Casino Table Games Up 15 Percent in PA
PHILADELPHIA — (Associated Press) - Gross revenue from table games rose 15.4 percent last month compared to the same period a year ago, state gambling regulators reported today.
The state's 11 casinos generated $59.3 million in gross revenue from table games in September, an increase from $51.4 million during the same period a year ago, according to Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board revenue figures. Last month's numbers include $2.9 million generated at Valley Forge Casino Resort, the state's newest casino, which opened in March.
When comparing only casinos open during both periods, gross table games revenue was up a little less than 10 percent last month over the same period a year ago.
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem continued to show strong growth in table games, with $13.6 million in gross revenue last month — an increase of more than 50 percent over September 2011. Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh saw gross revenue increase by more than 20 percent, going from $5.4 million in September 2011 to $6.5 million last month. Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia saw an increase of a little less than 5 percent in the competitive Philadelphia-area market.
Adding in slots figures released this month, combined gross revenue from gaming last month was up 3.3 percent over September 2011, to $259.8 million, the gaming board said.
The state uses casino revenue to support the state budget, public schools, civic development projects, volunteer firefighting squads, local governments and the horse racing industry. Table games revenue is taxed at a rate of 14 percent.
The state legalized casino gambling in 2004 and saw its first casino open in 2006. The state legalized table games in 2010, and they are now up and running at the casinos.
