Business & Tech

Penn National Gaming Announces Partnership With Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau

The partnership would take effect should Penn National be awarded the commonwealth's sole slots parlor license.


Penn National Gaming announced Wednesday a partnership with the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau to develop a "comprehensive marketing campaign" to draw visitors to the Merrimack Valley region. 

Penn National is currently proposing a $200 million slots-only casino at 300 Ames Pond Drive in Tewksbury.

Residents will vote at a special Town Meeting on Aug. 20 on the zoning changes necessary to accommodate the facility; a two-thirds majority is required for the changes to pass. 

The agreement would take effect should Penn National be awarded the commonwealth's sole slots parlor license. 

“We are excited to be partnering with the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau and look forward to working closely with them to highlight all that the Merrimack Valley has to offer,” said Jeff Morris, Director of Public Affairs at Penn National Gaming in a statement.  

“We know that it is key to have strong marketing partnerships that leverage all the area attractions to ensure that the regional business community will benefit from our facility.”

Deb Belanger, the Executive Director of the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau said she is excited for the impact the proposed Merrimack Valley Casino could have on commerce in the region. 

“We have been impressed by Penn National and their vision for growing the tourism industry in the Merrimack Valley,” said Belanger. “We are looking forward to working with them, and are excited about what this could mean for our industry in the Merrimack Valley.”



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