Washington, DC – In moving from one casino city to another, the political world this week has shifted from Cleveland to Philadelphia as officials gather for the Democratic National Convention. With three casinos within short distance of the Wells Fargo Center, site of the Convention, the gaming industry will once again be front-and-center for elected officials from gaming states across the country.

As the Associated Press reported last week, “revenue from Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos hit a record high in the just-completed fiscal year… revenue from slot machines and table games exceeded $3.2 billion in the 12 months ending June 30.” These figures place Pennsylvania among the top three gaming states in the country just nine years after the first legal casino opened its door in the Keystone State. 

“The gaming industry is an economic driver, vital job creator and valued community partner in Philadelphia and throughout Pennsylvania,” said Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA).“Between now and Election Day, we’re excited to highlight for the candidates just how big of a role we play in the economies of Pennsylvania, Ohio and nearly every battleground state across the country.”

FACTS ABOUT GAMING IN PENNSYLVANIA

• Casinos just broke a Pennsylvania gaming revenue record by generating $3.2 billion in Fiscal Year 2016.
• Annually, Pennsylvania’s 12 casinos: Provide more than $6 billion in economic impact, support more than 33,000 jobs and generate $2.4 billion in tax revenue. 
• Three casinos are located within several miles of the Convention site in Philadelphia: SugarHouse Casino, Harrah’s Philadelphia and Parx Casino.

Around the state, communities are raving about the benefits of gaming:

“The gaming industry, and especially Rivers Casino, provides a tremendous opportunity to grow our great city,” said Jake Wheatley, State Representative for Allegheny County. “Since opening its doors in 2009, Rivers Casino has been a job creator, an economic engine and an exemplary partner in our local community. That is why I believe that the presidential candidates vying for our votes understand the powerful impact this industry has on the City of Pittsburgh and the Keystone State.”

“I started in my basement and have been in business for 20 years. Working with Rivers is where magic comes from for small businesses,” said Carol Philp, owner of a small business in Pittsburgh that creates designs for blankets and throw pillows. “Rivers helped us grow and create new partnerships and American-made products.” 

“We really value our relationship with Rivers Casino,” says Valerie Njie with Bidwell Training Center. “Our students know they will get a great income and life-long learning at Rivers.”

Pennsylvania News Item: “With casinos, we all won, gaming board rep tells chamber.” 

Wayne Independent: “Gaming money benefits local initiatives.”

The Intelligencer: Officials: VF Casino Resort ‘good neighbor’ 

Pittsburgh Business Times: Rivers Casino Named One of the Best Places to Work in Pittsburgh

CBS Wilkes-Barre: VIDEO: Casino Cash to Help Projects in Scranton 

AGA’s Gaming Votes initiative has been educating presidential candidates about the pivotal role gaming plays in providing good jobs to people of all backgrounds and experiences while driving economic growth, through events in key states, such as Pennsylvania. In fact, in presidential battleground states, casino gaming supports more than half-a-million jobs and contributes $75 billion to local communities. AGA hosted a Gaming Votes event at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh inApril that brought together state and local leaders to discuss how gaming serves as a strong community partner.

About AGA: The American Gaming Association is the premier national trade group representing the $240 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.7 million jobs in 40 states. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, suppliers and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to be the single most effective champion of the industry, relentlessly protecting against harmful and often misinformed public policies, and paving a path for growth, innovation and reinvestment.