2024.07.19
aliante casino and hotel las vegas nevadaPennsylvania is the nation’s second-richest gaming state in terms of total gross revenue. One gaming analyst says some play might have permanently moved online. (Image: Shutterstock)Deutsche Bank gaming specialist Carlo Santarelli is troubled that while some states are reporting better than pre-pandemic brick-and-mortar casino revenues, Pennsylvania is not. free slots irelandThe headlines, however, read as peachy for Pennsylvania’s gaming industry. “As per our findings here, we also think there is some merit to cannibalization of traditional casino operations, which would thereby lessen the desire of certain casino operators that haven’t had success in iCasino, or aren’t well-positioned to succeed in the vertical, to push for legalizationCompared with 2019, gross gaming revenue (GGR) in 2021 at the state’s 14 commercial casinos was down 12 percent in March, up one percent in April, and down three percent in May. mgm grand casino pictures new online casino no deposit bonus usafirekeepers casino covid 19“Said differently, the entertainment dollar lasts twice as long in the iCasino environment.”Deutsche Bank research concluded that land-based casinos in Pennsylvania are spending nine percent less on promos than they did during the same time period in 2019.iGaming Expansion OddsThe potential cannibalization of brick-and-mortar casino gambling caused by online platforms, Santarelli believes, will caution other states in moving to legalize internet gambling. But beyond Connecticut, the prospects are slim, Santarelli opines. But as Pennsylvania emerges from the coronavirus, the trend among many gamblers seems to be staying online, rather than returning to a physical casino.“We think it is worth considering the notion that the presence of iCasino in Pennsylvania could be stunting the casino recovery,” Santarelli wrote. free slot machines no downloads bonus roundsSo, where’s the money coming from? Online.iGaming TrendDuring COVID-19, iGaming reasonably flourished, as the state’s land-based casinos were forced to shutter. In May, Pennsylvania’s set its third consecutive monthly gaming record. Currently, along with Pennsylvania, only New Jersey, Delaware, West Virginia, and Michigan have iGaming with interactive slot machines and table games. free slot games by igt free 21 poker games onlinemgm 678 casinoAs such, Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN) recently commenced a 5 million room renovation in response to strong 2022 bookings. “MGM Resorts, for example, reported a 20 percent EBITDAR margin in first-quarter 2021, which compares with a high-20 percent EBITDAR margin pre-pandemic, and continued margin growth likely throughout the year,” according to Fitch.The research firm has a “negative” outlook on MGM’s “BB-” credit rating, noting it and Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS) need to see more recovery in international markets before positive alterations to credit ratings and outlooks can be considered.Pennsylvania is the nation’s second-richest gaming state in terms of total gross revenue. (Image: Shutterstock)Deutsche Bank gaming specialist Carlo Santarelli is troubled that while some states are reporting better than pre-pandemic brick-and-mortar casino revenues, Pennsylvania is not. That’s a bullish sign when considering Macau is a far larger market for that company.Other operators, including MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM), are highlighting impressive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and restructuring or rent costs (EBITDAR) margin trends. So, where’s the money coming from? Online.iGaming TrendDuring COVID-19, iGaming reasonably flourished, as the state’s land-based casinos were forced to shutter. free slot games to play free slot games goldfish |