The streak is over. After four consecutive months of decline, Ohio racinos rebounded substantially in December, raking in the second-highest monthly revenue of the year and ended 2023 with a bang.
Ohio racinos are a crucial piece of the Ohio gambling landscape. Unlike the four Las Vegas-style Ohio casinos, bettors can only play slot machines and wager on horse races at the Buckeye State’s seven racinos. Horse races can be wagered on through both live races and simulcast betting.
Ohio online casinos could come in the future. But there is no legislative movement on them yet.
According to numbers released by the Ohio Lottery, racinos won $120.3 million from gamblers in December. That’s a 13.9% increase from November’s winnings. December brought Ohio racinos the most winnings since the $125.1 million generated in March, the only other month of the year to top the $120 million range.
In 2023, racinos won a total of $1.37 billion from gamblers. Racino handle for the year was more than $14 billion.
December was largest racing revenue jump of 2023
There was a fear that the downward trend in Ohio racino revenue was becoming a pattern. But much like the holiday boost racinos got in 2022, the Buckeye State’s racinos got that same boost in 2023 and then some.
December’s racino net winnings were $14.7 million more than November’s. That’s the biggest month-over-month increase of the entire year. The next highest jump came from February to March, a $10.7 million increase.
Ohio racinos also saw an increase in year-over-year earnings. December 2023 brought in $11.2 million more than December 2022. That’s a 10.2% increase in net winnings year-over-year.
Ohio racino revenue comparison
| Ohio Racino | December 2023 Net Winnings | November 2023 Net Winnings | December 2022 Net Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Northfield Park | $27.1 Million | $23.6 Million | $24.2 Million |
| Miami Valley Gaming | $22 Million | $19.1 Million | $19.2 Million |
| Eldorado Scioto Downs | $19.3 Million | $16.9 Million | $19.3 Million |
| JACK Thistledown Racetrack | $16.5 Million | $14.5 Million | $14.5 Million |
| Hollywood Dayton | $14.2 Million | $12.3 Million | $12.2 Million |
| Hollywood Mahoning Valley | $13.6 Million | $12.5 Million | $13.1 Million |
| Belterra Park | $7.4 Million | $6.4 Million | $6.3 Million |
| Total | $120.3 Million | $105.6 Million | $109. Million |
All seven Ohio racinos see an increase in business in December 2023
A few things stick out when looking at the Ohio racino December 2023 revenue numbers. All seven of the state’s racinos saw an increase in month-over-month earnings and all but one of them also saw year-over-year earnings.
Eldorado Scioto Downs was the lone Ohio racino that saw a slight dip in year-over-year earnings. The venue saw a 0.04% decrease in net winnings from December 2022 to December 2023. It was a difference of just $9,022.
Meanwhile, MGM Northfield Park was once again the highest-grossing racino in Ohio, winning $27.1 million from customers in December, 22.5% of the market share. The venue also saw the biggest month-over-month increase in net winnings compared to the competition.
