In April, the gaming industry in Louisiana saw a sharp decline in revenue. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB) provided this information. It impacted revenues from various types of gambling, including the 15 riverboat casinos, one land-based casino in New Orleans, racetracks with slots, and video gaming terminals. However, it is essential to clarify that this decline did not affect online casinos, as they remain prohibited in the state.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board data indicates that April’s revenues declined, falling short of both March and the same month last year. This reduction was especially realized in riverboat casinos, as their revenues fell to $138.3 million, or 16.8% less than what it were in March, a decrease of 8.3% compared to the same period in the previous year.
The ongoing global pandemic also took a toll on the establishments, as Harrah’s New Orleans, the only state land-based casino, recorded $19.3 million, making it 12.9% down monthly and 9.4% down yearly. In addition, total sales, including racinos, showed that establishments like Delta Downs and Louisiana Downs have earned a total of $26.7 million, which is 17.1% less than the preceding month and 6.6% less than last year’s sales.
Each year, we can expect a trend of decreasing revenue halfway through the year, followed by an increase in the other half. The slight difference in the calendar, whereby March has one extra weekend compared to April, may also be a factor in such fluctuations. However, these overall decreases demonstrate that the Lake Charles casino scene is still thriving and influencing other areas. These two are Golden Nugget Lake Charles and La’Auberge Lake Charles, which generated revenues of $24.6 million and $23.7 million. This region has only proved to be very healthy, with the two federations earning almost $55 million in terms of collective remuneration.
Amidst these financial oscillations, the general debate as to the direction of online gambling in Louisiana can still be considered uncertain. While the state has regular legal land-based casinos and sports betting facilities, moving into online casinos seems far-fetched. Unfortunately, the legal potential that would require such a shift is not currently present, and there are no plans or bills indicating the legalization of online casinos in the near future.
Considering the scope of online gambling in the United States, only seven states have legalized online casino games, with Pennsylvania and Michigan being the only states to do so rapidly. Louisiana appears to take a conservative stance on this issue, possibly as a result of observing the impacts of online gambling policies in other regions. The regulatory, economic, and social concerns that Louisiana and other states adhere to directly link to the problem of expanding into top online casinos USA.
Since the gross revenue from gambling in the state fluctuates depending on the seasons and the prevailing economic status, specific stakeholders within the community sectors have observed these changes. Whether or not Louisiana takes the path like other states to legalize online casinos entirely remains to be seen, and for now, more focus is geared toward wisely managing the resources available and strategizing on how to grow within the current law in the future.
