Pennsylvania slots see significant revenue growth; Seneca Nation approve casino gambling, just not in western NY

Pennsylvania‘s regulating state agency, The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, released figures in a press release today demonstrating significant slot revenue growth in the state.

In a press release, the board said the amount of gross revenue generated in December 2011 through the play of slot machines at Commonwealth casinos was “almost 14% higher than revenue produced the previous year”. The report also illustrates the play of slot machines at the ten operating casinos produced $199,062,596 in gross revenue in December last year – a 13% increase  compared to the $174,772,637 in gross revenue generated in December 2010.

Gaming Control Board Executive Director, Kevin O’Toole, said that “good weather”, an “improving economy”, and “continued fine-tuning of marketing by the casinos” were the reasons for December’s impressive results.

He added: “Most gaming jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania, enjoyed good weather in December which made travel easier for patrons. When you combine good weather with the marketing of a wider assortment of table game options not in place last December along with other amenities being offered at the casinos, factors were in place for a very good month.”

The board stated that the average combined number of slot machines operating daily was 26,418 in December 2011 compared to 26,907 in December 2010, demonstrating a growth even though fewer slot machines were operating within the month. Impressive indeed.

 

In other casino news; the Indian Seneca Nation – the tribe that operates casinos under a 2002 compact with the state in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Salamanca – announced yesterday it doesn’t oppose state-wide casino gambling. But not so fast. The tribe’s President Robert Porter also said that this would be as long as it doesn’t spread to western New York. Ahh, right-io then.

However, a report by CBS reveals Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in his “State of the State” speech yesterday that New Yorkers could approve a constitutional amendment to have Atlantic-City style casinos off Indian reservations.

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