Renewed licenses for two Pennsylvania casinos, one under tight supervision

In a recent development, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has renewed the licenses for Presque Isle Downs and Hollywood Casino Morgantown. The renewal process included hearings open to the public, as well as a hearing in Harrisburg.

The renewal comes amidst concerns about the long-term sustainability of Presque Isle Downs. Gary Hendricks, the General Manager of the casino, expressed his concerns about the casino's future in May. The competition from New York casinos and the emergence of skill games could potentially impact the financial sustainability of Presque Isle Downs.

Presque Isle Downs, located about an hour from Cleveland, faces competition not only from New York casinos but also from casinos in the Cleveland area. This proximity might contribute to the competition it faces.

The licensing entities for the casinos are the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and Churchill Downs. While Penn Entertainment is not specified as a license holder in this context, it was mentioned in previous discussions related to the industry.

The renewal of the licenses was approved despite the concerns about Presque Isle Downs' financial sustainability. The current owner of the casino following the latest license renewal is not specified in the provided search results.

Hollywood Casino Morgantown, the other casino whose license was renewed, does not appear to face the same unique challenges as Presque Isle Downs. The threat posed by skill games to Presque Isle Downs seems to be a specific challenge not faced by all casinos.

Skill games, a specific type of gaming activity, pose a significant threat to Presque Isle Downs. These games, which are becoming increasingly popular, could potentially divert revenue away from traditional casinos like Presque Isle Downs.

Corey Sharp, associated with PlayPennsylvania, was not directly mentioned in this context, but his insights into the Pennsylvania gaming industry could provide valuable perspectives on the challenges faced by Presque Isle Downs and Hollywood Casino Morgantown.

In conclusion, the renewal of the licenses for Presque Isle Downs and Hollywood Casino Morgantown by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board marks a significant milestone for these casinos. However, the challenges they face, particularly from New York casinos and skill games, remain to be addressed in the coming months and years.