Pennsylvania Casino Guide
Facts About Gambling & Online Casinos in Pennsylvania
You may not think of Pennsylvania as being a hotbed of casino activity, but the state has a dozen casinos that do extremely well. In fact, these 12 casinos brought in almost $206 million in revenue during the month of April 2015. Per the Pennsylvania gaming board, the casinos employ more than 17,000 people and bring in close to $4 million per day in tax revenues. It’s clear that the casinos in Pennsylvania thrive.
History of Gambling in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s gambling history really got started in 1971 when the state legalized the Pennsylvania Lottery. The goal was to use the revenue to fund programs for senior citizens. The first lottery ticket was sold in 1972 and has helped bring in more than $19 billion over the years.
The next big step came in 2004 when the Pennsylvania Racehorse Development and Gaming Act passed. This change legalized up to 61,000 video slots that could be installed in up to 14 casinos and racinos throughout the state. The first casino to open under this new law was Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Many more have followed since then, especially when table games were legalized in 2010.
Age Restrictions for Gambling in Pennsylvania
There are two age restrictions to pay attention to in Pennsylvania. If you want to buy lottery tickets or bet on horses, you must be at least 18. To play slots and table games in Pennsylvania, players must be 21 or older.
Pennsylvania’s Casino Gambling Outlook
Gambling is clearly on an upswing in Pennsylvania. With the casinos in Pennsylvania bringing in plenty of revenue, the state announced in 2015 that it was lowering property tax rates. Some members of the state government have concerns over how long these property tax rates will remain fiscally possible, but for now everything looks rosy.
Whether or not Pennsylvanians will see legalized online casino gambling is unknown. Representative John Payne is working on a bill that will legalize online gambling in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, a survey paid for by Sheldon Adelson claims that only 21 percent of Pennsylvania’s voters stated they would vote yes if they were asked the question on a ballot.
Local Casinos
Pennsylvania has a mix of both racinos (racetracks that offer casino games), stand-alone casinos, and casino resorts that add hotel rooms and suites to the establishment’s offerings. Here are the current casinos in Pennsylvania:
Racinos in Pennsylvania
• Harrah’s Philadelphia
• Meadows Racetrack and Casino
• Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs
• Parx Casino and Racing
• Penn National Race Course
• Presque Isle Downs
Pennsylvania Resort Casinos
• Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin
• Live Hotel & Casino (opening in 2016)
• Mount Airy Casino Resort
• Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem
• Valley Forge Casino Resort
Stand-Alone Casinos in Pennsylvania
• Rivers Casino
• SugarHouse Casino