"The Mohegan Sun tribe showed its hand 19 months ago when it opened the state’s first casino at the aging racetrack in Plains Township. It ended up flush with a full house, repeatedly.

Today, slot machines glow round-the-clock at Pocono Downs, where a new casino is under construction to accommodate the impressive crowds. Since November 2006, Pennsylvania has opened six other casinos, with the promise of more to come.

Fiscal figures are eye-popping. According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s data for fiscal year 2007-08, which ends June 30:

• The casinos have taken in $1.27 billion in gross revenue to date.

• Taxed at 55 percent, the state’s share of that has been $698 million.

• A whopping $1.8 billion has been wagered at Pocono Downs alone, accounting for gross revenue of $157.9 million, of which the state claimed $86.8 million.

• The state expects to dole out $786 million in “property and wage tax relief” in fiscal year 2008-09.

But before we get too intoxicated with success, let’s remember that business can turn, even nosedive. There’s a history from which we can learn."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Booming casino business can easily turn on a dime (The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader 6/4)