More amenities, such as a hotel, spa, convention and meeting space, and entertainment venues, could be added if interest is gauged strong enough, said Jim Wise, casino spokesman.
The state's first slots parlor, Mohegan Sun opened in November 2006 with about 1,100 slots squeezed into a temporary facility alongside Pocono Downs racetrack. And although the machines are now among the busiest in the state, competition from Monroe County's Mount Airy Casino Resort - which boasts 2,500 slot machines, restaurants, a nightclub, spa and hotel rooms - has cut into Mohegan's business.
The expansion, dubbed Project Sunrise, will expand the 50-mile radius within which Mohegan Sun now pulls most of its customers, said Mr. Wise.
“We think adding this sort of quality product in the marketplace will both grow business and bring people in from out of the area,” he said. “We're obviously still fighting players going to Atlantic City. Now I think we'll be able to give them an experience ... that will further encourage them to keep their dollars in Pennsylvania.”
The 300,000-square-foot addition will hold 2,200 slot machines, with about 375 left in the old parlor; restaurants Ruth's Chris Steak House, Rustic Kitchen Bistro and Bar, Bar Louie and Pearl Sushi Bar; pubs Sunburst Bar and Breakers; and shops Brookstone, Marshall Rousso and Misura.
If table games are legalized in the state - proponents say it will take two or three bills for such a measure to be codified in Harrisburg - there are plans to add more space in a matter of months to hold up to 75 games.
