The Northwest Indiana casino market, like that in all the Chicago area, continued to decline last month, with only Ameristar in East Chicago showing some increase in revenues.
“The numbers aren’t great, but they’re good,” said Larry Buck, general manager and senior vice president of Majestic Star Casinos in Gary, of June revenues at the two casinos.
Majestic Star held somewhat steady, with the two casinos reporting a total of $16.8 million in revenue, down slightly from $17.4 million the previous June. Ameristar reported $19.9 million in revenue last month compared with $19.5 million in June 2010, while Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City took in $13.9 million last month compared with $14.5 million. Horseshoe Hammond raked in $41.9 million last month, down from $43.3 million in June 2010.
“This economy hurts every business whose revenues depend on peoples’ discretionary income,” Buck said.
He said he will soon know if Illinois’ newest casino, The Rivers, scheduled to open to the public July 18 in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines, will have an adverse effect on Majestic and other casinos in Northwest Indiana.
“I don’t think too many people from north of Chicago are going to travel through traffic to get to us,” Buck said.
The Rivers will be Illinois’ 10th licensed casino.