B.R. casinos increase March take by 8.3%

Baton Rouge’s two riverboat casinos collectively won approximately $1.5 million more in March this year than they did in March 2011, an increase of 8.3%. That’s according to a new monthly report out this afternoon from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. The Belle of Baton Rouge won just less than $7.4 million (an increase of $566,000, or 8.3%) on the month, while Hollywood Casino raked in a hair under $12 million (up $926,000, or 8.4%). Altogether, Louisiana’s state-licensed casinos also continued a trend of higher winnings in March, up 5.8%. The state’s 12 riverboat casinos, its lone land-based casino—Harrah’s New Orleans—and the three casinos at racetracks won $227.9 million, compared with $215.4 million won in March 2011. The figures do not include Indian reservation casinos, which are not required to report their winnings to the public. March is typically one of the big months for the casino business as income tax refund checks are issued. Analysts also say wagering has benefited at least somewhat from the slowly improving economy. In February, the state’s casinos’ winnings were up 8.7%.