Ravenstahl Wants To Meet With Gaming Board Over Pittsburgh Casino Controversy

Last week, Channel 11 News reported that North Shore casino owner Don Barden asked to have control of the project transferred to another partner. Now, some state lawmakers are announcing they want to revoke the Majestic Star owner’s gaming license all together.

On Tuesday, Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said he doesn’t know anything about the new owners, but he said he wants to meet with the Gaming Control Board as soon as possible. Video: Check It Out

Lawmakers from the House and Senate, including Republicans Jane Orie, and Mike Turzai, and Democrat Jim Ferlo, are calling upon the Gaming Control Board to revoke Barden's license. They argue that the new primary stakeholders should have to reapply for the license once Barden's share falls to 25 percent.

Orie, Turzai and Ferlo submitted letters asking the Gaming Control Board to revoke PITG Gaming’s license. Click Here to Read

They said the project is filled with too many question marks after Barden failed to come up with solid financing.

The lawmakers said they also want the selection process opened up to public scrutiny.

Ravenstahl said he doesn’t want to speculate about a new bidding process until after her talks with the Gaming Board. He also said he is frustrated the city has been left out of the process of picking an operator and the site and now the city has to deal with the mess left behind.

“I’ve been somewhat critical of the process from the beginning and now even more so because we are dealing with the hand that’s dealt to us,” said Ravenstahl. “I’ve tried to be as flexible as I possibly can. I’ve tried to be of assistance to Mr. Barden and his team. But there comes a point in time where we need to make sure, and I need to make sure, as the mayor of the city, that the promises that were made are kept.”

However, Ravenstahl said he is optimistic the setback of a few months won't interfere with the casino opening next summer.

That deal to transfer ownership of the Majestic Star Casino could come at any time, officials said.

Barden and other investors worked all weekend on a deal to give primary ownership to Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm and George Carlin.

Apparently, Barden is dropping out of the main ownership role due to financial troubles. He originally made a couple of changes to the plans to help keep the project within budget and asked the Planning Commission for permission to hold off on building a riverfront amphitheater.

He also said he wants to delay a dock area and walking path until after the casino has been open for three years.

However, Barden's new partners said last week the dock and amphitheater no longer need to be delayed, and they will open with the rest of the facility.

According to the State Capitol Reporter, Bluhm's investment firm, Walton Street Capital, is investing $120 million into the $780 million project in exchange for a 75 percent stake in the casino.

Previous Stories: July 11, 2008: Majestic Star Chairman Appears Before State Gaming Control Board July 9, 2008: Pittsburgh Casino Developer To Discuss Finances July 2, 2008: Ravenstahl Expresses Concern In Casino Changes June 30, 2008: Majestic Star Casino: New Investor Announced But Construction Will Temporarily Stop June 25, 2008: Contractor Answers Questions About Casino Financing Concerns June 11, 2008: North Shore Casino Owner Summoned By Gaming Control Board May 21, 2008: North Shore Casino Receives Final Push Needed To Finish Construction April 23, 2008: Majestic Star Casino Surrounded By Financial Questions April 16, 2008: Pittsburgh Casino Financing Cost Jumps To $630 Million