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Chester Excited By Racetrack And Casino
Message was posted: 11:14 Sep 9th, 2006

User: JimmyS Rank: Casino Gold: 3220CG Contributor rating: 6760 Status: Offline

Casino news from http://cbs3.com/ (CBS 3) CHESTER, Pa. It's down to the final stretch for Harrah's Racetrack and Casino in Chester City. CBS 3's Mary Stoker Smith reports why locals are betting the brand new facility will turn the city around. The money was on the table, and the horses were on the race track in the city of Chester. Well, so the money was phony, but the horses sure weren't and neither is Harrah's Racetrack and Casino. "It's a beautiful setting, lovely view of the river," said a patron. Although harness racing officially starts Sunday, Chester resident Reah London was one of the lucky one's to attend Friday's qualifying run. "I'm very optimistic about this kind of activity in the city, this is what we need, very badly," said London. The planning started over two years ago and it is just a preview of what's to come. In addition to harness racing three days a week; in January, nearly 3-thousand slot machines will open on the second story casino floor and that's music to everyone's ears. "I can't wait 'til it kicks off in January," said Harrah's worker, Carla Finney. "Who would have thought this would be located in the city of Chester," said Chester Mayor, Wendell Butler, adding "It's a very good situation for the city of Chester." In fact, city officials are banking on it; they say they're confident that come race day, the seats will be full. "We'll get 10-million dollars annually for Harrah's facility," said Butler. That is just the beginning, says the mayor; 800 to 900 new jobs will be generated for the city of Chester. "It'll drive entertainment that has not been evident in recent years in Chester," said Vince Donleyie, GM of Harrah's. Residents hope that it is a turning point for a city that's faced economic challenges.