Pa. Slots Revenue Grows 2 Percent In 2015

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa., (CBS) -- After a couple of down years, slot machine revenue at Pennsylvania casinos bounced back in 2015, registering a 2 percent increase over the previous year.

Gaming Control Board spokesman Doug Harbach says not only was gross revenue from slots gaming in Pennsylvania up 2-percent in 2015 over 2014, but 2015 calendar year revenue also increased compared to fiscal year 2014-15 numbers, meaning Pennsylvania slots came on strong in the last half of 2015.

"There's been a very good increase in the slots revenue during the past six months, and that's really led to this increase not only in the calendar year of 2 percent, but also a leap of 1 percent when we compare it to the last fiscal year," said Harbach.

Harbach says while the economy is a factor, strong Pennsylvania casino operators with good marketing contributed to growth in the face of increasing competition from border states.