With direct flights to Pennsylvania increasing from major Florida airports and luxury casino resorts reporting a surge in Sunshine State visitors, more Floridians are trading beach walks for winter weekends in the Keystone State.
“What surprises many Florida visitors is how our casino resorts embrace the seasons,” says Tyler Andrews, Managing Editor at PlayPennsylvania.com, which covers gaming industry news and events in the keystone state.
“Take Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Poconos — you can spend your morning skiing, afternoon at the spa, and evening at the gaming tables. It’s a complete winter experience that feels worlds away from a Florida beach.”
The trend comes as Pennsylvania’s gaming industry hits record revenues of nearly $6 billion, with out-of-state visitors playing an increasingly significant role in that growth. Mountain resorts, in particular, are seeing a spike in southern visitors seeking winter experiences alongside their gaming entertainment.
Mount Airy Casino Resort in the Pocono Mountains leads this winter gaming boom. The AAA Four Diamond property has recently expanded its luxury amenities and launched targeted marketing campaigns in Florida markets. Guests can hit the nearby slopes, unwind in the recently renovated luxury spa, and try their luck in the intimate high-limit gaming area.
“The Poconos have always been the winter playground of the East Coast elite,” Briggs notes. “What Mount Airy has done is add world-class gaming to that legacy of luxury. For Floridians, it’s like finding a slice of Vegas nestled in a winter wonderland.”
Wind Creek Bethlehem, which invested $90 million in recent property upgrades, offers a different kind of winter escape. Set in a masterfully repurposed historic steel plant, the resort provides a cozy refuge from the cold with its AAA Four Diamond accommodations, celebrity chef restaurants, and one of the state’s most impressive gaming floors.
Just outside Philadelphia, Parx Casino, the state’s highest-grossing casino, delivers big-city excitement with easy access to winter activities. “What makes Parx special for out-of-state visitors is its location,” Briggs explains. “You’re minutes from Philadelphia’s historic sites and world-class dining, but also close to Bucks County’s charming winter attractions. Plus, the casino’s racing heritage adds a unique excitement you won’t find in Florida.”
Travel industry data shows increasing airlift between Florida and Pennsylvania, with carriers adding winter routes to meet demand. Low-cost carrier Breeze Airlines are the latest to add direct flights linking the two states. Direct flights now connect major Florida cities to Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley, with resorts offering transportation packages. Several properties have crafted winter getaway deals specifically targeting Sunshine State residents, combining gaming credits with seasonal activities.
For those used to Florida’s sprawling gaming spaces, Pennsylvania’s casinos offer a more intimate experience. High-limit rooms are truly exclusive, service is personalized, and the winter atmosphere adds a cozy dimension to the gaming experience.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reports that out-of-state visitation typically peaks during the winter months, with Florida zip codes showing particularly strong growth. Beyond the gaming floor, visitors can explore charming snow-covered towns, enjoy winter sports, and experience a real change of seasons — all while knowing a warm, luxurious resort awaits
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