The new year is still fresh, and it isn’t too late to come up with some resolutions for 2024. There are definitely some areas where the Pennsylvania online casino market can improve this year.
As far as resolutions are concerned, the market is hoping for a decision once and for all around Pennsylvania skill games. Even though the Commonwealth Court ruled the games as legal last month, the dispute is far from over.
There are a few things PA online casinos can improve on, too, in order to maximize the market as best it can. Also, a resolution on smoking inside retail Pennsylvania casinos is hoping to be solved this year.
Skill games case affects entire regulated Pennsylvania gambling market
Despite the Commonwealth Court ruling skill games as legal, the machines are still operating within the state in a gray area. They are not taxed, and there are no consumer protections on the games as of yet.
The legal process is still ongoing, as organizations in the Keystone State filed amicus briefs to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court last week. Those organizations are:
- Pennsylvania casinos
- Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB)
- American Gaming Association (AGA)
- Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office (OAG)
While Pennsylvania casinos don’t appear to be hurting in the revenue department, multiple facilities have removed slot machines because of skill games. Even though the impact isn’t measurable, skill games are likely cutting into Pennsylvania online casinos, too, even at a minimal amount.
Now that a decision has been somewhat made on the legality of games, another must come on whether the games will be taxed or not. Pennsylvania Senator Gene Yaw (R-23) estimated that regulation of skill games could generate around $300 million in annual tax revenue.
There are pros and cons to both regulating and banning skill games altogether. However, the inaction is causing even more friction for everyone in the market.
Hopefully, we see a resolution for skill games once and for all in 2024.
Is there a way PA casinos online can improve summer revenue?
It’s no secret that Pennsylvania online casinos create the most robust market in the country. Operators produced a record of $191.9 million in revenue last November. That broke September’s record of $187.3 million.
The Keystone State thrives in the fall months, when the sports calendar is completely full, especially in October and November. Over the last two years, here are Q4 revenue figures:
2022
- September: $139.7 million
- October: $151.7 million
- November: $155.9 million
- December: $166.9 million
2023
- September: $187.3 million
- October: $186.9 million
- November: $191.9 million
- December: n/a
PA online sportsbooks experienced an extreme slide in the summer, with baseball as the only sport in action. However, online casino revenue dips, too, before rebounding in the fall. Let’s compare the online casino revenue during the summer months:
2022
- June: $126.3 million
- July: $123.2 million
- August: $131.7 million
2023
- June: $164.3 million
- July: $157.1 million
- August: $171.9 million
It’s clear that July is a weak month for online casinos, with the uptick beginning in August. Lots of Pennsylvanians, especially on the eastern side, travel to the Jersey Shore for vacation. So, perhaps it’s out of the operators’ control.
While the answers don’t appear to be black and white, online casinos could entice people who aren’t traveling to play longer in the summer months with added bonuses and promotions.
Maybe we’ll see an improvement in 2024.
READ ABOUT TOP PA ONLINE CASINOS:
Pennsylvania online casinos roll out more familiar game titles
Online casinos started the process of releasing PA slots that people are already familiar with. BetMGM Casino PA led the charge in that area, launching Buffalo, a popular title that can be found in most retail locations.
To no one’s surprise, Buffalo is already ranked as the most popular game on the market.
BetMGM also formed partnerships to release the following titles:
- The Godfather online game
- A slot with national chain restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings
- Launching new Wheel of Fortune slots in Pennsylvania to mirror the show’s promotional calendar
While 2023 started the movement, 2024 could be the year where even more titles from TV shows, movies and even restaurants start to get released.
Game manufacturers will surely create captivating slots that keep players coming back.
Will smoking be banned inside Pennsylvania casinos in 2024?
Under a loophole in the Clean Indoor Air Act of 2008, Pennsylvania casinos are one of the only indoor establishments where smoking is still allowed. Legislators and casino workers in the state are fed up and are putting on a full-court press to ban smoking.
Allegheny County Democratic Rep. Dan Frankel introduced a bill to end smoking in September, otherwise known as the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act.
The bill passed in November thanks to a 13-11 vote on the House floor. The following steps must occur before the bill lands on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk:
- Pass it on the House floor
- Send to Senate to go through steps
- Send to Senate floor
Frankel said in a press release after the vote in November:
“We are the Health Committee – it’s in the name. We cannot refuse to act while thousands of Pennsylvanians are forced to choose between an absolutely undebatable health hazard and their ability to put food on the table.”
Hopefully, a resolution will be made at some point in 2024. For casino employees, the sooner, the better.
