The popularity of online gambling continues to drive up the combined gaming numbers throughout the state. And Doug Harbach, director of communications for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, believes there may be even more room for growth.
“I think we probably have not peaked in regards to gaming through online,” he said. “This appears to be a market that still will climb, and that is elevating the overall gaming numbers. And I think those numbers could be even higher if it wasn’t for the proliferation of offshore sites that are marketing in Pennsylvania.”
Led by a 41.3% increase in iGaming slot revenue, the gaming board reported combined total revenue generated from all forms of gaming and fantasy contests of $557,666,142 during July, an increase of 11.4% compared to revenue generated in July 2024.
Locally, Mohegan Pennsylvania in Plains Twp. saw revenue increase 2.3% in July over the same time last year — from $18,786,927 to $19,221,388 — led by a 38.5% increase in iGaming revenue, gaming board officials said. Additionally, retail slot machine revenue increased 2.9% but retail table games revenue dropped 22.8% at the Luzerne County casino.
Meanwhile, Mount Airy Casino Resort in Paradise Twp. experienced a 5.2% drop in revenue — from $20,974,319 to $19,892,839, according to the gaming board. Specifically, retail slot machine revenue increased 0.35% and retail table games revenue increased 1.7%, but iGaming revenue dropped 29.3% at the Monroe County casino, officials said.
Sports wagering revenue was down at both properties — 59.6% at Mount Airy and 17.2% at Mohegan Pennsylvania — but Harbach anticipates renewed interest in sports gambling this fall once the college and professional football seasons get underway.
“The 800-pound gorilla is ready to hike the ball, and when that happens you will see the sports wagering numbers increase significantly,” he said.
Harbach noted the rise of skill games — electronic video games at bars, gas stations and other sites — seems to be taking a toll on casinos.
“A lot of the casinos have done studies on this and have presented to us that within a short radius of their facilities there can be hundreds of these slot-like machines,” he said. “They believe that’s having a great impact on their numbers.”
