HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Top public officials, casino operators, equipment manufacturers, and analysts will examine the enormous potential of the country's newest gaming market at Pennsylvania Gaming Congress 2005, a major industry conference to be held here Feb 9.

Pennsylvania Gaming Congress 2005 presents a premier forum to discuss the economic impact, investment climate, regulatory challenges and other aspects of what could be the country's largest slot-machine jurisdiction outside of Nevada.


"With a potential for 61,000 slot machines in 14 locations, Pennsylvania is poised to make a dramatic impact on the gaming industry and, importantly, the lives of Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania Gaming Congress 2005 will attract the experts who will provide valuable insight and answer critical questions," said Michael Pollock, publisher of "Gaming Industry Observer," which tracks trends in gaming. The "Observer's" Platinum Service is prized for its particular expertise in eastern U.S. gaming markets.


"Gaming Industry Observer," winner of four national awards for editorial excellence and a major producer of gaming conferences, will produce Pennsylvania Gaming Congress 2005 with presenting sponsors Public Affairs Management LLC, a leading government relations firm in Pennsylvania, and Duane Morris LLP, an international law firm based in Philadelphia.


"As we develop this huge, new gaming industry in Pennsylvania, it is important that we take the right first steps," said Mark S. Singel, former Lieutenant Governor and Acting Governor of Pennsylvania, now Managing Director of Public Affairs Management. "The Pennsylvania Gaming Congress will be essential for public officials, gaming executives, investors, and observers who are involved in the process."


The Pennsylvania Gaming Congress 2005 will include the sessions "Lessons Learned from Other Markets," "The Wall Street View of Pennsylvania Gaming," "Slot Machines: Where and How Many?" "The Regulations: Future Foundation" and "Government's Role in Shaping the Industry," the latter session moderated by Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Statehouse Bureau Chief Tom Barnes.


Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr., president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, will deliver a keynote address. The intensive, daylong conference takes place at the Hilton Harrisburg & Towers.


"Global Gaming Business Weekly," the only weekly publication covering the international gaming industry, is the official magazine of Pennsylvania Gaming Congress 2005. Cooper Levenson (http://www.cooperlevenson.com/) is the official multijurisdictional legal and regulatory advisor of Pennsylvania Gaming Congress 2005. The casino practice of the Atlantic City-based firm, led by internationally recognized attorney Lloyd Levenson works extensively with gaming clients around the world.


For more information, call (609) 652-6672.

About Gaming Industry Observer:

Michael Pollock's "Gaming Industry Observer" (http://www.gamingobserver.com/) is an award-winning newsletter nationally recognized for spotting, tracking and analyzing trends that impact the gaming industry. Its Platinum Service provides same-day news and analysis of key events in Northeast gaming markets and delivers the monthly Northeast Slot Report(C).


About Public Affairs Management


Public Affairs Management LLC, (http://www.publicaffairsmgt.com/), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Duane Morris, is a public affairs and government relations firms providing services in the areas of legislative and regulatory advocacy, government relations, crisis communications, association management and marketing and consulting services. Headquartered in Harrisburg, PA, Public Affairs Management has offices in Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Wilmington, DE, San Francisco and Miami.


About Duane Morris


Duane Morris LLP (http://www.duanemorris.com/), one of the 100 largest law firms in the United States, is a full-service firm of approximately 550 lawyers. In addition, Duane Morris affiliates have approximately 50 professionals engaged in ancillary service businesses. The firm represents clients across the nation and around the world through a combination of more than 20 offices and a relationship with an international network of independent law firms.


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Source: Gaming Industry Observer

CONTACT: Joe Weinert for Gaming Industry Observer, +1-609-652-6672


Web site: http://www.publicaffairsmgt.com/


Web site: http://www.duanemorris.com/


Web site: http://www.gamingobserver.com/

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