According to the data published by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, total market revenue for gambling reached $529.1 million, which is a 10.9% increase of last year’s $477.2 million. This, however, wasn’t the case for sports betting receipts, which fell to 26.4% year-on-year to $51.5 million from $69.9 million in January 2024.

With Pennsylvania’s gambling revenue seemingly poised to outdo last year’s total, it begs the question of why sports betting revenues declined. The most surprising part was the fact that sports betting activity was extremely high to begin the year.

As per the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board data, total handle in January increased by 1.8% from last year to $873.1 million, including $830.5 million in online sportsbooks and $42.8 million at retail sportsbooks.

No clear reasons were established for the decline of sports betting revenues. However, the declining market share of established operators and penalties imposed on several sportsbooks could play a factor.

It hasn’t been long since the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board issued BetMGM a fine of more than $250,000 for 152 violations on the Pennsylvania Interactive Self-Exclusion List. The Pennsylvania Interactive Self-Exclusion List requires casino and sportsbook operators to enforce strict measures for preventing self-excluded individuals from interacting with the platform.

In response to the investigation that led to the fine, BetMGM acknowledged the violations, closed the affected accounts, conducted internal reviews, and enhanced security measures. BetMGM also donated $20,000 to the Pennsylvania Council on Problem Gambling.