National Gambling Firms 'Getting Smoked' by Regional Sportsbook Operators

Submitted by Aaron Goldstein on

Written by :

Aaron Goldstein

Published on :

National Gambling Firms 'Getting Smoked' by Regional Sportsbook Operators

Why are the national gambling companies Caesars (CZR) and Penn National (PNG) underperforming with their sportsbook operations both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey when compared to regional companies?


START YOUR OWN SPORTSBOOK FOR JUST A SMALL FEE PER WEEK PER PLAYER HERE

Sports betting industry expert Joe Brennan, Jr. tweeted this Monday:

In PA sports betting, two national companies (CZR and PNG) are getting smoked by two regional companies (Rush Street, owners of SugarHouse and Rivers - and Greenwood, owners of Parx and South Philly). National co. getting smoked in NJ too. Why such small numbers?

The numbers don't lie.

Harrah's is owned by Caesars.  They reported a handle of $2.9 million while Penn National had a handle of $3.7 million.

Those look like good numbers, right?

Not when compared to SugarHouse and Rivers.

SugarHouse sports handle was just over $7 million, Rivers just over $8 million.

Penn National operates the Hollywood Casino near Harrisburg.  Overall, this casino finished in the middle of the pack in terms of all gambling revenue.

Harrah's operates in the Philadelphia area and was down nearly 7% ($20,455,490 revenue) for all gambling.

Here are the state's overall numbers:

Total Handle: $31,500,741.94 (Down from $32,011,838.76 in Jan.) - Gross Rev: $1,946,816.50 (Down from $2,607,215.09 in Jan.) - State Tax Due (34%): $661,917.61

Rivers Sportsbook lead in handle and revenue for the month.

- Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com

Related Content

Cardi B and Tasha

Cardi B Goes After Tasha K in Court Over Talking Offset’s Alleged Gambling, Shooting Outside Florida Casino

Tasha agreed to honor a non-disparagement clause as part of her bankruptcy plan tied to the Cardi B suit.
Spirit Airlines

Gambling Destinations of Las Vegas, Atlantic City Among Most Affected by Spirit Airlines Shutdown

In the first three months of 2026, Spirit had flown 419,917 passengers to and from Las Vegas and was the eighth busiest commercial air carrier at Reid.
MGM Springfield slots

1 Cent Bet Pays Out Massive $10,651.65 Jackpot at MGM Springfield Massachusetts Casino

"Dragon Link" and "Dragon Drums" slots continue to pay out nicely for gamblers nationwide with the latter having variants available on popular online casinos as well.
Armed robbery

Man Suspected of Robbing Two Reno Casinos Captured: Also Accused of Robberies at Two Area Walmarts

Robert Kindell is accused of most recently robbing the Atlantis (April 1), the Tamarack Casino (April 19), and two Walmart locations (March 4, April 4).