In April, Missouri casinos saw a decline in both yearly and monthly revenue, according to the latest figures released by the state’s gaming commission. Despite a strong start to the year, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the gambling industry in the state.
According to the Missouri Gaming Commission, total revenue for the state’s 13 casinos dropped by 6.2% compared to the same month last year, coming in at $149.5 million. This marks the third consecutive month of revenue decline for Missouri casinos, with March and February also showing decreases.
The largest drop was seen in table game revenue, which fell by 12% compared to April 2020. Slot machine revenue also declined, dropping by 5% year-over-year. This can largely be attributed to capacity restrictions still in place at casinos due to the ongoing pandemic.
Despite the declines in revenue, some casinos in Missouri have seen an increase in attendance compared to the previous month. This could be due to the easing of restrictions and the growing comfort levels among patrons to visit casinos again.
“We are encouraged by the increase in attendance at our casinos, but the revenue numbers still paint a challenging picture for the industry,” said a spokesperson for one of the leading casino operators in the state. “We remain optimistic that as more people get vaccinated and restrictions are lifted, we will see a rebound in revenue in the coming months.”
The decline in revenue for Missouri casinos mirrors a broader trend seen in the gambling industry across the country. Many casinos have been struggling to recover from the financial losses experienced during the height of the pandemic, with some even filing for bankruptcy or permanently closing their doors.
Despite the challenges facing the industry, there is hope that as more people get vaccinated and travel restrictions are lifted, casinos will see a resurgence in revenue. In the meantime, casino operators in Missouri are focusing on implementing strict health and safety protocols to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for patrons.
Overall, the outlook for Missouri casinos remains uncertain, but industry experts are optimistic that with time, revenue numbers will start to improve. As the state continues to navigate the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the casino industry will be closely monitored to see how it evolves in the months ahead.
