LV Sands moves to add table games at Pennsylvania casino

Las Vegas Sands Corp. filed a formal application with Pennsylvania gaming regulators to add 80 table games to its casino in Bethlehem, Pa., by early summer.

Pennsylvania lawmakers, with the support of the governor, changed state gaming laws to allow the state’s slot machine-only casinos to add table games in exchange for a tax on revenues. Pennsylvania is looking to patch a severe budget deficit.

If approved, the company plans to place games such as blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, and baccarat onto the Sands Bethlehem’s casino floor, that currently houses 3,000 slot machines.

“When the first card is dealt, Sands Bethlehem instantly becomes the most convenient gaming location for millions of New York City and northern New Jersey residents,” said casino president Robert DeSalvio.

Las Vegas Sands President Michael Leven said success from table games could allow the company to move forward with other expansion initiatives at the casino, including a hotel and convention space.

“The pending addition of table games has given us a chance to review our overall strategy as it relates to the Sands, and we are optimistic this opportunity will be a positive catalyst for both the balance sheet and the future development of the property,” Leven said.