Casino revenues decreased across state last month, report shows

Sunday 27th December 2020

Casinos across the state saw a drop in revenue last month as the facilities struggle to recover from economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Figures released by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board show total revenue generated from gaming and fantasy contests in November totaled more than $284.2 million, an almost 3% drop compared to November 2019 when revenue totaled more than $292 million.

Decreases in gaming types were largely carried by retail slots and table games, which declined by almost 32% and about 30%, respectively. For slot machines, that means a loss of more than $59.8 million, while for table games that is a loss of more than $22.4 million.

Casinos across the region also reported decreases in revenue. Rivers Casino on Pittsburgh's North Shore saw an overall decrease in revenue by 40%, or $13.3 million. Slot machines at the facility had an almost 43% decrease in revenue, or a loss of more than $10.6 million. Table games revenue decreased by 44%, or $3.1 million.

Revenue at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Washington County dropped by 9%, or more than $1.9 million. Of that, slot machine revenue decreased by 38%, or about $6.1 million. Table game revenue decreased by almost 48%, or $1.5 million.

Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin in Fayette County saw a 46% drop in revenue, or about $1.2 million. The facility had an almost 44% drop in slot machine revenue, or about $1 million. Table games lost 64% of revenue, or more than $200,000.

Several forms of gaming did report an increase in revenue, including iGaming, sports wagering, fantasy contests and video gaming terminals. iGaming slot revenues saw the largest increase by $34 million, a 673% increase. iGaming table games followed, increasing by $15.3 million, or 592%.

Live! Casino Pittsburgh, which opened in Hempfield's Westmoreland Mall in November, brought in more than $2.2 million during its first month of operation.

Casinos across the state are working to recover after they were forced to shutter this spring to help curb the spread of covid-19. After reopening for the summer months, new mitigation orders put in place by Gov. Tom Wolf this month once again shuttered the facilities until Jan. 4.