Pa. Slots Revenues, Down Again From 2012, Generate $612M in Tax Relief
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Once again, revenues from slot machine play in Pennsylvania were down compared to the same month in 2012.
Not only were slots revenues down more than four percent in April compared to the same month a year ago, but it is also the first time that all 11 of Pennsylvania's casinos were operating for a full month each year for comparison purposes.
"No doubt, that's from the increased competition coming from Maryland, from Ohio," notes Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board spokesman Doug Harbach. "Those states have looked at Pennsylvania and what we've done successfully to set up a casino system that has retained revenue within its borders, and they're doing the same."
Meanwhile, the state Education Department has released its list of how school districts will share in tax relief from gambling in the next fiscal year. The $612 million available statewide is very similar to the amount generated in previous years.
In our area, the school district in line for the most property tax relief is Chester Upland (an average of $641 per home). Bryn Athyn is at the bottom ($35).
Philadelphia gets wage tax relief instead of property tax relief.
To check out the numbers for every school district, go to the Pennsylvania Department of Education web site.
