BY KAREN CAFFARINI, POST-TRIBUNE CORRESPONDENT
September was a relatively strong month for the casino industry, which saw the rich casinos remain rich and the not-so-wealthy ones hold their own, according to Ed Feigenbaum, editor of Indiana Gaming Insight.
Feigenbaum said it was another strong month for Horseshoe Hammond, which raked in a total of $41.5 million in revenues last month, even though September is typically a slow month.
In 2008, the casino pulled in $44.4 million, but it was one month after the grand opening of its new, larger casino and entertainment venue.
Majestic Star in Gary took in $8.7 million last month, compared to $9.1 million in September 2008, while Majestic Star II took in $7.8 million last month compared to $7.4 million the previous September.
Ameristarbin East Chicago had total revenues of $20.9 million last month, compared to $21.3 million the previous September, and Blue Chip took in $13.9 million compared to $14.3 million.
Dan Nita, vice president and general manager of Horseshoe Hammond, said while the numbers are slightly down, they continue to be strong. He said he is especially excited about the number of new signups for its Total Rewards cards.
Majestic Star spokesman Larry Buck was encouraged. "We were the only casino in the Chicago area, including the Illinois casinos, to show an increase last month compared last year."
These are people who have never been through this property though it's been here 13 plus years," he said. Ameristar in East Chicago had total revenues of $20.9 million last month, compared to $21.3 million the previous September and Blue Chip in Michigan City took in $13.9 million compared to $14.3 million.