Gaming News

Presque Isle Downs reports strong debut

ERIE, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review: "Gamblers wagered $2.6 million in two test runs at Presque Isle Downs & Casino here before it opened Wednesday, the biggest debut of Pennsylvania's first four slot parlors.

"Yet, that can't compare to what Pittsburgh's stand-alone slots parlor could do when it opens next year, state Gaming Control Board member Sanford Rivers said after the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"He expects Detroit businessman Don Barden's planned North Shore casino, west of the Carnegie Science Center, to bring in more money than any other slots parlor in the state. It's scheduled to open in March 2008.

"…The Presque Isle Downs thoroughbred racing track -- scheduled to open in September -- was shrouded yesterday morning in a thick fog with snow flurries. But a crush of about 500 gamblers waited as long as two hours in the cold to be among the first people trying out the 2,000 slot machines on a football field-sized gambling floor in the adjacent casino.

"…'The crowds are enormous and the play is tremendous,' said state gambling board spokesman Doug Harbach…"

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