Casino operators in Maryland saw most capacity restrictions lifted in March, which resulted in the Old Line State setting a new record for gaming revenue in a single month.
According to figures released by Maryland Lottery and Gaming, the six casinos in the state brought in $169.2m in revenue last month.
The previous monthly record for the state was $163.3m in March 2019.
The YOY increase was 146.4% from $68.6m in revenue in the same month last year, with the disclaimer that casinos in Maryland were closed on 16 March, 2020, and remained shuttered until 19 June, as health officials attempted to slow down the spread of Covid-19.
Casino gaming contributed $71m to the state in March 2021, an increase of $3.5m, or 5.3%, from March 2019.
Maryland casinos generated $126.2m in gaming revenue in February 2021.
State gaming officials noted the previous 50% capacity restriction for casinos was lifted on 12 March, with two exceptions. Under local jurisdiction orders, the capacity for MGM National Harbor (pictured) was raised from 25% to 50% on 12 March, while Horseshoe Casino’s capacity was raised from 25% to 50% on 26 March.
The remaining four casinos have no capacity limitations, but Maryland Lottery officials said not all slot machine and table game seats can be occupied because all casinos must continue to comply with social-distancing guidelines.
