Given America’s rich and diverse migrant history, one cannot consider its Casino History without first understanding the original foundations of what has become an inherent part of the American Dream. The earliest record of gambling was written by the Chinese during 2,300 B.C. and its practice was believed to be present in every succeeding civilization.

Gambling has played a vital role in human history as witnessed by the countless stories that have been passed from generation to generation. Although it was primarily for entertainment purposes, gambling was also used as a means to settle disputes.

Jonathan H. Green’s book, An Exposure of the Arts and Miseries of Gambling (G. B. Zieber, Philadelphia, 1843) described the spread of the game from the East coast to the rest of the country by Mississippi riverboats, on which gambling was a common pastime.

Although gambling had found a haven in the state of Nevada, the first actual land casinos in America were established during the early 1800s at the bank of the Mississippi River in the city of New Orleans. These Casinos were set-up beside the river, and attracted its patrons from the merchants at the port. Passengers would pass the time by setting up impromptu gambling sessions.

Keeping pace with the march of progress, the Casino industry found its way to the West by the expansion of the railroads and flourished during the California Gold Rush and the Nevada Silver Era.
Interestingly the game of slots was uniquely an American invention. It was Charles Fey who invented the first slot machine way back in 1895. To make machines memorable and enticing to players, a series of cabinet designs that were striking and colorful, each with its own theme, was introduced.

With the Wall Street Crash in 1929 and a severe economic downturn in the early 1930s under President Herbert Hoover, the scene was hardly set for Americans to go out and spend their hard-saved earnings. Nevertheless, given the historical context, somewhat miraculously it was around this time that the beginning of modern American casino history as we know it today began to take shape.

Prior to 1931, gambling in the United States was illegal. In 1931 Nevada re-legalized gambling in the state, becoming the first state in the USA to do so. Throughout the United States, 21 states legalized racetracks during the 1930s.

By the 1940s gambling in Las Vegas was a huge success and today is possibly the most popular gambling destination in the world. New Jersey legalized gambling and the first casino opened in Atlantic City in 1978. By 1987 the U.S. Supreme Court gave the right of Native American Indian tribes to self-regulate high stakes versions of all casino games.

Finally, 2007 has arrived and the Pennsylvania landscape is dotted with casinos from Philadelphia Park Casino & Racetrack, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs and Hollywood Casino at Penn National to our very own Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington County. Pennsylvania is still a couple years away from opening the doors on its first stand-alone casino although by 2009 the state is expected to have 14 casinos in all, which are projected to generate at least $1 billion that will be used to help reduce property taxes.

On Wednesday, September 5th, Meadows Racetrack & Casino took a huge first step in its quest to design one of the East coast’s premier casinos. In a brief ceremony, the wrecking ball dropped on the 44 year old grandstand. Bill Paulos, a principal of Las Vegas based Cannery Casinos Resorts (CCR) that owns the Meadows, remarked, “This day comes with a bit of sadness because this grandstand holds a lot of memories for so many people, but the changes we have planned will ensure this wonderful racetrack creates more memories for generations to come.”

The plans call for a $155 million casino which will cover an astonishing 350,000 square feet and create an impressive 1,200 jobs. Plans also include a 200-room hotel and luxury spa, which will give guests direct access to the gaming floor, restaurants, entertainment facilities and the racetrack. The hotel and spa will likely add an additional 125 jobs. Meadows officials are targeting an early 2009 grand opening.

“The addition of hotel and luxury spa will make The Meadows Racetrack & Casino a true destination entertainment experience that will draw more visitors to southwestern Pennsylvania. It also enhances our desire to contribute to the economic development of the region,” stated Paulos.

The permanent casino will integrate the long-standing tradition of harness racing at The Meadows with first rate gaming facilities. With 3,000 slot machines, the casino will provide a covered grandstand area overlooking the racetrack with VIP boxes available to provide gorgeous views of the horse racing.

There will be a separate entrance at track level that will lead to a simulcast area and wagering lobby. An additional 12,500 square feet of multifunctional space will accommodate a variety of live entertainment as well as banquets and conferences.

