It’s Little Short Of A Miracle: Indiana Casino Operators Faced Quick Relaunch Recovery

Article by : Helen Aug 26, 2020

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Updated: Apr 6, 2023

Almost all US states have witnessed the gradual lifting of restrictions related to Covid-19. The gambling market has reacted ambiguously to the relaunch.

Las Vegas, the leading player in the gambling market, is still far from the income indicators recorded before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. However, Ohio has become an exception to the rule. Having opened its doors last month, the gaming operators are gradually increasing customer flows.

The most telling example in terms of profitability is Indiana. After the state allowed the casinos to restart their businesses starting on June 15, their business took off. According to the information obtained from the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC), the number of visitors in the opened establishments is continually growing. Operators have noted an increase in profits, which is almost in line with last year’s indicators.

This situation inspires great optimism. According to IGC, 13 Indiana-based casinos were able to generate revenues of $175.8 million in July. Considering this indicator in more detail, it turns out that the income from slot machines and sports betting amounted to $10.1 million. This figure is only 5.4% lower than last year’s achievements.

The fact that gambling establishments have been idle for several months and have been able to recover quickly looks like a real miracle. Casinos have also been forced to reduce visitor numbers by up to 50% and enforce mandatory social distancing measures.

According to the requirements of local authorities, the maximum number of players at table games cannot exceed three people when it comes to blackjack. Even with the decrease in the number of slot machines, casinos were able to organize a successful operation. One of Caesars Entertainment’s assets, Horseshoe Hammond, was able to boast the highest earnings in the past month. IGC claims that the operator’s gross gambling revenue is over $30 million. This figure is only a few million dollars less than last year’s income.

The results that the Indiana Grand was able to get also look no less impressive: $26.05 million. The third place in terms of revenue went to the Ameristar casino: the gambling establishment has confirmed revenues of $20.79 million.

It is notorious that the big sport’s return to the screens has played a considerable role in achieving high-profit margins. A year ago, gambling operators could not offer their customers the opportunity to bet on sports. However, State Governor Eric Holcomb made a fateful decision and legalized the bookmaker’s services in May 2019.

After that, the three largest operators were able to obtain official licenses and offer their services. Such actions have led Indiana to witness instant growth in the sports gambling market. It looks like operators will be able to pick up their momentum again after the NBA and NHL can resume games. Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic, Indiana has been unable to collect large tax deductions from sports betting.

Earlier, it was reported that Indiana’s Gaming Commission carefully studied the possibility of restarting gambling establishments watching the Las Vegas experience. Having received the initial data, as well as having considered the measures taken by the casinos of Nevada, the commission developed its recommendations, namely:

• Mandatory social distancing.
• Ban on poker.
• The maximum number of players for blackjack cannot exceed three people.
• Roulette has also faced a four-person limit.
• Employees and guests of the casino must wear protective masks.

Also, gambling establishments cannot host concerts and entertainment programs. Mandatory restrictions also affected areas such as food and drinks in gaming halls.