MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Penn National Gaming Inc. reported third-quarter earnings Tuesday of $17.2 million despite weather-related losses at some Gulf Coast properties.

That equates to 41 cents per share on revenues of $288.7 million for the period ending Sept. 30, up from $13.6 million, or 34 cents per share, on revenues of $271 million for the same period last year.

“It was a strong quarter,” Chief Executive Officer Peter M. Carlino told investors.

Carlino said Penn National, based in Wyomissing, Pa., remains on track for a mid-2006 opening of slots at the Bangor Raceway in Bangor, Maine, where it is licensed but seeking additional approvals.