“This is an exciting time for The Meadows, our employees and the community,” said Meadows Vice-President and General Manager Mike Graninger. “Since opening our casino, we’ve experienced increases in attendance at our track and our casino is exceeding all expectations. People are excited about The Meadows; they’re excited about harness racing again.”

The Meadows temporary casino opened to huge fanfare on June 11, 2007, becoming the first casino in the Greater Pittsburgh region. The temporary casino was completed in only seven months. It includes 1,738 slot machines, a 360-seat all-you-can-eat restaurant, a snack bar, gift shop and sports bar.

Silks, the restaurant, provides a casual yet upscale dining experience including a comprehensive beer and wine bar. Pacesetter’s is a classic and comfortable central bar with jumbo plasma screen televisions, the hottest gaming action and a plush 44-seat lounge area along with 23 bar-installed slot machines.
The permanent casino will feature three dining facilities, including a premiere steak house, a specialty restaurant overlooking the racetrack and a food court. A centrally located lounge and bar will feature panoramic views of both the gaming floor and the racetrack. The food court will be circular in design and accessible from either the gaming floor or the grandstands. It will accommodate a number of different food outlets and seating for 200 guests.

Jay Boyd, the director of marketing for The Meadows, calculates approximately 20,000 guests per day visit the casino, which is above expectations. “Wheeling Downs and Mountaineer have only seen a 20 percent decrease in attendance, which indicates the market is expanding.”

The largest jackpot to date has been $50,000 with an average of 40 jackpots a day exceeding $1,200, which keeps the patrons coming back. Additionally, patrons can count on free parking, free admission and free enrollment in the Meadows Rewards loyalty program.

The average age of the patrons is nearly 60 years old. “They prefer the safety and convenience of The Meadows,” said Graninger. Strategically located near Rt. 19, I-70 and I-79, The Meadows has a huge advantage over competition due to the easy access.

“As we’ve said, The Meadows really sees the local community as our partner,” Graninger said. “Our first priority will always be to fill job openings with local residents.”

Graninger is a man of his word. Nearly 96 percent of The Meadows employees are residents of the South Hills and Washington County and these employees are treated exceptionally well. They are provided with health, dental, and vision benefits, and a 401K plan. Additionally, employees are assigned 8-hour shifts, which includes a half-hour lunch provided by The Meadows.

The vast majority of the construction and subsequent goods and services have come from area businesses. There will be nearly 1,000 jobs created between construction of the temporary and permanent casinos. The Meadows spends roughly $200,000 a month in food, beer, wine and liquor, making them the largest single purchaser of these goods in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Meadows Rewards program provides frequent gamblers with rewards ranging from free meals, gift cards and travel. Local business such as Bella Colore Salon & Spa are among the beneficiaries. In early June, The Meadows purchased thousands of dollars of gift cards. Roberta Williams, owner of the salon near the casino is thrilled. “That’s 200 new clients,” she said.

The domino effect trickles into the surrounding business development. Several hotels including the recently completed Hampton Inn are being constructed around The Meadows complex. Across the road, the tractors are working non-stop to complete the Tanger Outlets for an early 2008 opening, while an enormous Bass Pro Shop will also be built within walking distance of the casino.

Another intangible that could lead to an even larger economic explosion is the completion of the airport connector, which will bring travelers directly from the airport to an exit on I-79 near Southpointe. This will significantly reduce the travel time to The Meadows for thousands of travelers and residents.

Lastly and perhaps most significantly would be the approval of table games at Pennsylvania’s casinos. With West Virginia planning to add table games by the end of the year, it’s incumbent upon the state legislature to make this amendment. This will attract a potentially younger crowd with discretionary income which will be poured into the Washington County economy.

Upon the completion of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in early 2009 the total investment into the local economy will reach a staggering $425 million. While there will always be opponents to gambling for personal or philosophical reasons, it’s difficult to argue the dramatic and sustained economic impact on a community with a strong infrastructure such as Washington County.

From an historical perspective, the evolution of gambling at The Meadows will lead Washington County to compete regionally and throughout the country.