Gambling in the USA
PlayPennsylvania.com: Sports betting slows again, but still hits $5 billion for fiscal year

Wagering at Pennsylvania’s online and retail sportsbooks fell modestly in May, but still pushed the state past $5 billion in wagering through fiscal year 2020-21. But as sports betting continues its summer slowdown, Pennsylvania’s online casinos and poker rooms racked up more than $110 million in gross revenue to solidify their position as the state’s most dependable gaming revenue generator, according to PlayPennsylvania, which tracks the state’s regulated online gaming and sports betting market.
“The seasonal slowdown will continue to be a factor until bettors can place bets on Eagles, Steelers, and Penn State football games,” said Dustin Gouker, lead analyst for the PlayUSA.com network, which includes PlayPennsylania.com. “And with the popularity of online casinos holding even as retail casino customers return, the state’s gaming industry is in relatively good shape.”
Pennsylvania’s online and retail sportsbooks accepted $447.5 million in wagers in May, down 6.7% from $479.4 million in April, according to official data released Thursday. Through 11 months of the fiscal year, sportsbooks have accepted $5.2 billion in bets.
Sportsbooks won $37.4 million off May’s wagers, up 3.8% from $36 million in April, which produced $27.7 million in taxable revenue. The month yielded $9.4 million in state taxes and $554,930 in local share assessments. Betting volume was up 477.3% in May from $77.5 million in May 2020, a month still marred by the pandemic-related shutdowns of major U.S. sports. The win jumped 532.2% from $5.9 million.
Sports betting tends to tail off from April through August, and Pennsylvania is not immune. The Keystone State’s month-over-month decline from April is steeper than the comparable states that have already reported May data, including New Jersey (up 8.9%), Indiana (up 7.6%), Iowa (down 2.9%), and Michigan (down 4.9%). But in April, betting volume in Pennsylvania was down 14.4% from March, one of the mildest month-over-month declines in the U.S.
The states that have fared the best this spring tend to be the beneficiaries of surging interest in local professional teams. A contending 76ers team, and to a lesser extent the one-series playoff appearance of the Penguins, helped the cause of Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks. But not enough to outperform other states.
“Without a national betting holiday like the Super Bowl or the NCAA Tournament, the summer months are dictated more by local interests,” said Valerie Cross, analyst for PlayPennsylvania.com. “Pennsylvania’s sportsbooks are still well-positioned this summer, especially if the Sixers can figure a way past Atlanta, because they are less reliant on college sports than some other major markets.”
Online betting accounted for 91%, or $407.4 million, of May’s handle. FanDuel/Valley Forge was the online market leader again with $160.9 million in online wagering, down from $167.6 million in April. Gross revenue rose to $17.6 million from $13.8 million in April, producing $14.2 million in taxable revenue. DraftKings/The Meadows tallied $100.0 million in bets, down from $105.7 million in April. DraftKings won $5.0 million on those bets, down from $6.4 million in April.
Penn National’s Barstool-branded app attracted $43.6 million in May, down from $57.2 million in April. Those bets yielded $2.8 million in gross revenue, up from $2.6 million in April.
The online leaders were followed by:
BetMGM/Hollywood Morgantown ($32.4 million handle, down from $33 million; $2.2 million in gross revenue, down from $2.5 million)
BetRivers/Rivers-Pittsburgh ($19.1 million handle, up from $18.8 million; $1.2 million revenue, down from $1.8 million)
Fox Bet/Mount Airy ($14.2 million handle, down from $15.2 million; $964,405 revenue, down from $1.1 million)
PlaySugarHouse/Rivers-Philadelphia ($12.2 million handle, down from $13.4 million; $832,368 in revenue, down from $995,423)
Parx Casino ($11.1 million handle, down from $14.2 million; $1.1 million revenue, down from $1.7 million)
Unibet/Mohegan Sun Pocono ($5.5 million handle, down from $7.2 million; $390,170 revenue, down from $436,595)
TwinSpires/Presque Isle ($3.2 million handle, up from $2.1 million; $120,582 revenue, up from $33,622)
Caesars/Harrah’s ($2.7 million handle, up from $2.1 million; -$65,823 revenue, up from -$75,375)
Betfred/Wind Creek ($2.5 million handle, down from $2.7 million; $101,781 revenue, up from $49,074)
With capacity limits at Pennsylvania casinos now lifted, retail sportsbooks took in $40.1 million in handle in May, down slightly from $40.3 million in April. Those bets yielded $5.2 million in gross revenue, up from $4.8 million in April. Rivers-Philadelphia led the retail market with $6.7 million in bets, edging Parx Casino’s $6.4 million handle.
