Maryland impressive but Ohio spectacular

Gaming-revenue growth in Maryland cooled a bit last month, coming in at 5% up for a total of $148 million. It’s basically a two-casino market, with MGM National Harbor controlling 40.5% and Maryland Live at 34% and Horseshoe Baltimore an underwhelming 15%. MGM National Harbor grossed $60 million, a 6% gain, while Cordish Gaming captured $50 million, up 6%. Horseshoe Baltimore fared no better than the Baltimore Ravens‘ playoff hopes, down 7% to $22 million. One star performer was way out west in Rocky Gap, where Golden Entertainment vaulted 18% to $4.5 million. Hollywood Perryville had a rare good month, up 9% to $6 million while Churchill Downs finished in the money at Ocean Downs, with table games powering a 45% surge to $5.5 million, Even with all the heavy action in Maryland, play is flowing back into West Virginia, buoyed 9% last month on 9% higher slot win and 7% more table-game revenue. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races lagged the state average, grossing 6% more at the slots and 3% at the tables.

* Ohio had a big month, rising 11% to $166 million, despite an unfavorable calendar (one less weekend day). That should make Dan Gilbert‘s three Jack Entertainment properties more attractive as he shops them around. Despite a change of ownership to MGM Growth Properties, the action was still hot at Hard Rock Rocksino, leaping 16% to $22 million. The only revenue-negative property was Boyd Gaming‘s Belterra Park, down 3% to $7 million. Gilbert’s Jack Cleveland gained 10% (!) to $19 million, Jack Cincinnati garnered $19 million, a 10.5% improvement, and Jack Thistledown jumped 14% to $11 million. Hollywood Columbus was up 6% to $20 million while Hollywood Toledo gained 9% to $18 million.

As for the remaining racings, Eldorado Resorts‘ Scioto Downs vaulted 15% to $16 million, Churchill Downs’ co-owned Miami Valley Gaming shot up 20% to $15 million, Hollywood Casino Dayton was up 10% to $9.5 million, while economically imperiled (thanks, General Motors) Hollywood Casino Mahoning Valley grossed $10 million, a 9% spike.