Pennsylvania gambling revenue rose 10.7% in April
Pennsylvania iGaming Revenue Approaches Record High in April
In April, Pennsylvania’s gambling revenue surged by 10.7% year-on-year, largely fueled by significant growth in the state’s iGaming market. This upward trajectory reflects strategic advancements within the industry and highlights consumer demand for online gaming options.
Total commercial revenue for the month reached $558.7 million, a notable increase from $504.7 million in April of the previous year, although it fell short of March’s record performance of $574.5 million by 2.8%.
According to figures released by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, iGaming revenue continued to lead this growth, while sports betting revenues remained stable compared to the previous year. Additionally, the land-based sector exhibited mixed performance: slot machine revenue dipped, whereas table games saw an upswing.
A Near-Record Volume of iGaming Revenue
The iGaming sector reported impressive revenue figures, totaling $227.7 million across online slots, table games, and poker. This marks an increase of 31.3% compared to last year, falling just 4.4% short of March’s record total—an outcome likely influenced by the additional day in the month.
Specifically, online slots revenue experienced a remarkable 34.5% rise to $169.5 million, while revenue from online table games climbed by 24.2%, reaching $55.9 million. Online poker, however, reported a slight decrease of 2.8%, generating $2.3 million.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, alongside its online gaming partners, maintained a commanding lead in the iGaming sector with revenues surpassing $83.2 million, reflecting a substantial growth of 33.5%. Valley Forge Casino Resort followed, reporting $66.7 million in revenue, a 38.8% increase, while Rivers Casino Philadelphia ranked third with $35.9 million, up by 17.1%.
Stable Performance in Sports Betting
Turning to the sports betting landscape, revenues reached $42.5 million, slightly up from the previous year and above March’s figures. Online betting contributed significantly, totaling $41.2 million, with retail betting generating $1.4 million.
Monthly handle for sports betting in Pennsylvania was robust at $711.6 million, reflecting a 10.1% increase from the previous year and also surpassing March’s performance. The statewide hold stood at an impressive 5.97%.
FanDuel, in partnership with Valley Forge Casino Resort, emerged as the market leader, achieving $20.1 million in gross revenue from a $269.8 million handle, translating to a hold of 7.45%. DraftKings, affiliated with Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, followed in second place, posting $12.1 million from a $185.6 million handle for a hold of 6.52%. Bet365, associated with Presque Isle Downs and Casino, secured third place with $1.9 million from $34.2 million, demonstrating a 5.56% hold.
In other notable performances, Hollywood Casino at Penn National and ESPN Bet generated $1.7 million from $32.1 million, achieving a hold of 5.3%, while BetMGM, partnering with Hollywood Casino Morgantown, earned $1.5 million off a $60.1 million handle, reflecting a hold of 2.5%.
Mixed Results for Land-Based Gambling
In the retail gambling sector, traditional slot machines remain the primary revenue driver in Pennsylvania. However, land-based slots revenue declined by 1.2% to $203.1 million compared to last year. Conversely, retail table games reported a 2.8% increase, yielding $80.6 million.
Furthermore, revenue from video gaming terminals at licensed truck stop locations experienced a dip of 3.6%. In a positive note, revenue from fantasy sports edged up by 2.3% to $1.3 million.
From a tax perspective, Pennsylvania’s legal gambling sector contributed $234.5 million in April. This included $100.8 million from iGaming activities, $15.3 million from sports betting, $102.8 million from land-based slots, and $13.5 million from retail table games—underscoring the economic impact of a thriving gambling industry.
