Pennsylvania Casino Jobs Declined Last Fiscal Year

The state's 18 land-based casinos saw a workforce reduction of nearly 4% during the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Gambling

Bold vector editorial illustration showing empty slot machine cabinets and a roulette wheel, representing employment trends in the gaming industry. — Pennsylvania's casino sector workforce declined by nearly 4% in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, as operators adjusted to shifts in industry staffing needs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pennsylvania casinos reduced their combined workforce by 3.8% during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, resulting in a total loss of 598 positions. This shift occurred as the industry navigated a landscape that included the April 2026 opening of the Happy Valley Casino in State College.

Why it matters

The decline highlights shifts in employment requirements within the state gaming sector, which employed 15,252 people as of June 30, 2026. Understanding these patterns provides insight into the operational adjustments land-based operators are making across the commonwealth.

The statewide contraction totaled 598 positions, with table game roles accounting for 243 of those cuts. These figures were officially recorded by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for its 2025-2026 Annual Report.

The players

Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

This state agency is responsible for the oversight and regulation of all gambling activities and casino licensing within Pennsylvania.

Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Located on the Delaware River waterfront, this facility is a major land-based gambling and entertainment destination in Pennsylvania.

Happy Valley Casino

This gambling venue is a recent addition to the Pennsylvania market that opened in State College during the spring of 2026.

The details

While the overall sector faced job losses, individual venues like Rivers Casino Philadelphia continue to manage hiring needs despite a 3.3% decline in their own gross gaming revenue to $212.3 million. The facility is currently working to bolster its staff for new restaurant and hospitality operations.

June 30, 2025 served as the baseline employment count date.
Happy Valley Casino opened in State College in April 2026.
Employment figures were measured on June 30, 2026.
Rivers Casino will hold a job fair on October 19, 2026, from 5-7 pm.
The Rivers Casino job fair continues October 20, 2026, from 10 am to noon.

Culture Shift

The workforce contraction reflects the evolving operational landscape governed by the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. This shift signals a transition in how regional casinos balance labor costs against fluctuating gaming revenue.

Residents seeking employment in the gaming sector may find new opportunities at the upcoming job fair hosted by Rivers Casino Philadelphia. These roles are focused on expanding the venue's restaurant and hospitality services.

The takeaway

The casino industry in Pennsylvania is experiencing a notable adjustment in labor requirements as new venues enter the market. Workers interested in the sector should monitor hiring events closely as operators shift their focus toward hospitality and dining services.