The slots era in Indiana is off to a strong start as the casinos at both Hoosier Park and Indiana Downs combined to pull in a little more than $26 million in adjusted gross receipts during the first month of operation.
The Indiana Gaming Commission released a report July 8 showing the two operations generated more than $6.5 million in tax revenue in June. Hoosier Park’s casino opened June 2, while Indiana Live! at Indiana Downs opened June 9.
“From a business and financial standpoint, we are very pleased,” said Jim Brown, director of gaming for Hoosier Park Racing & Casino. “We have met the expectations for the first month of operation, and business will continue to grow if we can present a first-rate product and customer service. We feel we are accomplishing that.”
Of the 13 casinos operating in Indiana, Hoosier Park ranked fifth in its first month of operation, tallying $15.7 million in gross receipts. The 92,000-square-foot casino features 2,000 slot machines. Indiana Live!, which is currently operating out of a temporary structure while a 233,000-square-foot complex is completed, raked in more than $10.2 million in gross receipts.
Indiana Downs, with 1,900 slot machines, was 10th on the list. The two racetracks only have slots; riverboat and land-based casinos in the state have table games as well.
The solid start is good news to horsemen who are optimistic that when Hoosier Park’s Thoroughbred meet begins in late August, they will see a positive impact on purses. Butch Cook, racing secretary at Indiana Downs and Hoosier Park, previously stated that his first condition book will carry a purse structure in line with what horsemen raced for last fall.
“At Hoosier, we’re going to start purses the way they were at the end of last year,” Cook said shortly after both casinos opened. “That’s not to say they won’t increase. At this point, I can't say for sure, but the casino will be up and running for a few months.”
Indiana Downs wrapped up its Thoroughbred meet July 8. The track’s harness meet begins July 16.