Copyright : Vladislav Mitic / 123RF Stock Photo

Pennsylvania is reaping the social and economic benefits of casino gaming, states a new report released by the American Gaming Association.

The release of its latest findings, looking at the benefits of gaming to the Keystone State, comes as the AGA’s Get to Know Gaming event makes its way into Washington County.

Titled ‘Casinos and Communities – Pennsylvania,’ it takes an in-depth look at the gaming industry’s economic and social contributions to communities across the state.

Coupling research with key data, input is also received from a number of stakeholders, including local business owners, industry employees and elected officials.

In the report it was revealed that across the state’s 12 commercial casinos and racinos 33,171 jobs are supported statewide resulting in $1.8bn of supported wages, total economic impact totals $6.3bn and $2.5bn in generated is tax.

Bill Miller, president and chief executive officer of the American Gaming Association, said of the findings: “Over the last 15 years, gaming companies across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have served as an anchor for state and local economies, generating billions of dollars in tax revenue and operating as good stewards and community partners in the places casinos call home.

“Today, we’re pleased to highlight the success of gaming in western Pennsylvania, discussing the career opportunities that have been enabled, the small businesses that have been supported and the communities that have been positively impacted.”

The latest strand of the AGA’s latest Get to Know Gaming campaign came from The Meadows Racetrack and Casino in North Strabane Township, where local leaders engaged in a discussion about the critical role gaming plays as a community partner across the country.

In attendance at the Gaming and Leisure Properties owned entity, that’s operated by Penn National Gaming, were US representative Guy Reschenthaler, Penn National Gaming President and CEO Timothy Wilmott, North Strabane Township Fire Department chief Mark Grimm, local small business owner Melissa Mega of The Ivy Green and AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.

Reschenthaler added: “We are very fortunate here in Pennsylvania to have outstanding, community-minded industry partners.. Across our state, gaming companies are investing in the growth of our communities and supporting good jobs. It’s a critical partnership as we strengthen our economy and continue to expand job opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”

This week SugarHouse Casino became Pennsylvania’s first online sports wagering establishment in tests observed by the state regulator, with full launch expected later this week.