HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 21/PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today unanimously voted to renew the Category 1 slot machine operator's license of Chester Downs and Marina, LLC, operating as Harrah's Chester Casino & Racetrack in Delaware County.

The seven member board determined that Harrah's Chester had fulfilled the obligations under its slot operator's license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed. Under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, all operators must seek renewal of their license on an annual basis

Today's decision was the result of a two-step process utilized by the Board that enables both the operator and the public to provide information relevant to the renewal decision.

First, a public input hearing was held for Harrah's Chester on September 16th at Chester City Hall for the purpose of receiving documentary evidence and testimony to build a record upon which the Board based its licensing decision. Secondly, a hearing was held today in Harrisburg so that Board members could question the operator about any remaining issues prior to casting a public vote on the renewal.

During these hearings, the licensee is given the opportunity to demonstrate, among other things, its good character, honesty and integrity; compliance with its statement of conditions; tax revenue generated; jobs created; amenities added since the opening of the casino; success in implementing its diversity plan; and involvement in the surrounding community.

Additional information about the PA Gaming Control Board is available at its web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us. At that site, you can learn more about the Board's role in the oversight of legalized slot machine gaming in the Commonwealth and about the state's gaming casinos. In addition, visitors to the site can access information to assist those who may have a compulsive gambling problem, review agendas and transcripts of meetings and hearings, file complaints for investigation, retrieve revenue reports, and request a speaker for their organization.

    CONTACT:    Doug Harbach or Richard McGarvey    (717) 346-8321

SOURCE Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board