The COVID-19 pandemic has put a stop to many things in the US, including construction work. Back in March, construction of the new satellite casino owned by Penn National in the Springettsbury Township of Pennsylvania stopped. Restrictions in the state caused construction to come to a complete stop. Since that time, the restrictions eased up, but workers were not called back. Now, it seems Penn National is ready to get back on track and construction work has resumed once again.
York Project Full Steam Ahead
The project is taking place near the York area, and it will be the second mini-casino to be placed in a former mall location. Live! Pittsburgh is set to open in just a few days and it is located in a mall setting. Penn National’s Jeff Morris spoke to the media this week reporting that the York facility was back under construction and that the property will open in the second half of 2021.
Located in the York Galleria Mall, the facility will have a quality entrance as roadwork just completed on Whiteford Road. Don Bishop, an official of the township, stated this week that the area had confidence in Penn National Gaming during the pandemic and they continued to be kept up to date throughout the past few months.
Penn National has spent $50 million to purchase the license for the property and did so via a mini casino auction. The brand is hoping the smaller casino will be a hit in the local area as well as travelers from other states.
Will Barstool be Included?
Penn National Gaming has also been busy with its sportsbook brand Barstool. The Barstool Sportsbook app recently launched and is available in Pennsylvania. A retail sportsbook of the brand launched in Colorado and more retail locations and online services are expected for the US in the future.
It is unclear as to if Barstool will be part of the mini casino in York, but it very well could. The company paid a great deal to work with the brand. A total of $163 million was paid for a 36% stake in the company. They hold the ability to buy up to 50% of the brand.
For sports betting fans, there could be a sport for Barstool options in the new York location. We will certainly stay tuned to new information and report on any details provided.
Is It a Good Time for a Mini Casino?
While the construction on the mini casino continues, is it a good time for a new casino to launch? The United States is still dealing with the pandemic and it is showing no signs of slowing down. If the virus is still an issue next year, then the casino will have to operate at a lower capacity, if the current restrictions are still in place.
Right now, cases are increasing in the US including in Pennsylvania. The new facility may see a slow opening period if players are not comfortable visiting the facility in fear of the virus. Hopefully though, things will start to settle down in the New Year and COVID will not be as big of a concern. Either way, the casino is on track for a 2021 opening.
