Pennsylvania slot machine revenue up in December

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's monthly slot machine revenue report for December of 2014 shows an increase of 5.82 percent in gross revenue generated over 2013.

According to the report, the play of slot machines at the 12 casinos produced over $10 million more in gross revenue this year, $188,426,686, compared to the $178,059,128 in gross revenue generated in December of last year.

The average combined number of slot machines operating daily was 26,377 in December of 2014 compared to 26,591 in December of 2013.

Gross revenue from slot machine gaming for the 2014 calendar year remained above $2.3 billion. Total revenue for 2014 was $2,319,534,380, 2.7 percent below calendar year 2013 when gross revenue totaled $2,384,098,225.

Tax generated from slot machine gaming in 2014 was $1,239,730,997.

MGM Resorts another step closer to new casino in Massachusetts

MGM Resorts International received a unanimous vote Monday from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) finding the company a suitable candidate for a casino license in the commonwealth. The decision moves MGM Springfield another step closer to being awarded the sole license to operate a destination resort casino in Western Massachusetts.

The next step in the licensing process for MGM is the submission of its full license application, which is due to the MGC by Dec. 31. Following that submission, MGM will be required to present its proposal in a public hearing before the MGC. That presentation will be followed by two community public hearings, one in Springfield and one in an abutting community. Details of those meetings, including dates and locations, are expected to be set soon for January and February.

For nearly two years, MGM officials have been working with Springfield's community and business leaders, stakeholders and residents to gain understanding and support for MGM Springfield.

MGM Springfield, an approximately $800 million resort, is proposed for 14.5 acres of land between Union and State streets, and Columbus Avenue and Main Street.

The MGC anticipates that the resort-casino licenses for Eastern Massachusetts (Region A) and Western Massachusetts (Region B) will be awarded in spring 2014.

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