Contrary to the usual predictions, Pennsylvania reached an overall iGaming revenue of $217 million this July, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. This is the 3rd highest grossing figure and a vast increase from last year’s revenue of $132 million.

The middle of the summer season is usually a quiet period for online gambling platforms, with many players stepping away from their screens to enjoy vacations and various outdoor activities. However, Pennsylvania's online casinos bucked this trend in July, recording one of their most lucrative months to date. According to figures released by the Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board, online casino operators in the state nearly hit $217 million in revenue for the month, making it the third-highest revenue month on record for Pennsylvania's digital gambling sector.

Surpassing expectations amid seasonal slowdown

The robust performance in July is particularly noteworthy given the usual seasonal slowdown. With players returning from holidays, there was a significant surge in activity that has set a high benchmark for the months ahead. This unexpected boost in earnings proves the growing appeal of online casinos in Pennsylvania, which continue to thrive despite broader trends in the industry.

The PGCB's report revealed a significant year-over-year increase in revenue, with online casino games generating $174,318,463 in gross revenue for July 2024. This represents a substantial 31.20% increase compared to the $132 million reported in July of 2023. The impressive revenue figures are expected to contribute a total of $75,545,125 to Pennsylvania's tax revenue, further solidifying the online casino sector's role as a vital contributor to the state's economy.

Bally's Pennsylvania's remarkable growth, Hollywood Casino dominates overall

Among the various online casino operators, Bally’s Pennsylvania stood out with the most remarkable growth. The operator reported earnings of $3,481,003 for July, marking an astonishing 141.31% increase compared to the $1,442,535 it earned in July 2023. This remarkable growth highlights Bally's strategic moves and successful engagement strategies that have resonated well with many players in PA.

Despite Bally's impressive growth, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse continues to dominate the Pennsylvania online casino landscape. The operator reported the highest revenue for July, with earnings reaching $64,006,434. This figure represents a significant increase from the $54 million it recorded in the same month last year, further marking Hollywood Casino's position as the leading online casino operator in the state.

The substantial gap between Hollywood Casino and its nearest competitor emphasizes its dominance in the market. Valley Forge Casino Resort, which ranked second in revenue, reported earnings of $45,503,850 for July. Despite trailing behind Hollywood Casino, Valley Forge's performance was still remarkable, with a 55.72% year-over-year growth compared to its earnings in July 2023. This growth is a testament to the operator's continued efforts to expand its market share and attract new players.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia rounds out the top three

Rivers Casino Philadelphia, which operates the BetRivers platform, secured the third spot in the revenue rankings for July. The operator reported a more low-key growth of 11.24%, with earnings increasing from just under $27 million in July 2023 to nearly $30 million this year. While the growth rate is lower compared to other top operators, Rivers Casino Philadelphia's steady performance demonstrates its consistent appeal to a broad base of online players.

The record-breaking earnings reported by Pennsylvania's online casinos in July set a new standard for the industry and signal strong momentum heading into the latter half of the year. As players increasingly turn to digital platforms for their gambling entertainment, Pennsylvania's online casino operators are well-positioned to continue moving upward. The significant revenue growth not only reflects the operators' successful strategies but also showcases the enduring popularity of online gambling in the state. With the summer almost behind us and more players returning to their routines, the sector is all set to capitalize on this momentum.