HARRISBURG – Citing the tough economic situation of late, Split Rock Resort, in Carbon County, is dropping its bill to have a slot machine casino.

That leaves Fernwood, near Bushkill,  and Valley Forge Convention Center, outside Philadelphia, as the two contenders for one Category 3 license, which could be awarded by the end of the year.

A Category 3 license permits up to 500 slot machines at an existing full-scale resort complex that offers a significant number of other amenities.  The casino would be for resort guests only.