Delaware and Pennsylvania Break Gambling Revenue Records
Published July 30, 2016 by Elana K
Delaware reports highest online gambling revenue since it was legalized in 2012; Pennsylvania land-based casinos also break revenue records with a whopping $3.23 billion.
Delaware Online Gambling Hits New High
Finally, some good news from Delaware. Since the state legalized online gambling in 2012, its revenue has been less than dazzling. But a few days ago, the state reported that June’s revenue hit $304,874, the highest benchmark ever since the state legalized online gambling. This is a whopping 180 percent year-on-year increase.
The state’s three licensed operators all reported increases: Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway and Casino.
While Delaware’s numbers might not seem like much when compared to New Jersey, which posted over $16 million in revenue in June, it is still a notable milestone for the less-densely populated state, which has struggled with its online gambling revenue since its inception. The hope is that revenue will continue to climb, albeit at a slightly faster pace than before.
Pennsylvania Land-Based Casinos Break Records
Another state reporting a good month of June is Pennsylvania, with their land-based casino revenue hitting its highest mark in the nine years since gambling was legalized in the Keystone state: $3.23 billion.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported that June revenue from slots and table games topped $3.2 billion, breaking the previous record by $86 million. Table games revenue alone was $839 million, showing an 8 percent year-on-year increase from 2015. Overall, total gaming revenue rose by $112 million from the previous year, an increase of 3.6 percent.
Parx Casino in Philadelphia brought in the most overall revenue - $543 million - while Sheldon Adelson’s casino, Sands Bethlehem, came in a close second with $533 million.
What Does This Mean for Pennsylvania Online Gambling?
Ironically, casino magnate Adelson is one of online gambling’s biggest opponents; yet Pennsylvania’s successful year might just pave the way to legalize online gambling during the next legislative session. While the legislature has adjourned for the summer, online gambling is certainly an issue that will be brought up again in the fall.
