HARRISBURG, Pa. — Big losers: Pennsylvania’s casinos and sports books lost $3.3 million on Super Bowl wagering. Since 36 percent of sports wagering revenue is dumped into the general fund, the loss means a loss for taxpayers.

“The wagering was much higher this year than before,” said Doug Harbach, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

And the numbers tell the story. According to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, gamblers in pa wagered $30.6 million on the big game with the books shelling out just over $34 million in winnings.

“It was a good day for the bettors overall,” Harbach said.

With a $3.3 million loss, on the surface, Pennsylvania taxpayers lose as well. Under the Gaming Expansion of 2017, 36 percent of sports wagering profits goes to the state’s general fund. If the numbers were reversed, a $3.3 million win for the books, would theoretically mean a million dollar bump in tax revenue.

“That will even out overtime with the way that gambling works,” said Harbach.

The big loss during the big game means less money in the state coffers. But Harbach says one day will not make or break the industry or the yearly projections.

“The overall with sports wagering, some of these new mini casinos opening up and also the internet gaming that is being done, all of that will add up to more tax revenue for Pennsylvania,” he said.

In fact, the Gaming Control Board estimates 2020 will see another banner year with an extra $100 million dollars in gaming revenue.

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