In July, Ohio’s casinos and racinos reported a combined gambling revenue of $207 million, according to data released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission. This figure represents a 5% increase from June’s revenue of $198.8 million but reflects a 2% decline compared to the same period in 2021. However, when compared to 2019, the revenue witnessed a notable 27% growth.
Breakdown of Casino Revenue:
Among Ohio’s casinos, total revenue amounted to $88.7 million in July. Hollywood Columbus emerged as the highest earner with $23.2 million, closely followed by Jack Cleveland Casino with $22.9 million. Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati reported $22.1 million, while Hollywood Toledo generated $20.4 million.
Racinos Revenue Analysis:
Ohio’s racinos accounted for a substantial portion of the overall gambling revenue, with total earnings reaching $118 million in July. MGM Northfield Park led the pack with $25.2 million, followed by Scioto Downs with $21.3 million. Other racinos, such as Miami Valley Gaming ($20.5 million), JACK Thistledown Racino ($15.7 million), Hollywood Mahoning Valley ($13.9 million), Hollywood Dayton ($12.7 million), and Belterra Park ($8.3 million), also contributed to the impressive revenue figures.
Year-to-Date Performance:
From January to July 2022, Ohio’s four casinos and seven racinos collectively generated $1.38 billion in gambling revenue, showcasing a slight increase compared to the same period in the previous year, which amounted to $1.36 billion. This steady performance indicates the resilience of Ohio’s gambling industry and its ability to attract patrons despite challenging circumstances.
Upcoming Sports Betting Launch:
Ohio is gearing up to launch sports betting on January 1, 2023, following Governor Mike DeWine’s approval of House Bill 29 in December 2021. This legislation allows for the legalization and regulation of sports betting in the state. With the impending launch, Ohio anticipates a significant expansion of its gaming offerings, positioning itself at the forefront of sports gaming in the United States.
Comment from Ohio Casino Control Commission:
Matt Schuler, Executive Director of the Ohio Casino Control Commission, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming sports betting launch, stating that it will represent the largest expansion of gaming in Ohio’s history and the most extensive simultaneous launch of sports gaming in the country.
Ohio’s casinos and racinos displayed a robust performance in July, collectively generating $207 million in gambling revenue. While experiencing a slight decline compared to the same period last year, the industry demonstrated resilience by achieving a notable increase compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. As the state prepares to launch sports betting in 2023, Ohio’s gaming landscape is poised for further growth and innovation, promising an exciting future for both operators and patrons.