DeNaples Speaks Out on Slots

(Thursday April 27) Six resort developers were at a public hearing Thursday in Carbon County before the Gaming Control Board. They all are betting on getting licenses to build slot machine casinos in Pennsylvania. But there are only two licenses. Two developers for casinos in Monroe County laid out their plans for slots. The first is Pocono Manor which would cost over 1 billion dollars, bring in 38-hundred new jobs and have 750 hotel rooms in a 234-foot tall complex. That development is "rolling the dice" against plans to redevelop the honeymoon destination Mount Airy lodge. That project is smaller and would bring in 650 jobs and 200 hotel rooms. But the buzz at thursdays hearings was over one man -- the developer of Mount Airy who hasn`t talked to the media on camera in years. For the first time ever, Dunmore businessman Louis DeNaples broke his silence over plans for slots on Mount Airy Lodge Thursday. His answers were short and to the point, especially when we asked him "why" he testified in person. "Because I`m the sole investor and the sole owner of the project." The slots showdown opened DeNaples up to his opponents. His critics say he has ties to organized crime, even the gaming board." DeNaples denied both, saying he doesn`t have a "lock" on a license. But Scranton businessman Bob Bolus says that`s far from the truth. "Louie just feels he can own and buy anyone he wants -- and I`m sure he can. I`m just one who`s not for sale," said Bolus. Whether DeNaples or developers for the competing Pocono Manor win out remains to be seen. But DeNaples personal appearance sure won`t hurt his chances... "The most important factor the board has to consider is the issues of suitability -- the character and the background of the individuals involved," said Gaming Control Board Member Nick Hayes. As for DeNaples, he feels lucky. "I`m 100 percent confident."