In April 2024, Pennsylvania gaming generated more than $500 million. This was up nearly 6% from April 2023. It was less than the revenue for March 2024 but figures were close on a day-by-day basis considering March has an extra day than April. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported combined total revenue from all forms of gaming, including fantasy contests, of $504,683,409.
Retail and online slots
The land-based casino industry in Pennsylvania consists of six racetrack casinos, four stand-alone casinos, two resort casinos, and four mini-casinos. Retail slots are the biggest gaming revenue generators in these land-based casinos. However, they have seen a decline since 2023. Retail slots revenue for April was more than $205 million but this was a 3.35% decrease in revenue from April 2023. There were fewer slot machines in operation compared to those in April 2023. Parx Casino, the most popular casino in the state, saw a 4.91% decrease in slot machine revenue to $31.6 million in April 2024.
iGaming revenue is the second largest segment in Pennsylvania. At just over $126 million, it was up nearly 22% from last year. Parx retail slot revenue may have fallen but its online casino revenue increased to $4.9 million. This was 1.32% up from April 2023. Playing online slots at a Pennsylvania online casino has become an immensely popular entertainment option. The Keystone State is among the top three online gambling revenue generators in the nation.
Retail and iGaming table games
Retail table games brought in over $78 million, becoming the third-largest segment in April. This was down 6.98% from last year. iGaming revenue from table games was a little over $45 million. This was a growth of 15.78% from last year. As online casinos offer a good user experience for iGaming table games, this segment is likely to continue growing. The introduction of live table games brings exciting possibilities for the future. These games are likely to become more immersive than ever.
Growth of sports betting
Sports betting is becoming another extremely popular online gambling activity. Sports betting saw a rise in the double digits. The total sports wagering handle was 12.92% above the April 2023 total at $646 million. The total sports wagering handle at Valley Forge Casino Resort alone for April 2024 was over $272 million. It brought in the highest sports betting revenue followed by Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, Penn National, and Parx Casino.
Total tax revenue
Casinos and the other types of board-regulated gaming generated $2.35 billion in tax revenue in 2023. This had a significant impact on the economy, and the economic forecast for 2024 is looking good. The total tax revenue from all forms of gaming was just short of $210 million in April 2024. The tax revenue from internet gaming was over $75 million. The tax revenue from sports wagering in April was over $15 million. Total tax revenue is likely to keep increasing and providing benefits to the state.