On April 3, 2025, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) is set to conduct a significant public hearing concerning the renewal of the Category 1 Slot Machine Operator License for Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc., which operates Parx Casino in Bucks County. This event marks a crucial step in the state’s regulatory oversight and community engagement regarding casino operations.

Engaging the community in the licensing process:

Scheduled to take place at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building, this hearing offers a platform for citizens, public officials, and community groups to voice their opinions either through oral or written testimonies. As stated in the regulator’s press release, interested parties are encouraged to register by noon on April 1, 2025, if they wish to speak or submit their perspectives in writing. The process for registration can be found on the PGCB’s official website, under the section dedicated to Board Meetings and Special Events.

The hearing is designed to be a transparent avenue for stakeholder engagement, allowing for a diverse range of views to be expressed directly to the regulatory body. A list of all registered speakers will be made available on the Board’s website the week before the hearing, with updates provided daily.

For those who prefer to submit their comments in writing, multiple avenues are provided, including direct submission through the Board’s website or via email, fax, or traditional mail. These comments are an integral part of the licensing review process, providing the Board with a broader understanding of the community’s stance on casino operations.

The PGCB employs a rigorous two-step process for license renewal, ensuring comprehensive scrutiny of the licensee’s operations and compliance. The initial public input hearing, held in the municipality where the casino is located, is aimed at gathering substantive evidence and testimonies. Following this, a detailed report from the Director of Hearings and Appeals, which includes all gathered evidence, is reviewed by the Board.

A subsequent hearing in Harrisburg provides a forum for the licensee to present further evidence and arguments directly to the Board members, who may pose additional questions to gauge the operator’s compliance and impact on the community. This rigorous process ensures that the licensee not only meets the statutory requirements but also contributes positively to the local economy and adheres to its commitments regarding employment and community involvement.

Criteria for license renewal:

The onus is on Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. to demonstrate its eligibility for license renewal through clear and convincing evidence. Key factors considered include the operator’s integrity, adherence to regulatory conditions, tax contributions, job creation, success in diversity initiatives, and community engagement.

After evaluating all evidence and testimonies, the PGCB will make a decisive ruling on whether Greenwood Gaming and Entertainment, Inc. remains suitable and eligible under Commonwealth laws to continue its operations for another five-year term.