Slot machine revenue in Pennsylvania rises 5.5 percent

PHILADELPHIA - Gross revenue from Pennsylvania slot machines rose 5.5 percent for the fiscal year that just ended, according to state figures, with tax revenue generated by casinos up 4.8 percent to $1.3 billion.

The state's 11 casinos brought in gross slots revenue of nearly $2.5 billion for the fiscal year that ended June 30, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Figures released this week include revenue from the state's newest casino, Valley Forge Casino Resort, which opened March 31 and has generated $11.8 million in gross slots revenue so far. Slots revenue from the 10 existing casinos, meanwhile, was up 4.5 percent, with eight reporting increases compared to the previous fiscal year.

Two casinos, both facing increased competition in their regions, saw declines for the 12-month period.

Las Vegas-based Harrah's Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack, in the struggling suburban city of Chester, reported $263.6 million in gross slots revenue, down from $280.4 million, or 6.5 percent, from the previous fiscal year. In Erie, Presque Isle Downs Casino reported a total of $164.9 million, down 2.9 percent from $169.8 million the year before.

Harrah's is struggling to find ways to compete in the crowded Philadelphia market, where it's up against three other casinos nearby in Pennsylvania as well as out-of-state competition in New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.