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Opening day for the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem was packed with anticipation manifested in several different emotions.   Starting as early as 3:30 am, patrons lined up outside the new casino with one goal in mind: to be the very first to get a spin on the 3,000 brand new slot machines on the casino gaming floor.

Thomas Blair a 64 year old man raised in Bethlehem was the first to show up.  The early riser arrived at the casino so early in the morning that parking garage had yet to open.  Not discouraged, Blair parked on the street a mile away from the resort.

His determination paid of as he was the very first to line up outside the casino, ahead of thousands of psyched patrons that eventually began chanting “Here we go, Sands, here we go!”  The mob eventually persuaded casino officials to allow access to the slot machines 20 minutes early.  When the wave of excited players poured in amongst the slot machines, it did not matter that Blair was first in line.  His 64 year old body was not nearly quick enough to out pace the crowd riding on sheer adrenaline.  None the less, Blair was happy to be there.

“This is history,” said Blair.  Blair is a retired iron worker who has lived in Bethlehem since pits of Bethlehem Steel were in full operation.

“There's a new business in town. I wanted to be part of it. Plus, I really like to gamble.”

Aside from being the first to play the slot machines a the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem it is likely that many of the patrons present at the opening day wanted to be the first to hit a big payout on one of the slot machines.

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