Missouri was indeed the State of Misery last month, as casino win plummeted 18.5% to $118 million. Penn National Gaming casinos bore the brunt, plunging 27%. Overall, slot revenues of $102 million were down 17.5% while table win of $16 million toppled 23.5%. Two fewer weekend days didn’t help but are far from a complete excuse. In Kansas City, it was a virtual tie between Harrah’s North Kansas City and Ameristar Kansas City, each with an unimpressive $12.5 million, down 14% in Harrah’s case and a 24% tumble in that of Ameristar. Argosy Riverside slid 19% but grossed $11 million while ex-Isle of Capri Kansas City/soon-to-be-Bally’s mopped up the remaining $6 million, for a 6% gain, the only revenue-positive performance to be seen.
The St. Louis market was where Penn really got slammed. Hollywood St. Louis plunged 33% to $13.5 million, while River City was almost as bad, off 27% to $14.5 million. Lumiere Place, which Caesars Entertainment lucked into, having forfeited the St. Louis area during the Gary Loveman reign of error, was down 13.5% to $10.5 million. That left the field to Ameristar St. Charles, off 8% but grossing $19 million. The rural casinos had varying degrees of woe but their revenue levels are so penny-ante that we shan’t chronicle them here.
I’ve been to 3 St. Louis & 2 KC casinos over the last few months. None of ’em have seen a dime in renovations or new attractions in years (although Ameristar St. Charles is pretty nice). These places are ho-hum on a really good night. One reason for the decline? it’s intuitive but all of the larger MO casinos used to attract crowds for the buffets. Those look to be gone for quite awhile. Other dining options and hours have been cut everywhere. Also, given that there are virtually no conventions or pro sports in St. Louis since the pandemic I’m surprised Lumere was not down even more.