Louisiana’s riverboat casinos had a difficult month in February, as revenue dropped both month-over-month and year-over-year.
According to a report made by the Louisiana State Police to the state’s Gaming Control Board, riverboat casinos had $112.3m in revenue in February 2021, down 15.2% from $132.5m in January 2021, and showing a sharp decline of 27.7% from the $155.4m seen in February 2020.
The report breaks down the riverboats into four areas: Shreveport/Bossier, Lake Charles, New Orleans and Baton Rouge.
The biggest statistical drop was registered by the riverboats in the Shreveport/Bossier region, which includes the now shuttered DiamondJacks. The five facilities still operating in this region had $35.4m in revenue, down 18.7% from the $43.5 million posted in January, and down 32.9% from $52.7m in February 2020.
It should be noted the February 2020 total included $3.2m from DiamondJacks.
The Lake Charles region likewise was affected by a closure. The Isle of Capri Lake Charles riverboat was damaged by Hurricane Laura, which came ashore in August 2020. The casino has not resumed operations.
The other two Lake Charles riverboats generated $42.2m in revenue, a decline of 18% from January’s $51.4m, and down 27.8% from $58.4m in February 2020, when Isle of Capri contributed $7.6m.
The three riverboats in New Orleans reported $17.4m, just 7.7% down from $18.9m the previous month, but a drop of 27.6% from $24.1m in February 2020.
Finally, the three boats in Baton Rouge had $17.3m, 6.9% below the January figure of $18.6m, and 14% below the $20.1m reported in the same month one year earlier.
The riverboats noted they are operating under capacity restrictions imposed by health officials, and said some patrons have indicated they are hesitant to visit due to Covid fears.
