Sands Bethlehem casino launches campaign against tavern gambling

Two weeks after the $1.3 billion sale of Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem collapsed under the threat that Pennsylvania may allow casino gambling in bars.

The Sands campaign will include radio spots in every market of the state, the website www.12000pacasinos.com and 30-second television spots to run in every market, except Philadelphia beginning Wednesday.

"This proposal would destroy the brick-and-mortar casino industry and risk the nearly $1.4 billion in tax revenues that these establishments generate annually," said Mike Barley, the group's spokesman. "Worse yet, because VGTs are designed to operate without employees, the 18,000 people casinos collectively employ in Pennsylvania will be put in serious jeopardy."

A.J. Marsico, a lobbyist for the Tavern Association, said association members employ more than 100,000.

Association President Tom Boock said legalizing VGTs will allow the strate to tax the illegal machines already operating statewide.

"We don't have $1 million to fight Sands, but we have friends in the Senate and House," said Boock, who owns the Cottage Pub and Restaurant in Chambersburg. "We're not just going to back down to these billionaire casino owners."