Sports Betting in Pennsylvania: Parx Casino Leads the Way as a Smoke-Free Establishment
Published on: October 18, 2023, 04:27h | Last updated on: October 18, 2023, 04:27h
Parx Casino in Bensalem, located north of Philadelphia, and its satellite Parx Casino Shippensburg are gaining an edge over their competition as the only smoke-free casinos in Pennsylvania. Despite the inconvenience for smokers, Parx Casino continues to outpace its brick-and-mortar rivals.
In September, Parx Casino near Philadelphia generated $31.5 million from its retail slots and $16 million from its table games. Its combined in-person winnings of approximately $47.5 million surpassed Wind Creek Bethlehem, which came in second with around $43.5 million.
Parx Casino and Wind Creek have consistently held the top two positions in the Pennsylvania casino industry. Even after deciding to remain smoke-free due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Parx Casino’s success continues.
Positive Feedback on Smoking Ban
When indoor smoking was allowed to return to casinos in June 2021, Parx officials made the decision to remain smoke-free. This choice resonated with employees and most guests, particularly table game dealers who were most affected by secondhand smoke. The Pennsylvania Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008 permits casinos to designate up to 25% of their gaming space for smoking.
According to Carrie Nork Minelli, Parx’s Public Relations Director, “Even smokers have given positive feedback and have not minded going to the smoking patio. Employees are extremely happy with the change, especially the table games team.”
Parx’s Chief Marketing Officer, Marc Oppenheimer, stated that the decision to ban indoor smoking has been beneficial for the health and comfort of both guests and team members. The casino has received significant positive feedback and continues to perform well in the market.
iGaming Sets New Records
In September 2023, Pennsylvania’s 17 land-based casinos generated gross gaming revenue of $275.1 million, a decrease of $5 million, or 1.8%, compared to September 2022. Sports betting revenue from online and retail wagering totaled $36.6 million, a 27% drop from the $50.2 million won in September 2022.
However, the losses in in-person casino and sports betting were offset by the record-breaking performance of Pennsylvania’s online gaming platforms, which won $157.1 million in gross gaming revenue last month – a remarkable 43% surge compared to the previous year. Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course’s online gaming platform dominated the market with September GGR of $64.8 million, representing nearly 44% of the Pennsylvania iGaming market. Boyd Gaming’s Valley Forge Casino Resort online platforms followed closely behind with $35.4 million.
Pennsylvania is among the six states where slot machines and table games are regulated online, alongside New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Michigan.