In 2017, the state of Pennsylvania legalized many different additions to its gambling industry, including satellite casinos. Operators would be able to bid on licensing for the smaller gaming venues, and several licenses were scooped up in 2019. It has taken longer than expected to get the ball rolling on the smaller satellite casinos but finally, one is set to open. The Cordish Companies expects its Live! Casino Pittsburgh to open in November, despite facing a few setbacks over the past few months.
Moving Full Speed Ahead
The mini casino should be ready for business by November, as it moves into a former department store in a local mall. A tour of the space was conducted last week and General Manager Sean Sullivan provided a time frame, one that was open ended, during the tour.
The casino will cost $150 million to create and will be located in a former space occupied by Bon-Ton. The casino will include 750 slot games and 30 table games. The space will also be home to entertainment venues and restaurants.
The development will go along with the company’s full-size casino in Philadelphia. The Cordish Companies wanted to add another satellite license to their portfolio but were outbid earlier in September. The state of Pennsylvania opened the licensing process back up this year in the hopes that more applicants would want to apply.
It is estimated that the new casino in the West Hempfield Township will provide at least 500 jobs to the community. It should bring in around $188 million for the local economy. The casino is busy getting ready to open, having just installed high-limit slot games last week.
Hiring New Employees
As the casino draws closer to a potential opening date, the venue needs to hire employees to fill open positions. A recruitment center was opened in August, so applicants can come in and apply for open positions. A dealer school is now taking place to teach individuals how to deal cards for the table games of the casino.
Along with floor employees, the casino has been busy hiring executives to oversee operations. Brent Colston was recently hired as the vice president of gaming operations. He will handle the management of table games as well as the sportsbook, slots technology and staff members of the casino.
Colston has an impressive resume, having worked at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in Florida. He held a similar role within the company.
Along with offering traditional casino gaming, just in a smaller capacity, the new Live! venue will also have a retail sportsbook. FanDuel has partnered with the operator to offer sports betting within a 100,000 square foot space.
The sportsbook will be located on the first floor of the casino. On the second floor, players will find Sports and Social Steel City, a restaurant and bar area with 445 seats. Fans can head downstairs to catch sports action on a 45-foot TV screen.
Along with offering land-based services, the casino is already offering an online casino option. The PlayLive! App launched back in August, offering online gambling games.
