The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board unanimously voted Thursday to renew the casino license of Holdings Acquisition, operator of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh in Allegheny County.
The regulator determined that the company had “fulfilled the obligations under its previously approved operator’s license” and therefore qualified to have its license renewed for an additional five-year period. The decision was based on a process utilized by the Board that enables both the operator and the public to provide information relevant to the renewal decision.
A public input hearing was held on March 16 of this year in the casino’s host municipality, the City of Pittsburgh, where personnel of Rivers Casino Pittsburgh submitted exhibits and presented testimony on various aspects of the facility’s operation since its last license renewal was granted.
The public was also permitted to provide testimony about the casino and its impact in the community. The Board also received information from local government officials, community groups and the PA State Police, along with the Gaming Control Board’s Office of Enforcement Counsel, Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gaming, and Bureau of Casino Compliance.
Additionally, a public hearing was held in Harrisburg to permit Board members to further question Holdings Acquisition Co. representatives about any remaining issues prior to voting on the renewal.
Since its opening in August 2009, Rivers Casino Pittsburgh has generated $2 billion in tax revenue from the play of slot machines, table games and sports wagering. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh currently operates 2,466 slot machines, 129 table games, and a retail sportsbook.
