Casino Breaks Ground at Philadelphia Park Racetrack

Greenwood was said to be uncaring of the racetrack problems.

After months of foot-dragging and shady dealing, Greenwood Gaming Inc. broke ground on the stand-alone casino building it promised when it was awarded a slots license at Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack.

Under the initial agreement, Greenwood was allowed to install slots in the grandstand area, but had to promise to erect a casino structure as a permanent housing for its 1800 slot machines. However, once the slots were placed on the ground floor of the five-story grandstand, Greenwood tried several times to shift positions.

Plans for the new building were drawn up a number of times, only to be rejected and the project sent back to square one. Rumors circulated that Greenwood would try to say the grandstand was a permanent structure and leave the slots where they were, a prospect that angered horsemen who felt the slots impeded gambling access and were responsible for a downturn in horse betting.

Greenwood was said to be uncaring of the racetrack problems; even though the grandstand location forced horse players to seek wagering windows up on the fourth and fifth floors, the company seemed to only care about slots play. Finally, the temporary license came up for renewal, and gaming officials let it be known that the freestanding casino was an important measure to retain the license.

Greenwood brought a fresh set of blueprints to its licensing meeting, and the license was extended with the provision that the casino construction go forward.

Greenwood president Robert Green denied any conflict between the two gambling factions, saying his company always intended to live up to its licensing agreement. Green stated, "Racing is a big part of agriculture, which is the number one economic driver in the state. We’re going to restore the racetrack back to its pristine state.” 

Construction of the casino is estimated to cost $350 million; renovations to the grandstand, barns, and track area will run $20 million. The new building will host over 4000 slot machines and video games, as well as bars, restaurants, and shops.