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Several states in recent years have followed up on plans to expand gambling, usually by legalizing slot machines, to increase revenues for state coffers.  Maryland is an example of how that plan is not always a guaranteed success.  Most states are hoping their slot machines have an outcome similar to that of Pennsylvania.  Since Pennsylvania legalized slot machine back in 2006 only eight of the fourteen approved slot machine venues have opened and the state has already raked in $1.86 billion. 

The Sand Bethlehem Casino Resort may be the most interesting and symbolic casino to open in the state.  The Sands Bethlehem is the latest of the bunch, just opening its doors this month.  The slot machines now stand on a site that was once historic Bethlehem Steel.  Bethlehem Steel once produced raw materials use in the Chrysler Building (New York City’s first skyscraper) and for the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.  Where there were once blast furnaces there are now some 3,000 slot machine. 

Regardless of how historic, the steel company fell on very difficult times back in 2001 and was forced to close its doors.  The reasons were several, including a soft economy and depressed prices.  But now the Sands Casino is once again a symbol of progress and revenue generation.  Taxes from slot machines in Pennsylvania will be the source of tax relief at a time when it is sorely needed in the nation’s history.

The ninth casino in to come to Pennsylvania is due this summer in August.  It will be constructed in Pittsburgh, another important place in America’s steelmaking history.

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