Pennsylvania has one of the most robust gambling markets in the country, especially for online casinos. In a report released by PA’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP), the Keystone State contributed $8.3 million to the Compulsive and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund (GT) in FY 2022/2023.
Because of the expanded gambling landscape in Pennsylvania, the contribution made to the GT has increased from FY 2021/2022. PA online casinos are a big reason why.
Pennsylvania contributes more than $8 million to problem gambling treatment
The DDAP Compulsive and Problem Gambling Annual Report disclosed the state supplied $8.3 million to the GT. The report provides a breakdown of how the money is distributed:
- 48% to the counties for prevention, outreach and education programs
- 35% used for istration and oversight of programs
- 17% allocated to gambling treatment providers to offer outpatient counseling
It is believed to be the largest contribution the Keystone State has ever made to the GT fund for responsible gambling in Pennsylvania. Here are the amounts from previous years:
- 2019/2020: $5 million
- 2020/2021: $4.3 million
- 2021/2022: $6.8 million
- 2022/2023: $8.3 million
Pennsylvania gaming operators recorded $5.51 billion in revenue during FY 2022/2023 and reached a tax mark of $2.37 billion, both of which are records over any 12-month period. The more revenue the state generates, the more funds for the GT.
Pennsylvania online gambling leads to rise in helpline calls
The report indicates 2,834 calls to the problem gambling helpline in 2022/2023, a significant rise from the 2,401 in 2021/2022.
Online gambling has moved to the most frequently identified type of problematic gambling. DDAP reported 845 calls around online issues in 2022/2023, compared to 479 in 2021/2022.
The increase has been notable over the past several years. Here’s a table detailing the uptick, along with problem gambling calls related to retail slots, too:
| Year | Internet Calls | Slot Calls |
|---|---|---|
| FY 2019/2020 | 125 | 292 |
| FY 2020/2021 | 330 | 266 |
| FY 2021/2022 | 479 | 558 |
| FY 2022/2023 | 845 | 491 |
How Pennsylvania online gambling has grown over the years
The online gambling industry in the Keystone State has grown rapidly in a short amount of time. The state provides 13 legal online sportsbooks and 21 online casinos.
Pennsylvania did not launch any new sportsbooks last year. However, online sports betting is still breaking records. The state broke a sports betting handle record in October and November, despite thoughts of stagnant results from potential maturity. The last two months have seen the following handle figures:
- October: $829 million
- November: $934.1 million
In addition to sports betting, Pennsylvania online casinos have broken records in regard to revenue in two of the last three months:
- September: $187.3 million
- October: $186.9 million
- November: $191.9 million
While the online gambling vertical is getting stronger, hence the increase in problem gambling calls, the retail industry is also as robust as ever. During FY 2022/2023, land-based casinos reported the second-highest total revenue ever at $2.45 billion.
The gambling options are continuing to grow, which means problem gambling within the state is likely to increase. Hopefully, Pennsylvania will keep setting aside funds to help those in need.
