Did you know that Pennsylvania casinos brought in a record-breaking amount of revenue in 2021? The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board released the figures earlier this week, and they show that when it comes to making legal bets, online gambling was the big winner. The total take for the state’s casinos was $35.19 million, up from the previous high of $27.06 million in 2020. Even more, Pennsylvania online casinos took in $136.19 million, an increase of more than 100% from the 2020s $66.09 million.
Pennsylvania’s casinos have leveraged their popularity as a tourist destination to attract new players. Still, they are also benefiting from the increased number of people staying at home during the pandemic, looking for new ways to gamble online. Pennsylvania has been a leader in the growth of gambling. The state will likely continue to see even more increases in revenue as newcomers try out online casinos and other forms of iGaming. You can check out the best PA-free slots sites that Pennsylvania residents preferred in 2021.
Gambling Booming in Pennsylvania
The gambling industry has been booming since 2015 when the country legalized daily fantasy sports, and this state is one of a handful that has fully embraced it as well. Pennsylvania launched its lottery in 1971, and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) was created in 2004 to regulate casino gambling in the state. They also work to prevent gambling problems by promoting responsible behavior.
The only form of gambling that the PGCB does not regulate is social gambling, including games like poker or bridge played among friends for fun and without betting money. There are no age restrictions on social gambling, but players cannot bet on the game’s outcome. PGCB has an excellent relationship with law enforcement and regularly collaborates to investigate illegal gambling operations.
The board oversees 14 casinos and Pennsylvania’s online gambling operations. Pennsylvania is also home to several horse racing tracks and many off-track betting facilities, which allow people to place bets on races while they are on the way or nearby.
Pennsylvania Online Poker Rooms
Pennsylvania is also home to many online poker rooms. It is famous for residents who want to play online games like blackjack, craps, roulette, baccarat, slots, and poker. You can also find lesser-known games like Pai Gow and Three Card Poker at some sites. The state also has some of the best casinos globally, consisting of over 150 slot machines and more than 100 table games on hand. They also offer a large selection of video poker machines, which are perfect if you’re only looking to relax and play some low-stakes cards with friends or family members at home. Pennsylvania casinos have something for everyone.
Pennsylvania also allows visitors to play online games such as slots, poker, roulette, baccarat, craps, blackjack, and video poker at any time of day or night throughout their desktop computers, laptops, tablets, phones mobile, smartphones, smartwatches, etc. Players can play from anywhere within their borders without needing a license from an offshore casino operator.
In addition, the growth of online gambling has benefited Pennsylvania’s casinos, which have been able to offer more games and attract new players. Pennsylvania has over 12 million people, and there are already more than 800,000 active online casino players in the state. The number will only grow as casinos expand their offerings and new players try out online gambling for the first time. Pennsylvania online gambling has helped generate more than $400 million in tax revenue, and it shows no signs of slowing down.
At all licensed liquor stores, bars, and restaurants serving alcohol by the glass, the minimum drinking age is 18. So if you’re looking to have a good time, be sure to bring your ID! Also, it’s essential to consider that the legal age for gambling in a casino or on racetracks and betting parlors is 21 years unless accompanied by an adult.
Pennsylvania has been vying for second place in gaming revenue with New Jersey, which is the No. 2 state in gambling income behind Nevada, but Pa is likely to surpass New Jersey in the coming years.
The gaming industry is booming, and there’s no end in sight!
The PGCB expects Pennsylvania’s gross terminal income (GTR) for online casinos to be between $120-$130 million per month by 2023 or 2024 – an impressive number considering the current GTR is just over $100 million/month now! Pa is one of the few states in the US that has seen a continuous increase in gambling revenue since 2004.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s gambling industry is booming, and it looks like this trend will continue in the years ahead. The state has been a leader in the growth of online gambling, witnessing an increase in revenue. Pennsylvania officials have been pushing to legalize online gambling for years, and it looks like the state is finally starting to see the benefits.
In 2017 the Pa Gaming Control Board issued its first licenses for online gambling, becoming the fourth state to legalize online. Pennsylvania has been a leader in the growth, which will likely continue to see increases in revenue as more people try out online gambling.
The state has a long history of gambling, and it looks like this trend is only going to continue in the years ahead. The casinos brought in a record-breaking amount of revenue in 2021, and there is no doubt that online gambling was a big part of this success. Time to double down on iGaming, I’m I right?
