Could last month’s Las Vegas Strip revenues really have been 46.5% higher than in July 2019? That’s what Wall Street analysts are telling us (Deutsche Bank‘s Carlo Santarelli says he only anticipated +5%) and there’s no reason to doubt them. The $794 million haul is an all-time monthly record for the Strip and a 30% explosion over June’s numbers. The previous all-time high, set in February 2013, was exceeded by $100 million. Locals-derived revenue was much less than expected but still up an impressive 13.5%. The $241 million locals gross would have been fatter had July not ended on a Saturday, leaving some slot lucre still in the hoppers (traditionally dumped on Mondays). Back on the Strip, slot coin-in leapt 36%, for win of $409.5 million. Table play rose 38% and win was up 31% to $226 million, despite lower hold. All-important baccarat saw increased wagering (+25%) and a lucky house, as win rocketed 114.5% upward (on significantly higher hold).

Louisiana casino revenues continue to march upward, gaining 10% over 2019 in July. The statewide gross was $222 million. Business was especially lively in Baton Rouge, up 32%. That was propelled by L’Auberge Baton Rouge, vaulting 41% to $16 million. Hollywood Baton Rouge leapt 37% to $6 million but Belle of Baton Rouge sank further, down 30% to a measly $1.5 million. New Orleans was also jet-propelled, up 17%, led by Harrah’s New Orleans, up 26% to $26 million, while Boomtown New Orleans jumped 25% to $11 million. Only Treasure Chest was revenue-negative, down 4.5% to $8 million. Amelia Belle was flat at $3.5 million, while Fair Grounds racino climbed 9.5% to $4 million.

Lake Charles was easily tops in dollar volume ($80 million), with L’Auberge du Lac ($32 million) very slightly besting Golden Nugget Lake Charles ($31.5 million), jumping 29.5% versus the Nugget’s +12.5%. Delta Downs gained 9% to $16.5 million. Moving over to Shreveport/Bossier City, in the last month before Shreveport’s smoking ban, Margaritaville continues to lead with $18 million (+24%), followed by Horseshoe Bossier City‘s $15 million (-3%) and Eldorado Shreveport‘s $11 million (+14.5%). Also playing were Boomtown Bossier City ($4.5 million, +8%), Sam’s Town ($5.5 million, -15.5%—are the smokers fleeing already?) and Louisiana Downs ($4.5 million, +21%). Rural Evangeline Downs grossed $7.5 million, up 11%.

It took a while but the Boardwalk is finally even with 2019 numbers. July saw a gambling gross of $277 million, flat with two years ago. Slot win was up 6% on 2% more coin-in but tables declined 14% on only 3% less wagering. Luck was not with the house. That was especially true of Borgata ($64 million), which absorbed a body blow in the form of a 21% decline, driven by a near-cataclysmic 46% plunge in table win on 27% less play. Tighter hold held Borgata slots to only a 6% dip despite 14% less coin-in. The Caesars Entertainment Cerberus was 1% up, with table win 4% higher on 7% greater wagering, while slots were flat (and much tighter) with coin-in down 2%. Individually, Caesars Atlantic City grossed $26 million, a 4.5% gain, Harrah’s Resort slipped 2% to $29 million and Tropicana Atlantic City gained 2% to $29.5 million.

Bally’s Atlantic City was down 8.5% to $16 million and Golden Nugget fell 20% to $15.5 million. At the other end of the spectrum, Ocean Casino Resort shot up 58% to $30 million and Hard Rock Atlantic City solidified its hold on second place with $48 million (+23%). Also revenue-positive was Resorts Atlantic City, up 5.5% to $18.5 million.