Louisiana Casinos Show 10.6% Revenue Increase in July

Louisiana land-based and riverboat casinos generated $172.3 million in revenue in July, up from last year’s figure of $155.8 million, representing a 10.6% increase year-on-year. 

The figures, published by the Louisiana State Police, show that of the 16 retail venues in the state, 15 riverboat casinos and one land-based casino, nine saw yearly revenue growth. 

However, the latest return is down from the previous month's number. July's total revenue was down by just over 5.0% from June's $181.9 million. 

Caesars New Orleans Shows Solid Growth

All but one of the casino venues in the state are riverboats. However, the sole land-based operator, Caesars New Orleans, was one of the most impressive performers in July, showing revenue growth of 20.4% year-over-year, to $21.3 million. 

Other strong performers in July were Horseshoe Bossier City and Belle of Baton Rouge, which produced revenue growth of 57.7% and 64.9% respectively. The state’s two biggest revenue generators, L’Auberge Lake Charles (4.9%) and Golden Nugget Lake Charles (7.1%), also showed healthy revenue rises year-on-year. 

At the other end of the scale, Bally’s Shreveport, Sam’s Town and Margaritaville all returned losses of more than 20%. The figures were also skewed by Live! Casino, which recorded $9.4 million in revenue for July, but did not open until February this year, so was not included in the 2024 figures.

Former Louisiana Gaming Regulator Takes Penn Position

While Louisiana casinos are seeing revenue increases, one of the state's former regulators has decided to start a new path as an independent member of an entertainment company’s board of directors. 

PENN Entertainment has appointed Ronnie Jones, the former chair of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB), as an independent member of its Compliance Committee. The company’s board of directors approved the move earlier this month.

Jones’ 45-year career in public service has included serving on the LGCB from 2013 to 2020, during which time he oversaw the regulation of casinos, racetrack slot facilities, and video poker establishments. He also helped set the stage for Louisiana’s eventual legalization of sports betting in 2022 and won North American Regulator of the Year in 2017. 

At PENN, Jones will join Compliance Committee chair Thomas N. Auriemma and board members Johnny Hartnett and Carlos Ruisanchez. The committee oversees regulatory and compliance matters across the company’s operations.