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Casinos Not Illegal in Bethlehem But Zoning Not Finalized

Hundreds of people attended the hearing debate in Bethlehem regarding gambling issue. The City Council decided it wouldn't make casinos illegal in south Bethlehem, so it means that the casino is legal. Even though that's the decision, Las Vegas Sands Corp is not taking any chances.

Las Vegas Sands Corp officials are formally requesting zoning that would make the proposed site of the BethWorks land in south Bethlehem legal for construction of a casino.

The change in zoning would make a "licensed gaming facility" free from other opponents suing that would want to stop the development.

"We've always believed City Council's action last year made it legal, but with this, we want to make it absolutely clear," said Andy Abboud, president of corporate relations for Las Vegas Sands.

The real battle over gambling in Bethlehem started when opponents argued that a slot machine casino would ruin Bethlehem, that battle was waged last September. The Council voted 4-3 against a zoning change then, but the vote did not ban gambling or casino zoning in the city.

The currently zoning, though it does not ban gambling. does not specifically allow it in the Industrial Redevelopment zone that covers the BethWorks now site. "We're going to clear up any ambiguity in the law," said Mayor John Callahan. "This will set off a new round of public hearings, but it's important that we remove any doubt."