What do to when there’s no news story that simply dominates the headlines? Bust out an extra-large serving of “Jottings,” of course! For instance, Resorts World Las Vegas should turn it around in the latter half of this year, even if it’s merely the beneficiary of a rising tide lifting all boats in Sin City. Following a disappointing 2Q23 profit statement, owner Genting is projected to do better on the strength of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. But so will everybody else. By the same token, Resorts World Sentosa is expected to improve as visitation to Singapore, already impressive, continues to ramp upward … “Impeccable” is what Louisiana‘s top gaming regulator calls Cordish Cos. prior to its pending licensure in the Pelican State. We agree and Diamond Jacks owner Foundation Gaming must be pretty confident, too. It’s scrapped the riverboat casino and torn down the unprepossessing hotel, anticipating approval of owner-to-be Cordish. The latter intends to spend $250 million building a land-based casino, of which the state still has too few … Speaking of Cordish, the first of its intended casino sites in North Carolina cleared rezoning last week, despite loud public opposition. As the casino-legalization debate drags on in the Lege, opponents want to take it to a vote of the people. Given that polling shows as much as 55% support, casino detractors are playing a risky gambit …

Continue reading Mega-Jottings for a Monday

Despite only grossing $7.5 million last month, Horseshoe Lake Charles was the difference between an unadjusted, 6% decline in gambling revenue for Louisiana and a same-store, 10% declivity (lagging prosperous 2019 by 4%). Even so, the country’s most adverse casino state was led by L’Auberge du Lac ($27 million, -13%), enjoying a temporary edge on Golden Nugget ($26 million, -18%), although Horseshoe is taking a big chomp out of both their backsides. Delta Downs didn’t get through unscathed, either, down 12% to $14 million. The reinvention of Harrah’s New Orleans into a Caesars continues slowly, very slowly, with the casino raking in $17.5 million in July, a 23% plunge. Nobody else seems to have picked up significant business, given that Treasure Chest was off 14% to $7 million and Boomtown New Orleans faded 13% to $9 million. Fair Grounds racino grossed $3 million (-14.5%), Amelia Belle did the same (-12.5%), whilst Evangeline Downs actually went 4% higher to $6.5 million. It’s good to see somebody improving in the Bayou State.

Continue reading Horseshoe can’t save Louisiana; Big Brother returns