Missouri Casino Revenue Slips 3.5% in August as Table Games Take a Hit

Missouri’s commercial casinos generated $171.4 million in gaming revenue in August, a 3.5% drop from the same month last year, according to figures from the Missouri Gaming Commission.

The decline was mainly caused by a sharp drop in table game revenue. Slot machines performed much better and helped limit the overall decline. Four of Missouri’s 13 casinos posted year-over-year gains, but several major properties saw revenue fall.

Slots Hold Steady, But Table Games Drag Down the Total

There was a major difference between slot and table game revenue in August.

Slot machines generated $150.2 million, making up most of the state’s casino revenue. Slot revenue was down only 1% compared to last year. Table games had a much tougher month, falling 17.7% to $21.1 million.

Slots remain the biggest source of casino revenue in Missouri, and their steady performance helped prevent a larger overall decline.

However, the sharp drop in table games could point to weaker high-end play or changing player habits. Casinos with large table game sections may have a difficult time making up for such a big decline, even when their slot machines perform well.

Winners and Losers: Four Casinos Buck the Downward Trend

Not every Missouri casino struggled in August.

Mark Twain Casino posted the largest percentage increase, with revenue climbing 6.5% to $3.2 million. St. Jo Frontier followed with a 1.1% increase to $4.2 million, while Isle of Capri Boonville gained 1% to reach $8.4 million.

Ameristar Kansas City recorded the biggest notable gain among the state’s larger casinos. Its revenue increased 0.5% to $17.9 million. While that was only a small increase, it stood out because several competing Kansas City casinos saw revenue decline.

Some major casino brands had a difficult August.

Horseshoe St. Louis saw revenue fall 8.5% to $14 million. Harrah’s Kansas City dropped 7.4% to $14.9 million. Both properties operate under the Caesars Entertainment brand.

Hollywood Casino also fell 6.5% to $22.2 million, while Bally’s Kansas City dropped 5.3% to $10.7 million.

Many major operators struggled during the month, which could point to wider challenges in Missouri’s casino market. However, the Missouri Gaming Commission figures did not provide specific reasons for the declines.

Revenue Leaders: Ameristar St. Charles Stays on Top

Ameristar St. Charles remained Missouri’s top casino by revenue in August despite posting a year-over-year decline.

The casino generated $26.6 million, down 2.6% from last year. River City ranked second with $23.5 million, followed by Hollywood Casino at $22.2 million.

Together, those three casinos accounted for about 42% of Missouri’s total casino revenue in August. That shows how much of the state’s gaming revenue comes from a few major properties.

Looking Ahead

Missouri’s August results were a major change from July, when the state’s casinos reported a 5.4% increase in revenue to $176.8 million.

Going from solid growth in July to a 3.5% decline in August shows that Missouri’s casino market remains unpredictable.

September’s numbers could provide a clearer picture. Operators will be watching closely to see if table game revenue rebounds or if August’s weakness is the start of a longer trend.