The Meadows Racetrack & Casino Economic Impact Grows

The Meadows Racetrack & Casino this past week revealed its economic impact to local communities in paid goods and services and tax revenues, showing a 6 percent increase from 2011. 

The latest figures for 2012 show The Meadows disbursing nearly $257 million dollars throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including gaming taxes.

“As an all-inclusive entertainment destination, we are delighted to see a continuing positive impact on southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Sean Sullivan, vice president and general manager of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino.  “Both local businesses and residents within the region’s communities are experiencing a direct benefit of this facility.”

After the nearly $148 million in gaming taxes paid to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, The Meadows expended more than $58 million in Pennsylvania for items such as vendors, supplies, local taxes and charitable donations. 

Since the opening of the casino in 2007, these disbursements have grown 181 percent from its original amount of nearly $21 million. The $58 million in disbursements also does not include the $51 million in annual payroll and related costs for its 1,408 employees.

Unlike previous years, Allegheny County received the largest percentage of non-tax-related disbursements in 2012 totaling more than $30 million. This anomaly resulted from a one-time construction contract related to capital improvements. 

However, Washington County received a total non-tax-related disbursement of more than $19 million. This amount has grown 500 percent from 2007, when the county received approximately $3 million.

These recent figures come simultaneous with the completion of an aggressive $27 million expansion and enrichment program spanning eighteen months. The and enhanced access traffic flow for guests by widening and adding traffic lanes.

Enrichments have also involved enhancing facilities and amenities for guests at the High Limit Slots, Adios Lounge and The Clubhouse, along with new carpeting on the entire casino floor.

Beyond the Pennsylvania figures, The Meadows also expended and additional $70 million dollars for products and services typically not found within the Commonwealth.

The Meadows continues to work with Washington County-based Horizon Properties on developing the 22 acre parcel along Racetrack Road as a retail lifestyle center, referred to as “The Street at The Meadows.” 

The Meadows also expects to construct up to a 200-room hotel, which will add to the long-growing list of amenities offered at the entertainment facility.

"Tax payments, capital improvements, payment to vendors and other contributions obviously have all had a positive impact on this region,” said Sullivan.  “However, our main focus remains on the satisfaction of our customer base and the employees who serve them.”