Gambling proceeds from Valley Forge Casino Resort to benefit Montco parks, non-profits

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Currently, revenue from Valley Forge Casino is not distributed for the benefit of Montgomery County as is done for all other counties that host a resort casino. (Image courtesy wikimedia.com)

Rep. Marcy Toepel recently announced, along with several of her colleagues from Montgomery County, that $1.7 million of Valley Forge Casino money will benefit Montgomery County parks and nonprofits beginning Jan. 1, 2018. Toepel has been advocating for this important change for years, according to a press release from her office.

“This has been a long road, but truly one of the more satisfying moments of my tenure in Harrisburg. Despite the difficulties associated with instituting a change like this, knowing how well the money would be used to benefit local residents – especially children who experienced abuse – always motivated me,” Toepel said.


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Currently, revenue from Valley Forge Casino is not distributed for the benefit of Montgomery County as is done for all other counties that host a resort casino per the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, Act 71 of 2004. Instead, revenue is currently spent without any influence at the county government level.

“I am pleased the state House and Senate have voted to give Montgomery County local control over a portion of the gaming revenue generated in our county. This new revenue will go directly to supporting our parks and trails, which attract nearly 2.5 million visitors a year,” said Val Arkoosh, chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners.

Beginning in January, the county’s seven parks, four historic sites and 91 miles of hiking trails will receive 75 percent of Montgomery County’s local share assessment for slots and table games for the purpose of maintenance and refurbishment. Laurel House and Mission Kids, nonprofits that assist local families in need, will each receive 12.5 percent.

To read the complete press release click here. 

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