Report shows June revenues at Ohio casinos almost as low as those in bitter cold months

7/7/2014
BY JENNIFER GERSTEN
BLADE STAFF WRITER
Hollywood Toledo fell by the smallest amount, losing about $750,000 for a total of $15.4 million.
Hollywood Toledo fell by the smallest amount, losing about $750,000 for a total of $15.4 million.

Ohio's casinos and racinos took a statewide hit in June following a slight recovery in May.

May’s biggest casino earner, Hollywood Casino Columbus, took in about $2.4 million less than it did in May for a total revenue of $15.9 million, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission‘‍s monthly revenue report released today.

June’s highest earner was Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, despite a similar decline of $2.4 million, earning about $17 million.

Horseshoe Cincinnati, at about $15.2 million, saw its lowest numbers since January, and made the least of the four casinos. Hollywood Toledo fell by the smallest amount, losing about $750,000 for a total of $15.4 million.

Ohio’‍s racinos took a hit as well, with Scioto Downs, ThistleDown Racino, Hard Rock Racino, Belterra Park, and Miama Valley Gaming each seeing losses in revenue, according to the Ohio Lottery.

Tama Davis, director of communications at the Ohio Casino Control Commission, said an increase in the number and variety of gambling outlets may be responsible for the statewide decline in casino earnings. With more gambling venues -- Ohio’s sixth and seventh racinos will open in August and December -- patrons’ dollars have become more thinly spread.

Ms. Davis said frequent fluctuations in gaming business revenue are not unusual, particularly in the summer months, when more entertainment options are available.