August table games revenue up 11.1 percent in Pa.
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Gross table games revenue rose more than 11 percent at Pennsylvania's casinos last month compared to the same period a year ago.
The state's 11 casinos collected a total of $59.9 million in gross revenue from table games in August, an increase of 11.1 percent over the $53.9 million generated in August 2011, according to monthly figures released Tuesday by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
The increase was bolstered by revenue from the state's newest casino, Valley Forge Casino Resort, which opened in the crowded suburban Philadelphia market in March and generated more than $2 million in gross revenue from table games in August. Gross revenue was up about 7.2 percent for the period when considering only casinos open in both August 2011 and August 2012.
Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem led the way with $14.2 million in gross revenue from table games, up 31 percent over August 2011. Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia brought in $6.8 million, an 11.5 percent increase, and The Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh generated $6.6 million, up 17.9 percent.
Other casinos saw slight declines in August, including Parx Casino in Bensalem, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack in Chester, The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in western Pennsylvania, Presque Isle Downs Casino in Erie and Mount Airy Casino Resort in northeastern Pennsylvania.
The state uses casino revenue to support the state budget, public schools, civic development projects, volunteer firefighting squads, local governments and the horse racing industry. Table games revenue is taxed at a rate of 14 percent.
The state legalized casino gambling in 2004 and saw its first casino open in 2006. The state legalized table games in 2010 and they are now up and running at each of the 11 casinos.
