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Pennsylvania’s Gambling Revenue Surges in April 2025

The growth of gambling revenue in Pennsylvania highlights the state's dynamic gaming industry.

News Summary

In April 2025, Pennsylvania’s gambling revenue reached $558.7 million, marking a 10.7% increase year-on-year. The rise was significantly driven by iGaming, which generated $227.7 million—up 31%—with online slots posting a remarkable rise of 34.5%. Traditional slot machines saw a slight decline, while sports betting reported stable numbers. Tax revenue from gambling also grew, totaling $234.5 million. As mobile gambling dominates, the state continues to adapt to regulatory changes and market demands.

Pennsylvania witnessed a substantial increase in its gambling revenue for April 2025, amounting to $558.7 million. This figure represents a 10.7% year-on-year increase compared to April 2024, marking a continuation of the upward trend established earlier in the year. However, the total revenue fell just short of the all-time high recorded in March 2025.

A significant driver of this revenue surge was the performance of iGaming, which generated $227.7 million in revenue for the month, translating to a remarkable 31% year-on-year increase. Within this category, online slots outperformed expectations, pulling in $169.5 million—a rise of 34.5% from the previous year. Revenue from iGaming table games also saw growth, climbing to $55.9 million, an increase of 24.2%, although revenue from online poker dipped slightly to $2.3 million.

Hollywood Casino at Penn National topped the iGaming revenue list with $83.2 million, representing a growth of 33.5%. Valley Forge Casino Resort followed suit with $66.7 million, while Rivers Casino Philadelphia generated $35.9 million.

Meanwhile, revenue from traditional retail slot machines reached $203.1 million, showing a modest decline of just over 1%. In-person table games, however, experienced a positive outcome, with revenue increasing 2.7% to $80.6 million.

The sports betting sector also showcased positive growth, with a total handle of $711.6 million, which is a 10.1% increase from the previous year. Actual revenue from sports wagering remained stable at $42.5 million, reflecting minimal changes year-on-year. FanDuel led this market segment, earning $20.1 million from nearly $270 million in wagers. Following closely were DraftKings, which reported $12.1 million, and Bet365, contributing $1.9 million.

In the realm of fantasy sports, revenue grew by 2.3% to reach $1.3 million, indicating a continued interest in this form of betting. However, revenue from video gaming terminals (VGTs) did experience a 3.6% decline, ultimately totaling $3.5 million.

In regard to taxation, Pennsylvania collected $234.5 million in gambling-related taxes during April. This impressive figure included nearly $101 million derived from iGaming alone, alongside $15.3 million from the sports betting sector. Traditional land-based slots and tables contributed over $116 million to tax revenue.

The trend of mobile gambling continues to dominate the landscape, with over 90% of sports bets placed through mobile applications. Gamblers are increasingly opting for quicker, more frequent gaming sessions, leading operators to adapt their platforms for faster load times and simplified user experiences.

April also saw regulatory actions, with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board adding 14 names to its Involuntary Exclusion List. Additionally, an enforcement crackdown in western Pennsylvania resulted in the seizure of over 400 illegal skill machines.

Lastly, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against DraftKings, alleging that the operator has exploited player behavior, which further highlights the legal complexities surrounding the gambling industry.

As Pennsylvania’s gambling sector continues to grow and evolve, these developments reflect not only the increasing economic importance of the industry but also the ongoing adjustments to regulations and market dynamics.