Crunching The Numbers On SugarHouse's First Month

HARRISBURG (CBS) -  SugarHouse Casino, a month after it opened,  had a strong launch while apparently affecting one neighboring casino more than the other.

It needs to be stated that the numbers are very preliminary, but KYW Newsradio has analyzed data for gross terminal revenue -- revenue generated by slot machines after payouts and before taxes -- supplied by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The analysis shows that revenue for Parx Casino, in Bensalem (Bucks County), was actually up more than three percent for the first three full weeks that SugarHouse was open, compared to the same time frame a year ago.

Harrah's, in Chester, wasn't as lucky, with revenues down more than 12 percent.

SugarHouse's gross terminal revenues are among the lowest in Pennsylvania. However, operating in an interim facility, SugarHouse also has the fewest slots. On a per-machine basis, SugarHouse's revenues rank among the top casinos in the state.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio.