Mount Airy Casino Resort is going to an adult-only policy, officials at the Pennsylvania facility announced this week. Underage visitors to the resort will not be allowed in the hotel, restaurants, the spa, pool areas or bar area. One exception is the golf course, which will be available to all ages. The restriction goes into effect on Sunday, December 18.
They are not the first casino to institute this policy in the area. Mohegan Pennsylvania has had a 21-and-under ban since June 28, 2020.
Hassan Abdel-Moneim, who has been the vice president of resort operations at Mount Airy since May, said the policy has been debated for years.
“From what I understand, this was discussed prior to the pandemic,” Abdel-Moneim said. “We send out surveys and there was a desire for more of an adult experience within the property.”
Having a ban on those under 21 might actually help with any possible illegal gambling activity.
The resort was fined in September $160,000 for three cases of underage patrons gaining access to the casino floor. One of those instances was an 11-year-old girl who managed to play 10 different slot machines and cash out two gaming vouchers.
“For us, underage drinking and gaming is a concern, so we want to do what is right,” Abdel-Moneim said.
The golf course almost became 21-plus as well, but Abdel-Moneim said there was a spirited debate and they decided to allow minors on the golf course.
“We had a long talk about it,” Abdel-Moneim said. “There have been mother-and-daughter and father-and-son outings, and that’s not bringing children into the property.”
Chris Barrett, president and CEO of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, said he believes the switch to an adults-only facility will provide a boost to the resort.
“The Mount Airy brand is iconic, and part of that brand’s story has been its attraction to adults for having romantic times together and exploring,” Barrett said. “It lends itself much more to that type of demographic so naturally it’s a very prudent and strong move.”
