The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has released the Annual Racetrack Casino Benchmark Report detailing the impact of the state’s casinos on the Commonwealth’s horse racing industry.  

The report includes and compares information from calendar year 2018. Among its findings is that tax generated by the play of slot machines amounted to $242m that was earmarked for enhancements of race purses, assisting breeding operations located in Pennsylvania, providing health and pension benefits for horsemen, and to support agricultural initiatives.

It also shows that casinos that have racetracks continue to invest in backstretch improvements. Since 2006, operators have spent over $73m to build or renovate buildings and structures.

There are three thoroughbred and three harness horse racing tracks operating in conjunction with casinos in Pennsylvania comprising (thoroughbred) Parx Casino in Bucks County, Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie County, Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Dauphin County and (harness) The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono in Luzerne County, The Meadows Casino and Racetrack in Washington County and Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack in Delaware County.

Additionally, the report and its accompanying detailed statistical summary, provides a five-year historical summary on: attendance at Pennsylvania’s racetracks; a breakdown of PA Race Horse Development Trust Fund distributions; number of live races held in Pennsylvania and number of horses competing; and taxable handle and live racing handle.

The report is now available for download from the PGCB’s web site https://gamingcontrolboard.pa.gov.