Pennsylvania’s 2011 gambling revenues came in at a massive $3 billion, a 22 percent increase over its 2010 numbers, making it the largest gaining state in the country. The play of table games during January 2012 generated tax revenue of more than $8.6 million, which means by the end of year Pennsylvania likely will surpass Atlantic City as the second-largest gaming market in the United States.
Gambling revenue in Atlantic City in 2011 slipped 7 percent to $3.3 billion, continuing a five-year slide for its casinos.
Las Vegas still is the king of gambling, with the state of Nevada reporting gross gaming revenue in 2011 of $10.7 billion, an increase of 2.8 percent over 2010.
It took Pennsylvania casinos a long time to roll out new games, but once it did the revenue for table games almost doubled year over year. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has the authorization to license two more casinos and could be adding soon to its 10 operational casinos.
MORE AT PRESQUE: Presque Isle Downs in Erie recently added $2-$4 limit hold’em to its poker room and is featuring daily tournaments, including $50 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.
VVD STILL WAITING: Valley View Downs in Central Pennsylvania still is awaiting its gaming license, but it has recently been issued a racing license. Cards could soon be in the air in Harrisburg.
—Mike Owens is the Ante Up Ambassador for Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. You can follow him on Twitter @Holdemag and check out his blog at CheckRaze.com. He can be reached at anteupowens@gmail.com.
