Watch CBS News

Rivals For Philadelphia's Second Casino License Lick Wounds, Regroup

By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The three remaining bidders who lost out on Philadelphia's second and final casino license each indicate they are considering whether to appeal today's decision by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

But they also seem resigned to moving ahead on their respective projects without a casino license.

Developer Bart Blatstein had visions of an entertainment complex revolving around the white tower of the old Inquirer building, on North Broad Street.

What will he do now?

"Maybe another newspaper?   I don't know.  We'll deal with that next week," he told KYW Newsradio.

But Blatstein was critical of the Gaming Board's decision.

"It's almost hard to believe they would pick another slots-in-the-box," he said, using a disparaging term for a casino without architectural significance.

Meanwhile, Ken Goldenberg, who proposed a gambling mecca on Market Street, near 8th, was more conciliatory.

"We think it's a missed opportunity for the city and a missed opportunity for the state, but we also respect that the board spent a long time deliberating and came to the conclusion they thought was best," he said today.

Members of the Sports Complex Special Services District, which provides services around the stadiums in South Philadelphia, say they continue to oppose the stadium location for a casino.

Perhaps the most disappointed of all were gambling opponents, such as Paul Boni, who wanted no second casino in Philadelphia.

"We just don't need another predatory business that's open 24/7, that offers highly addictive slot machines," he said after today's announcement.

Boni says he'd like to see the casino law amended to require they all close daily at 2am.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.