On Wednesday, March 30, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board unanimously voted to renew the Category 1 Racetrack Casino operator's license of Washington Trotting Association, Inc., operator of The Meadows Casino in Washington County.

The seven-member board determined that Washington Trotting Association, Inc. had fulfilled the obligations under its previously-approved casino operator's license and therefore qualified to have its license renewed for an additional three-year period.

The decision was based on a process utilized by the board that enables both the operator and the public to provide information relevant to the renewal decision. A public input hearing was held last year at the Washington County Courthouse Square Building where personnel of The Meadows Casino submitted exhibits and presented testimony on various aspects of the facility's operation since its last license renewal was granted in August 2011. The public was also permitted to provide testimony on the casino and its impact in the community.

In reaching its decision, the board also reviewed testimony received at the hearing from local government officials, community groups and the PA State Police, along with the Gaming Control Board's Office of Enforcement Counsel, Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gaming, and Casino Compliance.

Additionally, a public hearing was held in Harrisburg today to permit board members to further question Washington Trotting Association, Inc. representatives about any remaining issues prior to voting on the renewal. A PowerPoint presentation provided at today's meeting is available on the board's website.

The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 27, 2016 in the PGCB's Public Hearing Room located on the second floor of Strawberry Square in Harrisburg.

(Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board)