Meadows reports having $236M impact in 2015
Bettors weren’t the only ones who cashed in at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino last year.
Casino officials Monday released economic impact figures for 2015, showing the North Strabane Township gaming facility dispersed about $236 million statewide.
In its annual report, The Meadows said more than half of that total – $136 million – went to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for gaming taxes, some of which goes toward property tax relief. Another $98 million is split among employees and local businesses in a six-county region that provide goods and services related to casino operations.
The Meadows, one of the largest employers in Washington County with a payroll of 1,300, paid about $51.6 million in salaries or wages plus benefits last year. Nearly $44 million went for vendors, supplies, local taxes and charitable donations within that multi-county region.
All told, more than $43 million went to families, businesses, nonprofits and governments in Washington and Allegheny counties.
These figures, for the first time, include payments from the track, as well as the casino.
County Local Share Account funding was not included in the year-end report. The LSA is funded by gambling revenue at The Meadows, which provided about $14.4 million over the past two years and $77.5 million since the account was instituted in 2008.
Sean Sullivan, vice president and general manager of The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, said in a statement: “Many industries within our region have experienced a downturn in 2015. We are extremely fortunate to be able to maintain a vibrant workforce, patronize local businesses and distribute a significant amount of dollars for community enhancements and to other charitable organizations.”
The casino also had a record-setting $116 million in jackpot payouts in 2015, the third consecutive year it topped $100 million.