Although the five casinos in Northwest Indiana took in a total of .24 million in revenue in May–up nearly 2 percent over the .59 million in May 2014—admissions were down 5.6 percent, according to Indiana Gaming Commission numbers. Steve Cox, director of admissions for Horseshoe Hammond, said, “What’s alarming is that admissions continue to go down. Overall, people are not coming out to casinos as much.” Cox noted the hike in admissions from April to May mainly was due to an additional weekend in May.
Horseshoe Hammond continued to lead the region with $38.21 million in revenue in May 2015, a slight drop compared to $39.02 million it took in the previous May. “I’m not seeing any huge uptick at this point. A flat May may be a positive aspect,” Cox said.
Despite a boycott by UNITE HERE Local 1, which represents 200 workers, Ameristar in East Chicago gained in both revenue and attendance last month. The casino took in $21.32 million in revenue last month compared to $20.02 million in May 2014. Admissions were up from 216,800 in May 2014 to 222,872 this year. Matt Schuffert, vice president and general manager, said the increases were due to more table games, better slot selection and customer service. In addition, he said the casino opened its new Stadium restaurant in May, increasingly attracting patrons during Blackhawks games and the NBA finals.
The union began its boycott in response to Pinnacle Entertainment, Ameristar’s owner, cutting its health plan. Members are trying to secure a new contract including the same health benefits packages they had previously. The union recently launched a website, http://www.indianagamingalert.org, with updated information about actual and potential labor disputes affecting Northwest Indiana casinos and the status of contract negotiations.
Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City took in $14.12 million in revenue and had 209,110 visitors in May 2015 compared to $13.9 million in revenues and 201,937 visitors in May 2014. Majestic Star I in Gary took in $6.39 million in revenue and had 83,076 visitors last month compared to $6.01 million in revenues and 98,085 visitors the previous May. Majestic Star Casino I took in $8.21 million compared to $8.61 million the previous May; it shares visitor counts with Majestic Star II.
