The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has released the figures for the gambling industry within the state, with totals for the month of May showing a decrease of more than 12%. In total, the state of Louisiana has 15 riverboat casinos, four racinos and Harrah’s New Orleans, all of which brought in just over $207 million, which resulted in a decrease of 12.6% in revenues for May as compared to the same month in 2015.
Last year, the state was able to earn $237.1 million in revenues, seeing a significant decrease this year. In Baton Rouge, the casino market fell by 9% for the month, with the three riverboat casinos in the area earning just over $23 million for the month, down over $2 million from last year. The biggest drop in the Baton Rouge market went to Hollywood Baton Rouge, who was down 14.6%, earning $5.5 million this May, lower than the $6.4 million earned the same month last year.
The largest casino market of the state is located in Lake Charles, an area that saw a decline of 16.5% for the month. Last year, Delta Downs slots and the three riverboats in the area brought in $83.4 million in May and this year, only $69.7 million was earned.
In New Orleans, a smaller decrease took place of around 6.8% with gaming venues earning $49.4 million which is slightly lower than the $53 million earned last year for the month. Harrah’s was also affected, with a decrease in earnings by 3.5%. The casino was affected by the smoking ban put in place in New Orleans, as gamblers have to leave their games to be able to smoke.