Weather Blamed For Dip In Pa. Slots Revenue
HARRISBURG (CBS) - For the first time since it began comparing the data, the Gaming Control Board says Pennsylvania experienced an overall drop in slots revenue last month, compared to January of 2010. But a spokesman says harsh weather may be the biggest reason.
Gaming Control Board spokesman Doug Harbach says slots revenue was down almost four percent in January, compared to the same month a year ago, despite the fact that there was one more casino – Philadelphia's SugarHouse – that was operating this year.
"This is the first time that the overall revenue measured in a month from one year to previous year's month has shown a decrease," he said. "So, up to this point, Pennsylvania has shown very steady growth."
But Harbach says based on conversations with casinos, regulators believe January's weather played a role in reducing the flow of patrons. Just comparing the nine casinos that were operating a year ago, the year to year decrease in January was more than nine percent.
Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio
