Maine Casino Revenue Steady at $14 Million in October, Pressure from NH Casino Growth

Maine’s two commercial casinos generated a total of $14 million in revenue during October, increasing slightly on the previous year’s figure by 3.0% from the $13.6 million recorded for October 2024, representing a modest increase. 

Overall slot revenue in the state totaled $12.1 million, representing a 3% year-over-year increase from $11.8 million the previous year. Additionally, table games revenue increased by 2.9% from $1.8 million to $1.9 million. 

Despite the steady revenue performance, however, Maine’s casino sector faces increasing competition from two new casinos in neighboring New Hampshire. 

Hollywood Casino Shows 6.4% Revenue Rise

The monthly report from the Maine Gambling Control Unit for October shows that of the two casinos in Maine, Hollywood Casino showed the most impressive performance in October. It generated revenue of $5.8 million, representing a 6.4% increase from the $5.5 million it reported in October 2024. 

Slot revenue for the Hollywood Casino rose 6.8% year-on-year from $4.8 million to $5.1 million, with table games also seeing revenue increase by 3.8% from $701,111 to $727,964. 

The Oxford Casino, however, remains the market leader in the state. Although it only increased revenue by 0.7% year-over-year, it produced a little over 58% of combined revenue in October, recording $8.2 million. Slot revenue for the casino remained stable with a 0.4% increase from $7 million to $7.03 million, and table games revenue increased 2.4% from $1.11 million to $1.14 million. 

New Hampshire's Twin Casino Threat 

The major challenge facing Maine’s casino sector comes from across the state border in New Hampshire, where two new casinos opened in March. 

The Lilac Club Casino, located in Rochester, officially opened on March 14. Spanning 32,000 square feet, it features more than 200 gaming machines, table games, and a 12-table poker room. The launch added fuel to an ongoing debate in Rochester about expanding gambling. 

A week earlier, in Nashua, the Nash Casino opened its doors with a VIP event. The largest charitable gaming venue in New Hampshire, it spans 130,000 square feet, features more than 1,000 electronic games, and includes a multi-level sportsbook area called the DraftKings Lounge, attracting over 16,000 visitors in its first 36 hours.

Both venues are focused on community involvement, with a significant portion of their revenue going to charitable causes; however, they also pose a direct threat to the commercial sector in Maine.

Commercial Impact on Maine's Casino Market

The opening of the Lilac Club and The Nash has raised concerns in the Maine industry, notably the Lilac Club. Rochester lies on the border between the two states and is just a short drive from Portland, making it ideally placed to challenge the Oxford Casino Hotel. 

Although Maine’s casinos appear to be holding their own, the New Hampshire venues are clearly growing in popularity and increasing their revenue dramatically. For example, back in August, the state’s charitable casino venues recorded $26.2 million in revenue, up 69% from August 2024, which was boosted by the launch of four new sites, including the Lilac Club and The Nash.

Of the two newest venues, the Nash has become the highest-earning casino in the state, generating $6.4 million, which demonstrates the potential appeal of New Hampshire’s casino sector.