One of several approvals needed before Penn National Gaming can host its grand opening of Hollywood Casino York in the York Galleria was granted by Springettsbury Township supervisors this week.

The township supervisors unanimously agreed that the Wyomissing-based gaming company provided adequate redevelopment plans. The plans described the types of improvements, upgrades and changes that would be made in the vacant store space, formerly anchored by Sears.

According to The York Dispatch, "The board’s vote ratified things such as proposed signage, landscaping, changes to parking at the mall and a 3,000-square-foot building addition that would contain a stairwell and elevator to the casino.”

A Category 4 “satellite casino” can operate 300 to 750 slot machines and up to 30 table games in Pennsylvania. The state’s gambling law expanded in 2017 to allow for mini-casinos across the state, but they were subject to geographical limitations.

The new gambling law allows for up to 10 permits for mini-casinos.

Penn National selected the Galleria as the site of the first mini-casino in September 2018, the York Dispatch reported. The company bid the highest amount of $50 million to place a casino in York County.

The project has several more approvals to attain, including the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s final approval.

In June, the state gaming board approved Penn National’s planned Hollywood Casino in Caernarvon Township, Berks County, just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 176. It’s the first new casino license approved by the gaming board in five years.

The company operates the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in East Hanover Twp., Dauphin County.