Valley Forge Convention Center May Soon Host Slot Machines

A group of investors is said to be mulling over seeking a license for 500 slot machines in the Valley Forge Convention Center in Philadelphia, a location regarded as a potentially good source of gambling customers.

According to the local township manager along with 3 other officials who are privy to the plan, people may soon be able to play slots that will be situated in the center in King of Prussia.

There is an existing state slots law that restricts the use of slot machines to patrons of the center. According to Township Manager, Ronald Wagermann, nothing has been filed with the township as far as he knows. In addition, township officials and Ross Weiss, a Cozen O'Connor lawyer, had a "general discussion that someone was looking at it."

2 anonymous government officials said that the investment group has already approached the State Gaming Control Board with inquiries on the license. The Board refused to comment on the issue.

GF Management of Philadelphia, headed by real estate investor, Ira Lubert, is the owner of The Valley Forge Convention Center. Lubert or representatives from GF have not yet returned queries.

The state of Pennsylvania has already awarded 11 licenses to operators of slot machines, 6 licenses to racetracks and another 5 to stand-alone casinos. At the moment, 1 racetrack license is still up for grabs along with 2 resort licenses.

Monday, 26 February 2007
Caroline Mitchell