Ohio Casinos and Racinos Record $198.2 Million in November Revenue, Showing Yearly Growth

Ohio’s gambling industry continues to see steady gains, with the state’s casinos and racinos reporting $198.2 million in gambling revenue for November 2024. This figure reflects a $3 million increase from October and a significant year-over-year growth compared to the $186.1 million generated in November 2023, according to data from the Ohio Casino Control and Lottery Commissions.

The reported revenue represents the amount retained by the establishments after winnings are paid out but before state taxes or fees are deducted. The figures suggest a growing appetite for gambling entertainment in the state, driven by both casinos and racinos.

Full-Scale Casinos Make Gains in Table Games and Slots

Ohio’s four casinos, which provide a mix of slot machines and table games, brought in $84.3 million in November. This marks a clear improvement from the $80.4 million earned in the same month in 2023. The steady rise highlights the popularity of casino gaming, with offerings such as blackjack and roulette drawing consistent interest.

Casinos in Ohio are strategically located to attract large crowds. The November revenue growth signals that their marketing and operational strategies are paying off, particularly as they compete in a highly dynamic entertainment market.

Racinos Outpace Casinos with Strong Slot Revenue

The state’s seven racinos, which operate at horse racetracks and offer only slot machines, continued to outshine casinos in terms of revenue. November saw racinos rake in $113.9 million, a substantial increase from $105.7 million in November 2023. These numbers exclude revenue generated from horse race wagering, focusing solely on slot machine earnings.

Slot machines remain the backbone of Ohio’s gambling sector, and racinos are capitalising on their appeal to casual gamblers. Their locations, often in suburban or rural areas, make them accessible to residents who might not venture into full-scale casinos.

Year-to-Date Revenue Remains Steady

Despite November’s gains, the broader picture for 2024 indicates little overall change in revenue compared to 2023. Through the first eleven months of the year, the combined revenue for Ohio’s casinos and racinos stands at nearly $2.2 billion. This plateau suggests that while there are month-to-month variations, the state’s gambling market may have reached a saturation point in terms of growth.

Industry analysts will likely keep a close eye on December’s figures, as they traditionally reflect the impact of holiday travel and end-of-year spending habits. Any significant movement in the final month of 2024 could set the tone for expectations in 2025.

Cleveland Market Highlights: Mixed Results

Greater Cleveland’s gambling establishments showcased a mix of growth and stagnation in November.

• MGM Northfield Park led the pack with $25.2 million, up from $23.6 million in November 2023.
• JACK Thistledown Racino followed with $15.4 million, improving on last year’s $14.6 million.
• JACK Casino Cleveland, however, saw a slight dip, reporting $21.6 million compared to $21.4 million the previous year.

These figures highlight the competitive dynamics within the Cleveland market. While some venues are expanding their customer base, others are grappling with the challenges of maintaining growth in an established market.

Monthly Breakdown and Broader Implications

Here’s a closer look at the monthly figures for November:

While the data underscores consistent growth, the slight declines in certain venues suggest the need for tailored strategies to attract and retain customers. Enhanced loyalty programmes, refreshed game offerings, and innovative promotions could be key to staying competitive in the market.