Pennsylvania Gaming Revenue Rises 20% Year-on-Year in October

In October, Pennsylvania's gaming revenue was $597 million, up 20.2% from the same month last year. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said that record performance was a significant contributor to the success. 

According to published figures, Pennsylvania online casinos generated $251.1 million in revenue, surpassing the previous record of $238.2 million set in March. This was the biggest factor in growth across the state. Several major operators saw significant increases, indicating that the online casino market in Pennsylvania is ever-growing.

Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse was the most successful operator, generating $114.5 million in total revenue, 38.7% more than the $82.5 million it posted in October of last year. Valley Forge Casino Resort was next with $101.3 million, a 25.2% increase. Rivers Casino Philadelphia generated $57.4 million, representing an 8.3% increase. Parx Casino reported $56.1 million, an 8.8% rise year-on-year.

Slot revenue statewide reached $203.5 million, up 1.4% year-on-year. Parx Casino topped slot operators with $31.2 million, nearly flat compared to last year. Wind Creek Bethlehem posted $22.5 million, down 4%, and Rivers Casino Pittsburgh generated $21 million, down 1.1%.

Online gaming growth was broad-based, with Hollywood Casino at Penn National reporting $98.7 million, up 42.2%. Valley Forge Casino Resort produced $71.4 million, a 37.5% increase, and Rivers Casino Philadelphia generated $38.2 million, up 15%.

Pennsylvania sports betting revenue totaled $60.7 million on a $968.5 million handle. Hollywood Casino at the Meadows led with $21.8 million from $300.1 million wagered. Valley Forge Casino Resort reported $18.2 million in revenue on $357.6 million in handle, while Hollywood Casino Morgantown posted $3.9 million in revenue on $59.8 million in handle.

Residents continue to take advantage of Pennsylvania online casino no deposit bonuses and Pennsylvania sportsbook promos.

PENN partnership with ESPN BET ends

As the last quarter of the year is wrapping up, PENN is going to make one more big change. ESPN's transition away from its betting partnership with PENN is set to begin on Dec. 1, creating a shift in ESPN's gambling strategy as it moves toward a new deal with DraftKings.

The only remaining element of the PENN collaboration will be the linear broadcast ESPN BET Live, marking a significant change after the companies signed a 10-year, $150 million-per-year agreement in 2023 that allowed Penn to operate under the ESPN BET brand.

The transition comes as legalized sports betting faces public scrutiny following federal charges involving manipulated NBA games. Although the timing aligns with league controversies, ESPN and PENN stated that the decision stemmed solely from unmet market-share performance thresholds set in the original agreement.

Beginning in December, DraftKings products will be integrated across ESPN platforms, with full implementation planned for 2026. ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro said the move supports the network's strategy to build integrated betting features into its digital ecosystem and expand its direct-to-consumer business.

PENN CEO Jay Snowden said both companies "mutually and amicably agreed" to end the partnership and confirmed that ESPN Bet will be rebranded as theScore Bet on Dec. 1, coinciding with the expected launch of Missouri sports betting. 

The operator will focus more heavily on its online casino business while leveraging its position as a major regional retail casino operator.