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]

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Earlier this year, North Carolina legalized mobile sports betting. While the activity is expected to launch as planned, at some point by mid-2024, further efforts for the expansion of gambling activities were also seen recently. One such effort calls for the legalization of new casinos through the state budget.

A gambling proposal that is a part of the state budget, supported by Senate leader Phil Berger, seeks to authorize new casinos across North Carolina. Although the proposal may gain traction, considering that it is a part of the budget, it may also reach a dead end. Earlier this week, House Speaker Tim Moore addressed the gambling proposal that is a part of the state budget.

He explained that the way this proposal is pushed forward makes it “doomed.” Moore revealed that while it makes sense to legalize more casinos, just like the state’s plan for sports betting, the gambling proposal is unlikely to lift off. This is primarily because there were no details released before the state budget was made public, making it difficult for some lawmakers to support it.

Additionally, considering the way the budget is voted on, there can be no amendments made. According to Moore, this is precisely why the gambling proposal is unlikely to progress this year. He said that while a proposal to expand gambling might have gained traction as a separate bill, it is unlikely for the current one to progress.

“There were people (legislators) who probably would have supported it as a standalone bill who just felt like the way it was being done and not having any input in it, didn’t work.“

House Speaker Tim Moore

Efforts for Casino Expansion to Continue in 2024

While the future of casino expansion remains uncertain this year, Moore predicted that efforts may resume next year as well. Still, according to him, lawmakers that support the expansion would need to work on its promotion across North Carolina. This would be crucial for the success of the gambling expansion, added Moore, explaining that he himself won’t be “carrying the water on.”

The expansion of casino gambling in North Carolina is expected to introduce four new venues. Three venues are expected to be established in Anson, Rockingham and Nash counties. The fourth location is expected to be a tribal casino.

If North Carolina expands its gambling options, it is expected to benefit from fresh tax revenue. At the same time, new casinos would help boost tourism and visitations, while creating temporary and permanent jobs that are likely to positively impact communities.

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The National Football League (NFL) recently implemented revamped sports betting policies, eliciting praise from Congresswoman Dina Titus who had earlier raised concerns about the lack of clarity in the league’s protocols.

NFL Introduces Stricter Measures for In-League Betting and Leniency for Non-NFL Wagers

Following a series of gambling-related violations involving nearly a dozen players, the NFL unveiled stricter penalties for players caught betting on games. Under the new policy, wagering on NFL games now results in an indefinite suspension of at least one year. If a player bets on their own team, the suspension period escalates to a minimum of two years. Fixing a game leads to a lifetime ban.

However, the NFL has lightened penalties for players betting on non-NFL sports within a club or league facility. Notably, Detroit Lions’ Jameson Williams and Titans’ Nicholas Petit-Frere had their suspensions reduced from six to four games for such offenses. A two-game suspension is now in place for first-time offenders caught betting on non-NFL sports from a team facility.

Titus, a prominent congresswoman from the gambling hub of Nevada, had previously urged the NFL to enhance transparency in its gambling policies. Following the recent changes, she commended the league for creating a clearer distinction between legal wagering on non-football events and activities that threaten the game’s integrity.

Titus Commends Stricter Penalties for Betting on Own League Games

Titus, in her statement, emphasized the importance of clear and consistent penalties, assuring fans that the games they bet on are fair. Titus stated:

I‘m glad that the NFL created a distinction between behavior that threatens the integrity of the game and legal wagering on other sports. Penalties for game fixing and betting on one’s own league should be more serious than betting on other sports. Every sports league should remain focused on protecting the product on the field.

Dina Titus statement

The revised policy also addresses the issue of inside information dissemination. Anyone found sharing such information now faces a one-year suspension. Additionally, players caught betting on NFL games through third-party accounts or proxies will be suspended for a year under the new rules.

These changes, viewed as a positive step by many, were formulated after extensive consultation with active and former players, as well as the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) leadership. A key aspect of the policy is its proactive approach to prevent players from wagering on their own team’s games, ensuring the integrity of the sport remains intact.

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