles Retake Lead with a Big Play
The excitement levels of the first quarter rose to new heights due to a tremendous 45-yard touchdown pass from Hurts to A.J. Brown on the second quarter’s first play. Resulting in a 14-7 lead for the birds. The Chiefs fumbled in executing the subsequent offense and could not move the ball down the field, resulting in a three-and-out and a punt. An excellent opportunity for the eagles to storm the grass that turned out to be less fortunate.
The Chiefs land a 36-yard touchdown
The pressure on Hurts was felt big time throughout the game. After a successful pass to Gainwell that resulted in a 9-yards, Hurts dropped the ball to the hands of Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton who ran an impressive 36 yards for a defensive touchdown, Tying the game at 14 -14. This fumble will likely lead to decision-making for The Eagle’s 2023 draft. The current strategy of re-building the team around Hurts will continue, recruitment of great linebackers and cornerbacks.
The Eagles regain the lead
With just over two minutes and twenty seconds left for the first half, Hurts ran the ball and landed a four-yard touchdown, bringing the score to 21-14 for the Eagles and getting all Eagles fans at State Farm Stadium on their feet roaring “M-V-P .”a very well-justified roar, this brilliant touchdown assisted in adding another title to Hurt’s career – the first QB in Super Bowl history to rush for two touchdowns and throw for another. after that play The Chiefs could only keep their momentum and stall.
But this intense 2nd quarter wasn’t over with just stalling. The Chief’s Derrick Nnadi neutral zone penalty returned the drive to the eagles with Jake Elliot’s field goal that raised the score to 24-14, followed by a superb 27-yard punt return by Britain Covey.
Five years longing – the apple music Super Bowl halftime show
This halftime apple music show was among the most anticipated in NFL history. After five years without public performances, the one and only Caribbean Queen – Rihanna, took center stage in a red jumpsuit and reminded us why “there can be only one .”The entire act was carried on seven transparent floating platforms, another aspect Pennsylvania “shined bright like a diamond” that night – the platforms were built and operated by the Pennsylvanian entertainment company “Tait Group .”The Arizona state farm stadium was filled with PA presence, from great athletes and fantastic bird fans to keystone state tech innovation. The performance ended with Rihanna ascending to the sky on her own platform and our hopes and dreams for the second half of the Super Bowl LVII.
Second Half: Not a catch and not a touchdown
The second half started livid, with the Chiefs coming on vital to take the lead, which was felt hard by Miles Sanders. A second after catching a pass from Hurts and getting two feet down on the tomahawk grass, Sanders was brought down by L’Jarius Sneed and dropped the pigskin. Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton scooped it and brought it downfield for his second Super Bowl touchdown. After a quick review by the referees, the play was overturned due to Sanders not having enough time to make a move and complete the catch. Keeping The Eagle’s lead alive.
The Eagles are playing it Tight
The rush of the overturned touchdown has become a good incentive for the rest of the 3rd quarter. The eagles managed to keep their lead alive. a lot on the part of tight end Dallas Goedert, that managed to catch two passes on third down. The second reception was an impressive sideline grab right under the noses of Bryan Cook and L’Jarius Sneed. Despite the Chiefs’ claims for an incomplete catch and the US #1 favorite in-game Easter egg of “was it a catch,” the referees deemed it legal play, keeping the Eagles in the lead of 27-21 at the end of the 3rd.
Lean Back Toney
The fourth quarter marked the beginning of the end for the Eagle’s lead, with the Chiefs QB Mahomes bringing the Lead to Kansas with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kadarius Toney at 12:04 left on the clock getting the score to 27-27 and to 28-27 with the extra kick. This confusing play made real on the part of saving Toney for a red zone play from the beginning, keeping him low-guarded until the time comes to utilize his speed. But that wasn’t all for this New York Giants mid-season trade show of speed.
Sprinting a 65 into Super Bowl history
With ten minutes and thirty seconds left to the game, Arryn Siposs passed the ball with a low sinking kick to Toney, who managed to return a 65-yard punt and break the previous Jordan Norwood of Denver Broncos’ 61-Yard record for the longest punt return in Super Bowl history. This play turned into a 4-yard touchdown pass from Mahomes to wide-open Skyy Moore, increasing the lead to 34-27 for the Chiefs.
Rushing in with a purpose
This Super bowl was a show of will, determination, and heart by Jalen Hurts and The Eagles, who refused to go down without a fight until the last second. Hurts gathered everything he had to respond to that 65-Yard and touchdown with a 2-play, 75-yard drive for a touchdown that tied the game at 35-35 with less than 6 minutes remaining. Hurts recently filed for a trademark application on the quote, “I had a purpose before anyone had an opinion.” That rushing touchdown made us understand what he is on about – pure purpose or, in his own words: “It’s just about going to do it because that’s what you want.”
Bradberry flag in the ten
With under two minutes left on the clock, James Bradberry was called for holding JuJu Smith’s jersey. The penalty call paved the way for the Chiefs to kick a field goal, gaining the upper hand at 38-35 while leaving the Birds with an impossible timeframe of just a few seconds to answer the play instead of a minute and 45 seconds. Despite the fact Bradberry did a brave thing and admitted he committed the penalty, there is much disagreement among football experts and fans as to whether this penalty should have been called in this situation.
Conclusion
The 57th Super Bowl was a nerve-racking, high-paced, thrilling showdown. Proof of that is that this game ended as the 3rd all-time highest scoring super bowl game with 73 points combined. The birds entered the 2022 NFL season with big hopes and bigger challenges, from playing under new head coach Nick Sirianni to missing significant game time due to Injuries.
All eyes on 2023
Under Sirianni, the team grew together and adopted a run-heavy play that tackles rivalry defenses like an M1A2 Abrams tank, only faster. There are certainly questions and tough calls to be made for the 2023 NFL season set to start on April 27th. Still, when examining the outcome of last season – the Birds now have the advantage of having draft capital of two first-round picks, a brilliant QB that is still at the beginning of his career. A solid foundation to be built upon. Every Super Bowl is always subjected to hyper analyzation by fans and sports experts alike but the main thing to remember, no matter the opinion, is that out of 32 teams, only two get to go to the Super Bowl, and the Eagles were one of those teams.
From the sports betting perspective – when reviewing the numbers, this super bowl did wonders to Pennsylvania sports bets. The PGCB recently announced that preliminary figures show wagers on the Philadelphia Eagles Vs Kansas City Chiefs match increased by 24% in comparison to last super bowl wagers on the Los Angeles Rams Vs. Cincinnati Bengals match.
