They were forced to temporarily reduce their machines in 2020 as capacity limits and social distancing came in due to COVID-19. Some operators have had to reduce the number of machines they used to maintain a constant level of operation. Parx Casino made $409.4 million from 3,042 slot machines, generating $265 million in revenue. Wind Creek was among the bigger attractions.

Slots Produce Big Money for Wind CreekĪlthough the recent attention on Pennsylvania’s gambling industry has been focused on the rise in revenue from online betting and sports betting, operators still make the most money with traditional slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos.Īccording to the PGCB’s year-end revenue report, the 26,000 machines that were in operation at the state’s 16 casinos netted $2.29 billion. This is because 54% of the revenue from slots is taxed by the state, which is an indirect partner in the industry. The tribe asserts that the reduction will have minimal impact on revenue. Wind Creek officials are expected to present their reasons to the PGCB at its monthly meeting. Harrah’s Philadelphia, Mount Airy Casino Resort, Hollywood Casino at Penn National, and Hollywood Casino at The Meadows have removed or are currently removing 1,201 one-armed bandits. The Wind Creek request follows similar ones that were filed and approved last year by four others. This is done taking into consideration the increased desire for social distancing and no anticipated negative impact on revenue to the state. In a filing it submitted last Thursday, it explained that it wants to reduce the number of permanent slots machines based on lower utilization to provide a better experience for patrons. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama owns the casino. It has submitted a request to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) to reduce its slot count by 655 from 2,973 and 2,318. However, more casinos have opted to reduce their slot complement since COVID-19 came in, and the Wind Creek Bethlehem in Pennsylvania is joining this group. They’re easy to play, always attract a lot of attention and don’t require full-time staff like table games do. Slot machines have always been viewed as a guaranteed money-maker for casinos.

Wind creek casino slot machines