Nevada casino winnings report charts slow return of gamblers

LAS VEGAS – Casinos in Nevada reported sluggish results in house winnings last month, resulting from a slow return of business following more than two months of coronavirus closures.

The state Gaming Control Board said Wednesday that casino winnings, a key index of state fiscal health, were down almost 26.2% in July, at $757 million, compared with more than $1 billion same month a year ago.

Board analyst Michael Lawton cited challenges that casinos continue to face, particularly on the Las Vegas Strip, due to limited air travel, lack of mid-week convention business and an absence of arena events and entertainment options.

Still, the so-called “gaming win” figure was up markedly from almost $567 million in June and near-zero in April and May.

Lawton said the 35.5% month-to-month increase exceeded board expectations.

Nevada casinos began reopening June 4 following closures imposed by Gov. Steve Sisolak in mid-March to prevent people from gathering and spreading COVID-19.

Lawton noted that three more Las Vegas resorts resumed operations in July. Eight remain shuttered.

The state collected $32.3 million in taxes based on the July revenues, down 56.3% compared with a year ago.

Casino taxes are second to sales taxes as a percentage of Nevada’s annual budget. Nevada has no personal income tax.