Ohio Racinos Experience 3.3% Dip In September Revenue

Ohio racinos won $108.8 million from Ohio gamblers in September. Unlike commercial casinos in the Buckeye State, racinos only offer slot machines and horse racing through live racetracks and simulcast betting.

However, some of the world’s largest casino companies have a presence in the state through racinos. For example, MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment both own racinos. If Ohio online casinos are ever legalized, their land-based presence would likely give them an avenue for a license.

Racinos continue downtrend from August

These facilities continued the downward revenue trend seen last month, showing the same seasonal trend seen through the 3rd quarter of last year.

Revenue dipped a minor 3.3% from August when the seven properties brought in $112.5 million. August revenues from the racinos were down 4.3% from July.

The slight downward trend is nothing to sound the alarms about, though. Revenue was slightly higher this September compared to the same month last year. Last month’s $108.8 million represents a 1.5% year-over-year increase for the racino industry.

Furthermore, this time of year is typically steady with ups and downs. Revenue numbers are expected to be in the same ballpark for the next few months.

MGM Northfield Park stays on top despite setback

MGM Northfield Park reported a notable dip in revenue in September following a cyberattack that targeted its parent company, MGM Resorts. The attack affected computer systems at all 19 of MGM’s U.S. properties, including the Cleveland area racino. While representatives at Northfield Park said the issues were minor at the location, the difficulties could have played a part in the racino’s $3.2 million drop in revenue from the previous month.

The rest of the racinos in Ohio nearly matched the business they did in August, with the biggest drop in revenue reported by Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway, whose revenue declined $600,000.

Aside from MGM and Hollywood, Eldorado Scioto Downs was the only other racino to report a drop in revenue. It was an even smaller drop in the bucket at $400,000.

The year-over-year numbers told a similar story, with only MGM Northfield Park posting a decline from last September. The rest of the racinos reported modest growth.