Pennsylvania Sports Betting Revenue Jumps 50.45% in September

Jonathan Rodriguez

Written by: Jonathan Rodriguez

Published: Thu Oct 22, 2026, 9:00 am ET

Read Time: 3 minutes

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Revenue Jumps 50.45% in September

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Pennsylvania sportsbooks generated significantly more revenue in September 2026, despite accepting fewer wagers. Sports wagering revenue reached $44.74 million, increasing 50.45% year over year. 

However, total betting handle fell 6.09% to $798.74 million, according to the monthly report from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

The figures highlight a notable shift in Pennsylvania's sports betting market. Although bettors wagered less money overall, sportsbooks retained a larger share of those wagers as revenue. Online operators continued to dominate, contributing most of the month's sports wagering earnings.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Revenue Rises as Handle Falls

The PGCB reported $44.74 million in sports wagering revenue for September, compared with $29.74 million in September 2025. Meanwhile, betting handle declined from $850.55 million to $798.74 million over the same period.

Metric September 2026 September 2025 Year-over-year change
Sports betting handle $798.74 million $850.55 million -6.09%
Sports betting revenue $44.74 million $29.74 million +50.45%
Implied sportsbook hold Approximately 5.60% Approximately 3.50% +2.10 percentage points

These contrasting figures show that betting volume alone does not determine sportsbook revenue. Handle measures the total amount wagered, while revenue reflects the amount generated from sports wagering under the applicable reporting rules.

The implied sportsbook hold rose from approximately 3.50% to 5.60% year over year. This means operators retained a larger share of wagers as revenue in September 2026. The increase in hold helps explain how revenue climbed despite lower betting activity.

Valley Forge Casino Resort, which partners with FanDuel, and Hollywood Casino at the Meadows, associated with DraftKings, are important players in Pennsylvania's online betting market. 

Their platforms operate within a competitive field of online sportsbooks and contribute to the state's broader wagering activity.

Online Sportsbooks Account for Most Revenue

Online sports betting remained the primary source of Pennsylvania's wagering revenue in September. Digital platforms generated approximately $40.34 million, while retail sportsbooks contributed around $4.40 million.

That means online wagering accounted for roughly 90% of the month's total sports betting revenue. The gap highlights the importance of mobile platforms within Pennsylvania's regulated betting market.

The results also reflect a broader trend across the US online sportsbooks sector, where digital access plays a central role in attracting and retaining customers. Nevertheless, Pennsylvania's September figures offer only a monthly snapshot rather than evidence of a sustained market trend.

Sports Betting Supports Pennsylvania's Wider Gambling Market

Sports wagering contributed to another month of growth across Pennsylvania's gambling industry. The PGCB reported $555.04 million in combined gaming revenue for September, representing a 4.07% increase from the same month in 2025.

Online casino gaming remained a larger revenue category than sports betting. Online slots generated approximately $197.37 million, while online table games contributed about $49.66 million. These results demonstrate that Pennsylvania gambling relies on several major gaming segments rather than sportsbooks alone.

The board also reported approximately $242.63 million in total gaming tax revenue. That figure covers the wider gaming market and should not be attributed exclusively to sports wagering.

Pennsylvania Sports Betting Enters Fall With Mixed Signals

September delivered a strong revenue result for Pennsylvania sportsbooks, even as betting handle declined. The rise in implied hold from approximately 3.50% to 5.60% helps explain the sharp increase in earnings.

According to PGCB data, Valley Forge Casino Resort led all operators with $15.77 million in sports wagering revenue from $284.20 million in handle. Hollywood Casino at the Meadows ranked second, posting $12.62 million in revenue on a $252.82 million handle. This marks an impressive 207.90% year-over-year revenue increase.

Still, one month's results cannot establish whether the increase will continue. Future PGCB reports will show whether sports wagering revenue maintains its momentum as betting activity and operator performance change throughout the fall. 

Jonathan Rodriguez
Jonathan Rodriguez

Jonathan is an avid basketball fan, and is often looking forward to the next upcoming NBA season when not checking players' stats during games. He also likes to keep his ears on the ground for the latest rumblings in the online casino industry.

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