© WGAL hollywood casino in grantville, lebanon county
According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, gambling and sports betting generated more than $400 million in the month of August alone, and of that, more than $100 million in tax revenue, which is money that will go back into the pockets of Pennsylvanians.
“With football season, it’s a very social sport and people want to engage with their friends. Maybe put a little action on it and make it a little interesting,” said Tony Fabbiele, general manager of Hollywood Casino.
The proof is in the numbers and the numbers say Pennsylvanians like to make things interesting with a wager or two.
“Internet gaming, which are casino games online, sports betting, fantasy games, video game terminals in truck stops,” said Doug Harbach, communication director for Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board said.
It also includes table games and slot machines.
“All together they combined for a total of $425 million dollars in revenue in August,” Harbach said.
Now that football season has begun, sports books like Barstool at Hollywood Casino will only see more action from here.
“I think if you look at gaming, we’re one of the largest revenue contributors to the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” Fabbiele said.
According to the Gaming Control Board, of the $425 million in revenue, almost $100 million was generated at Hollywood Casino Properties and $60 million came from Penn National, but where does the money go?
“The money from slot machines revenue, two-thirds goes toward the reduction of property tax, ” Harbach said.
Now, because revenue from internet slot machines is being combined with that from land-based slot machines, homeowners are saving even more.
“They’ll probably see $60-$80 more this year because of that amount of increase,” Harbach said.
Aside from property tax reductions, tax revenue also goes towards infrastructure and economic development projects, as well as the municipalities that host the sportsbooks.
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READ THE FULL STORY:Gambling and sports betting benefits homeowners, economic development