Slots Revenue Up but Slot Machine Growth Faster

Same casino gross revenues in Pennsylvania were up year-to-year in April but per machine revenues are falling. The PA Gaming Control Board reports the seven casinos operating in the state in April 2009 generated $150,658,363 in gross revenues. That compares to $132,433,621 in April 2008. That is a 13.8% increase. However, over the same period of time the number of operating slots in the state went from 15,022 to 17,350. That is an increase of 15.1%. Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack is the only slots parlor in the state to record a drop in revenue from April 08 to April 09 (-2.5%). The Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse saw the biggest jump in revenue moving up by 42.0%. The Meadows Racetrack and Casino saw a 13.4% increase in revenues. April was an unusual month for the facility. It operated with substantially fewer machines for the first half of the month, closed for one day as it transitioned from its temporary to new permanent facility, ad then opened the new facility with a gala. The PGCB also reports for the first 10 months of the state fiscal year, slots tax revenues are up 26.2% compared to the previous year, or $775,770,962 in 2008/09 compared to $614,873,716 in the same period in the 2007/08 fiscal year. Board Chair Mary DiGiacomo Colins says, "The success of regulated gaming can be seen by how the numbers are exceeding projections, even as the economy struggles." The Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem is expected to open later this month.