The noise generated by Pittsburgh's soon-to-be slots casino has increased in volume to an almost deafening level with the approach of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board's Dec. 20 meeting at which a license will be awarded. The sounds are not the bells and whistles of winning machines, but the cacophony of PowerPoint presentations, promises and protests about the three applicants for the Pittsburgh prize.

Anne Swager and Ronald D. Porter are co-chairs of the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force (www.pittsburghgamingtaskforce.org).

Over the past 18 months, the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force -- composed entirely of volunteer professionals and community representatives -- has invested countless hours researching, studying, interviewing, visiting and listening for the purpose of providing an objective, independent perspective on which casino deal would be best for Pittsburgh.

Simply put, the best casino for Pittsburgh would provide the best economic development opportunity for the city while improving our quality of life. This doesn't mean it would necessarily offer the highest revenue projection, the largest employee base, the most community giveback, the most complete acceptance by the surrounding community or even the best traffic plan. Rather, it would provide the best combination of these and other considerations and result in a successful casino operated by a company that is Pittsburgh's true economic development partner.

The importance of this casino succeeding cannot be overstated or undervalued. Casinos can fail. Poor location, overinvestment, the wrong management team, acts of God or superior competition can interfere. Pittsburgh's own John Connelly had a much-heralded riverboat gaming business that no longer exists.

The Pittsburgh casino license will give one casino operator a regional monopoly, and it should go to the applicant with the most viable model for its business and for the economic vitality of the entire city.

As established by Act 71, the state's gaming legislation, the primary benefit of slots casinos for Pennsylvanians is property tax relief. Lower taxes certainly will contribute to the economic stability of the region. But there is a greater opportunity involved, and Pittsburghers -- with the leverage of only one license approval process -- have the right to demand more.

A successful casino in Pittsburgh will provide well-paying jobs in a new and growing industry. It will strengthen Pittsburgh as a regional tourism destination. Community and nonprofit organizations will realize increased support through contributions from the casinos. A successful gaming operation will generate economic spin-offs, such as new restaurants, shops and businesses that provide casino support services. And, because of its urban location, a successful Pittsburgh casino will become part of the iconic image of the Golden Triangle and the Three Rivers.

Synergy is important. The most successful casinos are part of larger entertainment complexes that include performance spaces or arenas, shopping and family activities. This allows casino visitors to enjoy a rich, multi-faceted experience,

Traffic is important. Pittsburgh's casino needs to be convenient for 6 million annual visitors to get to without causing congestion that hurts nearby communities. Traffic and roadway improvements needed to accommodate this additional volume should not come at public expense.

Design is important. Pittsburgh is a beautiful city with many distinguished attractions. Pittsburgh's casino must fit into and enhance the urban environment. Buildings at their best contribute positively to the experience, whether a visitor actually goes to the casino or just passes by. Pittsburgh has many successful developments, including our emerging riverfronts, the Crawford Square neighborhood and the cluster of family entertainment venues on the North Shore located near the three proposed casinos. Done well, Pittsburgh's casino would bolster such excellent efforts.

Community-wide citizenship is important. The Pittsburgh casino must benefit the entire city as well as the community immediately adjacent to it. Social impact and education efforts should be directed at mitigating concerns, particularly for close-by neighbors. A large part of the workforce should come from the adjacent community.

Employment opportunities are important. Every effort must be taken to assure that jobs at all levels within the casino industry are fully accessible to all qualified candidates and, where necessary, training and other mechanisms are available to provide support to candidates who otherwise might be excluded.

Social service support is important. Pittsburgh's casino operator must complement internal problem-gaming mitigation programs with broader community partnerships. Social problems can arise from casinos, and the gaming operator should engage these partners from the start.

Involvement is important. The gaming operator has to be a partner with Pittsburgh to fully realize the potential it can contribute to the city, whether with a new arena, a revitalization of the lower Hill District or donations to community-based organizations.

Commitment is important. Pittsburgh's casino partner must be dedicated to its success in Pittsburgh. This must be demonstrated with more than promises or assurances; the gaming operator should have binding and enforceable agreements about its investment in the local casino and its community pledges.

Over the next 10 days the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force will continue its analysis of the three proposals for a Pittsburgh casino, and we will submit a final letter detailing our comments, suggestions and concerns to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

In the real world nothing is perfect, including the three casino plans. Serious issues remain about giant parking garages on the riverfront, development promises that are not nailed down, traffic congestion issues that would require investments borne by the public and concerns about temporary operations. Yet, based on available information and considered against the above measurements, the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force believes Isle of Capri is the strongest plan and provides the best opportunity for Pittsburgh.

When the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board hears final presentations from the Category 2 Pittsburgh license applicants on Dec. 19 and when they deliberate on Dec. 20, the Pittsburgh Gaming Task Force encourages them to make the decision based on which proposal provides the most comprehensive benefit to the entire region. Anything less would marginalize this economic development opportunity for Pittsburgh.