Mohegan Sun removing more slot machines

Mohegan Sun gets OK to remove slots
By robert swift (Harrisburg Bureau Chief)

HARRISBURG - Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs won approval Thursday from state gambling regulators to remove what are described as 134 unprofitable slot machines from a side room off its main gaming floor.

It will reduce the number of slot machines at the casino in Plains Township from 2,466 to 2,232.

This is the second time in recent months that the Gaming Control Board has given a Northeastern Pennsylvania casino the green light to remove slot machines. Mount Airy Casino Resort won approval to remove 150 slot machines in December.

Mohegan Sun CEO Robert Soper told officials the slot machines are unprofitable because they are in a location not easily reached by patrons from the main floor. The slot machines date from the casino's opening in 2006 and their removal will bring savings on repair costs, he said.

Soper said there will be no layoffs as a result of this action, but some part-time employees may have their hours cut.

He gave assurances to gaming board officials that there are no plans to add table games offering poker and blackjack in place of the slot machines. That assurance is important because casinos are barred from reducing their slot machines in order to add table games under state law.

Mohegan Sun officials said they based their appeal on economics and made no mention of outside market factors. Mohegan Sun has reported a slight decline in slot machine revenue last month which officials attributed to harsh winter weather.

Mount Airy officials expressed concerns about an excess supply of slot machines in Northeastern Pennsylvania when its reduction was approved.