Pennsylvania Legislators Questions Don Barden's Financial Capability to Build Slots Casino

On May 29th, 2008, if Don Barden does not explain to gaming regulators soon on how he plans to pay for the construction of the Majestic Star Casino, a state senator commented that the Pennsylvania Gaming Control should start deliberating if Barden should sell his slots license to other groups that have the financial capability to build a slots facility in the area.

Sen. Jim Ferlo, a Democrat from Highland Park said he wants to remain optimistic about the whole thing but there is a growing concern on whether Don Barden can see the project through its completion. But Barden is not the main topic at the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's meeting. Gaming Control Board executive director Anne Neeb is expected to announce that she will not seek a contract expansion when it expires on September 2008.

The Gaming Board planned to review Don Barden's deal earlier this month but postponed that plan at the request of Don Barden himself. Don Barden commented that they want to approve the slots plan of Don Barden by the end of June 2008 at one of their regularly scheduled meetings. That leaves June 11th, 2008 as the only available meeting.

Don Barden's spokesperson, Bob Oltmanns commented that it was their hope that they will be ready to present their plan to the gaming board's next meeting. Board spokesperson Richard McGarvey commented that they are looking forward to hear on how Barden will pay for the construction of the casino.

Republican legislators criticized Anne Neeb after it was reported that she and the gaming board's general counsel insisted on changes in an internal report about Mr. Louis DeNaples, the proprietor of the Mt. Airy Casino Resort, who has been indicted on allegations that he lied to the board about some information on his past to get the slots license.

GOP legislators petitioned the attorney general to investigate the issue. Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board members defended Anne Neeb in a May 21st, 2008 letter to legislators saying that she and Chief Counsel Frank Donaghue treat their responsibilities very seriously and faithfully follow all of the rules.

News Released: Sunday, 22 June 2008
Cindy Alfonso