As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “The Rivers Casino generated nearly $1.3 million in revenue on $14 million in wagers in the first 18 hours of its operation, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

“The $1.28 million in gross terminal revenue ranked as the third highest opening day in the state, behind Sands Bethlehem’s $1.6 million on May 22 and The Meadows’ $1.48 million in April.

“Of the Rivers’ $1.28 million in revenue, 55 percent of that will go to the state in taxes. The crowds that jammed the North Shore venue Sunday wagered $14 million in all, with $12.6 million of that returned to players in winnings. The numbers represent the wagering and revenue from the time the casino opened at noon yesterday to 6 a.m. today.

“State Gaming Control Board spokesman Richard McGarvey said it is difficult to compare first-day numbers because Pennsylvania stand-alone and racetrack casinos have opened at different times on different days. Sands Bethelehem, for example, opened on a Friday, typically one of the busiest days of the week for a casino…”