The continued rise in online gambling has significantly boosted Pennsylvania’s gaming revenue, with a reported total of $557,666,142 generated across all gaming and fantasy contests in July. This figure reflects an 11.4% increase compared to the same month last year, driven primarily by a remarkable 41.3% increase in iGaming slot revenue, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
Growth Potential and Local Insights
Doug Harbach, director of communications for the PGCB, expressed optimism about the future of online gaming in the state. “I think we probably have not peaked in regards to gaming through online,” he stated. He added that the market appears poised for further growth, despite the competition from offshore gambling sites that target Pennsylvania residents.
Locally, the Mohegan Pennsylvania casino in Plains Township reported a 2.3% revenue increase year-over-year, rising from $18,786,927 to $19,221,388. This growth was largely attributed to a 38.5% surge in iGaming revenue. Meanwhile, traditional retail slot machine revenues increased by 2.9%, although retail table game revenue saw a significant drop of 22.8% at the Luzerne County facility.
Across the state, Mount Airy Casino Resort in Paradise Township experienced a decline in overall revenue, dropping from $20,974,319 to $19,892,839, marking a 5.2% decrease. While retail slot machine revenue increased slightly by 0.35% and retail table games rose by 1.7%, iGaming revenue plummeted by 29.3%.
Impact of Sports Betting and Skill Games
Both casinos reported declines in sports wagering revenue, with Mount Airy seeing a decrease of 59.6% and Mohegan Pennsylvania down by 17.2%. Harbach remains hopeful that interest in sports betting will rebound with the upcoming college and professional football seasons. “The 800-pound gorilla is ready to hike the ball, and when that happens you will see the sports wagering numbers increase significantly,” he remarked.
Additionally, Harbach noted the growing popularity of skill games—electronic video games found in bars and gas stations—may be affecting casino revenues. He stated that many casinos have conducted studies indicating that there are hundreds of these slot-like machines within a short radius of their facilities, which they believe is significantly impacting their gaming numbers.
As the market evolves, the PGCB will continue to monitor these trends closely, aiming to capitalize on the growth potential in both online and retail gaming sectors. The surge in online gambling not only reflects changing consumer preferences but also highlights the ongoing challenges faced by traditional casinos in adapting to a rapidly shifting landscape.
