February winnings down 3.9 pct in New Orleans casinos

February figures were discouraging for New Orleans casinos as winnings were down 3.9% year-on-year due to revenue decreases all across the market.

US.- The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) released the gaming figures for February 2019 and showed poor results. According to the regulator, casino winnings in New Orleans fell 3.9% year-on-year to US$201.7 million, down from 2018’s US$210 million.

As the LGCB reported, video poker revenue reached US$51.7 million and was up 3.2% from last year’s US$50.1 million. However, gambling revenue in the city was down from US$50.7 million to US$48.3 million.

According to the board, the three riverboats had a 5.4% revenue decline to US$21.9 million (from $23.1 million last year). Boomtown New Orleans saw its numbers drop to US$9.5 million, 8.5% down (US$10.4 million in 2018). Treasure Chest posted a 4.4% drop to US$8.7 million (from US$9.1 million) and the Amelia Belle barely jumped to US$3.68 million (from US$3.65 million).

While Harrah’s posted a 5% drop in winnings at US$22.4 million (from US$23.6 million), the Fair Grounds racetrack reported good news as its slots jumped 1% to US$3.94 million.

The Baton Rouge market

Furthermore, the Baton Rouge market also posted an 18.7% decrease in winnings, another one since they last increased in August 2017. Its three riverboats were down from US$23.6 million to US$19.2 million in the past year. The Belle of Baton Rouge dropped 43% to $2.6 million, the Hollywood Casino 15.1% to US$4.6 million and the L’Auberge Baton Rouge 12.1% to US$12 million.