Slots Revenue Slips Again in April in Pennsylvania

April was another “off” month for slot machine revenue in Pennsylvania.  Revenue from slots play at the state’s 11 casinos was down 4% compared to the same month last year.

The only bright spot in the April report was the Valley Forge Resort Casino, which posted a nearly 34% increase. Its first full month of operation was in April of 2012.

Doug Harbach of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board says the state is seeing the impact of additional competition from Ohio and Maryland.  But he adds that Pennsylvania still has room for expansion.  Lady Luck at Nemacolin, a resort casino, is scheduled to open this summer

Pennsylvania is second only to Nevada in total gaming revenues.

Harbach says Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie has been feeling the pressure from Cleveland, Ohio and posted another double-digit decline.   Slots play at Presque Isle was off by nearly 16% compared to April of last year.

Harbach adds that despite the decline in revenue,  the board’s primary responsibility is to regulate the industry.