Pennsylvania has one of the most successful casino industries in the U.S. and is home to 17 casinos. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) recently released its annual diversity report. The report describes the activities of casinos relating to how they implement diversity plans. What do casinos do to increase the representation of the diversity of groups in the gaming industry? Interestingly, most of the jobs generated by casinos in Pennsylvania are filled by residents.
Most jobs generated are for residents
According to the report, approximately 89.8% of the 15,857 jobs casinos generated in 2023-2024 are for residents of Pennsylvania. Over 40% of these jobs were filled by racial minorities and over 40% were filled by females.
Parx Casino is the largest casino in Pennsylvania. Its workforce has expanded considerably since it first opened its doors. As of the end of June 2024, the casino had a workforce of 2,050 individuals, and of these, 86% were Pennsylvania residents. It also has its betPARX sportsbook, one of 11 legal online sports betting casinos in Pennsylvania.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course had a workforce of 733 individuals as of the end of June 2024, and 99% of these were Pennsylvania residents.
A goal was to employ Pennsylvania residents as table games employees. According to the report, about 85% of table game employees at casinos are now residents.
Casinos spending with local businesses
The state’s casinos invest a significant amount with Pennsylvania businesses on an annual basis. Of the $1.05 billion spent by casinos in 2023-2024, 50.8% was spent with construction and non-construction businesses local to the casino facilities.
Executive, management, and professional staff
Executive, management, and professional staff at casinos consisted of 2,382 individuals. Of the total, 26% were racial minorities and 37% were females.
At Parx Casino, executive, management, and professional staff consisted of 234 individuals. Of the total, 25% were racial minorities and 35% were female.
At Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course, executive, management, and professional staff consisted of 132 employees. Of the total, 16% were minorities, and 36% were female.
Online casinos may offer remote work solutions for employees. There are many jobs where individuals can work remotely, from software development to managing websites.
Hiring and diversity plans
Most casinos show higher diversity rates, especially those in the Philadelphia area. All Pennsylvania casinos need to create an environment where anyone, regardless of gender or race, can succeed. Some of the ways they are doing so include the following:
- Establishing mentorship programs
- Holding team-building retreats
- Offering training programs and camps
- Reimbursing tuition for continuing education
- Hosting peer-to-peer workshops
- Rotating job responsibilities
- Offering job shadowing opportunities
- Offering leadership development programs
- Giving recognition awards
An inclusive and diverse workforce offers the opportunity to learn from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and voices. This can contribute to the financial success of casinos.
Casino operators in Pennsylvania easily fill nearly 16,000 jobs
According to a US employment report, job gains in the U.S. were up in September by the highest amount in six months. The unemployment rate fell to just over 4%. The economy also added 72,000 more jobs in July and August than expected.
Operators in Pennsylvania find it easy to fill nearly 16,000 jobs in the gaming industry as it is one of the most successful states in casino gambling and sports betting. According to the PGCB’s annual revenue report, total revenue in the state was up nearly 7% since 2023. This was mostly due to revenue from iGaming which generated $1.9 billion.
