May Ohio Casino Revenues Trend Upward With Eased COVID-19 Restrictions

Despite failing to top the recording-breaking revenue haul from April, Ohio’s casinos and racinos continued to post strong gambling revenue figures last month.

Statewide casino and racino revenue for the month of May combined came in at $209,201,740.  The May revenue figures represent a 4% drop month over month from April. However, the tally still represents the best May monthly revenue totals since casinos in Ohio were legalized nine years ago.

Both Cleveland-based JACK properties saw huge revenue spikes from May 2019.  JACK Thistledown saw a 50% increase in revenue from 2019. While JACK Cleveland Casino was up 25% from May 2019. Of course, May 2020 saw gambling properties closed as COVID-19 emerged globally.

The upward trend of gambling revenue comes as the Ohio General Assembly moves ever closer to legalizing sports betting in the state. Ohio lawmakers targeted the end of June as a quasi deadline to reach an agreement on the framework of sports betting legislation.

Easing Ohio COVID-19 restrictions helped raise revenue

Several factors are believed to be contributing to the continued rise in gambling revenues. Statewide, government bodies and businesses are easing COVID-19 restrictions. Combined with the improved economy, conditions are more attractive for players to return to Ohio’s gambling establishments.

Ohio Governor Mike Dewine’s decided to suspend nearly all state-wide COVID-19-related restrictions on June 2. With summer on the way, the next few months should see a continuation of the current revenue trends.

Ohio casino revenues for May 2021

The four Ohio casinos, JACK Cleveland Casino, Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, Hollywood Casino Toledo, and Hollywood Casino Columbus, took in $86.839 million.

Hollywood Columbus continues to lead the way with $23 million in revenue; down $1.5 million dollars from April.