As more than 20 competitors scramble to meet tomorrow's application deadline for Pennsylvania's limited number of slot machine licenses, at least one major developer is no longer interested in entering the race for a stand-alone casino in Pittsburgh.

Charles Betters, of Beaver County, had considered making a gaming facility part of Pittsburgh Palisades Park, his proposed 640-acre development in Hays that would include a thoroughbred horse racing track and residential and commercial activity.

But he now says the casino doesn't fit into his plans, and he's calling for the city's lone license to be used to help replace the Mellon Arena and keep the Penguins here.

"Pittsburgh Development Group does not believe it would be acting in the best interest of the city of Pittsburgh if it were to pursue the award of the stand-alone gaming license," Mr. Betters said yesterday.

That, however, doesn't mean Mr. Betters has given up on the concept of a racetrack casino for Pittsburgh, according to David Kosick, his spokesman.

Mr. Betters is now focusing on winning a thoroughbred racing license from the state Horse Racing Commission. Then he may lobby the Legislature to amend the July 2004 law that legalized up to 61,000 slot machines at 14 casinos around the state.

Under that law, seven horse tracks can receive slot licenses, but six of those presumably will go to tracks that are already licensed for racing, including The Meadows harness track in Washington County.

The remaining slots license must go to a harness track, not a thoroughbred track.

Mr. Betters also may revive a lawsuit in which he claimed that the gambling law unfairly prevents him from obtaining slots and racing licenses. One provision in the law calls for racetrack/slots parlors to be at least 20 miles apart, making his site too close to The Meadows.

Even without slot machines, Mr. Betters wants to go ahead with his plans for a racetrack. His track would offer an average daily purse of $200,000, and he will work with Churchill Downs, operator of the racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Derby.

Mr. Betters also faces competition for a thoroughbred license. The Biros family of White Oak hopes to build a racetrack in South Versailles. And 100% Purses, wants to build one near Allentown in Eastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Betters' proposal also faces some opposition from residents who are concerned about traffic and the potential for flooding after his site is developed.

The Horse Racing Commission will hold hearings early next year before making a decision.