Casino gaming revenues at Hollywood Casino and in Kansas were down in January, largely because of the weather, according to lottery officials.
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway reported $11.3 million in gaming revenues during January, as compared to $12.1 million in December.
Keith Kocher, director of program assurance for the Kansas Lottery, said at today’s Kansas Lottery Commission meeting that an ice storm that hit on a weekend in January affected all the state’s casinos. The ice storm hit Dodge City, Kan., where the Boot Hill casino is located, and reports of potential ice storms in the other areas kept people away, he said.
Boot Hill Casino reported $3.15 million for January compared to about $3.3 million in December, and the Kansas Star Casino in Mulvane, Kan., reported $13.5 million in gaming income for January, compared to $15.1 million in December.
A fourth state casino, Kansas Crossing, is under construction in southeast Kansas, according to Kocher. It may open in March, with a controlled opening.
Much of the work on that casino is already completed, but the casino also is the subject of a lawsuit, he added. Oral arguments in the case in the Kansas Supreme Court were heard Jan. 25, and a verdict will be issued later.
Kansas Lottery officials said last January, there was a billion-dollar jackpot creating more revenue for lottery tickets, and this January in comparison, revenues were down.
There currently is one large jackpot. For tonight’s drawing, the Powerball jackpot is up to $255 million.
The Kansas Lottery currently has several new programs for lottery tickets, including a Play On customer loyalty program, a Powerball Power Cruise and social media giveaways.
Lottery officials have appeared before the Kansas Legislature committees recently to explain the effect various bills might have on the lottery.
According to Lottery Commission member Jim Washington of Basehor, the only idea that would not hurt sales volume is the possibility of using future lottery transfers as a security for a bond.
Lottery Director Terry Presta said new figures showed per capita spending on lottery tickets increased last year.
The lottery supports approval of electronic lottery ticket dispensers as a way to increase sales, according to lottery officials.