Pennsylvania Sets Monthly Sports Betting Handle Record in October
Pennsylvania saw a record $829.0m sports betting handle in October, marking a 4.0% increase from the previous monthly high of $797.1m. This surge in sports betting activity contributed to an 18.8% year-on-year increase in sports betting revenue, which reached $48.2m. Online wagering accounted for $43.1m of this total, with retail betting making up the remaining $5.1m.
Among the top-performing sports betting operators in October were Hollywood Casino at the Meadows and Barstool, which took in $18.9m in revenue from $258.3m in bets. Valley Forge and FanDuel, the previous market leaders, trailed behind with $18.2m in revenue despite a higher handle of $328.4m. Rivers Casino Pittsburgh and BetRivers placed third with $2.3m from $33.5m in total wagers.
In addition to sports betting, Pennsylvania also observed growth in other gambling segments. Total gambling revenue for the state hit $483.0m in October, a 7.3% increase from the previous year. Retail slots accounted for almost 40.0% of this revenue at $192.5m, while land-based table games revenue saw a 2.0% year-on-year increase to reach $81.5m.
Online gambling also experienced growth, with total revenue across slots, tables, and poker reaching $154.8m in October. This figure fell just short of the record set in September at $159.5m. Online slots revenue experienced the most significant increase, rising 27.2% to $109.8m, while internet table games also saw a 19.4% increase to $42.6m. However, iPoker revenue declined by 5.8% to $2.3m.
As for other gambling segments, video gaming terminal revenue slipped by 4.0% to $3.4m, while fantasy sports contests revenue was also 4.3% lower at $2.7m for October.
However, alongside these positive updates, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) issued fines for underage gambling at Hollywood Casino at Penn National. The operator, Mountainview Thoroughbred Racing Association, was fined $40,000 after three instances of individuals under the age of 21 accessing the gaming floor and gambling were identified. Additionally, licensed slot machine manufacturer Lightning Gaming was fined $5,000 for a failure to notify the PGCB of changes to financial status.
Furthermore, four adults were added to the state’s Involuntary Exclusion List for leaving minors unattended while gambling. These incidents include individuals leaving minors in locked vehicles in casino parking lots and minors being left unattended in casino facilities. These actions led to reprimands and fines from the PGCB.