After an alarming revenue drop of 30.7 percent in June, which officials blamed on a citywide smoking ban that took effect in April, Harrah’s New Orleans gaming revenue increased more than 26 percent to .9 million in July. The numbers helped Harrah’s reclaim its position as the largest gaming revenue generator in Louisiana among its 20 casinos and racinos. Harrah’s revenue also had declined in June. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board reported gaming revenue rose 16.6 percent to 8.3 million in July statewide.
Harrah’s officials said the increase was due to “an exceptionally high hold on table games” in July, but slots revenue declined 19.5 percent. They noted, “We expect to see continued volatility in month-to-month revenue comparisons as we adjust to the operational challenges the smoking ban has presented.” Harrah’s officials told city leaders the smoking ban could result in revenue losses up to 15 percent.
Harrah’s General Manager Dan Real said, “Our key focus remains on developing first-class outdoor smoking patios that will provide a more convenient alternative for our smoking guests to relax, while preserving the smoke-free environment for our non-smoking guests.” At the casino’s entrances, huge signs welcome guests to the “best smoke free casino in the south.”
Located in Jefferson Parish, where smoking is allowed indoors, Pinnacle Entertainment’s Boomtown New Orleans posted revenue gains of 17.4 percent and Boyd Gaming’s Treasure Chest revenue rose 6.8 percent. Officials at the two properties said the smoking ban at Harrah’s was not connected to any increases in business.
