AAU Takes Anti-Casino Fight to Harrisburg

Asian Americans United and the Philadelphia Anti-Casino Coalition took their battle to Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania. They organized busloads of people to attend a state Gaming Control Board hearing around the proposed Foxwoods Casino in Philadelphia. At the hearing, AAU and Coalition members were allowed to speak, but the Board still kept the project alive. However it continues to fine the developers for delays and threaten the project’s gambling license. The Board has also asked for more documentation around finances from developers.

AAU has cited evidence that Steve Wynn, one of the potential casino developers, is very aware of the proximity of the Chinatown and Asian American populations. In recent comments in an investor call, Wynn noted that he loves his proximity to “these people” and to the “Vietnamese neighborhood.” AAU and other community groups said that Wynn is targeting minorities and immigrants with the casino. Steve Wynn recently came to an agreement with the developers to take over the stalled project. The Gaming Control Board must approve his role. 

The anti-Casino Coalition won a victory recently when a city judge dismissed disorderly conduct charges of fourteen protestors. The men and women, who included two ministers, a grandmother, a great-grandfather and two professors had sat down at the entrance to the Sugarhouse Casino construction site Sept. 29, chanting "No casinos, no slots." They had each faced up to five years in prison and fines as high as $12,500. The Sugarhouse Casino is a separate project in the city.

Those wanting to support the campaign can contact AAU.