Five Great Places To Gamble In The Lehigh Valley

Pennsylvania has come a long way from its Quaker heritage. A long way.

Casinos began operating in the state a few years ago, courtesy of Act 71, putting a screeching halt to the illegal video poker vendors that operated in many areas of the state for decades.

The monies garnered are used to help fill huge general fund budget gaps, in addition to offering property tax relief and assistance to school districts.

But there are several other types of legal gambling besides the shiny new casinos and recession and high unemployment hasn't stopped people from risking their hard-earned dough.

So we've taken the liberty of listing some convenient places to part with -- or even win -- some cold, hard cash.

 The List: Five Great Places To Gamble

●         in Bethlehem is a full-service casino with more than 3,000 slots, a large poker room and a big selection of table games. Several restaurants, bars and entertainment are available. A 300-room hotel is expected to be completed later this year and published reports say additional table games are on the way. It's a 24/7 operation.

●         Are horses your game? The Downs at Lehigh Valley, located at 1780 Airport Road in Allentown, offers simulcast horse racing from tracks around the country seven days a week from 11:30 a.m. to midnight. A full-service restaurant, a bar and concession stands are available.

●         Is bingo your thing? Games take place five nights a week at Jay Bird Bingo, located at 91 Larry Holmes Drive in Easton.

●         Want your bingo dough to help charity? Play your games at local churches or charities. For example, the Pennsylvania Federation of Injured Workers, holds several fund-raising bingo nights each month. The next one is scheduled tomorrow night, Feb. 25 at Dewey Firehouse, located at 502 Durham St. in Hellertown.

●         You can plunk down your "dollar and a dream," on your favorite numbers at any Pennsylvania Lottery retailer throughout the Lehigh Valley. Hey, you've got to be in it to win it.