Casinos wrap up the year with a gain in revenue

The state’s casinos finished an up-and-down year on the plus side, according to figures released Friday by the Colorado Division of Gaming.

During the first six months of 2009, casino revenues statewide declined 3.9 percent from the same period in 2008. In the last six months — after the implementation of Amendment 50 on July 2, which ushered in new games, higher limits and 24-hour gambling  — statewide revenues climbed 9.2 percent from the same period in 2008.

For all of 2009, casinos statewide reported nearly $734.6 million in revenue — up 2.6 percent from 2008. Cripple Creek’s 16 casinos reported $140.3 million in revenue in 2009, up a scant 0.2 percent from the year before. Revenue from Black Hawk casinos rose 4.2 percent in 2009 while Central City casinos saw revenue fall 4.3 percent.

For December, casinos statewide posted revenue of $55.4 million, a 14 percent increase from December 2008. Cripple Creek casinos reported revenue of $9.5 million, up 8 percent from December 2008.
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