Continued web gaming surge boosts state numbers

The reputation of on-line playing continues to drive up the mixed gaming numbers all through the state. And Doug Harbach, director of communications for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, believes there could also be much more room for development.

“I think we probably have not peaked in regards to gaming through online,” he mentioned. “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% improve in iGaming slot income, the gaming board reported mixed whole income generated from all types of gaming and fantasy contests of $557,666,142 throughout July, a rise of 11.4% in comparison with income generated in July 2024.

Locally, Mohegan Pennsylvania in Plains Twp. noticed income improve 2.3% in July over the identical time final 12 months — from $18,786,927 to $19,221,388 — led by a 38.5% improve in iGaming income, gaming board officers mentioned. Additionally, retail slot machine income elevated 2.9% however retail desk video games income dropped 22.8% on the Luzerne County on line casino.

Meanwhile, Mount Airy Casino Resort in Paradise Twp. skilled a 5.2% drop in income — from $20,974,319 to $19,892,839, in accordance with the gaming board. Specifically, retail slot machine income elevated 0.35% and retail desk video games income elevated 1.7%, however iGaming income dropped 29.3% on the Monroe County on line casino, officers mentioned.

Sports wagering income was down at each properties — 59.6% at Mount Airy and 17.2% at Mohegan Pennsylvania — however Harbach anticipates renewed curiosity in sports activities playing this fall as soon as the school {and professional} soccer 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 mentioned.

Harbach famous the rise of ability video games — digital video video games at bars, fuel stations and different websites — appears 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 mentioned. “They believe that’s having a great impact on their numbers.”