Compared to a strong March last year, Louisiana was anemic last month, down 2.5% to $246 million. Of course, it is risky to generalize since some markets were quite healthy and others (Baton Rouge, 
anyone) were ailing. The same might be said for companies with Penn National Gaming down 6% and Caesars Entertainment up by the same amount. Saving the worst for first, Eldorado Resorts‘ Belle of Baton Rouge led the race to the bottom, spiraling 39% downward to $3 million. Casino Rouge grossed almost $6 million (-7%) and L’Auberge Baton Rouge took in $15 million (-8%). Outlying Evangeline Downs gained 5% for Boyd Gaming, good for an $8.5 million finish.
New Orleans was strong, up 5.5%. Harrah’s led the pack with $29 million (+8%), followed by Boomtown New Orleans ($12 million, 
+5%), Treasure Chest ($10 million, +2%), Fair Grounds ($4.5 million, +2%) and Amelia Belle ($4.5 million, +4.5%). Business was soggier out in Lake Charles, down 7%. Golden Nugget suffered a 6% loss of business but stayed in first place with $29 million. L’Auberge du Lac was close behind with just under $29 million, down 11.5%. Delta Downs was flat but lucrative at $19 million while Isle Grand Palais slipped 7% to $10 million.
The Shreveport/Bossier City market was flat, led by Horseshoe ($18 million, +2%) and Margaritaville ($16, -3%). Eldorado Shreveport slipped 5% to land at $11.5 million, while Boomtown Bossier was flat at $6 million. Sam’s Town grossed $8 million (+3%) and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs was up 3% to $4 million. JP Morgan analysts mentioned nothing about flooding or weather issues so, aside from the smoking ban in Baton Rouge, one is hard-put to find causes for the so-so outcome.
