Needless to say, anticipation in the Keystone State's gaming industry hasn't been this high since the first slot machines were fired up in 2006.
"Since the day we opened our casino, customers have asked us about the possibility of adding 'live' table games to the mix," said Sands President Robert DeSalvio. Public interest has been so great, he added, "That we have customers literally standing and watching [table installations]. They ask us, 'Can you open any games early?' I think there's going to be wide acceptance by our customers."
And in a statement released by his casino, George Toth, president and CEO of Mt. Airy (like DeSalvio, a former executive of the demolished Atlantic City Sands), could barely conceal his excitement.
"We are now counting down to a monumental day for all of us here who have lived, breathed and dreamt of the launch of table games at Mt. Airy Casino Resort," Toth wrote. "As July 13th approaches, we are elated and excited for the chance to finally announce, 'Let the games begin!' "
Of course, not everyone is as thrilled to see table games west of the Delaware River. Until a few weeks ago, when Delaware properties began offering them, Atlantic City had the tri-state monopoly on live blackjack and the like. According to one gaming industry analyst, Pennsylvania's entrance into the table-game fray will be another tough blow, but probably not a fatal one, for the seaside gaming capital.
"It's another negative that more than likely will extend Atlantic City's negative year-to-year numbers, which right now stands at 21 months," offered Joe Weinert of the Linwood, N.J.-based Spectrum Gaming Group.
"I think the impact is going to be limited because Pennsylvania's casinos don't have the amenities [like celebrity-chef-run restaurants and big-name entertainment] to attract premium table game players.
