It was like deja vu all over again for casinos in Ohio, as total May revenue amounted to just $1 million more than April’s numbers. The $84,573,376 in total revenue for Ohio casinos resulted in a slight rise for May, representing the second-best period for retail casino activity in 2024.
Ohio casinos log $84.5 million: May revenue report
According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the four casinos reported a slot payout of 92.47%. This percentage ranks as the best for the calendar year, slightly edging January’s figure. Slot revenue was $62.4 million, the second-best total for 2024 in Ohio.
March remains the best month this year, with $94.7 million in total revenue. That was fueled by a tremendous amount of slot play. In May, the four casinos poured more money into slot promotions, with almost $14 million going toward those efforts, the highest total thus far in 2024.
May 2024 revenue totals for Ohio’s four retail casino locations
| Casino | Slot Revenue | Table Game Revenue | Total Revenue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hollywood Columbus | $18,419,630 | $5,229,996 | $23,649,626 | |
| Jack Cleveland | $13,164,368 | $8,133,101 | $21,297,469 | |
| Hard Rock Cincinnati | $13,968,409 | $6,481,190 | $20,449,599 | |
| Hollywood Toledo | $19,176,682 | $2,305,721 | $16,870,961 | |
| Total | $62,423,368 | $22,150,008 | $84,573,376 |
According to the May Ohio casino report, Hollywood Columbus continues to outperform its competitors in total revenue. May marks the casino’s fourth straight month in the top position. Only in January, when Jack Cleveland was first in total revenue for Ohio casinos, has Hollywood Columbus failed to be in the No. 1 spot.
Are online casinos in the cards for Ohio?
Ohio’s continued casino success is especially impressive given that only four casinos operate within the Buckeye State. This is a relatively small number compared to other states of its size, leaving plenty of potential revenue on the table. This begs the question: Will online gaming come to Ohio anytime soon?
Neighboring Michigan and Pennsylvania reported $198 million and $216 million in revenue from online casino gaming activity in March, respectively. Ohio, with its population of nearly 12 million, is missing out on a tax revenue stream by not legalizing iGaming.
With online casinos, consumers can download mobile apps or log on to browser-based sites and legally play slots and table games. Only about 12 states have legal online gaming, and Ohio is another stellar candidate. The state already features online sports betting, retail sportsbooks, brick-and-mortar casinos, and a state lottery. The April Ohio sports betting report saw the Buckeye State become the fastest to reach $10 billion in lifetime betting volume. And Ohio seems to be continuing that steady pace with May sports betting revenue.
