On Tuesday, the Nevada Gaming Control Board released its report of casino revenue in the state for May and shows that Nevada casinos generated only $5.8 million, down 99.4% from last May.
This dramatic drop from should not be a surprise as it was the second full month of the 78 days casinos were forced to close to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Since casinos were closed, a majority of the reported earnings in May came from mobile sports betting apps and Caesars Entertainment’s WSOP.com, Nevada’s only active online poker licensee.
May’s numbers were better April, however, when only $3.6 million was generated, down 99.6% from last year.
An increase in earnings from April to May, even with the casinos still shuttered, likely resulted from more sporting events to bet on with the return of UFC along with multiple NASCAR races every week.
Nevada casinos were able to reopen on June 4, so numbers for June should be even better. Despite capacity limits and enhanced safety protocols meant to minimize further spread of COVID-19 that may have kept some gamblers away, the casinos were still open and generating money.
The return of major sports leagues in the coming months is promising for sports betting and an increase in casino profits.
Positive COVID-19 cases in Nevada have skyrocketed in the last month, however. If casinos are forced to close again, the state could see more reports like May.