“The retail market is returning to relative health,” Gouker said. “What we’re really seeing in Pennsylvania, as well as other markets, is normalization. Nothing could be more welcome after such a difficult year.”
Online casinos and poker
Online casinos and poker rooms surged to a near-record $110.8 million in gross gaming revenue in May. That was up 54.6% from $71.6 million in May 2020 but fell just short of the record $111.6 million set in March.
Wagering on online casino games reached $3.3 billion in May, up from $1.8 billion in May 2020 and up from $3.2 billion in April. May’s revenue produced $41.7 million in state and local taxes.
Since online casinos launched in 2019, they have generated a whopping $1.3 billion in revenue from slots, table games, and poker, yielding $432.7 million in taxes. By contrast, online and retail sports betting has produced $581.1 million in revenue and $147.6 million in taxes even though it launched in 2018.
“Online casino revenue continues to dwarf revenue from sports betting, and that gap should only grow over the summer months,” Cross said. “Even as customers return to brick-and-mortar casinos, the gains in revenue at online casinos and poker rooms made over the last year should hold. It has become a revenue-generating powerhouse for the gaming industry and for the state.”
Other highlights from May:
Online casino and poker rooms generated $3.6 million per day in gross gaming revenue over the 31 days in May, up from $3.5 million per day in April.
Penn National, which includes the DraftKings, BetMGM, and Hollywood casinos, topped the market with $43.5 million in revenue. Rivers-Philadelphia, which includes PlaySugarHouse and BetRivers casinos, was second with $30.7 million in revenue.
Poker revenue rose to $2.6 million from $2.3 million. Mount Airy/PokerStars accounted for $2.3 million of May’s revenue.
For more information on the revenue generated by Pennsylvania, visit www.playpennsylvania.com/revenue.
About the PlayUSA.com Network:
The PlayUSA.com Network is a leading source for news, analysis, and research related to the market for regulated online gaming in the United States. With a presence in over a dozen states, PlayUSA.com and its state-focused branches produce daily original reporting, publish in-depth research, and offer player advocacy tools related to the advancement of safe, licensed, and legal online gaming options for consumers. Based in Las Vegas, the PlayUSA Network is independently owned and operated, with no affiliations to any casino — commercial, tribal, online, or otherwise.
Gambling in the USA
NEW YORK CASINO IN MEXICO WELCOMES CONCEPT AND NEW GAMES FROM ZITRO

The renowned Mexican operator Logrand has installed Zitro’s new CONCEPT cabinets and a selection of its latest games at the New York Casino in Monterrey.
Building on its global success, the CONCEPT cabinet line stands out for its Magic Lighting, immersing players in a synchronized light display, resulting in a unique sensory experience. Furthermore, the cabinet’s large Screen Deck blends comfort with intuitive functionality, optimizing the experience for players and operational teams.
The installation of the CONCEPT cabinets is complemented by the addition of the medieval-themed multi-game Legendary Sword, in which players can double their prizes through unique mechanics with the help of a magic sword.
On the other hand, Fairyland Quest takes players to an enchanted forest where Magic Mushrooms give access to a different bonus each, while a friendly Fairy will give a special bonus that doubles the playing area.
Juan David Baracaldo, Director of Operations and Product, highlighted: “The addition of Zitro’s CONCEPT cabinets is a great step to continue offering unique and high-quality experiences to our players. The unique combination of technology, spectacular graphics, and the experience these cabinets offer will further elevate our casino’s entertainment offering.”
For his part, Johnny Ortiz Viveiros, founder of Zitro, expressed: “We are very excited to strengthen our partnership with Logrand, a strategic partner that shares our vision of providing exceptional gaming experiences. The new CONCEPT cabinets and games like Legendary Sword and Fairyland Quest are just the beginning of what will transform how players enjoy entertainment.”
Gambling in the USA
Sky River Casino Guest Wins Half-million Dollars Playing Progressive Blackjack

Sky River Casino has announced that an Elk Grove resident has won a whopping $511,311 while playing progressive blackjack on March 31, 2025. The Sky River Rewards member hit the big win after playing the table game for less than an hour.
“Our progressive table games and slot machines continue to be really hot here at Sky River Casino. Our players have had an impressive number of life-changing jackpots and our winning streak continues. We look forward to the next big win and welcome adults near and far to visit to explore and enjoy our high-energy atmosphere, lively promotions, exciting gaming, and unparalleled dining experiences,” said Michael J. Facenda, President of Sky River Casino.
