Pennsylvania Casinos Payback Percentage
In July 2004 the Pennsylvania legislature authorized the legalization of slot machines at 14 locations throughout the state.
Licenses were awarded to the State's six racetracks and slots are now in operation in all of them. Additionally, one slot license is reserved for a future harness track which has not yet been built or named.
Two slot casinos will be built on the Philadelphia waterfront: Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia and SugarHouse Casino. The earliest that either casino is expected to open is late 2008.
In Pittsburgh's North Shore area, the Majestic Star will be building a slot casino. Late 2008 is the earliest that casino is expected to open.
Bethlehem will be home to the Sands Bethworks Casino which is expected to open in mid-2008.
The state's 12th casino opened at the Mount Airy Lodge Resort in Mt. Pocono in October, 2007.
Finally, two slot parlors are allowed at two as-yet-to-be-determined hotels which each must have a minimum of 275 rooms. As of August 1, 2007 there were four applications for these casinos, but the decision to award the two licenses was not expected to be made until mid-2008.
Pennsylvania gaming regulations require that gaming machines have a minimum payback percentage of 85%. All casinos are open 24 hours and admission is free. The minimum gambling age is 18 for pari-mutuel betting and 21 for gaming machines.
For the period from January 1, 2007 through July 22, 2007 the average payback percentage on gaming machines was 92.03% at The Meadows; 91.12% at Philadelphia Park; 90.67% at Presque Isle; 90.66% at Mohegan Sun; and 90.59% at Harrah's Chester.