The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released its February revenue figures this Tuesday, revealing that the state’s gambling sector generated $477.2 million, a 4.3% decline from the same month last year.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville emerged as the top performer in February, with revenue of $89.5 million. However, this was a 2.9% decrease compared to February 2024. On the other hand, Valley Forge Casino Resort saw positive growth, posting $81.4 million in revenue, which marked a 9.9% increase year-over-year.
Rivers Casino Philadelphia experienced a solid revenue uptick of 5%, bringing in $51.2 million, surpassing Parx Casino in Philadelphia, which posted $49.9 million, a 2.7% dip from the previous year. Despite the overall downturn, certain casinos were able to show resilience.
Hollywood Casino’s Performance
Hollywood Casino continues to be a significant player in Pennsylvania’s gambling market. Its $89.5 million in revenue, though down slightly from 2024, still led the state’s casinos in February. This could signal a strong brand presence despite a general industry dip.
Though the casino’s numbers dropped, Hollywood Casino’s lead over its competitors hints at its steady standing in the state’s gaming ecosystem.
Valley Forge’s Growth Amidst Declines
In contrast to the decline in overall gambling revenue, Valley Forge Casino Resort showed impressive growth. Its $81.4 million in revenue represents a 9.9% year-over-year increase, a rare highlight amidst the broader slowdown. Valley Forge has been able to capture an expanding customer base, signaling that there are pockets of success in the otherwise declining market.
This growth could be attributed to Valley Forge’s diversified offerings and strong customer loyalty, which has allowed it to outperform many of its competitors in a challenging period.
The Slot Revenue Decline
A closer look at the slot machine revenue for February paints a picture of a struggling market. The total slots revenue in Pennsylvania amounted to $186.3 million, marking an 8.1% decline from last year. Notable among the losses was Parx Casino, which saw its slot revenue fall by 2.7% to $28.9 million.
Wind Creek Bethlehem reported a significant drop in its slot earnings, down 15.3% to $20.5 million. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh also faced a reduction, bringing in $20.4 million, which was a 6.5% decrease compared to February 2024.
Despite the decline, these casinos remain some of the highest earners in the state, underscoring the resilience of Pennsylvania’s gaming industry despite these challenges.
Key Takeaways from the Report
- Overall revenue decline: Pennsylvania’s gambling sector saw a 4.3% drop in February compared to last year, amounting to $477.2 million.
- Top performers: Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course led with $89.5 million in revenue, though it experienced a slight decline.
- Valley Forge Casino’s rise: With a 9.9% increase in revenue, Valley Forge Casino showed positive growth amidst the state’s overall downturn.
- Slots struggle: Slot revenue dropped by 8.1%, with Parx and Wind Creek Bethlehem among the most affected.
While the overall revenue numbers may seem discouraging, certain casinos, like Valley Forge, have been able to outperform their competitors, which raises questions about what’s working in their favor. With continued shifts in customer preferences and a challenging landscape, Pennsylvania’s gaming industry will need to adjust to keep up with changing trends.
