In July, Maryland casinos saw a 4% increase in revenue, bringing in a total of $169.8 million. This news comes as a relief to the state’s gaming industry, which has been struggling in recent months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to data released by the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, all six of the state’s casinos experienced revenue growth in July. The biggest winner was MGM National Harbor, which saw a 7.3% increase in revenue, bringing in a total of $58.6 million. This marks the highest revenue total for the casino since February 2020, before the pandemic hit.
Other casinos that saw significant increases in revenue include Live! Casino & Hotel, which saw a 6.2% increase, and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, which saw a 5.5% increase. Even smaller casinos like Hollywood Casino Perryville and Ocean Downs Casino saw modest gains in revenue.
The increase in revenue can be attributed to a number of factors, including the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, which has allowed casinos to operate at full capacity once again. Additionally, the summer months typically see an increase in tourism and foot traffic, which can boost casino revenue.
Maryland casinos have also been investing in new amenities and attractions to attract more customers. MGM National Harbor recently opened a new sportsbook, which has proven to be a popular draw for sports enthusiasts. Live! Casino & Hotel has also been expanding, with plans to open a new hotel and event center later this year.
While the increase in revenue is certainly welcome news for Maryland casinos, industry experts caution that there are still challenges ahead. The Delta variant of COVID-19 is causing concern among health officials, and there is uncertainty about how it will impact the gaming industry in the coming months.
Despite these challenges, Maryland casinos are optimistic about the future. With revenue on the rise and new attractions in the works, the state’s gaming industry is poised for continued growth in the months ahead.
