Fly, Eagles, fly
The Eagles’ fruitful January venture included a Week 18 win against their NFC East rivals, the New York Giants (20-13), a Wild Card win against the Green Bay Packers (22-10), a divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams (28-22), and a thunderous demolition job of the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game (55-23).
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) spokesperson Dough Harbach said the Eagles’ playoff success likely played a role in sports betting revenue declining statewide.
“Certainly, wagering on the Eagles for their [three] playoff wins may have contributed to some negative revenue in January as the betting favored the patrons,” Harbach said.
PA sportsbooks accepted more than $100 million in Super Bowl bets in February, resulting in $6 million in losses as most bettors backed their local team.
Hollywood Casino did not release a comment on its monthly performance, stating it was company policy not to comment on its financials.
However, he noted that “the Eagles created a lot of excitement for our guests and team members” and that “It was great to see one of our local teams win.”
Following the trends
Pennsylvania casinos’ and sportsbooks’ playoff losses flew in the face of Las Vegas, America’s gambling capital.
According to ESPN’s David Purdham, Nevada sportsbooks generated a state record of $22.1 million in Super Bowl revenue as the Eagles blew out the Chiefs, 40-22. That’s despite the handle dropping dramatically from $190 million last year to $151.6 million.
The previous record of $19.7 million in revenue was set in February 2014, when the Seattle Seahawks stomped the record-setting Denver Broncos, 43-8.
Despite the Eagles’ negative influence in Pennsylvania, the PGCB reported on Thursday that overall revenue rose 10.9 percent year-over-year to $529.1 million.
Valley Forge Casino Resort was the more productive gaming establishment, landing a 6.4 percent year-over-year increase in revenue of $97.8 million.
iGaming and slot machine games led the charge, generating $210.2 million (40.5 percent increase) and $187.8 million (4.6 percent increase) respectively.
