Pennsylvania Gaming Revenue Drops 2.16% in August 2026

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) reported a total gaming revenue of $569,738,545 for August 2026, representing a 2.16% downturn compared to August 2025. While online casino revenue increased, retail table games and sports wagering saw notable year-on-year declines. The tax generated for the month reached $249,030,487, but softness across multiple core segments put pressure on topline growth.

Statewide Gaming Revenue Overview

Total August 2026 gaming revenue—including all retail, online, VGT, and fantasy contest activity—stood at $569.7 million, contrasting with $582.3 million from the same period last year. The marginal contraction reflects shifting channel performance and competitive intensity among Pennsylvania's 17 licensed casinos, new market entries, and a volatile sports calendar.

• Retail slots: $213.9M (down 1.26%)
• iGaming slots: $195.2M (up 8.84%)
• Retail tables: $66.4M (down 18.09%)
• iGaming tables: $48.1M (down 2.57%)
• Sports wagering: $39.4M (down 19.92%)
• VGTs: $3.4M (down 6.39%)
• Fantasy contests: $1.03M (up 54.63%)

Happy Valley Casino contributed new revenue, having launched in April 2026.

iGaming Slots, Tables Deliver Growth

The iGaming sector posted the strongest annual gains: slot revenue rose to $195.2 million—a substantial 8.84% increase—while total internet gaming (including tables and poker) reached $245.7 million, up 6.25%. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course retained digital leadership, with $95.4M in online revenue (up 11.60%), followed by Valley Forge Casino Resort at $67.5M (essentially flat year-on-year). The upward trend in online slots contrasts with a 2.57% dip in iGaming table games revenue and a 5.15% fall for online poker. Harrah’s Philadelphia reported a 19.74% jump in iGaming, while Mohegan Pennsylvania’s iGaming expanded by over 70% year-on-year.

Retail and Sports Betting Segments Weaken

Traditional retail segments lagged:

• Retail slots revenue fell 1.26% to $213.9M, with Parx Casino leading in slot receipts but registering a drop to $31.5M (down 5.89%). Wind Creek Bethlehem and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh also saw small contractions, while Live! Casino Philadelphia and Hollywood Casino Morgantown posted modest gains.
• Retail table games took a harder hit, down to $66.4M, representing an 18.09% decrease. Wind Creek Bethlehem experienced a steep 49.21% fall in table games revenue, while Parx Casino’s tables declined by nearly 20%.

Sports wagering revenue dropped to $39.4M, a 19.92% retreat from August 2025. Handle for the month hit $498.5M. Valley Forge Casino Resort generated $15.1M in total sports betting revenue, down over 19%, yet remained the largest operator for this vertical. Hollywood Casino at the Meadows followed with $10.8M (down over 12%). Declines were the rule, accentuated at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course (down 60.42%) and Parx Casino (down 63.5%).

Video Gaming Terminals and Fantasy Contests

Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs)—which operate in truck stops—reported $3.35M in revenue, a 6.39% decline from the previous year. Marquee by Penn continued to command a majority share, operating in 36 venues and generating $2.26M. J&J Ventures Gaming saw a sharper fall, at $557K (down nearly 23%).

In contrast, fantasy contests surged, producing $1.03M (54.63% increase year-on-year). DraftKings led with $817K (up 59%), while FanDuel doubled its previous year take to $151K. Other operators, including Underdog Sports and Sportshub Technologies, delivered smaller volumes.

Tax Revenue and Market Activity

Total gaming-related tax receipts in August 2026 reached $249M prior to any Department of Revenue adjustments. Largest contributions came from slot machines ($108M), iGaming ($113M), table games ($11.4M), sports wagering ($14.2M), with additional proceeds from VGTs and fantasy contests.

The number of retail slot machines ticked up slightly—to 24,520 from 24,332 in August 2025. By the end of the month, all VGT operators were at statutory capacity (five machines per site) but operated in 72 establishments, versus 74 a year ago.

Major Operator Revenue Table

Key August 2026 figures by operator (total revenue, select changes):

• Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course: $109.5M (+8.1%)
• Valley Forge Casino Resort: $94.4M (-4.38%)
• Parx Casino: $52.0M (-10.62%)
• Rivers Casino Philadelphia: $57.5M (+0.96%)
• Bally's Pennsylvania: $5.4M (+54.85%)
• Happy Valley Casino: $2.3M (opened April 2026)

A detailed breakdown by category and operator can be found in PGCB’s full release and is reflected in the top-line results across both retail and digital verticals.

"Despite challenges in land-based sectors, Pennsylvania operators continue to invest in iGaming," said a PGCB spokesperson. "August’s growth in online slots and fantasy contests offsets some of the pressure in traditional formats."

Regulatory and Market Context

PGCB's monthly report underscores both channel migration and increased market plurality. Continued capex and product development in the online segment reflect a broader trend among Pennsylvania licensees to diversify against retail headwinds. With property expansion (e.g., Happy Valley Casino’s debut), acquisition of digital-first customers, and growing fantasy contest participation, the state remains a key market for US gaming technology vendors.

For more context on regulatory developments and the competitive landscape, consult our regulation and b2b coverage.