The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has released its March 2024 revenue report, revealing a notable surge in revenue for the month. The combined taxable revenue from the state’s four casinos amounted to over $94.7 million, marking a significant 13.4% increase from February 2024’s gaming revenue of $83.5 million.
Moreover, there’s a modest 1.4% annual rise in revenue compared to the previous year. It’s worth noting that this revenue encompasses earnings from both slots and table games and excludes in-person sports betting, as online casinos are not yet legalized in Ohio.
While Ohio has yet to legalize online casinos, recent discussions among lawmakers suggest a potential shift in this landscape. Lawmakers have convened to deliberate on the feasibility of legalizing online casinos, citing the state’s interest in this burgeoning sector and the thriving markets already established in neighboring states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Monthly Revenue Surge Across Ohio Casinos
The OCCC’s March 2024 revenue report indicates across-the-board monthly revenue increases for all four casinos. Of the total taxable revenue of $94.7 million, slot revenue contributed $69.0 million, with table games bringing in $25.7 million. Notably, Hollywood Columbus demonstrated the most substantial monthly progress, with a revenue of $25.6 million, reflecting a robust 13.3% monthly growth. Other casinos also saw notable increases in revenue compared to the previous month:
- Jack Cleveland Casino: $24.5 million in revenue, a 13.3% monthly rise
- Hollywood Toledo: $22.5 million in revenue, a 16.8% monthly increase
- Hard Rock Cincinnati: $22.2 million in revenue, up by 10.5% from February
Annual Revenue Trends
Examining the year-over-year performance, there are varied trends among the casinos. Hollywood Toledo and Hollywood Columbus both reported annual rises, with increases of 8.2% and 5.1%, respectively. Jack Cleveland Casino saw a marginal annual increase of 0.4%. However, Hard Rock Cincinnati experienced a notable annual decline of nearly 7.5%, the only casino to do so in March. This contrasts with February, where Jack Cleveland Casino had shown a year-over-year decline.
Recent discussions among Ohio lawmakers have revolved around the possibility of legalizing online casinos. The Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, in its initial meetings, has delved into the topic, with upcoming sessions slated to address various aspects, including iLottery, racinos/charitable gaming, sports betting, and daily fantasy sports. Proponents argue that regulating online casinos could aid in addressing issues related to problem gambling while potentially generating significant tax revenue for the state. Estimates suggest that Ohio could generate between $205 million and $410 million annually in new tax revenue if online casinos were legalized.
The success and revenue generated by neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, where online casinos are thriving, serve as compelling examples for Ohio lawmakers. With these states raking in substantial tax revenues from iGaming, the pressure mounts for Ohio to consider legalizing online casinos, possibly in the near future or by 2025.
Source: “Ohio Casino Control Commission. “Monthly Revenue Report: March 2024.” [pdf]