Public hearing set for license renewal of Harrisburg’s Hollywood Casino

A hearing to take public comment on the license renewal of Hollywood Casino will be held this month by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. 

The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 28, and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) officials will take public comment on the renewal of the Category 1 Slot Machine Operator License for Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, operator of Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County. The hearing will begin at 10:30 a.m. and be held at the East Hanover Township Building, 8848 Jonestown Road in Grantville. 

The hearing is open to the public and citizens, public officials, and community groups can speak or submit written testimony. Individuals who wish to provide in-person or written testimony should visit the PGCB website. Persons wishing to provide comments need to register prior to the meeting. The deadline for registration to speak or submit written testimony is noon on Monday, Aug. 26th. Written comments can be submitted through the PGCB site. 

All licenses are subject to periodic renewal and a renewal application must include an update of the information since its last renewal. To implement the renewal requirement, the PGCB Board utilizes a two-step process: 

• A public input hearing is held in the municipality where the casino operates before the Director of the Board’s Office of Hearings and Appeals for the purpose of receiving documentary evidence, hearing testimony, and building a record which the Board will use in its licensing decision. The hearing record, along with a report from the Director of Hearings and Appeals, will be transmitted to the Board. 

• A separate public hearing will be later in Harrisburg where representatives of the casino licensee will offer evidence and oral arguments. 

At that time, PGCB members can ask additional questions. During the hearing, the renewal applicant will be given the opportunity to demonstrate its compliance with its statement of conditions; as well as provide evidence on tax revenue generated; jobs created; success in implementing its diversity plan; and involvement in surrounding communities. 

Following this proceeding, the PGCB will determine whether the licensee remains eligible and suitable consistent with Pennsylvania laws and is qualified to have the license renewed for a five-year period.