The event took place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
An estimated eight-thousand job seekers converged on the Convention Center to take a look at what the Sugarhouse Casino will have to offer employment-wise when it opens on the north end of Delaware Avenue in September.
Sugarhouse says there will be 800 permanent jobs at Philadelphia's first casino. Applications are being taken online. Tuesday's mass turnout session was billed as a preview and learning session for every job category - from finance to table game dealer.
One organizer explained to job hunters, "We train you for free. So you don't have to pay to be trained - that's on us. You will have to get your license and everything."
For those who are now jobless the event offers hope, which is the light at the end of the tunnel.
Craig Barbera of South Philadelphia has narrowed down his search. "I'm looking in the food and beverages department. I've been looking for about three months now."
North Philadelphia resident Daryl Medley tells Action News, "Right now I'm unemployed... You know, I'm out there every day looking. You know, it's hard out here."
Claudia Blake of Ambler was one of many looking for a career change. "I'm currently a substitute teacher looking for fulltime employment, hopefully where I can use my supervisory skills and my teaching skills."
Sugarhouse General Manager Wendy Hamilton will have lots of resumes to review. Maybe 1 in 10 of the applicants will land a job. "People are very receptive at this time, especially with the economy we're in. And you can see the turnout we've had, which is great."
Hamilton promises that the 800 casino jobs will feature 401K plans and full health benefits.
With the Foxwoods deal very much in jeopardy, Sugarhouse, for the near future, will be the only legal casino operating in Philadelphia.
