March proved to be a remarkable month for Ohio’s gaming industry as both casinos and racinos achieved record-breaking revenues. The Ohio Casino Control Commission reported a combined gaming revenue of $217.7 million, surpassing the previous record set in March 2022. Ohio’s enthusiasm for gambling is further reflected in the state’s thriving sports betting market, where March saw an uptick in both retail and online betting activities.
Record Revenues for Ohio’s Gaming Establishments:
In March, Ohio’s casinos and racinos collectively generated an impressive $217.7 million in gaming revenue. This figure exceeded the record set in March 2022, which stood at $216.3 million. The state’s four casinos contributed to this success by posting a revenue of $95 million, a notable increase from the $93.3 million recorded in the same period last year.
Leading the way in casino revenues were Jack Cleveland Casino at $24.5 million and Hollywood Columbus at $23.5 million. Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati and Hollywood Toledo also made significant contributions, with revenues of $22.9 million and $22.4 million, respectively.
Racinos in Ohio continued to maintain their strong performance, matching the revenue of $122.7 million reported in March 2022. Prominent racinos such as MGM Northfield Park, Scioto Downs, and Miami Valley Gaming played a key role by generating revenues of $26 million, $21.6 million, and $20.3 million, respectively. The sector’s growth is further exemplified by JACK Thistledown Racino, Hollywood Mahoning Valley, Hollywood Dayton, and Belterra Park, which collectively contributed to the state’s thriving gaming industry.
Quarterly Revenue Growth:
The first three months of 2023 saw the combined revenue of Ohio’s four casinos and seven racinos reach an impressive $611.6 million. This marks substantial growth compared to the same period in 2022 when the establishments generated $566.4 million. The sustained growth in revenue is a testament to Ohio’s thriving gaming industry.
Rising Sports Betting Activity:
Ohio’s sports betting market also exhibited notable growth in March. The combined retail and online sports betting handle reached $737.2 million, representing a 15% increase from the $639 million reported in February. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) revealed that the regulated market witnessed $2.5 billion in bets during the first quarter of 2023.
Online sportsbooks dominated the market, accounting for 97% of the activity in March and accumulating $715.3 million in bets. Retail sportsbooks contributed $21.9 million to the overall handle. These figures translated into a sports betting revenue of $95 million for the state, marking a 15% increase from the $82 million reported in February. Online sports betting was the primary driver of this revenue, contributing $92.3 million, while retail sportsbooks added $2.8 million to the total.
March was a banner month for Ohio’s gaming industry, with both casinos and racinos achieving record-breaking revenues. The sustained growth in the first quarter of 2023 underscores the state’s enthusiasm for gambling. Ohio’s flourishing sports betting market further demonstrates the industry’s resilience and potential for continued success. As gaming establishments continue to thrive, Ohio remains a prominent player in the US gambling landscape.