Louisiana casinos posted year-on-year declines in revenue of 23.6 percent for November.
The state’s casino industry was struggling even before the one-two punch of Covid-19 and a record-breaking hurricane season. The casualties included Diamond Jacks in Bossier City, which closed for good in October. Isle of Capri Lake Charles, heavily damaged by Hurricane Laura, has not yet reopened.
Margaritaville in Bossier City reported a revenue increase of 7.9 percent, although the Shreveport/Bossier market dropped more than 25 percent. The Lake Charles market decreased 22.4 percent and Baton Rouge dropped 16 percent. New Orleans-area casinos declined 29.3 percent and Harrah’s land-based casino reported a drop in revenue of more than 43 percent compared to November 2019.
Because of Covid-19, Louisiana casinos are limited to 50 percent of their usual capacity. Alcohol service must stop at 11 p.m.
Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty said many players—especially older customers–have been reluctant to return since the casinos reopened. He said he’s hoping sports betting, which was legalized by voters in most parishes in November, will attract new customers. The state legislature still has to develop rules and regulations for sports wagering.
