New Orleans casino market outpaces state performance for February; see how much revenue was generated

Casino winnings in the New Orleans gambling market were up by 1.9 percent in February from a year ago, better than the modest 0.6 percent gain reported across the state.

The state’s 15 riverboat casinos, four racinos and land-based casino generated nearly $210.0 million in revenue in February, according to figures released Monday by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.That was slightly ahead of the nearly $208.6 million they took in during February 2017. Video poker revenue was up 2 percent during that same period to $50.0 million from $44.3 million in February 2017. 

In New Orleans, gambling revenue was up from $49.7 million to $50.7 million. Improved business at Harrah’s contributed to the gains. The casino posted $23.6 million in winnings during February, 4.4 percent more than the $22.6 million from February 2017. Winnings at the Fair Grounds race track were up by 5.2 percent to $3.9 million from $3.7 million.

The Crescent City’s three riverboats had a modest drop in winnings during the month of 1 percent to $23.1 million. Treasure Chest was the biggest loser, dropping 2.2 percent to $9.1 million. Boomtown New Orleans was down 0.4 percent to $10.4 million. The Amelia Belle in Amelia was virtually unchanged, with earnings holding at $3.6 million.

While the performance in the state’s gambling markets was mixed, Baton Rouge was the biggest loser, with winnings at its three riverboats plunging by 10.4 percent. The Belle of Baton Rouge, the oldest riverboat in the city, dropped 16.2 percent to $4.5 million. Hollywood Casino revenue fell by 14.1 percent to $5.5 million. L’Auberge Baton Rouge was down 6.7 percent to $13.6 million.

In other markets, casino revenue at Lake Charles’ three riverboats and slots at the Delta Downs racetrack was up by 8.6 percent to $73.8 million. Shreveport-Bossier City, which has the most riverboats of any market along with the Harrah’s Louisiana Downs track, was down 3.8 percent to $55.1 million. Acadiana, which includes the Evangeline Downs race track, was down 7.1 percent to $6.7 million.

Source: theadvocate.com