Ohio’s casinos brought in a total of $83 million in revenue for the month of April, a decrease of 12% from the previous month, according to data released by PlayUSA. This dip in revenue comes as the state continues to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The four casinos in Ohio – Hollywood Casino Columbus, Hollywood Casino Toledo, Jack Cleveland Casino, and Jack Cincinnati Casino – all saw a decline in revenue compared to March. Hollywood Casino Columbus was the highest earner, bringing in $19.5 million, while Jack Cincinnati Casino was the lowest at $15.8 million.
The drop in revenue can be attributed to a variety of factors. As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Ohio and restrictions on businesses remain in place, many consumers are opting to stay home rather than visit casinos. Additionally, the increase in vaccinations has led to a decrease in demand for online gambling, which may have contributed to the decrease in revenue for brick-and-mortar casinos.
Despite the decline in revenue, industry experts remain hopeful for a rebound in the coming months. As more Ohioans receive the vaccine and restrictions are lifted, casinos are expected to see an increase in foot traffic and revenue. Additionally, the upcoming summer months typically bring an increase in tourism and leisure activities, which could also boost casino revenue.
Overall, the Ohio casino industry remains a key contributor to the state’s economy, generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year. As the industry continues to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic, casino operators are hopeful that they will soon see a return to pre-pandemic levels of revenue and foot traffic.