Last month proved to be yet another lackluster June for the region's five casinos, according to monthly revenue figures released by the state, but there were a couple highlights.
"I believe we have a trend," said Larry Buck, senior vice president and general manager of the Majestic Star Casinos in Gary. "I believe we are the only casino in Chicagoland to show increases over the previous year's month for the last five months."
Majestic Star I's revenues inched up from $8.7 million in June 2009 to $9.1 million in June 2010. Majestic Star II's revenues went from $7.9 million to $8.3 million, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission revenue report released Thursday.
Horseshoe Hammond Casino saw less than a 1 percent revenue growth from last June, senior vice president and general manager Dan Nita said, adding, "I'll take what I can get."
Nita attributed June's slight increase to The Venue, the entertainment center added as part of its 2008 expansion.
He said there were three sold out shows in June.
Horseshoe had $43.3 million in revenues last month compared to $40.1 million the previous June.
He said positive feedback from guests on employee services and attitudes earned all of Horseshoe's 2,200 employees a bonus for the quarter, which could be used now or saved for larger rewards, such as jewelry and other items.
On the negative side, Nita said overall table drop is down 4 percent overall in the region.
Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City saw little change over last June, going from $15.4 million to $14.5 million last month. Ameristar East Chicago also saw a drop, sliding from $21.9 million last June to $19.5 million last month.
Buck said it makes sense that Horseshoe would have an increase in revenues, while Ameristar would have a decrease, as a result of the Cline Avenue bridge closure.