Report: Pa. gaming revenue up 21 percent in 2011

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A new report shows Pennsylvania pulled in more than $3 billion in gross casino revenue last year, an increase of more than 21 percent from 2010.

The American Gaming Association’s 2012 “State of the States” survey released today reports consumers spent $3.02 billion at Pennsylvania’s casinos in 2011. That places the state third in the report, behind New Jersey and Nevada.

Pennsylvania saw a 9.6 percent spike in casino tax revenue, pulling in nearly $1.5 billion. Thirteen of the 22 states surveyed showed increases in tax revenue, but no other jurisdiction surpassed $1 billion.

Pennsylvania uses the revenue to support the state budget, public schools, civic development projects, volunteer firefighting squads, local governments and the horse-racing industry.

The state’s 11th casino, Valley Forge Casino Resort, opened March 31.