Above, hundreds wait their turn to enter the casino Right, Louis DeNaples, in a rare media interview. DeNaples praised all who helped bring his dream to reality

Paradise Township -  Louis DeNaples told the state Gaming Control Board that if he were granted a license last December, he would have a casino open in ten months.  GCB member Ray Angeli told those gathered for the ribbon cutting that he “missed it by two days”.  DeNaploes replied that HE was ready a week ago.

That argument aside, Mount Airy’s casino is indeed open, with the first customer, a New York City man, in line at 8:15, almost four hours before the opening.;

DeNaples calleld the opening a “great example of what can be accomplished”, with determination and motivation.

The Scranton developer was praiswed by many for carrying out his dream.

Pocono Mountain Vacation Bureau chief Robert Uguccioni said this is a pivotal day for the economy of the Poconos.

With the ribbon cutting over, the doors opened, two minutes early.