New Pocono casino tries its hand in dicey economy

WHO KNOWS if the Connecticut-based Mohegan Tribe of Indians would have built its recently opened Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs slots parlor in Wilkes-Barre had tribal principals known where the economy was heading when planning began.

"Clearly, no one wants to open a new facility in the eye of the kind of economic storm that exists today," reasoned Robert Soper, President and CEO of Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. "We came in just in time and finished just in time."

This coincidence of timing means that instead of joining the rolls of gaming companies with casino construction projects torpedoed by the worst financial conditions in 75 years, the Mohegan crowd can claim ownership of what is arguably the most impressive gambling den in the brief history of legal casino gaming in the Keystone State.

Located on the grounds of the Pocono Downs racetrack, which sits on a nondescript commercial strip on the outskirts of Wilkes-Barre, Mohegan Sun will appear instantly familiar to anyone who has visited the Mohegan Sun casino-resort in southeastern Connecticut.

Like its big brother, the four-month-old main casino at Mohegan Sun (the original, temporary facility is still in use as well) is a richly appointed facility whose interior design pays homage to nature, with an emphasis on the local environment.

The main entrance is dominated by a sculpture that depicts the metamorphosis of coal - the natural resource upon which the region's economy was founded in the 1800s - into diamonds. Many of the woods and stones used in the construction are indigenous to Northeastern Pennsylvania, and design details represent the state bird (ruffled grouse), flower (mountain laurel) and fish (brook trout).

The idea, explained Jim Wise, the casino's vice-president of marketing, was to let local residents know the tribe and its gambling operation wanted to fully integrate into the community and not come off as big-bucks outsiders looking to force their way of doing things on the region.

"We think it's very important to not come in and big-shot everyone - 'We're Mohegan Sun,' " said Wise, a former Atlantic City casino exec who may be remembered by 76ers fans as the successor to the legendary Dave Zinkoff as the team's public address announcer.

But for all its tributes to the natural splendor of its host region and state, Mohegan Sun is hardly a museum. Instead, it's a state-of-the-art gaming hall with amenities that wouldn't be out of place in Atlantic City or Las Vegas.

The casino floor, which contains some 2,500 slot machines of varying denominations from one cent to $100 (those are housed in a separate, high-limit lounge), is circumscribed by a promenade featuring a variety of retail outlets, bars and restaurants. Among the latter are a Ruth's Chris steak house, whose contemporary interior design is the prototype for the chain's future outlets, and an equally upscale Italian/Mediterranean eatery, Rustic Kitchen Bistro & Bar, which has its own TV studio where cooking programs are produced. (National distribution deals are in development.)

There is also the 300-seat Timbers Buffet and a food court whose vendors include Johnny Rockets, the popular, '50s-themed burger joint, and Wolfgang Puck Express, a fast-food offshoot of the celeb chef's culinary empire (top price point is $10.95 for each of two entrees, Rosemary Rotisserie Chicken and Rigatoni Chicken Alfredo).

Shopping choices include the Marshall Rousso clothes store and the Poconos' only Brookstone outlet. A unique feature is the studio of The River 105, a local rock station that broadcasts from Mohegan Sun.

The complex has no large entertainment facility (Wise suggested the casino may use the racetrack for outdoor large-scale shows next summer). But Breakers, one of two casino bars, features live bands Thursday through Saturday evenings.

While Mohegan Sun shares much with Atlantic City casinos, there are some fundamental differences. Like all Pennsylvania slot houses, it pays 55 cents of each dollar earned to the state (Atlantic City's "vig" is 9.25 percent). This means Mohegan Sun must be a lot stingier with player comps.

On the other hand, customers who use their Players Club cards can redeem accrued points on a one-for-one cash basis. In some Atlantic City casinos, including Borgata, the exchange rate is one dollar for every two points.

So far, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs has, according to CEO Soper, held its own in the face of the economic downturn. "We haven't grown as much as originally anticipated," he said. "We're getting as much traffic, but [visitors] aren't spending as many dollars" as they might have in more secure fiscal times.

Nonetheless, those who do make it to Mohegan Sun are generally surprised to find this kind of high-end operation in an area not known for its tourist accommodations. Bill Sophy, 64, and Gloria Burns, 58, of Kresgeville, Monroe County, recently checked out the property for the first time.

"We wanted to see it. Everybody has been telling us how nice a casino it is. And it really is," said Sophy, who noted he and Burns are longtime regulars at Atlantic City's Taj Mahal.

"It's very impressive, the way they have it done. It's definitely equal to the Taj."

Another veteran Atlantic City gambler, Barbara Obas, 58, of Berwick, Columbia County, was making her third visit. She, too, had high praise.

"I love it, it's beautiful," said Obas, whose shore casinos of choice are the Taj and Bally's Atlantic City.

"I think it measures up to the level of Atlantic City." *