Pennsylvania’s gambling market has just posted a new high, hitting almost $6.4 billion in overall wagering receipts for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the exact figure published today by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This figure sets a new lifetime benchmark, topping all previous totals since the state legalized gaming.
The surge came from digital wagering, where iGaming and mobile sports betting now command a majority of the overall handle. While physical slot floors and in-person table games still contribute robustly, the sharpest two-year gain arose from online product launches and the growing popularity of wagering via smartphone and tablet.
The state benefited from the revenue growth, generating a record $2.8 billion in gaming tax over the same year, a figure that now finances diverse public needs. The receipts cover priorities such as property tax credits, transportation and infrastructure grants, municipal aid, and public safety resources, showing the wide-ranging impact of the industry’s success.
Pennsylvania continues to rank nationwide among the top three jurisdictions for legalized gambling, trailing only Nevada and New Jersey. As new online entrants keep arriving and current operators seek to deepen customer engagement, that competitive standing shows every sign of holding for the foreseeable future.
Alongside improvements in the gambling market, payment methods have also developed to offer greater security and convenience. One popular option is CashtoCode, a card-free payment method that allows users to make deposits without sharing bank or credit card details (source: cashtocode-casinos.com). By generating a barcode that can be paid in cash at various retail locations, CashtoCode provides an added layer of financial privacy and control. Many gambling sites now support such secure, alternative deposit methods, attracting more users who prefer to keep their payment information private.
The takeaway from this is that the convenience of online play has changed the way people in the state gamble. Many are choosing to place bets and play casino games from their phones or computers instead of traveling to a physical location. The flexibility of 24/7 access and wide game selection appeals to both casual players and experienced gamblers.
The most dramatic growth in Pennsylvania’s gambling sector, therefore, came from iGaming, which includes online slots, table games, and poker. The total revenue from iGaming reached $2.47 billion, up nearly 27% from the previous year.
One of the biggest contributors was Hollywood Casino at Penn National, generating just under $936 million in online gaming revenue. Other strong performers included Valley Forge Casino Resort with $675 million, Rivers Casino Philadelphia with $412 million, and Harrah’s Philadelphia, which brought in $116 million.
Despite the growth in online gaming, Pennsylvania’s land-based casinos are still active contributors. Slot machines brought in $2.46 billion, which was roughly the same as the previous year, up by a modest 0.6%. These machines still are the largest single source of gambling revenue in the state.
Table games didn’t fare quite as well. Revenue from games like blackjack, craps, and roulette declined by 3.4%, totaling just over $929 million. Although table game revenues remain significant, the dip reflects shifting habits and preferences among players who now spend more time and money online.
Retail sports betting, bets placed in-person at sportsbooks inside casinos, was also largely flat. It brought in $488 million, up only slightly from the previous year. In contrast, mobile sports betting saw continued growth, reaching $180 million in total revenue, driven by users who prefer apps to retail counters, with many businesses catching onto this trend and capitalizing on value in e-commerce.
Some casinos are even trying to strike a balance by offering both traditional games and app-linked experiences that allow users to engage online while inside the venue. Others are expanding amenities like restaurants, live shows, and hotel accommodations to turn casinos into broader entertainment destinations.
With high gambling revenue comes higher tax collections. The state’s $2.8 billion in tax income from gambling is also a record, beating last year’s $2.54 billion. Taxes on online slots and sports betting are especially high in Pennsylvania, contributing a large portion of this total.
For example, online sports betting is taxed at 36%, one of the highest rates in the U.S. Online casino games also face steep tax rates, which have made iGaming one of the most valuable areas for public funding.
The money raised supports a variety of programs. Property tax relief remains one of the primary destinations for gambling tax revenue, helping homeowners across the state lower their annual bills. Other uses include supporting the horse racing industry, funding volunteer fire departments, and assisting law enforcement agencies with new equipment and training.
This level of public benefit is one reason why state lawmakers have continued to support expansion and modernization of Pennsylvania’s gambling industry. By maintaining strict oversight, the state has managed to grow its gambling sector while minimizing the risk of fraud. Pennsylvania’s gambling market has matured significantly over the last decade, but growth opportunities remain. Operators may apply for licenses, especially as the state continues to refine its laws and technology improves.
The popularity of live dealer games, mobile apps, and even hybrid physical-digital experiences could help Pennsylvania maintain its strong position. With annual revenues continuing to climb, both casinos and public officials have incentives to keep the industry competitive and well-regulated.
Some in the industry are also watching developments in nearby states. So, it’s safe to say that if neighboring jurisdictions begin expanding or adjusting their gambling laws, Pennsylvania may need to adapt its strategies to maintain market share.
