Presque Isle, owned by Churchill Downs, hit with over $80,000 in fines due to infractions in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania's Strict Casino Oversight Shines Through in Recent Fines
Hey there! Let's talk about some action taken by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) on a local casino. Looks like things didn't go so smoothly at Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie County.
Unquestionably, the PGCB didn't hold back when doling out the punishments. They slapped the casino with a total of $81,575 in fines over two violations.
- First up, they hit 'em with a $50,000 fine for neglecting to have enough slot machines on the floor. Seems like the casino wasn't meeting Pennsylvania's approved minimum, which is a common issue in the state's casino scene. The recent fine underscores the difficulties casinos face in keeping their slot floors up to snuff. This is a topic of interest in legislative discussions like Senate Bill 666, which aims to adjust the regulations[1][2].
- The second fine came to $31,575 for a somewhat lesser offense – for tardiness in submitting a Principal License application. Details on what this particular application entailed aren't readily available, but it's apparent that timely submission is crucial in the casino world.
But wait, there's more! The PGCB also took aim at nine individuals who, apparently, weren't the most responsible gamblers. Three of these characters left their kids unattended while partaking in some casino fun.
- Example A: A chap left a 5-year-old stranded in a hot car in Rivers Casino Philadelphia's valet parking lot while he handled casino business. Twelve minutes was just too long, apparently.
- Example B: A fellow in Bethlehem left a 10-year-old alone in a sweltering car for 45 minutes, with the engine off and the windows rolled up. Guess who was gambling on slot machines at Wind Creek Casino Bethlehem instead of keeping an eye on the kid?
- The third case involved a woman who, back in 2022, ditched three minors (ages 10, 14, and 15) in a parking garage at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course while she gambled on slot machines. The PGCB denied her request for removal from the involuntary exclusion list.
[1] Pennsylvania Online Gaming Regulation Act[2] Senate Bill 666
- In addition to the fines levied on Presque Isle Downs & Casino, several casino personalities found themselves in hot water for neglecting children while engaging in casino-games, highlighting the need for heightened awareness in the casino-and-gambling industry.
- This general-news story presents a range of examples from various casinos in Pennsylvania, emphasizing that crime-and-justice issues extend beyond the casino-games and into personal responsibilities of individuals.
