Louisiana revenues stay nearly level in November
The Shreveport-Bossier City gaming market stayed nearly level in November while south Louisiana hubs boomed with business from construction crews.
Compared to the pre-Katrina and Rita world of November 2004, revenues in Lake Charles were up 41 percent, in New Orleans were up 63 percent and in Baton Rouge were up 69 percent last month. Overall, Louisiana saw a 32 percent increase even though three casinos still are closed as a result of the storms.
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board heard reports on the status of casinos Tuesday in Baton Rouge.
Locally, the five riverboats and one racino won $62.4 million from gamblers, 0.34 of 1 percent less than they did in November 2004. Both Novembers had four full weekends.
October was the first time in a year the local market reported gains in revenues compared to the prior year. That’s likely because of the displaced businesses and people in town, said John Bohannon, general manager of Isle of Capri Casino in Bossier City.
Managers of the local casinos have said that increased competition from Indian casinos in Oklahoma have made it more difficult to attract Dallas players.
It’s a problem Mike Whitemaine, general manager of Eldorado Casino in Shreveport, has seen before in Reno, Nev. “I think people always like to get away and stay where they gamble.
“I’ve experienced this with the California market. They’ll try it because it’s in close proximity. We will give them the service and quality they deserve.”
Eldorado’s revenues are down 1 percent for November when compared to November 2004. Renovations are ongoing and some 400 slot machines have been out of service.
Pat Dennehy, general manager of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Horseshoe Casino in Bossier City, said Tuesday he expects the competition from Indian casinos in Oklahoma to remain fierce.
“I think they are going to continue to improve their facilities and add some space at some other casinos. It’s going to be a continuing struggle.”
Monthly revenue reports sometimes can be deceiving — they don’t distinguish between slow months at the casinos and months in which more players are more lucky, Dennehy said.
Thursday, Louisiana Downs plans to announce an “exciting development,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t disclose what before then.
http://www.shreveporttimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051214/NEWS01/512140342/1002/NEWS
