Gambling revenue for operators in Ohio was down more than 25% in 2020 compared to 2019 – reflecting the impact of the three-month closure this spring due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ohio casinos were temporarily closed 13 March to 18 June in accordance with directives issued by the Ohio Department of Health.
According to figures released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the 11 operators in the state posted $1.4 billion in revenue in 2020. The state had set a record in 2019 with $1.9 billion in revenue.
The state noted this drop in revenue will result in a corresponding decline of approximately $135m in taxes collected.
Beginning 19 November, casinos and other businesses in the Buckeye State had to close early in a renewed effort to fight the virus. This led to a drop in revenue for December. In that month, casinos brought in $132.6m, compared to $169.3m in December 2019.
The good news for the industry is when Ohio casinos were open for business, they did well. Operators set monthly revenue records in January, February, July, August, September and October.
All 11 operators showed a YOY decline in revenue:
- MGM Northfield Park posted revenue of $171.7m in 2020, down from $253.6m in 2019
- Jack Cleveland: $152.2m, down from $212.1m
- Jack Thistledown: $115.3m, down from $142.5m
- Hollywood Casino Toledo: $183m, down from $202m
- Hollywood Casino Columbus: $165.4m, down from $229.2m
- Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati: $142.8m, down from $207.7m
- Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs: $139.5m, down from $183.5m
- Miami Valley Gaming: $126.5m, down from $179.8m
- Hollywood Mahoning Valley: $92.9m, down from $128.6m
- Hollywood Dayton: $91.9m, down from $116.7m
- Belterra Park: $59m, down from $85.9m
