The Ohio Casino Control Commission has released the latest figures for the month of April, revealing a slight decrease in gambling revenue compared to the previous year. Additionally, the report provides insights into the state’s sports betting market. Let’s delve into the details of these developments.
Ohio’s Casino and Racino Revenues:
In April, Ohio’s casinos and racinos collectively reported $204.6 million in gambling revenue, marking a 5.1% decrease from the $215.6 million recorded in April 2022.
Casino Performance:
Ohio’s four casinos generated a total revenue of $86.5 million, reflecting a 7% decline from the $92.8 million reported in April of the previous year. These establishments include:
Jack Cleveland Casino: $21.9 million
Hollywood Columbus: $23 million
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati: $22.4 million
Hollywood Toledo: $19 million
Racino Performance:
The state’s seven racinos brought in $118.1 million, showing a 3.7% year-on-year decrease. The individual racino revenue figures include:
MGM Northfield Park: $26.4 million
Miami Valley Gaming: $20.5 million
Scioto Downs: $19.7 million
JACK Thistledown Racino: $16.6 million
Hollywood Mahoning Valley: $13.8 million
Hollywood Dayton: $13.1 million
Belterra Park: $7.5 million
Year-to-Date Comparison:
In the first four months of 2023, Ohio’s 11 gambling establishments collectively reported $816.2 million in gambling revenue. This represents an increase from the same period in the previous year when they had brought in $782 million, eventually setting a record for the year.
Ohio Sports Betting Overview:
The report also sheds light on the performance of Ohio’s sports betting market, which experienced some fluctuations in April.
Total Betting Handle:
In April, Ohio’s combined retail and online sports betting handle reached $520.6 million, which was a 40% decrease from the $737.2 million registered in March. This decline may be attributed to seasonal factors and varying sports schedules.
Online Dominance:
Online sports betting continued to dominate the market, accounting for 97% of the total handle in April. The state’s 18 online sportsbooks collectively recorded $505.6 million in bets, down from the $715.3 million reported in March.
Introduction of Fanatics:
Notably, April saw the introduction of Fanatics as Ohio’s 18th mobile betting option, further diversifying the online sports betting landscape. The impact of this new player on the market is yet to be fully assessed.
Retail Sportsbooks:
Retail sportsbooks contributed $15 million to the total handle, highlighting that while online betting dominates, there is still a place for in-person wagering.
The latest data from the Ohio Casino Control Commission paints a comprehensive picture of the state’s gambling industry and the evolving sports betting landscape. While there was a marginal decline in casino and racino revenues in April, the sports betting sector experienced a notable dip, likely influenced by various factors, including the introduction of new operators. As the year progresses, all eyes will be on Ohio’s gambling market to see how it continues to evolve.