State casino gaming revenues leap ahead in February

February was a good month for state-owned casino gaming revenues, and the revenues were helped by an extra day in the month.

According to Keith Kocher, director of program assurance and integrity for the Kansas Lottery, gaming revenues at Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, and the other state-owned casinos last month were some of the best ever reported for February.

The Leap Day in February – Feb. 29 – helped, especially since it was on a Saturday, according to Kocher.

But even without a Leap Day, Kocher said casino gaming revenues showed an increase over last February, according to an analysis.

Hollywood Casino reported gaming revenues of $13.9 million during February 2020, according to Kocher. It reported $11.9 million in gaming revenues for February 2019.

It was the best February in the past five years, he said.

Gaming revenues for February from other state-owned casinos were $3.4 million for Boot Hill Casino, Dodge City, Kansas; $16.2 million for Kansas Star Casino, Mulvane, Kansas; and $3.1 million for Kansas Crossing Casino, Pittsburg, Kansas.

In a written report to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Hollywood Casino reported admissions were up 21.6 percent in February 2020, compared to February 2019. Slot revenues were up 18.9 percent, while table games revenue was relatively flat, a decrease of three-tenths of one percent, according to the report.

Hollywood Casino reported special February events including a winners’ giveaway, VIP high limit pull party, “Blizzards of Cash” and “Mardi Gras Bash for Cash,” plus a Millionaire Slot Tournament.

Also, February was the month the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl, and there were reports of more tourists in the Kansas City area during that time.

The casino also has several promotions planned for March, including a winners’ giveaway on March 28 and “$250,000 risky bonus” event March 27.

The Unified Government receives 3 percent of the Hollywood Casino gaming revenues, while the state of Kansas receives 22 percent.