Pennsylvania slots revenue rises second straight year; Rivers sues over slots tax

Pennsylvania casinos’ annual slots revenue rose for the second year in a row although the total fell short of the state’s all-time record.

According to figures released Thursday by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the state’s 12 licensed slots operators generated revenue of $2.39b in the 12 months ending June 30. The gains came despite June’s monthly haul falling 1% to $190m.

The annual figure is 2.3% higher than the statewide total in fiscal 2014-15 but still less than the $2.5b peak recorded in 2011-12. Given the onerous 54% tax applied to slot revenue, the state’s share of this year’s revenue came to $1.3b. The Board will issue casino table game numbers later this month.

Nine casinos posted year-on-year slots gains, led by Parx Casino with $388m, while Sands Bethlehem had its best year ever at $305m. Rivers Casino ranked third with $272m, although this was down 2.1% from the previous year.