Baton Rouge’s three riverboat casinos collectively won about $278.7 million from gamblers in 2014, about $7.2 million less—or 2.5%—than the $285.9 million they won in 2013.
The annual decline comes despite the casinos’ collectively posting a 1.3% increase in December winnings, according to the latest monthly report from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board released today. The three casinos won a combined $22.8 million last month, up from $22.5 million in December 2013.
L’Auberge Casino & Hotel led in total December winnings, taking in $12.2 million, a 1.3% increase over the $11.9 million it won in December 2013. The Belle of Baton Rouge also closed out 2014 on a high note, posting a 5.4% increase from $4.9 million in December 2013 to $5.2 million last month. Hollywood Casino, meanwhile, saw its take from gamblers fall 5.9% to $5.4 million in December, down from $5.8 million in December 2013.
The gaming control board’s 2014 monthly reports indicate 2014 was an up and down year for Baton Rouge casinos. While the three casinos posted collective increases in winnings during six of the 12 months, the monthly gains were typically around 1% or less, while the monthly declines ranged between 2% and 7%.
The worst month of the year came in March, when collective winnings were down 9.8%. The best month was February, when winnings were up 4.1%.
Access the complete gaming reports. —Steve Sanoski
