Players spent a record $86 million at Ohio’s four casinos in July, according to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, a 22 percent increase over $70.3 million in July 2019.
The previous statewide high was $84.3 million in March 2013. Hollywood Casino Toledo reported $33.3 million in revenue, the highest monthly total since casino gambling was allowed in Ohio in mid-2012. The Toledo casino’s previous highest revenue total was $20,444,071 in June 2012. Ohio gambling venues closed March 14 due to Covid-19 and reopened June 19.
Revenue at the state’s seven racinos, overseen by the Ohio Lottery Commission, totaled $95.02 million for July, which compared to $91.86 million in July 2019.
Commission spokeswoman Jessica Franks noted, “As best we can figure, Detroit’s three casinos have been closed until recently. And with the proximity of the Toledo casino to the Detroit area, we think a lot of those folks in Detroit came down to Toledo for gaming. I also think there have been limited opportunities for folks to spend their entertainment dollars.”
Franks added, “But it was a record for Toledo, their largest monthly take ever and the largest take for any Ohio property since 2012. The fact that their revenues were what they were for the month even with all those restrictions–a reduced number of slot machines and closing its poker room–made it very interesting. And it will be even more interesting to see what they do next month, given that situation change in Detroit.”
Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway Racino posted a net win of $11.17 million for fiscal 2021, which began in July, compared to $9.84 million for July 2020. Spokesman Tosh Anderson said, “Business has been a pleasant surprise in the month-and-a-half since reopening. We saw a good spike at the beginning based on pent-up demand, but have not seen that spike decrease as much as we expected.” He noted the majority of the racino’s older clientele have not returned but he has seen “quite a bit” more younger patrons.
New protocols require the racino limit capacity to 1,500 instead of 3,400.
Floor decals indicate social distancing and every other slot machine has been removed or disabled. Guests are encouraged to wear masks. Anderson said, “This only truly limits our revenues at times of peak occupancy, Friday and Saturday evenings. But it has helped to create a comfortable and safe environment for our guests and team members all the time, which is the most important thing.”
Anderson noted live harness racing has not resumed but will return in September. Meanwhile, simulcasts are offered.
