Ohio’s casinos and racinos experienced a significant decline in revenue during the month of April, marking a down month for the state’s gambling industry.
According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, total revenue from the state’s four casinos and seven racinos dropped by 7.2% in April compared to the same month last year. The casinos saw a 12.5% decrease in revenue, while the racinos experienced a 3.1% decline.
The Horseshoe Casino in Cleveland reported the biggest drop in revenue, with a 14.4% decrease compared to April 2020. The casino’s general manager, Bob Tenenbaum, attributed the decline to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on capacity and operating hours.
Similarly, Hollywood Casino in Columbus saw a 12.1% decrease in revenue, while Jack Cincinnati Casino reported a 11.3% drop. The only casino to see an increase in revenue was the Jack Cleveland Casino, which saw a 1.5% uptick compared to April 2020.
On the racino side, Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon reported the largest decrease in revenue, with a 10.3% drop. Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs in Columbus also saw a 7.2% decline in revenue, while Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course in Youngstown reported a 4.6% decrease.
Industry experts believe that several factors may have contributed to the decline in revenue, including the ongoing pandemic, competition from neighboring states, and a lack of new attractions or promotions to entice customers.
Despite the down month, some casino and racino operators remain optimistic about the future. Brian Wydeveld, general manager of Hollywood Casino in Toledo, stated that he is hopeful for a rebound in revenue as more people get vaccinated and feel comfortable returning to casinos.
Overall, while April may have been a challenging month for Ohio’s gambling industry, operators are optimistic that improved conditions in the coming months will help boost revenue and bring customers back to the table.
