B.R. casinos' winnings up 2.3% in May

Published Jun 21, 2012 at 3:00 pm (Updated Jun 21, 2012)

Baton Rouge's two riverboat casinos collectively won approximately $16.9 million from gamblers in May, a 2.3% increase from May 2011 winnings of $15.8 million. The figures, compiled by the state police, were presented today to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The Belle of Baton Rouge posted winnings of $6.7 million, a 15.1% increase over its May 2011 take; Hollywood Casino won $10.2 million, which was 1.5% better than its winnings last May. Across Louisiana, the mix of state-licensed riverboat, land-based and racetrack casinos collectively brought in $204 million in May, about $1 million more than they collected in May 2011. Gamblers lost the most on average in May at Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner and Baton Rouge's Hollywood Casino. The state's only land-based casino, Harrah's in downtown New Orleans, won $28.5 million from gamblers, a 7% slide from a year earlier. Meanwhile, gamblers lost $141.5 million at the state's 12 riverboat casinos last month, up more than 2% from May 2011. By comparison, the riverboats took in a combined $131.5 million in April. The Louisiana State Police figures do not include Indian reservation casinos in Louisiana, which are not required to report their winnings to the public. Access complete winnings reports at the LGCB website here.