Ohio’s gambling operators continued their recent momentum in April, posting a strong $215.6 million in combined casino revenue according to reports released by the Ohio Casino Control Commission and the Ohio Lottery.
Together, the 11 casinos and racinos in Ohio fell just short of the one-month record of $217.1 million brought in during April 2021. The figure also indicates a 0.1% drop from last month, when the operators posted a record for March with $216 million.
Although April 2022’s numbers come in just under last year’s record, it still turned out to be the third-best month since casinos and racinos returned to the state in 2012.
So far this year, Ohio’s gaming facilities have amassed a total of $782 million in gambling revenue.
Ohio casinos post strong April revenue
A look at Ohio’s four casino revenues shows marginal increase from last year’s figures. At $92.8 million, this month’s revenue surpassed April 2021 by nearly $300,000.
Hard Rock Cincinnati nabbed the first spot among all venues, achieving $24.4 million. Hollywood Columbus came in a close second at $24.3 million, followed by Jack Cleveland Casino ($23.1 million). Hollywood Toledo wasn’t far behind with $21.1 million.
Hard Rock Cincinnati, Hollywood Columbus, and Jack Cleveland all posted revenues higher than April 2021. Hollywood Toledo saw a slight drop in revenue.
| Casino | April 2022 | April 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Hard Rock Cincinnati | $24.4 million | $21.3 million |
| Hollywood Columbus | $24.3 million | $24.1 million |
| JACK Cleveland Casino | $23.1 million | $22.6 million |
| Hollywood Toledo | $21.1 million | $24.7 million |
| Total | $92.8 million | $92.6 million |
Racinos across the Buckeye State also did well in April, reporting revenues of $122.7 million. That mark was down $1.8 million from the $124.5 million delivered in April 2021.
MGM Northfield tops among Ohio racinos
For a second month running, MGM Northfield posted the highest revenue among Ohio racinos with $25.6 million. That’s a 6.13% increase on last year’s $24.5 million.
Eldorado Scioto Downs fetched $22.5 million, an upturn of 800,000 compared with April 2021. The only other racino to hit the $20 million mark was Miami Valley Gaming at $20.5 million.
JACK Thistledown Racino, the thoroughbred racetrack outside of Cleveland, earned $17.2 million, a drop of $2.3 million from last April.
Rounding out the list is Hollywood Mahoning ($14.5 million), Hollywood Dayton ($14.2 million), and Belterra Park ($8.6 million).
| Racino | April 2022 | April 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| MGM Northfield Park | $26.1 million | $24.5 million |
| Eldorado Scioto Downs | $22.5 million | $21.7 million |
| Miami Valley Gaming | $20.1 million | $19.2 million |
| JACK Thistledown Racino | $17.2 million | $19.5 million |
| Hollywood Mahoning Valley | $14.5 million | $15.1 million |
| Hollywood Dayton | $14.2 million | $15.3 million |
| Belterra Park | $8.6 million | $9.2 million |
| Total | $122.7 million | $124.5 million |
JACK Thistledown, Hollywood Mahoning, Hollywood Dayton and Belterra Park all came in lower than their April 2021 numbers.
Sports betting license application windows opening
The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced last week that it will be accepting license applications for sports betting operators starting in June.
June 15 begins the first application window for Type A, B, and C proprietors, as well as first-designated mobile management services providers (MMSP), management service providers, and suppliers. The deadline for submitting those applications is July 15.
Another application window opens on July 15, this time for Type C sports gaming hosts and second-designated MMSPs. It will remain open until August 15.
The commission will eventually announce a universal start date for sports betting in Ohio to launch. The state must launch by Jan. 1, 2023, but there is a good chance Ohio launches sooner.
Regulators will be required to submit a batch of proposed sports gaming rules for final consideration by June 1 for license applications to commence on June 15.