The lucky local guest plans to use her winnings to renovate a kitchen and build a house back home.
“Without question, the best part of my job is watching our valued members and guests experience jaw dropping wins like this one. We all share in the incredible excitement that is absolutely contagious and can be felt throughout the casino,” said Charleen Ripley, VP of Casino Operations for Sky River Casino.
Gambling in the USA
BMM INNOVATION GROUP SHOWCASES ITS SUPPORT FOR TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY AT INDIAN GAMING CONFERENCE & EXPO MARCH 31 – APRIL 3 AT SAN DIEGO CONVENTION CENTER

Company to sponsor, attend, and speak at the San Diego, California show.
BMM Innovation Group (“BMM,” “BIG Group,” or “BIG”), a technology conglomerate focused on product compliance testing, cybersecurity solutions, and virtual training for the global gaming industry, today announced its sponsorship and participation in the Indian Gaming Association’s (“IGA”) annual IGA Conference & Expo, March 31-April 3 at the San Diego Convention Center.
With over three decades of experience supporting Tribal gaming, BIG will be on-site as sponsors, speakers, and attendees to reinforce the Company’s steadfast commitment to Tribal sovereignty and self-regulation.
Proud Partners in Tribal Progress
The BIG Group’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Martin Storm said, “BMM proudly partners with Tribal governments, Tribal casinos, and Tribal gaming equipment and technology suppliers to advance Tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and economic development. We are honored to continue supporting the growth and integrity of Tribal gaming through our trusted product compliance services, world-class training and virtual education, and our cybersecurity solutions to protect Tribal enterprises.”
BMM’s long-standing relationships with Tribal gaming suppliers and regulators are at the heart of its mission. As active members of IGA and other key Tribal organizations, BIG is committed to elevating Tribal voices and ensuring Tribal interests remain at the forefront of industry growth.
BIG Group Shares Thought Leadership on Conference Panels and Trainings
- In addition to sponsoring and attending, the BIG Group’s expert thought leaders will speak and provide in-person training at the conference:
- Tuesday, April 1 at 9 am: Innovation vs. Regulation: Keep Pace with Emerging Gaming Technologies – Sean Mason, Senior Director of Tribal Services
- Tuesday, April 1 at 4 pm: Gaming and Cyber Risk Best Practices – Mitigate Risk and Sleep Better at Night – Heather Lee, Senior Director of Sales for BIG Cyber
- Wednesday, April 2 at 9 am: Level III Commissioner Certification Training – Peter Nikiper, Director of Technical Compliance
Unmatched Expertise in Product Compliance and Certification
As a trusted testing laboratory for Tribal gaming jurisdictions across North America, BMM’s focus is fairness, integrity, and security in every gaming environment. IGA attendees are invited to connect with BMM experts to learn more about the Company’s comprehensive product compliance programs.
Education & Training for Long-Term Success
BIG continues to empower Tribal gaming employees through exclusive education and training programs, including free access to RG24seven Virtual Training. These knowledge-sharing initiatives are designed to support responsible gaming, regulatory compliance, and the long-term sustainability of Tribal gaming operations.
Cybersecurity Solutions Tailored for Tribal Gaming
The BIG Group is focused on bolstering cybersecurity defenses for Tribal enterprises through its BIG Cyber services, which includes penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, PCI:DSS evaluations, and a host of managed security services featuring CYREBRO’s Security Operations Center, KnowBe4’s security awareness training, and Maxxsure’s risk management platform.
-
Latest News2 days ago
AGS Appoints Arthur Rotziokos and Richard Orozco to Lead International Growth Efforts
-
Latest News2 days ago
HARRAH’S RESORT ATLANTIC CITY WELCOMES BACK THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER® FOR A WSOP CIRCUIT STOP THIS AUGUST
-
Arizona2 days ago
Arizona Department of Gaming Issues Multiple Cease-and-Desists
-
Latest News2 days ago
ACR POKER LAUNCHES ‘MONEYMAKER MAY-HEM’, OFFERING PLAYERS A CHANCE TO JOIN CHRIS MONEYMAKER IN LAS VEGAS FOR $10K MAIN EVENT
-
Latin America2 days ago
Mexico Gambling Market to Hit Valuation of US$ 40.64 Billion By 2033 | Astute Analytica
-
Latest News1 day ago
Caesars Entertainment and AGS Expand Partnership to Bring Fan-Favorite Slot Titles Online for the First Time
-
Compliance Updates1 day ago
Altenar gains ground in Brazil with virtual sports certification
-
Latest News1 day ago
CBF Extends Exclusive Integrity Partnership with Sportradar