Mount Airy Casino Big Beaver

Mount Airy just made a big announcement

On Monday, Mount Airy Casino Resort announced plans to build a mini casino in Big Beaver, 40 miles northwest of Pittsburgh in Beaver County, near I-376 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike. They plan to break ground on the project in the 4th quarter of 2018. The casino is expected to open in late 2019 and will include a full-service hotel, convention center, restaurant, sports bar, pool, spa, and salon. In short, the types of amenities one would expect from a AAA Four-Diamond resort like Mount Airy.

Mount Airy’s Big Beaver bid makes them the second Pennsylvania operator to jump into the state’s mini casino market. The first was Stadium Casino who won the first category 4 license to be issued with a rather large $40.1 million bid. This move surprised some, since Stadium has yet to open their first Pennsylvania casino. Mount Airy targets late 2019 opening of Big Beaver mini-casino; facility to feature 750 slot machines and 30 table games Owners of Mount Airy Casino Resort in Monroe County submitted on Friday an application to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board to build and operate a mini-casino in Big Beaver, Beaver County, local news outlet the Times Online reported earlier today.

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Lisa DeNaples, an owner and managing trustee of Mount Airy had this to say in Monday’s release:

“We’re thrilled to bring our four-diamond customer service, high quality entertainment and luxurious amenities to Beaver County and the surrounding communities, while contributing a positive lasting impact on the local economy. For over a decade, Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos has paved the way as one of the nation’s most dynamic, upscale destination casino resorts. Our thoughtful expansion into the Pittsburgh and tri-state area represents a huge milestone in our effort to do what we live and breathe every day: provide award-winning customer service and luxury amenities to more people.”

The casino is expected to feature 750 slot machines, 30 table games, and a separate high limit area. Also included in the new venture is another incarnation of Mount Airy’s award winning buffet. The entire property is expected to be stunning. It will be designed by the world-renowned Friedmutter Group, known for its work at The Cosmopolitan resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Perhaps more importantly than all that, the project is expected to bring upwards of 700 jobs to regional residents as well as potentially millions in tax revenue.

Beaver County Casino Map Location

Winning big on a winning bid

In February, Mount Airy submitted theirwinning bid of $21.1 million for one of Pennsylvania’s 10 mini casino licenses. As a provision of this bid, Mount Airy committed to locating the casino within 15 miles of New Castle in Lawrence County.

Municipalities within that radius had the option to opt in or out of the proposal. Big Beaver (one of only two municipalities to opt in) was chosen and the deal was struck to bring the new mini casino there. Mount Airy officials chose the location because they wanted room in Western Pennsylvania to create a destination to rival their beautiful resort and casino in Eastern Pennsylvania. The initial parcel they have purchased for the new venture is 110 acres, with an option to purchase another 70 acres as need be.

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Second into the mini casino pool

Mount Airy’s decision makes them the second Pennsylvania operator to open a mini-casino in the state.

Mount Airy Casino Big Beaver

First to take part was Stadium Casino who won their category 4 license with a hefty $40.1 million bid. They selected Westmoreland Mall in the Greensburg area east of Pittsburgh as the site of their mini casino. At this point, details of what that casino will consist of and when it will be constructed are unknown.

What to do now?

Mount Airy Pittsburgh

These mini casinos won’t be open yet for quite some time. So what do gamblers do while they wait for them? What do they do if they don’t live close to any of the twelve fully licensed Pennsylvania casinos? What in heavens name do they do while they wait for the coming legal (in PA) online casino and sports betting operators?

Mount Airy Casino Big Beaver Pa

Well here’s one option: Try thePA online lottery. It’s legal. You play for real money. What’s more, it’s a blast. Want another incentive? New players even receive a free $5 to play with. Go on, try your luck!