Parx Casino February Revenue Down From Last Year

BENSALEM, PA — Parx Casino in Bensalem brought in about $11 million less in February than it did during the same month in 2020 — the last full month before coronavirus restrictions shut its doors.

Parx had revenues of just over $47 million in February, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board announced on Tuesday. That's down almost 19 percent from February 2020, when Parx brought in more than $58 million.

In 2020, Parx was closed 125 days due to the coronavirus pandemic. Revenues plummeted by more than $172 million compared to the previous year, totaling about $462.1 million, compared to roughly $634.5 million in 2019.

Statewide, gaming revenue in Pennsylvania almost caught up with last year. The nearly $302 million brought in was a less-than 1 percent decrease compared to February 2020.

Much of that ground, though, was made up by internet gaming, which had just started early last year and has bloomed during the coronavirus pandemic. For example, online slots generated about $50.6 million for Pennsylvania last month, compared to just $9.6 million in February 2020.

At Parx, February's slots revenue was down roughly $10 million and table game revenues were nearly $4 million lower. Sports wagering made up some of the difference for Parx, which dramatically expanded its sports book last year.

The casino reported nearly $1.9 million in revenue from sports betting, compared to about $946,000 in February 2020.

Currently, masks are required at Parx as part of its COVID-19 protocols. Indoor smoking has been suspended, games and gaming tables have been spaced further apart, hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed and the casino has upped cleaning routines and installed an air purification system.

On Friday, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced that occupancy restrictions will be eased next month on restaurants and other businesses across the state, including casinos. Most eateries, malls, gyms, movie theaters and casinos will be allowed to operate at 75 percent capacity as of April 4.