The four state-owned casinos in Kansas took a significant hit from COVID-related business closures in 2020, as their combined revenue dropped 28% from the previous year.
While the casinos generated $416m in 2019, that figure drooped to just $300m in 2020.
The Kansas Lottery owns the casinos, which are in Kansas City, Mulvane, Dodge City and Pittsburg. They are operated by various tribal entities.
The quartet had to close on 17 March by state government order, and remained shuttered until May 22.
Even after reopening, local media reports note the casinos were forced to reduce their capacity and bear increased expenses from cleaning, and due to the placement of shields on tables.
The Wichita Eagle said the Kansas Star casino (pictured) in Mulvane had pre-pandemic operations of 1,650 slot machines and 62 table games. In the months since it reopened the casino has been limited to 900 active slots and 44 tables.
In addition, the Star’s 10-table poker room has been closed since March.
The Hollywood Casino in Kansas City is more dependent on poker revenue than the other three casinos. It said revenue dropped 35% YOY to $99.4m in 2020.
Stephen Durrell, executive director of the Kansas Lottery, told the Associated Press, “It has been a really difficult year for a lot of businesses and obviously our casinos are part of that.”
