Gambling in the USA

COVID-19 Causes 79% Year-Over-Year Drop in Q2 Commercial Casino Gaming Revenue

Published

4 years ago

August 14, 2020

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Record Start to 2020 Provides Strong Foundation for Gaming’s Recovery

U.S. commercial gaming revenue for the second quarter of 2020 totaled $2.30 billion, a steep 78.8 percent year-over-year contraction, according to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) new Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. gaming industry saw revenue decline in nearly every reported vertical compared to Q2 2019.

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“COVID-19 has undoubtedly posed the most difficult economic challenge the gaming industry has ever faced,” said AGA President and CEO Bill Miller. “Yet, gaming’s record popularity prior to COVID-19, as well our resilience in the midst of such adversity, is evidence of the industry’s foundation for continued success as we emerge from the pandemic.”

Contrary to recent revenue declines, commercial casinos demonstrated strong consumer demand in 2020 when open for business. Before all 989 U.S. brick-and-mortar casinos closed their doors in March, combined commercial gaming revenue for January and February was up 10.4 percent year-over-year. Following the return of casino gaming in Q2, several states have reported a year-over-year uptick in average daily GGR per open casino despite operating with limited capacity, game availability, and amenities. This includes South Dakota (+42.5%), Ohio (+19.3%), and Indiana (+7.4%).

While April and May both experienced year-over-year GGR declines north of 90 percent, June saw nearly 300 commercial casinos reopen throughout the month and, as a result, revenue was nearly four times greater than the previous two months combined. More than 85 percent of U.S. casinos are now open, including nearly 9 in 10 commercial casinos, all of which have implemented stringent, regulator-approved health and safety plans.

“The gaming industry has been a leader in implementing rigorous, innovative protocols that have allowed the vast majority of our properties to reopen and stay open,” continued Miller. “With business returning to casino floors and sportsbooks seeing increased action, the gaming industry is steadily charting a responsible path to recovery that prioritizes health and safety, supports the communities where we operate, and offers first-class entertainment.”

Sports betting experienced a sharp decline in GGR in the second quarter due to the shutdown of sports activity, but is still up slightly (4.1%) in the first half of 2020 as a result of a record start to the year and increased legal options.

iGaming, the only gaming vertical to experience year-over-year growth in Q2 2020, marked the first full quarter generating more revenue than sports betting in the post-PASPA era. Online casino gaming is only legal in six states: Delaware, Pennsylvania, Nevada (poker only), New Jersey, Michigan (not live), and West Virginia.

AGA’s reporting on the financial performance of the U.S. commercial casino industry will continue on a quarterly basis as the association tracks the industry’s economic recovery. Monthly updates will be available on AmericanGaming.org.

Background

The AGA’s State of the States 2020 report found that the U.S commercial gaming industry generated record revenue in 2019. The companion AGA State of Play map houses economic impact and regulatory data for each of the 44 gaming states.
To date, 851 of 990 U.S. casinos properties across 40 states have partially reopened. This includes 417 commercial casinos (89.7% of total) and 434 tribal properties (82.8% of total). The AGA’s COVID-19 casino tracker lists the reopening status of every U.S. casino.
Read an overview of the various practices that gaming companies have implemented based on a review of AGA member health and safety plans.

About the Report

AGA’s Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker provides state-by-state and cumulative insight into the U.S. commercial gaming industry’s financial performance based on state revenue reports. The first issue highlights second quarter results, ending June 30 (Q2 2020), and year-to-date comparisons.

About the AGA

The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers, and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.

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Gambling in the USA

Apache Lonestar Casino Announces Expansion of its facilities

Published

3 days ago

September 13, 2024

Niji Narayan

Apache Lonestar Casino, a premier gaming destination in Devol, Oklahoma, announced an expansion of its facilities, set to enhance the gaming and dining experience for its guests. The expansion, scheduled for completion by the end of 2024, will add more than 2000 square feet of gaming space and introduce additional seating, family dining and new menu options at the popular Lonestar Bar & Grill.

Expanded Gaming Space
The additional 2000+ square feet of gaming space will allow Apache Lonestar Casino to accommodate more gaming options, further solidifying its position as a top-tier entertainment destination in the greater Wichita Falls area. With the current offering of 611 slot machines, 6 blackjack tables, the expansion will introduce new games including Texas Hold ’em ensuring that every guest finds something to enjoy.

