Philadelphia Residents Gamble at the Sands Bethlehem Casino
Contrary to previous reports, the Las Vegas Sands Corp. does not plan to sell its casino property in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The gaming complex, which is within an hour’s drive of Philadelphia, was termed in a recent statement to investors as an “industry leader” among Pennsylvania’s gambling sector.
On March 14, the previous president of Bethlehem Casino, Robert DeSalvio, resigned from the company. DeSalvio joined Wynn Resorts Limited to help its bid to win a casino in one of the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts. At the time, DeSalvio’s defection was seen as a further sign the Bethlehem resort would be sold by Las Vegas Sands Corp. Last Friday’s announcement put doubts to rest with a new appointment to president, along with an investor statement meant to calm rumors.
The gaming company appointed Mark Juliano to be the new president of the Sands Bethelehem Casino. In the release to investors, the Las Vegas Sands described Juliano’s strong suits as his industry experience and “extensive East Coast ties”. The move is a clear sign that Sheldon Adelson’s gaming company is devoted to its Pennsylvania operation.
Mark Juliano’s Gaming Background
Previous to working at the Bethlehem resort, Mark Juliano worked at the Marina Bay Sands, the glamorous integrated resort in Singapore. In his duties at the casino in Singapore, Mr. Juliano was the senior vice president and chief casino officer.
Juliano’s career includes time in the gaming industry, but also in the hospitality sector. He has previously served in senior positions in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Juliano was the president and chief operations officer for Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Also, he spent significant time in Atlantic City, working as president of Caesars Atlantic City, the CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts, and chairman of the Altantic City Convention & Visitors Authority. Before Mark Juliano’s position becomes official, he will need to have his gaming license approved by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
As he addressed his new position to investors, Mr. Juliano described the Sands Bethlehem as “one of the leading entertainment and casino destinations on the East Coast.” He want on to voice his optimism that the casino’s best days were ahead of it, despite having a “tremendous run” in the past.
Adelson Calls Sands Bethlehem “Historic Site”
Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson released a statement of introduction to investors, in which he gave his most forceful indication the Sands Corp. would be staying in the Pennsylvania market. In the statement, Adelson said, “We are certainly proud of the financial success Sands Bethlehem has achieved, but we are also very proud of fulfilling the commitments we made to the people of the Lehigh Valley. Bringing pride back to a historic site many thought was lost for good is the real legacy of Sands Bethlehem.”
Michael Leven Assures Workers in Bethlehem
Prior to the statement, much speculation had centered on rumors that the Las Vegas Sands Corp. was ready to sell its Pennsylvania operation. Regional media had speculated that the move would leave the Sands less influential in the state. The implication was Pennsylvania might be more likely to legalize online gambling, as neighboring states New Jersey and Delaware have done.
Las Vegas Sands president and COO Michael Leven made certain to assure employees at the Sands Resort in Bethlehem, many of whom he said had worked for the property since the first day it had opened for business. Leven said in a press statement, “They have had to endure some trying events in recent months, including waves of media speculation about the future of the property. Today, that speculation stops, and a new chapter in the history of Sands Bethlehem begins.”
About Sands Bethlehem Casino
The Sands Bethlehem includes a 300 room hotel and 139,000 square feet of gaming space. In the gaming area is 3,024 of gaming machines and 182 combined poker and table games. Thousands of Pennsylvanians work at the Sands Bethlehem. Had the casino been sold, the job status of such workers would have been in jeopardy. While the casino would have remained in operation, new ownership often means reorganization and lay-offs.
Bethlehem is a city of roughly 75,000 people which neighbors Allentown. The city is 56 miles from downtown Philadelphia, so most of its gamblers come from the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. The clientele has made the property the highest-revenue gambling property in the state.
