Pennsylvania regulator renews Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin's license

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board on Wednesday unanimously voted to renew the Category 3 resort casino license of Woodlands Fayette, operator of the Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin in Fayette County.

In making the decision, the Board determined that Woodlands Fayette had "fulfilled the obligations under its previously approved casino operator’s license" and therefore qualified to have its permit renewed for an additional five-year period.

"The decision to renew the license was based on a process utilized by the Board that enables both the operator and the public to provide information relevant to the renewal decision," explained the regulator.

A public input hearing was held on October 26, 2022, in the casino’s host municipality, Wharton Township, where personnel of Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin submitted exhibits and presented testimony on various aspects of the facility’s operation since its last license renewal was granted. The public was also permitted to provide testimony about the casino and its impact on the community.

In reaching its decision, the Board notes it also received information from local government officials, community groups and the PA State Police, along with the Gaming Control Board’s Office of Enforcement Counsel, Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gaming, and Bureau of Casino Compliance. 

Additionally, a public hearing was held in Harrisburg this week to permit Board members to further question Woodlands Fayette representatives about "any remaining issues" prior to voting on the renewal.

The Board notes that, since its opening in July 2013 through May 2023, Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin has generated $289 million in gross revenue from the play of slot machines and table games, resulting in a return to the Commonwealth of approximately $139 million in tax revenue. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin currently operates 600 slot machines and 26 table games.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort employs 1,146 persons, including 167 at the casino, and also offers 320 guest rooms, dining options, spas, golf, and outdoor adventure activities. Management of Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin was recently transferred from Churchill Downs to self-management with the assistance of gaming consultant RRC Gaming Management.

The Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin property is one of two resort (Category 3) casinos in the state. The land-based casino industry in Pennsylvania also consists of six racetrack (Category 1) casinos, five stand-alone (Category 2) casinos, and four mini-casinos (Category 4). Casinos and other types of Board-regulated gaming generated over $2 billion in tax revenue in 2022.