Pennsylvania is now the second-largest gambling state in the nation, falling only behind Nevada, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The state’s 10 casinos earned $3.02 billion in gross revenue last year, up 21.6 percent from 2010, reported the
Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
The earnings edged out New Jersey, where $2.95 billion in revenues were reported, a decline from 2010. The gambling growth has also meant more jobs at the state’s casinos.
Pennsylvania’s rise was attributed to the popularity of table games, which began operating in the state in 2010. In addition, many casinos have added hotels, ballrooms, and restaurants, which attracts even more gamblers.
“Clearly, Pennsylvania is going to be much stronger than New Jersey for the next two years,” said Michael Paladino, a gambling industry analyst with Fitch Ratings in New York.
While Pennsylvania grew, Nevada will likely remain the nation’s top gambling state for years to come. Nevada had $10.4 billion in gambling revenues in 2010, more than three times that of Pennsylvania, said the American Gaming Association.
Paladino said as Pennsylvania’s casinos add hotels to attract gamblers, they likely will continue growing, but probably at a slower rate as the market matures.
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