The Positive Impacts of Casinos in Pennsylvania
May 1st, Republican Caucus Room,
Hosted by Rep. K.C. Tomlinson


With 17 brick-and-mortar casinos across the state, casinos play a valuable role in developing our communities, our economy, and supporting our Commonwealth. To learn more about the benefits casinos bring to the state, as well as some of the obstacles they face, the Policy Committee heard from Parx Casino and local community members. The hearing, hosted and organized by Rep. K.C. Tomlinson, gave our casinos an opportunity to have their efforts and concerns heard for the caucus’ consideration.

~ Agenda, Bios, & Testimony ~


Key Takeaways:

Industry Perspectives Panel

Parx Casino
Eric Hausler – CEO
Robert W. Green – Chairman
Ioana Douglas – Director of Environmental Services
Gerald Fretz – Director of Security


  •   Since opening, Parx has committed more than $160 million to charitable causes.
  •   The economic impact of PA commercial casinos was $14.68 billion in 2023.
  •   Gross gaming revenue for 2023 for all PA commercial casinos was $5.86 billion.
  •   The total tax impact from all PA commercial casinos last year was $3.62 billion.
  •   Slot machines are taxed at 54%, with a majority of the revenue going towards reducing property taxes.
  •   Since 2018, retail slot revenues have only grown 4%. Our surrounding states have grown an average of 21%. Taxation and new competitors may be slowing the growth of this revenue and the enjoyment of these games.
  •   If gambling is to be allowed outside of casinos, the industry believes it should be primarily within non-profits and clubs. Existing businesses should not transition into becoming locations for gambling.
  •   4 million visitors enjoy Parx facilities yearly.
  •   Due to COVID, PA casinos were forced to close for 3+ months in 2020. Parx continued to pay full wages for 1.5 months and maintained benefits for the entirety of the closure.
  •   PA State Police have a presence within Parx Casino, and local police provide security as well.
  •   Parx Casino provides careers to employees from 14 different countries.
  •   Some of the non-profit beneficiaries of Parx’s contributions are: Bucks County Tour of Honor, The United Way, Habitat for Humanity, Caring for Friends, Special Olympics, Feed the Homeless, and Susan G. Komen.


Community Perspectives Panel


Robert Bair
President, Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council

  •   The PA casino industry supports 33,000 jobs across the Commonwealth, with 15,000 of those jobs being direct employees of the industry.
  •   All Parx construction has been done with union labor.
  •   In total, half a billion dollars in construction costs have been undertaken by Parx.

Jeff Darwak
Executive Director, The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks

  •   The Gaming Act provides 1% of the gross terminal revenue from gaming institutions to be used by redevelopment authorities.
  •   Development Authorities have crafted “Municipal Grant Programs” to direct these funds towards community projects across the Commonwealth.
  •   The Redevelopment Authority has awarded over $60 million in Local Share Revenues since 2008.
  •   Local Share Revenue saved tourism, hospitality, and non-profits during the COVID pandemic and subsequent shutdowns.
  •   The Municipal Grant Program has provided funding for: Firefighters and EMS, anti-graffiti non-profits, tourism initiatives, hospitality providers, and community projects.

Brittany Nugent
Contract Manager, ABC Construction Co., Inc.

  •   ABC Construction Co., Inc – A woman-owned company - supports 50-70 employees and their families through $1 million in business each year with Parx.
  •   Parx has committed to working with local small businesses like ABC Construction, thus benefiting existing businesses and residents within the community.


In Case You Missed It:
 
“Parx employs 2500 people in my district and has created thousands of ancillary jobs.”

— Rep. K.C. Tomlinson —


 
“Our industry contributes much more than the $2.3 billion we generated in state gaming taxes last year.”

— Eric Hausler —
CEO, Parx Casino


 
 
— Robert W. Green —
Chairman, Parx Casino


 
“This company gives me every opportunity to step up.”

— Ioana Douglas —
Director of Environmental Stewardship, Parx Casino


 
 
“Our job is to make sure every patron, visitor, and employee is safe from the moment they step on the property until they leave.”

— Gerald Fretz —
Director of Security, Parx Casino


 
 
“PA’s land-based casinos have invested billions of dollars in our Commonwealth and provided thousands of jobs for our members in the building trades.”

— Robert Bair —
President, Pennsylvania Building & Construction Trades Council

 
 
“The distribution of Local Shared Revenues generated at Parx to eligible municipalities in Bucks County has bolstered the safety, vitality, and well-being of our communities.”

— Jeff Darwak —
Executive Director, The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Bucks


 
“Our company and our employees need the work Parx Casino provides to continue to thrive.”

— Brittany Nugent —
Contract Manager, ABC Construction Co., Inc.


Watch the Testimony:

5/1 Full Hearing: The Positive Impacts of Casinos in Pennsylvania