Pittsburgh Racetrack License Applicant Will Not Seek Stand-Alone Casino

• Email
• Print
• Tweet

A Pittsburgh developer who is planning a Thoroughbred track in partnership with Churchill Downs has announced he will not seek license for a stand-alone gaming facility in the Pennsylvania city.

Charles J. Betters, a developer and founder of Pittsburgh Development Group II, L.P. said the group will continue to pursue the racetrack license and, if it received it, would then pursue whatever avenues were available to offer alternative gaming at the track.

"A stand-alone gaming facility does not conform to our original master plan for a new Thoroughbred racetrack complete with a gaming facility and mixed-use entertainment, commercial, and residential community," Betters said in a release Monday. "Moreover, Pittsburgh Development Group does not believe it would be acting in the best interest of the City of Pittsburgh if it were to pursue the award of the stand-alone gaming license, as we feel the license should be awarded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in an effort to keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh."

In late 2002, Pittsburgh Development Group announced plans to develop a new Racino as a way to enhance the Thoroughbred industry. The company acquired a site in the Hays section of Pittsburgh that would be part of the 640-acre mixed-use development.

While Pittsburgh Development Group will not apply for the stand-alone gaming license, it will continue to pursue the award of the remaining Thoroughbred racing license. If awarded the Thoroughbred racing license, Betters said the group would then pursue whatever avenues available tom obtain a gaming license for that facility.

• Email
• Print
• Tweet