The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) announced that March 2025 set a new monthly record for gaming revenue in the state, with gamblers losing $574.5 million across various formats. This figure, officially recorded at $574,534,002, surpasses the previous high of $554.6 million, driven largely by online gaming activity.
iGaming Drives Growth
Online casinos played a significant role in the record-setting month. Internet slots accounted for $179.5 million, marking a 32.5% year-over-year increase, while online table games generated $81.9 million, improving by 6%. Online poker rake added $2.6 million, reflecting a modest 3% growth. Overall, iGaming revenue totaled $238.2 million, easily exceeding the previous monthly record of $223.6 million, set in December 2024.
Compared to March 2024, Pennsylvania’s online casino revenue increased by $47.1 million, emphasizing the importance of internet gaming to the state’s overall performance.
Brick-and-Mortar Casinos Decline
While March was a landmark month for Pennsylvania’s gaming industry as a whole, the state’s 17 brick-and-mortar casinos experienced revenue declines.
- In-person slot machines generated $222.5 million, down 2% year-over-year.
- Table games saw gross gaming revenue (GGR) drop 4% to $81.9 million.
Impact of March Madness
The popularity of March Madness in sports betting had mixed results. With all four No. 1 seeds reaching the men’s tournament Final Four, bettors performed well against the sportsbooks, reducing oddsmakers’ revenue to $27 million, a 41% drop from March 2024.
Additional Revenue Sources
- Video gaming terminals (VGTs): Revenue remained flat at $3.7 million.
- Fantasy sports operators: Contest fees grew by 7% to $1.2 million.
Casino Leaders
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course led all operators in March GGR with $107.2 million, benefiting from its iGaming leadership. Valley Forge Casino Resort, powered by its partnership with FanDuel for iGaming and mobile sports betting, followed at $86.2 million.
For physical slot and table games:
- Parx Casino topped the charts with $52.1 million.
- Wind Creek Bethlehem was close behind at $49.2 million.
Skill Games Legislation
Efforts to regulate and tax slot-like skill games continue in Pennsylvania. These machines, housed in small businesses statewide, remain a point of contention:
- The casino industry and Pennsylvania Lottery officials oppose regulation, claiming skill games negatively impact slot revenue and tax contributions, while also putting jobs at risk.
- Supporters argue skill games attract a different demographic and provide supplemental income for small businesses, helping them offset inflation and retain employees.
Governor Josh Shapiro (D) has expressed support for regulating and taxing skill games, further fueling legislative discussions.
