Gambling at Ohio casinos continues to drop

10/9/2012

COLUMBUS -- Gambling at Ohio's first two casinos continues to see a monthly drop, with a decrease of about 20 percent since the establishments’ first full month of operation in June, according to numbers released today by the Ohio Casino Control Commission.

Gamblers wagered a total of $331.9 million at Hollywood Casino Toledo and Horseshoe Casino in downtown Cleveland in September. That number is down from $417.8 million in June and $349.8 million in August, the commission reported.

Hollywood Casino Toledo took in about $153 million in September between its table games and slot machines, compared to $168.2 million in August. The casino took in $215.2 million during its first full month of operation in June.

The casino, located on the East Toledo riverfront near Rossford, paid back nearly 91 percent of the money taken in last month, with the commission reporting gross revenue after payouts of just shy of $16 million.

Horseshoe Cleveland experienced about a $2.8 million decline in wagering from August to September, dropping from $181.6 million to $178.8 million. It took in $21.2 million in payouts in September.

The released numbers do not include non-gambling sales at the casinos, including food and alcohol.

Gaming officials claim it will take time to establish a normal revenue and wager schedule, most likely after all four casinos have been up and running for a period of time.

Hollywood Casino Columbus, the largest of the four planned casinos, opened its doors to crowds on Monday. Caesar's Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati is expected to open in 2013.