Pennsylvania Emerges as Second-Richest Gaming State in the US by the Thinnest of Margins

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

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Last updated: February 1, 2023

In 2022, Pennsylvania was the second-richest gaming state in the US. However, it was by the thinnest of margins. Just a day after New Jersey disclosed that its gaming revenue for the full year totaled a little above $5.2 billion, gaming regulators in the Keystone State reported that revenue in the state also totaled $5.2 billion.

Over the past few years, Pennsylvania and New Jersey have been competing for the title of second-best gaming state in the US, with Nevada by far the richest. In 2021, New Jersey topped Pennsylvania by roughly $2.6 million, $4.737 billion in New Jersey to $4.734 billion in Pennsylvania, keeping New Jersey as the runner-up in the country. However, in 2022, Pennsylvania finally dethroned its neighboring competitor.

The 2022 official gaming tally for New Jersey was $5,211,272,456. This includes Atlantic City’s retail casinos, online and retail sports betting, interactive poker, and online casinos operating across NJ. The 2022 official gaming tally for Pennsylvania was $5,211,303,191. This includes revenue generated from the state’s casinos, online and in-person sports betting, iGaming, fantasy sports, and video gaming terminals. There is a $28,735 difference between the two states.

2017 Expanded Gaming Act Is Helping to Boost Gaming Revenue in the State

The Pennsylvania gaming industry numbers were recently released by the PGCB (Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board). The previous best mark in the state which was set just a year ago, $4.73 billion, was easily surpassed by the $5.21 billion garnered across the industry.

Pennsylvania’s 2017 Expanded Gaming Act has led to further growth in gaming revenue for the state. The legislative package permits sports betting, fantasy sports, iGaming, and VGTs (video gambling terminals) at certain diesel truck stops. The Act also allowed the state’s brick-and-mortar businesses to operate “mini-casinos.”

The PGCB mentioned that VGTs, sports wagering, and online gambling in Pennsylvania each achieved new yearly revenue records in 2022 despite being still fairly new legal formats. Table games also achieved a new yearly revenue record. There was a record tax income generated of $2.12 billion as a result of the record revenue.

The Parx Casino, which is close to Philadelphia, was the richest property (brick-and-mortar) of the 16 casinos. Parx earned a total of about $637.5 million, including $393.8 million from its slot machines and $243.7 million from its felt. In terms of land-based GGR (gross gaming revenue), Wind Creek Bethlehem finished in second with $272 million from its slot. The casino was the top table earner with $242.7 million.

Pennsylvania May Be Poised for More Growth in Gaming

Although Pennsylvania emerged as the second-richest game state in 2022, it won’t overtake Nevada anytime soon, if ever. With more than $13.5 billion in gaming revenue generated through the first 11 months of 2022, Nevada will easily maintain its dominance.

Pennsylvania may be ready for more growth in gaming. VGTs are still expanding into new diesel truck stops, and convenience stores such as Rutter’s is seeking to expand its presence in the state with new locations. At least one-more mini-casino is likely going to be opened. The Parx Casino Shippensburg will start operations next month. The satellite casino will replace what used to be a Lowe’s department store in Cumberland County.