VF Casino Resort ‘good neighbor’
Written by: Margaret Gibbons Staff – Printed in The Intelligencer, Doylestown PA, April 8, 2015.
The Valley Forge Casino Resort’s security and compliance staffs are “good” partners, according to the state police.
“We have a great working relationship with them and they have always been cooperative and helpful,” state police Sgt. Kevin Conrad told members of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Wednesday.
“The number of crimes being committed at the casino is not great and they are consistent with what we see at every other casino,” said Conrad, a member of the state police’s gaming enforcement bureau who oversees the Valley Forge Casino Resort in Upper Merion.
These crimes range from theft to criminal mischief to disorderly conduct to passing counterfeit money, according to Conrad, noting that state police handle criminal matters and enforcement of casino regulations inside the casino while local police deal with crime outside the casino.
Also, he said, the casino staff works closely with state police to prevent underage gambling and compulsive gambling.
Casino officials said they have beefed up security staff and training in these areas.
Conrad’s testimony came during a public hearing on the casino’s application to have its gaming license renewed for an additional three years. The hearing was held at the Upper Merion township building.
The casino, which opened in March 2012, holds a special resort license that limits it to 600 slot machines and 50 table games.
Also, members of the public cannot just walk onto the gaming floor. They first purchase a limited $10 membership fee.Those attending conventions or meetings on site have access to the casino for free as do hotel guests.
State Rep. Tim Briggs, Upper Merion Supervisor Chairman Greg Philips and Montgomery County commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro all urged the gaming control board to renew the license, calling the casino a “good neighbor.” They cited the casino’s hiring of local workers, making purchases from local businesses and drawing tourists to the area.
Shapiro also called for a change in state law that would allow Montgomery County to directly receive its “local host share” revenue. He estimated that revenue to be in excess of $2 million a year.
Unlike counties that have fully licensed casinos where the host money comes directly to the county, the host money for resort casinos is funneled through the state’s Commonwealth Financing Authority. While this money must be spent in the host county, the law requires that it be spent only on specific programs.
Others speaking out in support of the casino’s license renewal included a representative from the National Park Service, who said its initial concerns in having the casino across the street from the entrance to the Valley Forge National Historical Park proved to be unfounded.
The county’s tourism bureau and various Upper Merion business organizations added their voices in support of the casino as did local non-profit organizations that have received financial and volunteer support from the casino.
A second public hearing will be in Harrisburg before the board renders its decision. The Harrisburg hearing date has not yet been announced.