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Penn National files plan for nearly $120M Hollywood Casino York
Parlor could open as early as next year
Berks County-based Penn National Gaming Inc. on Wednesday officially filed its application with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for the casino, which is slated to occupy the former Sears location at the mall in Springettsbury Township.
Company officials said last week they were finalizing a lease deal with the owner of the York Galleria. Penn National, which secured a state license for a mini-casino back in January, had until Wednesday to submit an application to move forward.
The company’s plan calls for Hollywood Casino York to open within 12 to 18 months with about 500 slot machines and 20 table games -— assuming its plan secures approvals for licensing and construction. The facility is designed to eventually house up to 750 slot machines and 40 table games.
Penn National said its $120 million investment includes $52.6 million in license fees for the slots and table games.
In addition to a gambling parlor, the facility will include a casual restaurant and sports bar, a small entertainment lounge and a grab-and-go eatery.
Officials said the casino is expected to create more than 75 construction jobs and about 200 permanent jobs.
“We explored numerous other potential opportunities within York County, but the mall’s convenient location, existing infrastructure and ample parking, as well as the support of Springettsbury Township officials and the local business community, helped cement our decision,” said Timothy Wilmott, Penn National’s CEO.
The township will receive 2 percent of the gross tax revenue from the new casino’s slot machines and 1 percent from table games.
Mini-casinos can house 300 to 750 slot machines and up to 40 table games. The smaller gambling parlors — known as Category 4 casinos — were authorized as part of a gambling expansion bill signed into law last year by Gov. Tom Wolf.
Five of 10 available mini-casino licenses have been auctioned off.
