The state of Pennsylvania legalized gambling in 2006. The governor touted gambling as the fix-all to the state’s money woes. Tax revenue and high paying jobs were the two benefits that drew the most attention. Were there any drawbacks? How about unexpected problems? Northeastern Pennsylvania, commonly referred to as NEPA by locals, is home to two large-scale casinos. Mount Airy Casino in Paradise Township and Mohegan Sun located in Plains. These two casinos have drawn thousands of NEPA residents through their doors. Some out of curiosity, and others with an expectation of becoming the next local millionaire. How have the casinos affected NEPA thus far?

Let’s start with the good. Two brand new complexes on substantial acreage. They are nothing short of beautiful buildings on beautiful grounds nestled in Northeast PA. Construction jobs were in abundance with most contracts awarded to local companies. This was a spark for the local economy to say the least. Upon opening the two casinos began employing locals for jobs at the entry level as well as managerial positions and technical support. These two casinos have hired hundreds of individuals in an economy that is not doing very well. From a customer’s standpoint, Northeast PA can now add gambling, or gaming as it is referred to by the casinos themselves, to the list of tourist attractions and things to do in NEPA. Both establishments are well equipped with restaurants priced for various budgets, shopping, entertainment, and of course gambling via horse racing and an enormous variety of slot machines. The Mohegan Sun Casino in Plains also features its own live harness racing for those who like to see the horses work the track live. Both casinos are conveniently located to interstate highways for easy access. With the large number of PA residents patronizing the casinos, Pennsylvania will indeed see a boost in tax revenue.

Then there’s the bad. Generating tax revenue for the benefit of Pennsylvania sounds great. But when PA residents use unemployment benefits or social security income to gamble in their spare time, we develop quite the conflict of interest. How can tax revenue be generated from state and federal funding? Retired and unemployed individuals are known to frequent casinos as they are an exciting pastime for those who have spare time on their hands. The justification for the legalization of casinos in Pennsylvania was focused on tax revenue and property tax relief for PA residents but overall the numbers just don’t ad up. The largest benefactors in fact will be the casino owners. NEPA does benefit from the newly created jobs in the area however does this benefit exceed the cost?

Lastly, we see the ugly. Gambling addiction is a problem in the United States. The largest concentration of gambling addicts is usually found near casinos. People who have fallen on hard times seem to think the answer to their prayers is beyond the beautiful glass doors of the local casino. Many casino visitors have been known to trade grocery money as well as home heating funds for a pull of the slot handle and a chance at financial freedom. Will NEPA become home to a growing number of poverty stricken gambling addicts? Unfortunately, casinos are built with profit in mind and not their patrons best interest. Hopefully Northeast PA can buck the trend and overcome the negative aspects of being a haven for downtrodden gamblers.