Report: Tropicana Might Buy Sands Casino Bethlehem

Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem has basically been on the market for a year. The Morning Call reported Wednesday that Tropicana Entertainment is interested in buying it, though it’s not clear for how much.

According to the report, analysts said that the casino in Pennsyvlania doesn’t fit in with Las Vegas Sands’ model of “mega-casino.”

The firm makes the majority of its billions from Macau, the world’s top gambling hub.

“I’ve heard the rumors like everyone else, but I’ve heard nothing directly from the Sands or any possible buyer,” Bethlehem mayor Robert Donchez told The Morning Call last week.

“Sands has been a great corporate citizen, and [former Sands President] Bob DeSalvio was an excellent leader. They kept their promises. I would hope that whoever comes in lives up to that standard.”

Sands reportedly spent more than $800 million, more than any other casino in the state, to build the property, which also includes a 302-room hotel, shopping mall and event center. The money wasn’t wasted, as it reportedly is one of the most successful in Pennsylvania.

Tropicana is coming off a recent buy of a casino from Pinnacle Entertainment.

Sands, the largest casino developer in the world, is owned by Sheldon Adelson, while Tropicana is owned by Carl Icahn. Both are within the top 30 richest people in the world.

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