Pittsburgh License Race Heats Up As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: "Faced with a competitor's pledge to provide $290 million for a new arena in Pittsburgh, Forest City Enterprises fired back yesterday, claiming its Station Square casino would generate the most tax revenue for the state and the city. "In a letter to Mayor Bob O'Connor and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato, Forest City Director Brian Ratner estimated that the casino, to be operated by Harrah's Entertainment Inc., would produce at least $117 million more a year in state and local taxes than two competitors. "He said the $512 million casino would generate $347.1 million in state gaming taxes and city, county and school property taxes. That compares with $229.5 million for the North Shore casino proposed by Detroit businessman Don Barden and $227.3 million for Isle of Capri's proposed casino near Mellon Arena. "…The claims were immediately disputed by the two challengers. "Mr. Barden described the Forest City estimates as a 'public relations ploy' designed to defuse talk surrounding a new arena. "…David Morehouse, a consultant for the Penguins, who are teaming with Isle of Capri Casinos Inc., said the proposed $617.7 million in yearly slots revenue estimated by Forest City by the casino's second year is far above the estimate of $313 million a year provided by a state consultant for the Pittsburgh casino…" | 
