Pennsylvania Hits Record $600M Gaming Revenue, but Traditional Casinos Are Fading
The gaming sector in Pennsylvania is on an upward trajectory, with total revenue for March 2026 exceeding $600 million according to recent financial findings from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
On April 17, the PGCB disclosed that player losses for the previous month were nearly $602.4 million. This represented a year-over-year increase of 4.85% and marked the first occasion in 2026 where monthly gross gaming revenue (GGR) surpassed the $600 million threshold.
Following a record-setting year with a statewide GGR of $6.79 billion, the gaming sector in Pennsylvania continues to progress. This expansion is predominantly being fueled by online activities.
GGR from traditional slots and table games experienced a decline of 0.8% in 2025. In March 2026, traditional gaming faced challenges again while online gaming thrived.
Stagnation in Traditional Gaming, Online Growth
Starting 2026 on a high note in January and February, revenue from retail slots dropped by 3% in March, hitting $216.2 million. The income from table games decreased by 4%, totaling $78.7 million.
Parx Casino and Wind Creek Bethlehem, leading venues in terms of physical gaming activities, reported decreases in year-over-year revenue. Parx held the top position within the 17-casino market with a GGR of $50.2 million, while Wind Creek came in second with $44.9 million.
Out of the 17 casinos, 14 noted decreases in year-over-year GGR from their slot machines, and 10 establishments experienced reductions in table game winnings. iGaming and online sports betting effectively countered these in-person challenges.
In March, the GGR from online slots, poker, and table games reached $254.7 million, reflecting an increase of nearly 7% compared to the previous year, or a difference of $16.4 million.
A vibrant March Madness for sportsbooks resulted in a remarkable 77% year-over-year surge in revenue. Oddsmakers retained $47.8 million of the wagers, which is $20.8 million more than what they kept in March 2025.
Villanova, Penn, and Lehigh were eliminated early in the men’s tournament, and St. John’s suffered a defeat to Duke in a heavily wagered Sweet 16 matchup.
March 2026 was notable as it marked only the fourth instance in Pennsylvania's history where monthly GGR surpassed $600 million. March joined the ranks of May 2025 ($601.8 million), November 2025 ($523.1 million), and December 2025 ($616.7 million).
Pennsylvania Casino Approaches Opening
Pennsylvania is preparing to launch its 18th physical gaming establishment next month in State College. The Happy Valley Casino will hold charitable test events on April 24 and 25, with the proceeds benefiting the State College Food Bank and the YMCA of Centre County.
This so-called “mini casino” aims to open with around 600 slot machines and 30 live dealer table games. A sportsbook is not planned despite the casino’s proximity to Penn State University.
The Happy Valley Casino will feature a full-service restaurant, a grab-and-go outlet offering sandwiches and snacks, and a casino Center Bar.
