The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today released the Annual Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report detailing the impact of Pennsylvania casinos on the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry. The report is now available for download from the PGCB’s web site https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov.
The report includes and compares information from calendar year 2018. Among the report’s findings is that tax generated by the play of slot machines amounted to $242 million that was earmarked for enhancements of race purses, assisting breeding operations located in Pennsylvania, providing health and pension benefits for horsemen, and to support agricultural initiatives.
The report also shows that casinos that have racetracks continue to invest in backstretch improvements. Since 2006, operators have spent over $73 million to build or renovate buildings and structures.
The horse racing tracks operating in conjunction with casinos in Pennsylvania are:
Thoroughbred
- Parx Casino in Bucks County
- Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie County
- Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County
Harness
- The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Luzerne County
- The Meadows Casino and Racetrack in Washington County
- Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack in Delaware County
Additionally, the report and its accompanying detailed statistical summary, provides a 5-year historical summary on:
- Attendance at Pennsylvania’s racetracks;
- A breakdown of PA Race Horse Development Trust Fund distributions;
- Figures for breeding of both thoroughbred and standardbred horses;
- Number of live races held in Pennsylvania and number of horses competing;
- Purses awarded; and
- Taxable handle and live racing handle.