Aztar Corp. to Seek Slots Operation License in Pennsylvania
It was recently reported that Aztar Corp., the operator of the Tropicana casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, announced plans to seek a license to install and operate slot machines in a future resort, which the corporation wishes to build in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Aztar, based in Arizona, wants to construct the facility on land currently owned by Agere Systems, a semiconductor manufacturer.
Aztar officials were reported as saying that the corporation will apply for a license to operate as many as 5,000 slot machines on the site grounds. In order to obtain the license, Aztar would have to outbid proposals by other gaming industry giants, such as the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and Foxwoods.
The area has drawn extensive attention for its relative proximity to such major centers as Philadelphia and New York. Aztar would be competing for one of five standalone slots licenses available in Pennsylvania. The corporation's proposal reportedly promises a windfall of cash for Allentown, which ended 2004 with significant budget deficits.
