PA gambling revenue halves in March amid Covid-19 shutdowns
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) saw gambling revenue in the state more than half in March due to the widespread shutdown of casinos and postponement of sports events as a result of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.
Revenue for the month – comprising land-based table games and slots, online casino, sports betting, fantasy sports and video gaming terminals – amounted to $153.5m, down by 51.5% from $316.3m in March 2019. The monthly total was also 49.6% lower than the $304.3m recorded in February this year.
The PGCB noted declines across all verticals, with the exception of online casino, which has remained unaffected by the pandemic. Sports betting also saw growth, despite many sporting events having been postponed or cancelled, significantly limiting betting options for punters.
The biggest drop came in the land-based casino sector, after casinos were forced to close from March 17, to slow the spread of the virus.