Consultant Chimes In On Foxwoods License

HARRISBURG (CBS) - A consultant tells state lawmakers thinking about possibly relocating the now-revoked license for Philadelphia's Foxwoods casino, that gaming markets in the eastern and western parts of the state are virtually saturated.

Steve Rittvo, chairman and CEO of Innovation Group, commented by phone during a hearing on a bill which would auction off and possibly relocate Philadelphia's second casino license. Rittvo told state lawmakers that areas in the central part of Pennsylvania might hold some promise as a location. Rittvo, however, said "Your markets in the east and in the west - we think they are fully developed. We do believe that new competition, while the casinos may generate revenue, we believe that a significant amount of that revenue will be cannibalized."

Rittvo later acknowledged that Innovation Group advised lawmakers who crafted the gaming law that Philadelphia could support two casinos. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Gaming Control Board told lawmakers the appeal of its decision to revoke Foxwoods' license could be tied up in court for up to four years.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio