Blatstein, SugarHouse Appeal Casino Decision

Rendering of Live! Hotel and Casino via PlanPhilly

The Inquirer reports this morning that last month’s decision to permit a second Philly casino in South Philadelphia is being appealed by the losing bidders and by the city’s first (and still only existing) casino.

The plaintiffs include developer Bart Blatstein, the SugarHouse Casino, and the two other losing bidders. They note that the winning bidder, Live!, has the same ownership as Parx Casino in Bensalem.

A Blatstein spokesman, Frank Keel, said in a statement that the winning applicant’s ownership overlaps with Parx violated state law and justified reopening a process that has continued for nearly a decade. The latest proposals were sought in July 2012, after earlier plans for a Foxwoods Casino on the Delaware in South Philadelphia fell through and its license was withdrawn.

“Certain individuals and entities who maintain an ownership interest in Stadium also maintain an ownership interest in Parx, which exceed the thresholds stated in the Gaming Act,” Keel said.

The losing applicants had 30 days following the November 18th decision to file an appeal.