Erie slots gross $8.9 million on first day

ERIE, Pa. (AP) -- Slot machines at Presque Isle Downs & Casino took in more than $8.9 million on the first day it opened.

The machines paid out about $8.1 million in winnings Wednesday, so the casino cleared about $809,000, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said. Presque Isle Downs keeps 45 percent of the profits while the rest goes to the government.

Of the four slots parlors now open in the state, only Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack near Philadelphia grossed more the first day. And that slots parlor has 2,700 compared to 2,000 at Presque Isle Downs.