High Rollers: The Meteoric Rise of Pennsylvania's Gaming Industry

High Rollers: The Meteoric Rise of Pennsylvania's Gaming Industry

In the summer of 2004, Gov. Ed Rendell and top state lawmakers promoted legalized casino gaming as a way to create jobs and put gaming revenue to work for Pennsylvanians – including providing relief from school property taxes.

Ten years later, PSU York alumnus Paul Resch ’95 who serves as Director of Gaming Operations for the PA Gaming Control Board takes a look back at the state’s brief history with casino gaming. Paul’s unique experience includes serving as a senior legislative staffer during the passage of the Gaming Act in 2004, serving as the PGCB’s first Board Secretary and serving as the agency’s point person for five casino openings including Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, the No. 1 revenue producing casino in the state.

Hear how Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos have risen to the top nationally in tax revenue generated for the state. The exact figure is $1.3 billion a year in gaming taxes – more than any other state. In fact, it’s more tax revenue than Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware combined. Find out where that money goes and how it benefits all of us.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board was established in 2004 and assigned the responsibility of overseeing the licensing, opening and ongoing operation of casinos. Paul was among the first waves of employees hired. Learn how effective regulation is a cornerstone of the commercial gaming industry – how it assures customers that the games are fair and how it assures communities that casino owners, managers and employees are trustworthy. Hear how Paul and his colleagues work to ensure the integrity of casino gaming and the continued success of the industry.

Paul Resch was appointed Director of the Bureau of Gaming Operations by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in December 2008 after serving in an acting capacity in that position since May 2008. As Director of Gaming Operations, he oversees a staff whose responsibilities include compliance auditing and the review and approval of accounting and internal controls, table game rules and equipment including cards, dice and chips. Along with the Executive Director and the Director of Casino Compliance, Paul and his staff led the Board’s oversight of the implementation of more than 650 table games at the Commonwealth’s nine casinos in 2010. He also led the Board’s Opening Team for the opening of Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem and Rivers Casino in 2009 as well as the permanent facility openings at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in 2008 and The Meadows Racetrack and Casino and Parx Casino in 2009. He joined the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board in March 2006, and has served as Board Secretary, Executive Assistant to the Executive Director and Legislative Liaison.

Prior to joining the Board, Paul was a senior legislative staffer in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1998 to 2006, serving as executive director, communications specialist and targeted services coordinator. During this tenure there, he assisted with the drafting of legislation including the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, which authorized limited gaming in the Commonwealth. His public service career includes serving on Columbia Borough Council in Lancaster County from 2002-2005, including two years as President. Paul received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Penn State University. He lives in Columbia with his wife and two children.