Slot machine gaming in Pennsylvania generated 6 million to support the state’s horse racing industry, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s annual Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report, released last week.
The report, which covers calendar year 2015, is the ninth compiled by the Gaming Control Board detailing the impact of Pennsylvania casinos on the state’s horse racing industry.
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act, approximately 11 percent of revenue generated from slot machine gaming is earmarked for the racing industry and agricultural initiatives. The 2015 figure represents a 1.6 percent increase over 2014. This revenue is distributed to both the thoroughbred and standardbred racing industries to enhance purses, assist breeding operations, and provide health and pension benefits for horsemen.
“An uptick in 2015 in the amount of slot machine revenue generated by casinos over the previous year led to a distribution of nearly $3.8 million more to the Race Horse Development Fund,” said Kevin Kile, director of the gaming board’s Office of Racetrack Gaming. “This revenue, combined with more than $65 million in backstretch improvements since 2006, has provided enhanced conditions for personnel who work and reside in and around the stable and backside areas of the racetracks.”
The report, along with the accompanying detailed statistical summary, is available through download from the Gaming Control Board’s website, gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov. The report provides 2015 and 5-year historical information on:
• Slot machine revenue;
• Race Horse Development Fund distributions;
• Attendance at Pennsylvania’s racetracks;
• Backstretch improvements;
• Breeding of both thoroughbred and standardbred horses;
• Number of live races held in Pennsylvania;
• Number of horses competing;
• Purses paid; and,
• Live racing handle.
