With Philadelphia still facing an unacceptably high unemployment rate and continuing to search for revenue to fund core services, we should be welcoming new, revenue-generating employers to the city. Yet the recent revocation of Foxwoods' license to operate a casino here had some cheering the loss of a business that would be sure to create jobs and boost the economy.
Recently released data show that a second Philadelphia casino would indeed be a boon to the economy. According to the state House Gaming Oversight Committee, another casino would add $144 million to $177 million in economic activity.
In addition, as many as 600 construction jobs and more than 1,000 long-term, family-sustaining jobs would be created. Preliminary projections also suggest the city could see an influx of nearly 4,500 ancillary jobs.
