Pennsylvania’s casino gaming industry now supports more than 33,000 jobs statewide and has a total economic impact of approximately $6.3 billion, the American Gaming Association announced today at a Get to Know Gaming event in Washington, PA.
The Get to Know Gaming campaign engages local leaders in a discussion about the role gaming plays as a community partner across the country. Wednesday’s roundtable panel, held at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino, included U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14); Penn National Gaming President and CEO Timothy Wilmott; North Strabane Township Fire Chief Mark Grimm; Melissa Mega, owner of local floral shop The Ivy Green; and AGA President and CEO Bill Miller.
Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Kotula moderated the discussion.
The event also marked the release of AGA’s latest report, Casinos & Communities – Pennsylvania, an in-depth look at the gaming industry’s economic and social contributions to communities across the state.
“We are very fortunate here in Pennsylvania to have outstanding, community-minded industry partners,” Rep. Reschenthaler said. “Across our state, gaming companies are investing in the growth of our communities and supporting good jobs. It’s a critical partnership as we strengthen our economy and continue to expand job opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”
The research couples key data on gaming’s economic impact – 33,171 jobs supported and $1.8 billion in wages generated – with input from stakeholders, including local businessowners, industry employees, and elected officials, about gaming’s positive impact in their communities.
“Over the last 15 years, gaming companies across Pennsylvania have served as an anchor for state and local economies, generating billions of dollars in tax revenue and operating as good stewards and community partners in the places casinos call home,” AGA president and CEO Bill Miller said in a statement. “We’re pleased to highlight the success of gaming in western Pennsylvania, the career opportunities that have been enabled, the small businesses that have been supported and the communities that have been positively impacted.”
