April 14-20, 2005

fine print

Casino 411

by Mike Newall

When are the casinos gonna open? Where are they gonna be? Will they have cocktail waitresses and show girls?

Is someone gonna book comic genius Don Rickles?

Valid questions, all, as the details surrounding the future of gaming in Philadelphia remain murky.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is currently deciding when and where the city's two slot-machine casinos will be built. Though the city government has no authority in the matter — aside from offering nonbinding advice — in February, Mayor Street formed the Philadelphia Gaming Advisory Task Force to ensure that Philly's voice is heard as legalized gambling becomes a reality. Last week, the task force debuted a Web site and hotline where citizens can voice suggestions or inquiries concerning the casinos.

"We want public input," says Shawn Fordham, the acting executive director of the task force. "We will make official recommendations to the state as to how the casinos can best benefit the city, and the public needs to be a part of the process."

The calls and e-mails have been coming at a steady pace, Fordham says. "A lot of folks have opinions to where the facilities should be and how they can integrate into the fabric of the city," he says. "But, of course, others call to list their complaints."

Later this month, the task force will begin a series of public hearings, which will last through mid-May and occur in every council district. The Philly task force will offer its initial recommendations to the state in the next few months. The state gaming board is expected to award licenses for local casinos sometime next year.

"We want to do everything we can to protect our community, and at the same time make things happen as quickly as we can," says Fordham, who estimates that by 2009 the slot parlors should be raking in a $25 million annual profit for the city.

Any suggestions or inquiries involving Philly casinos, showgirls or insult comics can be directed to info@slots.phila.gov or 215-56-SLOTS.