PA Gambling Revenues Hit All-Time High In Pandemic-Plagued Year

HARRISBURG, PA — Bet you didn't see this coming: Despite the operating limitations on Pennsylvania casinos caused by the coronavirus outbreak, gambling revenue in Pennsylvania reached a record $3.8 billion during the 2020-21 fiscal year.

That's more than $500 million more than the previous high for gambling revenue in a state fiscal year. In 2018-19, the total was $3.3 billion.

The total also represents a $1.1 billion increase over 2019-20 revenues, a year in which casinos were closed for several months due to the pandemic. They also shut down during 2020-21, but for a shorter period.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board attributed the record revenues to growth in the sports wagering and fantasy sports contests markets, along with iGaming and video gaming technology expansion. Nearly a third of the gambling money taken in during 2020-21 was from those four markets.

Also, a new Live! Casino opened just east of Pittsburgh.

A breakdown of revenue increases:

• Slot revenue: $1.7 to $1.9 billion.

• Table games: $64.4 million to $72.1 million.

• Sports wagering: $113 million to $308 million.

• Fantasy sports contests: $21 million to $28 million.

• iGaming: $240 million to $897 million.

• Video gaming technology: $6.7 million to $31.3 million.

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