Both losing bidders for the Pittsburgh slots license have filed appeals challenging the Dec. 20 decision by the state Gaming Control Board to award the Pittsburgh casino license to Detroit businessman Don Barden and his company, PITG Gaming LLC.

Forest City, operating under the name Station Square Gaming, and Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. filed petitions today with the state Supreme Court, which will hear the appeal.

No other details were available.

The appeal could further delay Mr. Barden's timetable for his proposed $435 million North Shore casino. His spokesman said yesterday that Mr. Barden has pushed back his timetable for opening from March 2008 to summer 2008 while waiting for the end of the appeal period, which is Monday. That could end up being longer now, depending on how long it takes for the appeal to be decided.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.