From the Philly Inquirer:
On Wednesday, slots move into realm of reality
The prospect of casinos in Philadelphia has been looming for so long, since Gov. Rendell signed a law legalizing slot machines on July 2004, that it has almost seemed hypothetical.
But the fact is that the state’s first slots parlor opened last month in Wilkes-Barre, and this week, it’s Philadelphia’s turn to face reality.
On Wednesday, the state’s Gaming Control Board is scheduled to cull the herd of applicants for lucrative Philadelphia slots licenses from five to the ultimate two.
After that, let the construction begin on projects expected to cost $350 million to $560 million.
Half a year later, gambling money could start flowing to support the governor’s plan to reduce property and wage taxes by $1 billion.
Will the effects of two slots parlors on Philadelphia be dramatic? For some who live nearby, most certainly. For the city as a whole, it’s not as clear.
“Will it help draw people to Philly? I doubt anyone will be saying I can’t wait to visit Philadelphia because it has casinos,” said the Rev. Richard McGowan, a Boston College management professor.
Nor, he said, will those who come to the area for its history or culture be put off by them. More than anything, though, McGowan said, the city and the state will make money.