Analysis: In Certain States, Online Slots Are Far More Generous Than Brick-and-Mortar

Online slots in Pennsylvania are more affordable than traditional casinos because they have better hold percentages and lower operating costs. Despite similar losses, players wager more and get more playtime, which makes playing games at home a more prudent financial decision.

You might want to take a seat if you play slots in Pennsylvania. With your phone in hand, preferably on your own couch. Because there is a strong argument that remaining at home is the better course of action when it comes to slot machine winnings.

The hold percentage is the deciding factor. And that number rapidly declines in the realm of online gambling, where operators are not required to construct and maintain large structures or have a full workforce.

Electricity is not being paid for by anyone. No carpet needs to be vacuumed. Regarding online operations, Matthew Roob, senior vice president of Spectrum Gaming Group, stated, “There is no air conditioning—well, I guess they have to cool the servers—but operational expenses are significantly lower.”

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Players benefit from lower expenses. According to statistics the organization studied, the disparity is striking in Pennsylvania, where both iGaming and traditional casino slot data are publicly available.

Retail casino slots in Pennsylvania made $2.6 billion in revenue (approximately 7.6%) and $34 billion in coin-in (total wagers) for the 12 months ending May 2025.

In the meantime, iGaming slot coin-in reached $52 billion, with revenue of $1.9 billion, which is closer to 3.7%.

You’re getting a machine that uses half as much when you play from your sofa.

“You’ll make between $1,200 and $1,250 in coin-in if you put $100 into a machine with an 8% hold and play it through,” Roob revealed. “You will receive about $2,400 in coin-in if the hold is 4%. In any case, you still lose $100, but at least in Pennsylvania, iGaming offers you a lot more value for your money.

Because of this, Pennsylvanians who played slots online wagered 53% more than those who played slots in physical casinos, despite the fact that the former brought in 37% more money overall.