Ohio's gaming market is putting COVID-19 behind it as record revenues are coming in
IN USA casino markets are coming back to life after the brutal COVID-19 attack. Occupancy rates are returning to normal in many areas and even in those that still have restrictions. gross gaming income (GGR) is impressive. Ohio belongs to the latter group, a state that still requires its casinos to maintain a maximum of 50% at their maximum capacity. Even so, the GGR is doing much better than you might expect, and according to the data Ohio Casino Control Commission consistently hits record levels.
April was a hit month for the Ohio gaming market
Data released by Ohio's gaming regulators show that April GGR set a record in the state for the second consecutive month that the local gambling market saw significant activity. In March, gambling properties in Ohio recorded a combined GGR of 215.8 million, setting a record that lasted two years. Last month and with a capacity of just 50%, Casinos and Racino, of which the state has a total of 11, broke that record by winning a total of $ 217.1 million. This represents a 35th 5% increase over the April 2019 results, with April 2020 washing due to COVID - 19.
The Hollywood Columbus topping the charts of four state casinos was $ 7 million 24. Jack Cleveland was right behind him with $ 24 million, followed by Hollywood Toledo with GGR 22.5 million. Hard Rock Cincinnati lifted the score by reporting a GGR of 22.2 million a month. State casinos, which are only authorized to offer video game lottery terminals, reported a total GGR of 124.5 million, or 39% better than two years ago.
Slots are still a favorite among players as the total sum of GGR slots for the four casinos was 65.7 million $. Table games didn't even get half that amount, bringing in revenues of just $ 26.9 million. Overall, better performance everywhere comes with the lifting of the statewide curfew, and players are ready to break out of the monotony that has kept them chained for so long.
Legalized sports gambling on Ohio radar
Now that things are back to normal in Ohio gaming centers, it's time to focus on new options such as legalized sports gambling. The details of the new gambling law introduced last week have been revealed, and now is the perfect time to increase support for the legislation.
Existing in-state gambling services would automatically gain access to sports gaming licenses if they met the state criteria, with 20 additional licenses to be made available to other entities. Ohio lawmakers have a chance to approve the Sports Games Act before the current legislative session expires. Lawmakers in other states may not feel a few months is enough to turn a bill into law, but Buckeye's state can prove them wrong. The Ohio Senate will end its session on June 29, giving lawmakers just over six weeks to progress.