Meadows: We Made Significant Economic Impact

Representatives from on Monday revealed the company's economic impact to local communities in paid goods and services and tax revenues.

The latest figures for 2011 show The Meadows disbursing more than $191 million dollars throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania including gaming taxes.

“In addition to our facility being an all-inclusive entertainment destination, Pennsylvanians, and especially local residents, are seeing the benefits associated with gaming activity,” said Sean Sullivan, vice president and general manager of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino. “Whether you are an owner of a nearby small business, involved in harness racing or simply a resident of the local community that receives tax revenues, Pennsylvanians as a whole are experiencing the positive economic impact of these disbursements.”

After the more than $140 million in gaming taxes paid to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, The Meadows expended more than $51 million in the state for items such as vendors, supplies, local taxes and charitable donations. 

Since the opening of the casino in 2007, these disbursements have grown 147 percent from its original amount of nearly $21 million. 

The $51 million in disbursements also does not include the $33 million in annual payroll costs for its 1,408 employees.

Given the location of the facility, Washington County received the largest percentage of disbursements in 2011 totaling $18 million, or 42.1 percent of the Pennsylvania total. 

This amount has grown from 2007, when the county received approximately $3 million—a 460 percent increase. Allegheny County ranked second, receiving a total disbursement of nearly $13 million.

With the recent revenue figures released from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, Pennsylvania now ranks second among all states in the country for revenue generated from gaming. 

The Meadows also is currently expanding its facility with a $25 million project to construct a new 1,400 space parking garage and a 24,600-square-foot multi-purpose center. 

Another 22 acre parcel was purchased in 2011 and will eventually be developed to provide additional entertainment and destination options for casino guests, including a proposed 200-room hotel.

"We are delighted to play a role in boosting our area’s economy," said Sullivan. "The Meadows Racetrack & Casino hopes to continue to support investment in the area while improving the overall entertainment experience for our guests."