Pennsylvania gambling revenue hits record $623.1m in November

Gambling revenue in Pennsylvania reached a record $623.1 million in November, surpassing the previous monthly high by 3.5%, according to data released by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The figure exceeded the prior record of $601.8 million set in May and marked a 10.8% increase compared with November 2024. Revenue was also 4.4% higher than October, underscoring the continued resilience and expansion of the state’s regulated gambling market. Analysts attribute the growth to the combined strength of online gaming and sports betting, sectors that have been steadily gaining traction among Pennsylvania players.

 

Category	Revenue (Nov $M)	YoY Change	Notes
Total Gambling	623.1	+10.8%	All-time monthly record
Sports Betting	98.3	+27.6%	Online $92.4M, retail $5.9M
iGaming	242.7	+21.1%	Online slots $185.4M, tables $55.1M
Land-based Slots	201.2	-0.1%	Minor decline from last year
Retail Table Games	74.7	-3.6%	Year-on-year decline

 

Sports betting sets new highs

Sports betting emerged as the primary driver of revenue growth in November, recording its strongest month on record. The sector generated $98.3 million, up 27.6% from the previous high in November 2024 and 61.9% higher than October. Online wagering dominated, producing $92.4 million in revenue, while retail sportsbooks contributed $5.9 million.

The total betting handle—the amount wagered by players—reached $990.6 million, reflecting a 2.3% increase over the previous record in October and a 5.9% year-on-year growth. Of this total, $946.6 million was wagered online, highlighting the ongoing shift toward digital betting platforms, while retail sportsbooks accounted for $44 million. The statewide hold rate, representing the proportion of wagers retained as revenue, stood at 9.92%.

In terms of operator performance, FanDuel, in partnership with Valley Forge Casino Resort, reclaimed the top position after slipping to second place in October. The operator generated $58.4 million in revenue from a $372.9 million handle, translating to an 11.85% hold. DraftKings and Hollywood Casino at the Meadows followed in second place with $28.1 million from a $299.8 million handle, a 9.37% hold. Third place was taken by Fanatics Sportsbook, partnered with Hollywood Casino York, which produced $5.7 million off a $62.2 million handle for a 9.16% hold.

 

iGaming growth continues, but misses record

Online casino gaming, or iGaming, also contributed substantially to the month’s overall revenue, though it fell slightly short of breaking its own record set in October. iGaming revenue reached $242.7 million, a 21.1% increase from November 2024 but 3.4% below the previous month’s record $251.1 million. The sector’s growth highlights the sustained popularity of online gambling, particularly in the context of evolving consumer habits and increased accessibility through mobile platforms.

Revenue from online slots rose 24.7% to $185.4 million, while internet table games climbed 11.1% to $55.1 million. Online poker, however, saw a minor dip to $2.3 million. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, along with its online gaming partners, maintained its position as the market leader with $91.3 million in revenue. Valley Forge Casino Resort and partners followed with $70.9 million, and Rivers Casino Philadelphia rounded out the top three at $38.2 million.

Despite the growth in digital channels, land-based casinos showed modest declines in November. Slot machine revenue fell 0.1% year-on-year to $201.2 million, while retail table games dropped 3.6% to $74.7 million. The slight decreases suggest that while in-person gambling remains a significant revenue source, consumer preferences are increasingly shifting toward online platforms, especially for convenience and variety.

Other gambling segments saw incremental gains. Video gaming terminals at truck stops generated $3.5 million, an 8.9% increase from the previous year, while fantasy sports revenue edged up 2.8% to $2.5 million. These figures indicate that niche gambling verticals continue to attract consistent engagement, even as traditional casino floors face pressure.

 

November’s record-breaking revenue underscores the growing prominence of online and sports betting in Pennsylvania, even as traditional casinos face modest declines,” said a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. “The data reflects shifting consumer habits and the state’s robust regulatory framework supporting a dynamic gambling market.

 

Tax contributions rise with revenue

The growth in gambling activity translated into higher tax receipts for the state. Pennsylvania collected $260.9 million in gambling taxes during November, with $35.4 million coming from sports betting, $109.3 million from iGaming, $101.4 million from land-based slots, and $12.6 million from retail table games. This steady stream of tax revenue underscores the economic significance of the state’s gambling industry, not only in terms of operator profits but also as a contributor to public funds that support state programs.

November’s results highlight the continued expansion of Pennsylvania’s gambling sector, driven primarily by online channels and sports betting. While traditional casinos experienced minor declines, the overall market demonstrates resilience, and analysts suggest that continued innovation in digital offerings may sustain growth in the coming months.