Online Casinos Drive Market Growth
Pennsylvania’s gambling market posted robust growth in October, driven by record revenue from online casinos and a sharp rebound in sports betting, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB). Gross gambling revenue across all commercial gaming sectors reached $597 million last month, representing a 20.2% increase compared with October 2024 and an 11.4% rise over September 2025. The figures highlight the state’s continued strength in gaming operations, as operators adapt to a rapidly expanding online market while maintaining steady performance at land-based locations.
The standout performer in October was the state’s online casino sector, which generated a record $251.1 million in revenue. This represents a 32.8% increase year-on-year and surpasses the previous record of $238.2 million set in March 2025 by 5.4%. Online slots were the primary driver, contributing $190.8 million, a 35.5% increase from the prior year, while internet table games revenue rose 25.7% to $57.7 million. Online poker also grew 13.6% to $2.5 million. Analysts say these figures reflect not only strong consumer engagement but also strategic growth by operators who are expanding game offerings and optimizing digital platforms for mobile and desktop users.
October’s record results highlight the continued strength of Pennsylvania’s iGaming sector and the growing recovery of sports betting, underscoring the state’s position as a leading market in U.S. online gambling.
The Developments
Sports betting also recorded significant gains in October, recovering from a disappointing September when revenue fell to a six-month low. Total sports betting revenue more than doubled year-on-year to $60.7 million, driven largely by online wagers, which accounted for $56.2 million, compared with $4.5 million from retail sportsbooks. The growth was fueled by a record handle of $968.5 million, surpassing the previous high of $935.5 million in November 2024 and marking a 9% increase over October 2024. Online wagers accounted for $926.1 million of the total, while retail locations contributed $42.4 million. The monthly hold for the state stood at 6.27%, reflecting favorable betting conditions and successful promotional campaigns by operators.
Among operators, DraftKings and Hollywood Casino at the Meadows led October’s performance, generating $21.8 million in revenue from a $300.1 million handle, a 7.26% hold. FanDuel and Valley Forge Casino Resort, typically top performers, slipped to second with $18.2 million in revenue from $357.6 million in wagers, equating to a 5.09% hold. BetMGM and Hollywood Casino Morgantown posted $4 million in revenue from $59.6 million in bets, with a 6.71% hold. Analysts suggest that fluctuations in operator rankings are common and reflect differences in monthly betting patterns, promotional activity, and market dynamics.
Despite the rapid expansion of online gambling, land-based slots remain a key contributor to Pennsylvania’s overall gaming revenue. In October, revenue from physical slot machines reached $203.5 million, a modest 1.4% increase year-on-year. Retail table games also grew, rising 3% to $76.1 million, while video gaming terminals and sports fantasy contest revenues declined slightly, down 1% and 1.1%, respectively. These figures indicate that while iGaming is driving record growth, traditional casino offerings continue to provide a stable revenue base.
State and local governments benefited from the growth in gaming revenue, collecting $252.3 million in taxes during October. Online casinos contributed $112.7 million, sports betting $21.8 million, land-based slots $102.8 million, and retail table games $12.8 million. The robust tax intake supports public programs and infrastructure and demonstrates the economic impact of Pennsylvania’s regulated gaming industry.
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Record iGaming Revenue: Pennsylvania’s online casino sector hit an all-time high of $251.1 million in October 2025, driven by online slots, table games, and poker, marking a 32.8% year-on-year increase.
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Sports Betting Rebound: Sports betting revenue more than doubled year-on-year to $60.7 million, supported by a record $968.5 million handle, reversing a previous slump in September.
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Continued Land-Based Contributions: Despite strong online growth, land-based slots and table games remain significant, generating $203.5 million and $76.1 million respectively, and contributing to $252.3 million in state and local tax revenue.
The Future
Analysts say Pennsylvania’s October results reflect broader trends in U.S. online gambling, with iGaming increasingly becoming the primary driver of revenue growth while sports betting shows strong potential for recovery following periods of volatility. The data also highlights the state’s competitive position in the national gambling landscape, as it continues to attract both operators and players with a combination of online innovation and traditional casino offerings.
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