PA Casinos Show Nearly 30 Percent Revenue Increase For September

HARRISBURG, PA: The amount of gross revenue generated in September 2009 through the play of slot machines at nine casinos rose 29.85% over the previous year, according to figures released today by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The nine casinos in September 2009 generated $172,845,995 in gross revenue compared to $133,115,452 in September 2008 when seven casinos were in operation. Taxes in September, based on the 55% rate, were $95,068,077, an average of $3.16 million per day returned to Pennsylvania taxpayers. The casinos collectively retained $77,786,918 of the gross revenue for the month.

The amount of gross revenue generated in September 2009 through the play of slot machines at the seven casinos that were also operating in September of the previous year was also up with a 4.28% increase.

Comparative gross terminal revenue for each of the casinos operating in both September 2008 and September 2009 are as follows:

Casino	September 2009	September 2008	% change
Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack	$28,668,432.34	$26,879,990.47	6.65%
Harrah's Chester Casino and Racetrack	$23,685,222.81	$24,491,758.44	-3.29%
The Meadows Racetrack and Casino	$22,405,629.40	$20,641,684.25	8.55%
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse	$18,978,917.09	$15,916,164.82	19.24%
Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs	$18,279,085.55	$16,689,610.70	9.52%
Presque Isle Downs and Casino	$13,928,576.66	$13,935,800.61	-0.05%
Mount Airy Resort and Casino	$12,867,132.39	$14,560,443.32	-11.63%
The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem (opened May 22, 2009)	$18,450,420.09	--	--
Rivers Casino (opened August 9, 2009)	$15,591,578.99	--	--
Total	$172,854,995.32	$133,115,452.61	29.85%

The average daily number of operating slot machines at these facilities was 16,831 in September 2008 and 24,924 in September 2009.

Board Chairman Greg Fajt said Gaming Control Board staff continue to perform an exceptional job in meeting the demands of overseeing the growing slots industry, and are poised to regulate the expansion into table games should that be the wish of the State Legislature.

“Our staff is an integral part of making sure that the new slots industry is growing and able to facilitate the ability of the casinos to increase both revenue, including those dedicated to property tax relief, and employment,” Fajt says. “This level of professionalism and hard-work has us prepared to handle the additional demands that appear to be in front of us in making sure table games are rolled out in an effective manner that will ensure additional growth in tax revenue and job opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”

Fajt adds that some additional staffing will be required to ensure that table game oversight is performed in a manner that fully protects the interests of the public.

“We are working with the legislature on making sure we have the needed staffing additions to not only help table games come on line within a reasonable timetable, but to make sure personnel is sufficient to maintain the level of integrity, safety and accountability that are now being provided in our oversights of slots.”

The Gaming Control Board provides weekly updates of casino revenue on its web site, www.pgcb.state.pa.us. In addition, videos and information on the operation of the PGCB, problem gambling efforts and assistance, future meeting schedules and past meeting transcripts, and a link to request a speaker are among the many items available to the public on the web site.

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