Pennsylvania Reports Increases in Sports Betting Handle and Revenue for July

In July 2026, Pennsylvania’s sports wagering sector experienced year-over-year growth in both betting handle and overall revenue. According to data released by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), the state’s combined retail and online sportsbooks accepted over half a billion dollars in wagers.

July 2026 Financial Performance

The PGCB’s July report outlines a clear expansion in Pennsylvania’s sports betting market compared to the same period in the previous year. The state recorded a significant rise in overall betting activity, which yielded higher tax contributions for the Commonwealth. Key figures from the July 2026 report include:

• Total Sports Betting Handle: Operators generated $509.5 million in handle (total money wagered), representing a 23.5% increase from the $412.5 million recorded in July 2025.

• Taxable Revenue: The sports wagering sector produced $51.8 million in taxable revenue, marking a 27.75% year-over-year increase from the $40.5 million generated in the prior year.

• Operator Win Rate: Sportsbooks achieved a hold – or win rate – of approximately 12.7%, significantly higher than the sub-9% rates observed in the preceding month.

Market Drivers and Operator Activity

The notable increase in July’s sports betting metrics can be attributed in part to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament’s knockout rounds provided favorable outcomes for sportsbook operators, contributing to the elevated hold percentage and subsequent revenue spike.

Within the competitive landscape of the state, top online operators maintained their market presence. FanDuel Sportsbook led the state with a handle of $165.7 million, yielding over $25 million in gross revenue. DraftKings Sportsbook closely followed, processing $163.8 million in wagers. Together, these two platforms accounted for a substantial majority of the digital betting volume in Pennsylvania.

A Balanced View of the Gaming Sector

While sports betting and online casino gaming (iGaming) continue to accelerate, the traditional retail casino market presents a more stabilized environment. Total combined gaming revenue across all forms of gambling in the state reached $591.1 million in July, a 5.99% increase from the prior year. The iGaming segment contributed $249 million to this total, growing by 9.1% year-over-year.

Conversely, brick-and-mortar facilities saw mixed engagement. In-person table games experienced a 5% decline in revenue compared to July 2025, while retail slot machine revenue recorded a marginal increase of 2.5%.