Rivers Casino Philadelphia, owned and operated by Chicago-based Rush Street Gaming, has a proud tradition of donating $1 million each year to the Penn Treaty Special Services District (SSD), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting community initiatives in the area. The venue allocates funds from its gaming operations, hoping to help offset gambling’s negative societal impact.

Regular Contributions Have Made a Lasting Impact

The Penn Treaty SSD, established in 2006, is instrumental in empowering local community organizations through grants and sponsorships. The district encompasses several neighborhoods, including Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Olde Richmond, and South Kensington. Donations have proven instrumental in supporting 737 grants to 182 non-profit organizations, creating a lasting positive impact.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s most recent $1 million donation marks a cumulative contribution of $11.4 million to the Penn Treaty SSD. This substantial sum has aided many vital community projects, from organizing neighborhood festivals to enhancing parks, playgrounds, and gardens. The funding has also facilitated art, sports, and educational programs, along with infrastructure improvements, improving residents’ quality of life.

This organization has played a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of our neighboring communities, and we’re privileged to support its mission.

Eric Althaus, Rivers Casino general manager

The Penn Treaty SSD is currently accepting grant and sponsorship requests, encouraging local organizations to take advantage of the funding opportunities provided by Rivers Casino Philadelphia. This collaboration between the casino and the non-profit organization is essential for driving community growth, highlighting the venue’s dedication to making a positive societal impact.

The Casino’s Efforts Can Lead to Long-Term Benefits

Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s community-focused mindset also extends to its staff and customers. It is one of the few venues that have completely forbidden smoking on the premises, with many other casinos seeming intent to hold on to the advantage given by a legal loophole. Such efforts have cemented Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s leadership position and are vital for sustained growth.

Investing in local communities can significantly benefit the casino’s bottom line, bolstering player confidence. Rivers Casino Philadelphia remains among the top five gambling venues in the state, enjoying enduring success. Penn Treaty SSD chairman Rick Angeli was grateful for the casino’s steadfast support to communities, noting the extra funding was instrumental in improving local quality of life.

Without Rivers’ annual contribution to the SSD, none of the work we do for our communities would be possible.

Rick Angeli, Penn Treaty SSD chairman

Despite a few minor regulatory breaches, Rivers Casino Philadelphia maintains an impressive track record, helping counteract the potential dangers of gambling harm on vulnerable individuals. As the venue continues its mission to give back, its commitment to the Penn Treaty SSD remains an inspiring example of how the gaming industry can positively impact.

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Atlantic City’s casino industry contributed a staggering $504 million in taxes and fees during the last fiscal year, marking a record amount that is pivotal in supporting various programs for vulnerable residents across the state. 

Casino Revenue Fund Empowers New Jersey’s Vulnerable Residents

The Casino Revenue Fund, established in 1976, was designed to channel state revenues from casino gambling into essential services for eligible senior citizens and disabled residents, covering reductions in property taxes, utility charges, and additional health and transportation services. 

In the latest 2023-24 state budget, more than $436.6 million from the fund was allocated to the Community Care Program Individual Support, reported The Press of Atlantic City. This initiative provides crucial services like household chores assistance and self-care training to residents in state-licensed facilities.

Additionally, NJ Transit received over $38.9 million from the fund, specifically for its Senior Citizens and Disabled Residents Transportation Assistance Program. This program is vital for seniors and people with disabilities, offering county-coordinated transportation for non-emergency medical trips, shopping, and nutrition, acting as a lifeline for their daily needs.

The fund’s history has seen fluctuations, reaching a low point of $205.9 million in 2015 due to the economic downturn and the closure of several casinos. However, the reopening of casinos, coupled with legalized sports betting and the growth of online gaming, has revitalized the fund. Internet gaming, in particular, has significantly boosted tax revenue, with a 15% tax rate on internet gaming compared to 8% on slots and tables revenue. 

Atlantic City Pursues New Revenue Avenues Despite Concerns Over Tax Outflow

Jane Bokunewicz, director of the Lloyd D. Levenson Institute of Gaming, Hospitality, and Tourism at Stockton University, emphasized the importance of supporting the casino industry’s internet gaming efforts to sustain this vital revenue stream.

While concerns have been raised by local officials about the outflow of tax revenue from the city and South Jersey, Mayor Marty Small Sr.’s administration continues to explore avenues to bring more revenue to Atlantic City. Although the city does not receive direct funding from casino taxes, it benefits from a $2 fee per occupied casino hotel room, generating millions in revenue.

This surcharge, which came into effect in March 2022, has already contributed more than $3.8 million this year, primarily allocated to enhancing public safety. At the same time, New Jersey’s gambling industry experienced robust growth in August, surpassing the previous year’s results. Casino revenues remained stable with a modest increase, while internet gaming and sports betting showed significant growth, marking a positive trend for the state’s gambling sector.

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Since the $150-million, first-class gaming and entertainment destination Live! Casino Pittsburgh opened its gates in November 2020 under the reputable The Cordish Companies’ brand, the two have set up a $21-million Local Share Account (LSA). The LSA money was used to generate grants that have since reached a number of municipalities and non-profit organizations in Westmoreland County. 

Now, the duo has made all the details of the grants known to the public, giving grant recipients, leaders in the local communities, state legislators, county commissioners, and Hempfield Township representatives many reasons to celebrate. 

Proving their goal to play “an important role in supporting and enhancing the communities” in Philadelphia’s Westmoreland County, the Cordish Companies, the family-owned business with global reach that develops urban revitalization projects and entertainment districts, has announced the destinations of the funds. 

The money reached a series of important projects, including the reconstruction of old bridges, the resurfacing of roads, bringing improvement to local parks and playgrounds, upgrading stormwater and equipment used by local emergency services including the fire department and the police, and more. 

The LSA grant proceeds have three different sources for funding: the Local Share Account Statewide with $12,928,220, the Local Share Account Category 4 Facilities Program for Westmoreland County with $4,021,881, and the Hempfield Township which received an extra $4,021,881. 

The LSA proceeds generated by Live! Casino for fiscal years 2021 and 2022 reached 38 local municipalities and organizations and were used as an important investment for 77 projects in the county while individual grants ranged from $2,850 to $1 million.

The Hempfield Township Casino, “a True Blessing”

According to Douglas Weimer, the vice chair of the Hempfield Township Board of Supervisors, the opening of the Hempfield Township casino has enabled them to “reverse and improve the economy around the mall” while enhancing the resources and services in the local community.

Since its opening three years ago, the Live! Casino facility has generated close to $519 million in investments to the local economy, including $40 million paid in licensing fees, $100 million in construction jobs and expenses, $5.1 million paid as local taxes to the Hempfield Township, $123 million that reached the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue in the form of taxes from gaming, and close to $55 million in employee compensations among others. 

The Cordish Companies’ managing partner, Joe Weinberg, praised the work put in by their team members, along with elected officials and local organizations toward building a “stronger Westmoreland County through our continued partnership.”

Joining in on the celebrations, the general manager for Live Casino, Sean Sullivan, explained that making a positive impact on the local community has always represented a top priority for them. He added they will continue to support local families with more employment opportunities and local charities with the help of donations and volunteering work.

In April, The Cordish Companies introduced their plans for a $250 million casino resort project in Louisiana. In November 2022, The Cordish Companies’ gaming division, Cordish Gaming Group, announced it would share ownership of its mobile sports betting license in Maryland with its employees.

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