The gaming market in Pennsylvania showed a slight increase in total revenues in September 2020 from the previous year, according to data from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. Gaming and fantasy contests took in a total of $284.2 million from gamblers, a 1.0% percent increase from the $281.2 million generated in September 2019.
The increase comes despite restrictions required by the commonwealth due to the COVID-19 pandemic at on-site casinos. Retail slots revenue fell 16% to $157.4 million and retail tables revenue decreased 16% to $59.1 million. While the total handle for sports wagering reached $462.7 million, more than twice the $194.5 million of September 2019, the taxable revenue from sports wagering dropped 58% to $6.2 million.
Pennsylvania’s bottom line was boosted by significant increases in igaming, which generated $57 million in September 2020, the highest single month ever. Slot revenue from igaming rocketed from $3.2 million in September 2019 to $39.9 million a year later, an increase of 1,134%. Table revenue from igaming increased 1,536% to $14.7 million from $900,245.
The increase can be attributed to more brick-and-mortar casinos offering igaming. In September 2019, igaming was only available at Rivers Casino Philadelphia, Hollywood Casino at Penn National, and Parx Casino. Since then 7 additional casinos in the state have added igaming options.
Video gaming terminals at 36 truck stops across the commonwealth also brought in more revenue, with an increase of 788% to $2.9 million.
Parx Casino in Philadelphia brought in the most total revenue in Pennsylvania during September, reaching $53.5 million, a slight drop of 0.35% from the previous year. The largest percentage increase came at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Pocono, which saw its total revenues jump 49.9% to $23.4 million. Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin pulled in the least total revenue ($2 million) and suffered the biggest decline at -34%.
Other notable figures:
Rivers Casino Philadelphia led all Pennsylvania casinos in igaming revenue with $16.1 million. Hollywood Casino at Penn National was next at $14.7 million, while Live! Casino Philadelphia trailed all other sites with $104,214.
Slot machine and table game revenues were the highest at Parx Casino, with $31.1 million and $13.2 million respectively. Those figures, however, represent a 7 percent decrease in slot revenues and a 14.1 decrease in table game revenues.
Valley Forge Casino Resort drew the largest sports wagering total handle at $171.1 million, with a total revenue of $2.7 million.
