The Louisiana State Police reported on Thursday the revenue generated by the state’s 15 riverboat casinos, four racetrack slots gambling venues, and Harrah’s. Revenue totaled $206.1 million last month, up 12.8% compared to $182.8 million posted for September 2014.
State officials pointed out that the increase would have been narrower if it was not for Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Lake Charles, which opened doors last December. In September, it contributed $21.8 million to the overall revenue.
Gaming revenue in New Orleans increased 4% year-on-year to reach $49.1 million. Harrah’s generated a total of $24.5 million, up 2% from the $24 million posted for September 2014. The casino’s financial results have been see-sawing over the past several months. The drops in revenue have been attributed to the smoking ban, which was introduced not long ago and under which gambling customers are not allowed to smoke while at the facility.
New Orleans’ three riverboats also posted increases in their September revenue. Treasure Chest generated $8.1 million, up 10.6% year-on-year. Revenue at Boomtown New Orleans amounted to $9.4 million, posting an increase of 8.3%. Winnings at Amelia Belle totaled $3.8 million last month, up 5.3% as compared to the figure posted for September 2014.
Slots at Fair Grounds Race Course generated a total of $3.2 million. In fact, the racetrack was the only gambling venue in New Orleans to post a decrease in its winnings. Revenue dropped 8.5% from $3.2 million reported for September 2014.
The three Baton Rouge riverboat casinos generated a total of $21.7 million in September. Revenue there increased 2.8% year-on-year from $21.1 million reported for September 2014.
Lake Charles, known to be the largest gambling market within the state’s borders, posted a 38.3% increase in casino winnings. The growth was attributed to the launch of the Golden Nugget. Revenue at the three riverboat gambling venues and slots at Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel amounted to $72.6 million. In comparison, the amount of $52.5 million was posted for the same month a year ago.
Revenue at Shreveport-Bossier City increased 1.1% in September. The six riverboat casinos there and slots at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs generated $56.1 million.
Last but not least, casino revenue in Opelousas amounted to $6.7 million, up 2.8% year-on-year. The city’s casino market is represented by slots at Evangeline Downs.
