Share 
Pennsylvania’s gaming industry continues to deliver economic benefits beyond casino floors, funneling nearly $1.5 million in tax revenue back into Lebanon County communities through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account programs, state Rep. Russ Diamond and Sen. Chris Gebhard announced.
The funding comes from both local-host gaming revenue — tied directly to Hollywood Casino and slot machine tax proceeds — and the Statewide LSA Program, which uses proceeds from online casinos, online sports betting and other statewide gambling sources to support public interest projects.
Safety and infrastructure improvements funded
Several community safety and infrastructure projects received a portion of the $1.5 million pool, including:
- Cleona Borough: $29,895 to renovate the pavilion kitchen at Cleona Park.
- Heidelberg Township: $32,553 toward new self-contained breathing apparatus gear for Schaefferstown Volunteer Fire Company.
- Jackson Township: $26,040 for new fire hoses and couplings for Keystone Hook and Ladder Company No. 1.
- Swatara Township: $25,000 to pave the parking lot at Bunker Hill Fire Company.
These allocations, driven by revenue from casinos and related gaming activities, aim to reduce the strain on local budgets for essential services.
Statewide funds boost community services
In addition to local awards, several larger projects were funded through the Statewide Local Share Account, which is supported by gaming revenue statewide including online casinos, sports wagering and other regulated gaming categories:
- Annville Township: $180,000 to install an ADA-compliant access ramp at the municipal building.
- Cleona Borough Police: $50,651 for a new police vehicle.
- Myerstown First Aid Unit: $62,924 for new CPR equipment (Jackson Township).
- Millcreek Township Volunteer Fire Company: $80,347 for a utility terrain vehicle and trailer.
- Union Water Works Fire Company (North Annville Township): $350,000 for a pumper tanker fire truck.
- Palmyra Borough: $540,000 to purchase a Kenworth Vactor Jet Vac Truck to address sinkhole prevention.
- Swatara Township: $81,789 to replace the quick response service vehicle for Bunker Hill Fire Company.
Gaming revenue’s tangible community impact
Pennsylvania’s gaming industry, both online and retail, generates substantial tax revenue that helps fund programs like the LSA. According to state gaming regulators, regulated gaming is among the commonwealth’s largest sources of tax dollars, which are then reinvested locally and statewide to support public safety, infrastructure, and community services.
For Lebanon County, these awards represent a tangible return on gaming revenue, supporting essential services that enhance safety and quality of life without raising local taxes.
