Pennsylvania Slots License Hopeful Hires Gaming Industry Veteran
New Jersey developer Greg Matzel, president of Matzel Development of Oakhurst, has hired a veteran player in the gaming industry, Dennis Gomes, to manage the $3 billion slots complex Matzel plans to construct at Pennsylvania's Pocono Manor resort. The developer believes that Gomes' hiring will further assist him in obtaining a slots operation license.
Matzel said that the first phase of his future project is expected to include the construction of a slots venue, a 750-room hotel, a 50,000-square-foot convention center, a water park and other highly attractive features in the proximity of Tobyhanna Township. Nevertheless, the materialization of the entire project depends on whether or not Matzel will be awarded a license to operate slot machines.
Competition for the stand-alone slots license is intense. Three other companies have also submitted proposals on slots complexes at Pocono to the Gaming Commission. Each of the proposals carries a more than $200 million price tag. Matzel wants to show the Gaming Board that he plans to construct a first-class facility, as well. He believes that hiring Gomes makes him instantly more credible.
