Pennsylvania Solidifies Position As US’ Second-Largest Gaming Market

The Pennsylvania gaming industry has steadily been on the rise since lawmakers approved table games back in 2011. By the end of the year, Pennsylvania overtook New Jersey as the second-largest gaming industry in the US.

In 2012, the state expanded its revenue lead over New Jersey, solidifying its place behind Nevada, and sending Atlantic City officials scurrying for answers.

Pennsylvania had more than $3.1 billion in revenue from its 11 casinos in 2012. That figure is up from the $3 billion in revenue the state’s casinos saw the previous year.

The revenue figure release sent shock waves through New Jersey. The state had revenue of $3 billion in 2012, but that was not enough to re-take the lead over Pennsylvania. In fact, the gap between the two states grew larger last year.

In New Jersey, regulators will have to assess whether or not the casino industry will ever return to the record revenue figures of 2006. That year, AC casinos took in $5.6 billion. The recession of 2008 soon hit, and the industry never-returned to pre-recession revenue.

Part of the problem for New Jersey has been the expansion of the gaming industries in neighboring states. Gamblers used to come from all across the East Coast to New Jersey. Over the past five years, gamblers have been given alternatives in Ohio, Maine, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. New York and Massachusetts will also soon enter the market.

Whether any of those states will be able to keep up with Pennsylvania is up for debate. Legislators in the state have been proactive in giving the casinos everything they need to compete on a national level. Some of the top developers in the country have helped build the industry, and with the support of local residents, Pennsylvania will set its sights on catching Nevada for the top spot.

The rise to prominence for Pennsylvania casinos has happened quickly. The first casino was not opened in the state until 2006, after gambling was legalized in 2004. In the six years of existence, the industry has expanded several times, reaching its current 11 casino figure in 2011.

 

Mainstream USA
USA Online Casinos on Facebook
USA Gambling Updates
Below are state's that we have most recently updated...

New Jersey - Updated on May 11th, 2014
Nevada - Updated on March 22nd, 2014
South Carolina - Updated on Dec 3rd, 2012
Maryland - Updated on Dec 3rd, 2012

View a list of each state's gambling status here...
Journalists - Please give USAOnlineCasinos.us proper credit when using information and quotes in your articles that you found on our website. We appreciate your efforts.
Gambling Problems?
Gambling Help
America is about freedom and respecting an individual's sense of responsibility. That is why if you think you have a problem with addiction it is imperative you choose to never gamble online and get help now. Find out more about problem gambling in the US...
Play Free Flash Casino Games
Flash Video Slots
Slots - Play video slots with bonus rounds and other games for free. New games will be added as they become available... Play Now!

Flash Blackjack
Blackjack - Learn how to play blackjack and then practice until you perfect your strategy - all for free! Play for real later... Play Now!

Flash Craps
Craps - Learn how to play this complicated, but fun game, then play it for free until you have your dice under your feet... Play Now!

Flash Video Poker
Video Poker - The game that historically pays out the best, if you know the strategies, can now be played online for free... Play Now!
About Online Casino Bonuses
Before accepting any of the gaming industry's numerous promotional offers, be sure you understand wagering requirements of online casino bonuses.