Horseshoe Beats Hollywood For Top Revenue Earner In March

By Mike Perleberg (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg did not claim the top spot on the tri-state’s casino revenue list in March. The Indiana Gaming Commission released monthly revenue data for the state’s 13 casinos on Tuesday. The Lawrenceburg riverboat reported $18.2 million in gaming revenue last month. However, Hollywood’s new rival across the state line, Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati reported about $20 million in revenue, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission’s own monthly report. Hollywood’s revenue is down by 36 percent from March of 2013, when it reported $28.8 million in revenue. Attendance fell similarly to 164,133 last month. The casino offered over $808,000 in free play for patrons. Free play credits by casinos were approved by Indiana lawmakers in 2013 as a method  to determine if the free money would lure in more gamblers and help boost casino revenues and, in turn, state tax revenues. By law, Indiana casinos can deduct up to $5 million a year on the coupons. Belterra Casino, Resort and Spa in Switzerland County was next closest with nearly $9.2 million in revenue for March, a decrease of 23.5 percent from $12 million a year ago. Visits totaled 109,309, off by 20 percent. Belterra’s customers were given over $942,000 in free play credit. Rising Star Casino Resort in Rising Sun reported $4.6 million of revenue, marking a 32.1 percent decline from $6.7 million last year. The commission report said 70,875 people stepped into the casino. Nearly $300,000 in free play credits were doled out. The full monthly reports from the Indiana Gaming Commission can be found online at http://www.in.gov/igc/2363.htm. RELATED STORIES: Hollywood Casino #1 In February, But Just Barely New Event Center-Hotel Will Be DoubleTree; Hiring Could Start In June Rising Star Casino Cut $3M In Operating Costs In 4Q River Downs Racetrack Renamed Belterra Park