Tag: Hollywood Casino

Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway reported casino gaming revenues of $12.6 million in May, according to figures released at the Kansas Lottery Commission Wednesday.

Total gaming revenue was down 7 percent compared to May 2019 figures. The May 2021 admissions were down 23 percent compared to May 2019, a pre-pandemic month. Gaming revenues were only $4.3 million in May 2020, a time when there were reduced capacities, closures and reduced hours.

However, May’s report was similar to the April 2021 report, where the Hollywood Casino had $12.7 million in gaming revenues.

Keith Kocher, director of program assurance and integrity for the Kansas Lottery, said the revenue reports from the four state casinos were a “mixed bag” this month.

Kocher reported Boot Hill, Dodge City, Kansas, had gaming revenues of almost $4.5 million in May; Kansas Star in Mulvane, Kansas, just over $14 million; and Kansas Crossing, near Pittsburg, Kansas, just short of $3.3 million.

The highest increases were in the two smallest casinos in May, he said. Kansas Crossing reported one of its best ever May revenues, he added.

Boot Hill casino reported its best ever month, he said.

For the fiscal year, revenues from the four casinos combined are down about 9 percent, he added.

The May 2021 Hollywood Casino gaming revenues are more than $8 million over the May 2020 revenues. In May 2020, with closure, reduced hours and capacities, the Hollywood Casino reported $4.3 million in casino gaming revenues.

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

According to a written report submitted to the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, Rick Skinner, vice president and general manager of Hollywood Casino, stated that table games revenue was down 40.7 percent while slot revenue was down 1.7 percent when compared with May 2019.

While the casinos have slowly been returning to normal operations, the Hollywood Casino’s poker room remains closed, according to the report.

Stephen Durrell, the lottery’s executive director, said casinos have been steadily reopening, as local jurisdictions are lessening some restrictions.

He also said there have been some discussions about the lottery offering incentives or a chance at prizes to those who get vaccinated for COVID-19; however, nothing is certain at this time.

The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway saw an increase in April gaming revenues, as state casinos in Kansas continued to rebound, according to figures released on Wednesday at the Kansas Lottery Commission meeting.

Keith Kocher, director of program assurance and integrity for the Kansas Lottery, reported gaming revenues at Hollywood Casino in Wyandotte County were about $12.7 million in April.

One year ago, in April 2020, the casino was closed in response to COVID-19 pandemic shutdown orders, and had no revenue to report. Two years ago, in April 2019, the Hollywood Casino reported revenues of $12.3 million, according to lottery figures.

Kocher said all four state casinos increased revenues for the month of April compared to April 2019. Boot Hill, in Dodge City, Kansas, reported gaming revenues of $4.3 million; Kansas Star, Mulvane, Kansas, reported $15.4 million; and Kansas Crossing Casino, Pittsburg, Kansas, reported $3.4 million.

Together, gaming revenues for all the casinos are down about 9 percent in 2021 compared to fiscal year 2019, he noted.

All the casinos are working hard to get people back in and keep people safe, he said.

Stephen Durrell, lottery executive director, said the state-owned casinos were still operating under the May 2020 reopening guidelines with the state, and there have been some adjustments in the last several weeks. They will continue to make adjustments over the next several weeks, he said. The lottery is trying to make adjustments based on factors including local county requirements.

Durrell also reported a good month for lottery ticket sales.

He said the Kansas Legislature finished its work this year without passing any bills on sports wagering and the i-lottery, although a bill made it to the House floor. Other states have passed some bills on it, and it’s possible the proposed legislation could come back in a future session.

Durrell also said the Kansas Lottery now is working on getting more employees back into the office in June. There was an announcement from the governor today that state employees would return to their offices, coming back from remote work, in mid-June, as everyone has had the opportunity to get a COVID vaccination.

Durrell said employees at the lottery will be phased in gradually. Masks will be mandated for staff and visitors to the office, he said.