PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SugarHouse Casino announced today that it will double its annual payment to the Penn Treaty Special Services District (PTSSD) in October of this year. The Delaware Avenue casino previously paid $500,000 annually to the PTSSD and will increase its contribution to $1 million annually for 2015. This brings SugarHouse Casino’s total PTSSD contributions to $3.6 million since opening in 2010.
The PTSSD, incorporated in 2009, is a 501 (c)(3) community-based organization that works to enhance the quality of life for residents in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the casino, including Fishtown, South Kensington, Old Richmond and Northern Liberties. The PTSSD uses the casino funds to sponsor community activities, make physical improvements to parks and other infrastructure, and to grant funding for local organizations.
“We are tremendously grateful to SugarHouse Casino and its leadership for their ongoing support,” said Rick Angeli, PTSSD board chairman. “This generous increase will enable the PTSSD to advance operations and evolve our grant-making to include even more sustainable, longer-term initiatives.”
The PTSSD, a wholly independent organization led by an all-volunteer board, entered into a Community Benefits Agreement with SugarHouse Casino when the gaming facility opened in 2010. That commitment allowed for an escalated annual payment once the casino completed and opened its expansion. With the SugarHouse expansion currently underway, casino leaders decided to bump up the PTSSD contribution ahead of the deadline.
“The PTSSD has done an amazing job of directing funds and consistently producing substantial positive impact for our neighborhoods,” said Wendy Hamilton, general manager of SugarHouse Casino. “By increasing our contribution early, we’re providing more resources to do even more great work.”
SugarHouse made the announcement during its July 9 license-renewal hearing before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Pursuant to section 1326 of the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, all licenses shall be subject to renewal every three years.
In addition to the PTSSD, SugarHouse Casino is a proud community partner of hundreds of Philadelphia-based organizations including the Philadelphia Police Athletic League, Susan G. Komen Philadelphia, the Veterans Multi-Service Center and more. Philly’s Casino is also the presenting sponsor of some of the city’s most notable traditions and events, including the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Delaware River and the New Year’s Day Mummers Parade.
For more information about the Penn Treaty Special Services District, including past grants and how to submit applications for future consideration, visit www.penntreatyssd.com.
ABOUT SUGARHOUSE CASINO
SugarHouse, which opened in September 2010 as Philly’s casino, features 1,606 slots, up to 83 table games, fun and unique dining options, riverfront views and free on-site parking. The casino employs approximately 1,100 people, and for four consecutive years has been voted a “Best Place to Work” in the Philadelphia Business Journal, and a “Top Workplace” from Philly.com four years in a row. For more information, visit www.sugarhousecasino.com.
