In September 2025, the Pennsylvania gambling industry demonstrated its robust momentum, with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) announcing that total revenue across all sectors reached $535.8 million. This figure, which includes casino gaming, sports betting, fantasy contests, and video gaming terminals, marks a significant 5.9% increase from the previous year’s $505.9 million, solidifying Pennsylvania’s status as a formidable gaming jurisdiction in the United States.
Despite the annual growth, the revenue figures for September showed an 8% decline from August’s record-setting $582.3 million. This decline aligns with expected seasonal trends, following the peak summer tourist activities and heightened sports events. The PGCB remains optimistic, pointing to the steady growth in online gambling as a compensatory factor for the minor dips in traditional, in-person casino wagers.
Retail slots continue to be a crucial revenue source, generating $193.9 million. However, this marks a 1.5% decline from the previous year. The slight reduction in the number of operational slot machines, from 24,558 to 24,331, also reflects this trend. Nevertheless, slots still dominate as the single largest contributor to gaming revenue, yielding nearly $97 million in taxes that support state and local programs. Table games maintained their stability, with revenues holding steady at $73.4 million, virtually unchanged from September 2024. Video gaming terminals (VGTs), operating at 74 legal truck stops, brought in $3.34 million, a minor decrease from the previous year. In contrast, fantasy contests experienced a 5.4% surge, reaching $1.96 million, showcasing their consistent appeal to players.
Online gaming stands out as a significant growth driver, expanding by over 32% year-over-year to $233.4 million. This sector alone provided over $106 million in taxes to the state, a figure that would have sufficed to represent the entire gaming market of Pennsylvania a decade ago. Regulators highlighted the increasing number of casino apps and the shift in player preferences towards mobile and internet platforms as primary factors fueling this growth.
Sports betting also saw an upswing in September, with the total handle reaching $850.5 million, a nearly 5% increase from the same month in 2024. Despite this, taxable revenue from sports wagering plummeted by 44% to $29.7 million. The decline is attributed to lower hold percentages and heightened promotional expenditures by operators, preparing for the NFL season. Tax revenues from sports betting were recorded at $10.7 million for the month.
In sum, Pennsylvania collected $227.9 million in taxes from all gaming forms in September, reaffirming the sector’s critical role in the state’s budget. However, the state’s regulated gambling sector encounters new challenges. PGCB executive director Kevin F. O’Toole warned lawmakers about the rise of sports prediction markets, characterizing them as a considerable threat to the state’s regulatory environment.
Analysts within the industry express cautious optimism. There’s a sense that while online gambling’s growth is promising, the traditional gaming sectors must innovate to keep pace with changing consumer trends. “It’s a balancing act,” they assert, noting that while digital platforms capture a growing share of the market, the physical casino experience continues to draw a dedicated audience that values the social and entertainment aspects.
Conversely, some industry experts argue that the rapid growth of online gaming could eventually cannibalize the traditional gaming market. They caution that without strategic investments in the in-person experience, including enhanced amenities and entertainment options, casinos might struggle to maintain their appeal in the face of expanding digital alternatives.
The discussion around sports prediction markets also generates divergent views. While some see these platforms as innovative, offering a new dimension of engagement for players, others warn of potential regulatory issues and the challenge they pose to established sports betting frameworks. The PGCB remains vigilant, ensuring that any new developments align with state regulations to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of Pennsylvania’s gaming industry.
In conclusion, as Pennsylvania’s gambling revenue continues to climb, driven by the impressive performance of online gaming, the industry stands at a crossroads. Stakeholders must navigate the evolving landscape, addressing emerging challenges while capitalizing on growth opportunities. The sustained success of Pennsylvania’s gambling sector will depend on its ability to adapt to technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences while safeguarding its regulatory framework.
