Nevada state casinos have generated $1.19bn in revenues for the fourth consecutive month in June, more than double the $567m reported in June last year, and more than the $1.04bn generated in June 2019.
With more than what was generated before the pandemic in 2019, state casinos narrowly missed out on surpassing the best ever month in May.
“Every market increased over June 2019 with the exception of the Las Vegas Strip. The Strip was down compared with June 2019, but it had an incredibly strong comeback for the quarter—the third best quarter for the strip,” commented Michael Lawton, senior analyst with the Nevada Gaming Control Board.
Although the Las Vegas strip was the only market not to show growth in the state with a one per cent decrease, it still accounted for more than half of the casino winnings across the state.
In June, slot machines across the state generated $868m, breaking the previous record set in October 2007. Moreover, sports betting win and volume were better than any June in state history with $315m spent on sports – mobile betting generated 58 per cent of the total.
MGM Resorts CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, commented on the reinstatement of the need to wear masks, which was relaxed in mid-May, and how it hasn’t been welcomed by casino operators. He noted: “This is another disheartening step backward, when we should be focusing on continuing our recovery.
“In addition to the heart-wrenching thought of more illness and death, I fear that progressively more restrictive measures, including a return to social distancing and capacity restrictions, could be around the corner if we continue on this path. This would be a significant blow to our community, industry and economy.
“Our region’s low vaccination rate is putting us back on the path to overrun hospitals, unnecessary deaths, fewer tourists and possible furloughs and layoffs. None of us want that. After the pain endured by so many these past 16 months – and the tremendous progress we made in 2021 – I can think of no more damaging scenario for us as a community.”
