Pennsylvania Board Renews Presque Isle Downs Casino License by 5 Years

Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie County will keep its doors open for at least another five years after the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) unanimously approved the renewal of its Category 1 horse track casino license.

Good to Know

• Presque Isle Downs opened in 2007 and has generated nearly $2.52 billion in revenue.
• The casino is operated under Churchill Downs, the company behind the Kentucky Derby.
• The venue features 1,525 slot machines and 31 table games.

The decision follows months of hearings, financial reviews, and community input. During the process, PGCB officials listened to testimony from the casino’s management and allowed local residents to voice concerns about how the property affects Erie County.

Board Chair Denise Smyler stressed that the PGCB’s analysis was extensive. She said:

“The Board has taken a very close look at this license renewal, and we would first like to thank the efforts of Board staff – particularly, the Financial Investigations Unit, within the Bureau of Investigations, and the Office of Enforcement Counsel – for providing us with the tools and information which allowed us to perform a detailed analysis.”

The discussions were not without concerns. At a hearing earlier this year, Presque Isle’s general manager hinted that financial struggles might force the property to close “in the near future.” That comment raised worries among employees and patrons about the casino’s stability.

Reassurance for the Community

In her closing remarks, Smyler addressed those concerns directly saying:

“We realize that conducting such a thorough and detailed review, which we were obligated to do – may have been a little disconcerting to the people of Erie, particularly the good people that work at Presque Isle Downs, Presque Isle suppliers and its patrons.”

She added that with Churchill Downs backing the venue financially, the board believes Presque Isle will continue operating.

“The Board is renewing this license for five years, and while there will be conditions on Presque Isle Downs requiring ongoing monitoring by the board, we are confident that Presque Isle Downs, with the financial support of Churchill Downs behind it, will continue to be open and, with ongoing modifications, we are hopeful will once again thrive.”

For Erie County, the renewal is a lifeline. Presque Isle Downs has been a local fixture since 2007, and its revenue contributions have become an important part of the region’s economy. With the license secured, the casino has an opportunity to strengthen operations, reassure employees, and invest in the future of racing and gaming in Pennsylvania.

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