“Our goal has always been to provide our guests with an exceptional experience. This expansion reflects our commitment to continually improving our offerings and providing more variety and excitement for our guests,” said Kristopher Killsfirst Sr., Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino LLC.

Enhanced Dining at Lonestar Bar & Grill
In addition to the gaming floor expansion, Apache Lonestar Casino is enhancing the dining experience at Lonestar Bar & Grill. The popular restaurant, known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious menu, will see an increase in seating capacity and family friendly seating. The menu will be expanded to include a wider variety of dishes, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

“The Lonestar Bar & Grill has quickly become a favorite among our guests, and we’re excited to offer even more with this expansion. The additional seating and menu options will ensure that our guests can enjoy a great meal as part of their visit to Apache Lonestar Casino,” said Michael Spell, General Manager of Apache Lonestar Casino.

Gambling in the USA

Detroit Casinos Report $112.5M in August Revenue

Published

4 days ago

September 12, 2024

Niji Narayan

The three Detroit casinos reported $112.5 million in monthly aggregate revenue (AGR) for the month of August 2024, of which $110.8 million was generated from table games and slots, and $1.7 million from retail sports betting.

The August market shares were:

• MGM, 48%
• MotorCity, 28%
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, 24%

Monthly Table Games, Slot Revenue, and Taxes

The casinos’ revenue for table games and slots for the month of August 2024 increased 5.9% when compared to the same month last year. August’s monthly revenue was 4.2% higher when compared to the previous month, July 2024. From Jan. 1 through Aug. 31, the Detroit casinos’ table games and slots revenue increased by 0.9% compared to the same period last year.

The casinos’ monthly gaming revenue results all increased compared to August 2023:

• MGM, up 8.9% to $53.86 million
• MotorCity, up 0.1% to $30.76 million
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown, up 7.4% to $26.18 million

In August 2024, the three Detroit casinos paid $8.97 million in gaming taxes to the State of Michigan. They paid $8.47 million for the same month last year. The casinos also reported submitting $17.3 million in wagering taxes and development agreement payments to the City of Detroit in August.

Monthly Retail Sports Betting Revenue and Taxes

The three Detroit casinos reported $9.61 million in total retail sports betting handle, and total gross receipts were $1.7 million for the month of August. Retail sports betting qualified adjusted gross receipts (QAGR) were up by $1.4 million in August when compared to August 2023, and up by $2.1 million when compared to July 2024.

August QAGR by casino was:

• MGM: $521,529
• MotorCity: $930,952
• Hollywood Casino at Greektown: $241,045

During August, the casinos paid $64,015 in gaming taxes to the state and reported submitting $78,241 in wagering taxes to the City of Detroit based on their retail sports betting revenue.

Gambling in the USA

State of Colorado Marks One Year of Successful Self-Exclusion List for Responsible Gambling

Published

6 days ago

September 10, 2024

Niji Narayan

The Colorado Division of Gaming announced that almost 300 people enrolled in the state’s Self-Exclusion Program, ahead of the effort’s one-year anniversary.

The Self-Exclusion Program, which launched in September 2023, is a crucial tool in promoting responsible gaming throughout the state and each signature is a significant step for each person who enrolls.

When people enroll in the Self-Exclusion Program, they voluntarily exclude themselves from participating in gaming activities offered under the regulatory purview of the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming.

“We are encouraged by the positive response to the Self-Exclusion Program in its first year. The fact that 288 Coloradans have signed up demonstrates the importance of offering resources for those who seek to manage their gaming habits,” said Division of Gaming Director Chris Schroder.

This initiative is part of Colorado’s broader efforts to foster a safer and more responsible gaming environment. In addition to the Self-Exclusion Program, the Division offers a variety of resources aimed at promoting responsible gaming, including public education campaigns, responsible gaming grants, and access to a 24/7 helpline.

The Self-Exclusion Program is confidential and free of charge, providing individuals with the option to exclude themselves for a period of one year, five years, or even a lifetime. During the exclusion period, participants are barred from entering and gaming at any of the state’s licensed casinos, as well as they are unable to redeem points, bonuses, comps, or freeplay.