The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has released its 2018/19 annual report, detailing updates on a variety of issues from the land-based and online casino, as well as sports wagering, industries statewide.

Stressing that the gaming industry continues “to be a strong economic engine on several fronts in the Commonwealth,” a belief is also emphasised that via the the growth of igaming and sports betting the financial benefits for the Keystone State will continue an upward trend.

Throughout Pennsylvania the industry is credited with employing 16,000 individuals, delivering expenditures annually of $500m with local businesses for goods, services and construction and generation of $1.6bn in tax revenue.

At the end of Fiscal Year 2018/19, there were 12 casinos in operation, of which six are category one facilities (casinos with horse racing), four are category two (casinos without horse racing) and two are category three (located at resorts). 

Additionally, one further category two licensed entity is currently under construction, with Stadium Casino’s $600m Live! Hotel and Casino Philadelphia slated to open in December 2020.

David Barasch, chairman of the PGCB, explained: “It is important to first note that land-based casino gaming in the Commonwealth continues its strong performance. That is great news for all Pennsylvanians. 

“The industry supports 16,000 living wage jobs and provided $1.4bn in tax revenue during the most recent fiscal year from slot machine and table game play. Overall, since the first casino opened in 2006, total tax revenues generated and benefiting the Commonwealth citizens has been $17bn. 

“During the upcoming fiscal year, these financial benefits will grow as interactive gaming and sports wagering expand. Also, as the board implements other legislative initiatives, such as video gaming terminals at truck stops and gaming in airport boarding areas, additional financial benefits will be gained by the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

During the period slot machine throughout the jurisdiction generated $2.3bn and contributed $1.2bn in tax revenue, with table games’ figures coming in at $885m and $142m respectively. In the relatively short life cycle of sports wagering $7.8m in tax and $21.7m in revenue are reported.

Kevin O’Toole, executive director of the PCGB, added: “Since its inception in 2004, the PGCB’s mandate has significantly expanded with the addition of new responsibilities and in support of the general overall growth of legal gaming sectors.

“Core PGCB oversight functions now include the regulation of casinos offering slot machines, tables games and sports wagering, along with the addition of online gaming of casino-like games and sporting events.

“As we move into the 2019/2020 fiscal year, our work includes the launch of the first video gaming terminals at truck stops and online gaming in airports. Much of the year was spent laying the foundation for new forms of gaming.”