Valley View Downs Officials Committed to Racino Project Despite Setback on Slots Casino License

On August 24th, 2008, the developers of the Valley View Downs racing track casino or racino commented that they will work together with their lender to keep the project on track after a denial of a conditional Category One slots license by the Pennsylvania State Gaming Control Board. The racing track developers had hoped to get a conditional license to satisfy the requirement imposed by the lenders for the $425 million project. The facility would be constructed near the U.S. Route 422 and Pa. Route 551 in Mahoning Township in Lawrence County and already has received a harness racing license.

Susan Kilkenny, the director of corporate marketing and public relations for Centaur Incorporated of Indiana, which is the parent company of the Valley View Downs commented that the deadline for the project is still very critical. She said that they are very disappointed with the outcome but they are focusing their efforts now in finding an alternative solution with their lenders.

Valley View Downs had petitioned for the conditional slots license before a final decision on the permanent license, which may not be decided until September. But the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has unanimously denied the temporary license after a hearing in Harrisburg.

Board Head Mary DiGiacomo Colins said that the denial of the temporary license has no bearing on the facility's permanent license. The board said that they are unwilling to grant a temporary license until all of the background investigations are completed, which is a normal part of the while licensing process. Kilkenny commented that Centaur officials were heartened to learn, the background investigations are almost complete.

The Mahoning Township Supervisor chairman, Gary Pezzuolo, who attended the hearing together with Supervisors Poncho Exposito and Vito Yeropoli said that despite the decision, they are very committed to the project and they will cooperate with Centaur officials.

Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Cindy Alfonso