Pennsylvania regulators renew Rivers Casino Philadelphia's license for additional five-year period

In a unanimous decision, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board renewed Wednesday the Category 2 stand-alone casino license of Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, LP, the operator of Rivers Casino Philadelphia, for an additional five-year period.

The board's evaluation determined that the operator fulfilled its obligations under the previously approved casino operator's license, therefore qualifying to have its casino permit renewed.

This decision stemmed from a thorough process, which allowed the operator and the public to provide essential information pertinent to the renewal. In 2022, a public input hearing was conducted in the casino's host municipality, the City of Philadelphia.

At this hearing, Rivers Casino Philadelphia's staff submitted exhibits and delivered testimony regarding various aspects of the facility's operations since its last license renewal. Additionally, members of the public were given the opportunity to express their views on the casino and its impact on the community.

The decision was reached after considering information from local government officials, community groups, the PA State Police, as well as various departments within the Gaming Control Board, including the Office of Enforcement Counsel, Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, Office of Compulsive and Problem Gaming, and Bureau of Casino Compliance.

Furthermore, a public hearing was held in Harrisburg to allow Board members to address any remaining issues with Sugarhouse HSP Gaming, LP representatives before voting on the renewal.

Since its opening in September 2010 through September 2023, Rivers Casino Philadelphia has accumulated a total gross revenue of $4,467,382,903 from retail slot machines, table games, sports wagering, and iGaming. The casino has channeled $1,941,044,345 into the Commonwealth through tax revenue, assessments, and fees.

As of now, Rivers Casino Philadelphia operates 1,522 slot machines, 136 table games, and employs a workforce of 1,138 individuals.

In July, Rivers Casino Philadelphia detailed its plans for a boutique luxury hotel in Fishtown. The hotel, called Riversuites at The Battery, was said to have 62 suites and was expected to open by year-end 2023. It will be located inside The Battery, a mixed-use lifestyle campus underway on Fishtown's Beach Street.