WILKES-BARRE, PA (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) – For the first time, slot machine gaming has made its debut in Pennsylvania with the opening of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, a 90,000 square foot two-level gaming space.
The investment in this Phase I project was approximately $72.6 million. The casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and houses almost 1,100 new slot machines with denominations ranging from one cent to $25. The main level hosts the majority of the games as well as a snack bar and casino bar, with future plans for a patio restaurant. The main level has more than 500 reel games, more than 450 video slots and an array of video poker games. The games feature the coin-free ticket in/ticket out technology.
From March to November, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs presents live harness racing and provides simulcasting of the top races throughout the country year-round.
The facility, originally known simply as Pocono Downs, opened as a harness racetrack on July 15, 1965.
Previously announced plans for a Phase II gaming and entertainment facility at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs would be developed on land adjacent to the existing gaming location. When completed, the facility is anticipated to include approximately 2,500 slot machines, a variety of
restaurants, a 300 seat buffet, an expanded food court, retail shopping, nightlife venues, additional parking and bus amenities. Construction is expected to begin in 2007 with a grand opening planned for mid-2008. Phase II is
anticipated to cost between $140 million and $150 million. –Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner
