A public hearing on proposals for Philadelphia’s second casino will stretch into its second day Friday.
The first day of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board hearing lasted all day Thursday at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. State gambling officials mull a half-dozen proposals for the second casino license slotted for the city.
On Thursday, State Sen. Larry Farnese told the board that they should consider more than just projected revenue. All six proposed sites are in his district.
The city has hired a consulting firm to help evaluate the proposals and assess their economic impact and how they would spur growth.
Deputy Mayor Alan Greenberger said gaming officials should select the proposal that would do the least harm to the city's existing casino, Sugarhouse Casino, which has been up and running since September 2010. The city gets some revenue for schools and tax relief from that casino.
The board could take a year to decide who will be allowed to open Philadelphia’s second gambling hall.
The state's first casino opened in 2006 and there are now 11 casinos statewide.
