New York Casino Revenues Almost Break Record in May as Sweepstakes Sites Under Attack

According to figures released by the New York State Gaming Commission, New York’s commercial casinos recorded a surge in gross gaming revenue in May.  The regulator’s report shows that the four venues generated $62.9 million in revenue during April, the second-highest monthly return on record. This represents a 10.2% year-on-year rise and a 10.7% increase on April’s return of $56.8 million. 

Slots Lead the Charge as Casino Revenues Hit New Highs

Slot machines made the biggest contribution to revenue during the month, generating $45.3 million for an 11.6% rise on the May 2024 figure. Trable games also showed healthy growth, recording $16.2 million in revenue, a rise of 7.3% year-over-year. Poker gaming generated $974,765, while the retail sports betting contributed $406,160.

Casino Showdown: Property-by-Property Performance

All four of the state’s commercial casinos delivered year-on-year rises in May revenue, and some produced eye-catching results.

Rivers Casino & Resort was the main revenue driver, recording an 11.4% increase year-on-year to $19.6 million. Resorts World Catskills wasn’t far behind, with $18.1 million, while del Lago Resort & Casino showed remarkable revenue growth of 19% on its May 2024 figure. The consistent revenue rises across the four venues suggest that growth in the state’s casino sector is accelerating. 

Momentum Builds as Summer Heats Up

The figures show that New York’s casinos improved their April performance by over $6 million in May, an impressive month-on-month growth that comes just as the traditionally busy summer season gets underway. The state’s trend is in line with the national growth in commercial gaming revenue, which reached $49.9 billion last year. 

Illegal Sweepstakes Casinos Shut Down: A Win for Regulated Gaming

As New York’s regulated casinos continue to generate strong results, the state’s Attorney General has been taking steps to crack down on illegal gaming. Attorney General Letitia James, working with the New York State Gaming Commission, announced earlier this week that her office has sent cease-and-desist letters to 26 sweepstakes casino sites. 

According to the Attorney General, the illegal platforms, which operated outside of the state’s gambling regulations on age verification, consumer protection and game integrity, posed a serious risk to both the citizens of New York and the legal casino sector.

“Online sweepstakes casinos are illegal, dangerous, and can seriously ruin people’s finances,” said Attorney General James. “I thank the New York State Gaming Commission and Senator Addabbo for partnering with my office on this issue to protect New Yorkers.”