The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has unanimously renewed Woodlands Fayette’s Category 3 casino license for Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin in Fayette County. This decision comes after a thorough evaluation of the casino’s operations and fulfillment of licensing obligations. The renewal, granted for an additional five-year period, reflects the PGCB’s confidence in Woodlands Fayette’s adherence to regulatory standards.
Renewal Process and Public Input:
The renewal process involved a public input hearing held on October 26 in Wharton Township, the casino’s host municipality. During this session, Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin personnel presented exhibits and provided testimony on various operational aspects since the last license renewal. The public had the opportunity to offer testimony regarding the casino’s impact on the community. Input was also gathered from local government officials, community groups, the PA State Police, and various departments within the PGCB.
Comprehensive Board Evaluation:
In addition to public input, the PGCB conducted a comprehensive evaluation, considering information from the Office of Enforcement Counsel, Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gaming, and Bureau of Casino Compliance. A public hearing in Harrisburg provided board members with an opportunity to further question Woodlands Fayette, LLC representatives, addressing any remaining concerns.
Financial Impact and Operational Overview:
Since its opening in July 2013 through May 2023, Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin has contributed significantly to the region’s economy. With a gross revenue of $289 million from slot machines and table games, the casino has generated approximately $139.9 million in tax revenue for the Commonwealth. Operating 600 slot machines and 26 table games, Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin is a key player in the local gaming landscape.
Employment and Resort Amenities:
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, housing Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin, is a significant employer in the region, with a total of 1,146 employees, including 167 working at the casino. The resort offers a comprehensive experience with 320 guest rooms, diverse dining options, spas, golf courses, and outdoor adventure activities. The recent transfer of Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin’s management from Churchill Downs to self-management, assisted by gaming consultant RRC Gaming Management, reflects a strategic shift in operations.
The unanimous renewal of Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin’s license by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board underscores the casino’s continued adherence to regulatory standards and its positive impact on the local economy. As a key contributor to the Commonwealth’s tax revenue and a significant employer, the casino plays a pivotal role in the region’s gaming landscape. The commitment to transparency, public input, and thorough evaluation positions Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin as a responsible and integral part of Pennsylvania’s gaming industry.