Among the 27 US states with commercial casinos, 14 saw year-over-year revenue growth in Q3. Here’s a look at the top 10.
On November 21, the American Gaming Association (AGA) published its third-quarter report on commercial gaming in the United States and revealed mixed outcomes for traditional brick-and-mortar casinos.
The retail revenue slightly declined for less than 1% compared to Q3 2023. The slot revenue saw a 1.3% increase, reaching $9.1 billion (£7.23 billion/€8.67 billion), while table game revenue dropped by 8.3%, falling to $2.42 billion.
Among the 27 markets with brick-and-mortar commercial casinos, 13 reported year-over-year revenue declines, while 14 experienced growth, averaging an 8.5% increase, according to the AGA.
Here are the 10 US states with the highest annual revenue growth from their retail casinos:
Nebraska
In August, Omaha, Nebraska’s largest city, welcomed its first casino, WarHorse Casino, featuring 800 slot machines, 20 table games, a sportsbook, and over 110 simulcast screens.
Nebraska’s Q4 revenue is expected to accelerate past 2023 figures, especially with WarHorse. Casino in Lincoln expanded its gaming options with adding 400 slot machines and 10 table games this month. Also, Nebraska secured the second spot among U.S. states for commercial gaming revenue growth with a 74.7% increase from Q3 last year to Q3 this year, and is just behind Oregon’s 77.5%.
Virginia
Rivers Casino Portsmouth in Virginia had an exceptional year, driving the state to achieve the second-highest year-over-year retail casino revenue growth in Q3, approximately 9%. In August, the casino reported an impressive 23.7% annual revenue increase, generating $26.65 million.
Delaware
Delaware didn’t see the opening of a new casino in Q3 this year, but one facility’s return to a 24/7 gaming schedule contributed to nearly 8% annual revenue growth. Bally’s Dover Casino Resort extended its hours to round-the-clock operations in July, and it was their first time doing so since COVID-19 cutbacks. Delaware Park Casino had already resumed 24/7 gaming in January. Delaware Park Casino is now developing a 10,000-square-foot outdoor gaming area with 250 slot machines, and this is scheduled to open in spring 2025.
Illinois
Bally’s Chicago Casino’s opening in Q4 2023 drove a 6% revenue increase, as it was not available during Q3. Future growth is likely with the launch of Wind Creek Casino Southland this month in Chicago’s southern suburbs. With featuring 1,400 slot machines and 56 table games, the casino’s first revenue figures will arrive in December.
Indiana
The Terre Haute Casino Resort, Indiana’s newest casino, opened in April and contributed to the state’s nearly 6% annual casino revenue growth. The resort spans 400,000 square feet and features 1,000 slot machines, 35 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook.
South Dakota
South Dakota also benefited from the addition of a new casino, contributing to its Q3 annual revenue growth. Rocksino by Hard Rock Deadwood, which opened in August 2023, had its first full impact on Q3 2024 results, and led to nearly 4% growth.
New York
While most attention is on the downstate casino license bidding in New York, upstate casinos had a great Q3, earning $62.1 million in August, their best in two years, leading to a 3% revenue growth.
Kansas
Kansas’ four casinos saw nearly 3% Q3 revenue growth compared to last year, just behind New York. Strong results from Boot Hill and Kansas Star casinos drove this growth.
Michigan
Michigan’s three commercial casinos located in Detroit – MotorCity Casino, MGM Grand Detroit, and Hollywood Casino at Greektown, achieved over 2% annual revenue growth in Q3. MGM Grand and Hollywood Casino performed exceptionally well, and posted year-over-year increased revenue of 8.9% and 7.4% in August.
Oklahoma
Known as the country’s largest tribal gaming market, Oklahoma’s commercial casinos also performed well in Q3 and achieved approximately 2% annual revenue growth.
