Harrisburg, Pa. - Pennsylvania's nine slot machine casinos generated a combined $166,293,583 in gross revenue last month.  That's a 26.7% increase over revenue generated in November 2008.  There were seven casinos in operation at that time.

The figures, released Wednesday by the Pa. Gaming Control Board, also show that the Commonwealth's tax on that revenue totaled $91,461,471. 

Among the uses of that money is the reduction of local property taxes, support of the horse racing industry, funding of economic development projects, and grants to local fire companies.

For the first five months of the state's fiscal year, taxes generated by legalized slot gaming were up 25% compared to the previous year.

Slots revenue at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse in Grantville, Dauphin County, jumped by 12.47% in November.  That was the largest increase among the state's nine casinos.

"It is truly exciting to watch this growing industry produce revenues that are being returned statewide to assist our citizens in a number of ways," said PGCB Chairman Gregory Fajt.  "As we work to expand existing casinos, open new casinos, and move into table games, this revenue will continue to increase and work toward the good of all taxpayers."

Two more casinos are scheduled to open in 2010. 

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