Presque Isle Downs & Casino Up for License Renewal

The Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board (PGCB) has announced that it will be hearing Presque Isle Downs & Casino’s license renewal on September 25. The casino last renewed its license back in 2015.

Change Of Ownership Reset Renewal Cycle

The PGCB will be conducting the hearing at the Summit Township Municipal Building in Erie. Isle Downs & Casino underwent a change in ownership in 2018 which reset the renewal cycle, which is why it’s a full nine years that it hasn’t been subject to any such hearings. The casino is currently owned by Churchill Downs Inc.

No surprises are expected as the renewal process will follow the same processes as that similar procedure to those recently undergone by Wind Creek Casino. The public is invited to attend the first part of the hearings, and members of the community can provide their feedback in person or in writing.

This will be followed by updates from Presque Isle Downs and state agencies like the Pennsylvania State Police. It’s worth keeping in mind that so far, no Pennsylvania casinos have ever been denied a license renewal. However, the onus remains on the casino to convince the Board that it is eligible and suitable to have its gaming license renewed. 

Among the considerations that will be considered by the PGCB are the casino’s good character, regulatory compliance, job creation, tax revenue generation, diversity plans and community involvement. In short, the applicant needs to prove that it is an asset to the Keystone State.

There will then be a second meeting where the Board can ask further questions before reaching a final decision.