Gambling in 2015 produced the biggest jackpot yet for Pennsylvania.

The $3.17 billion in gross revenue generated by slot machines and table games at the 12 casinos last year was the most since gambling was legalized in the state in 2006, according to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

It marks the fifth straight year gross revenue, the amount players lost, topped $3 billion in the state. The 2015 total beat the previously high of nearly $3.16 billion recorded in 2012. Gross revenue last year also was 3.4 percent higher than in 2014.

It all computed into $1.4 billion in tax revenue for the state, much of it coming from slots, which is taxed at a much higher level than table games. The money is used for a number of purposes, including property tax reductions and economic development projects.

Slots-only casinos opened in 2006 in Pennsylvania. Table games were added in July 2010.

Doug Harbach, a gaming board spokesman, attributed the record revenue to an improving economy and lower gasoline prices, allowing for more pocket cash.

First Published: January 15, 2016, 7:49 p.m.