Colorado’s mountain casinos suffered their biggest monthly drop in revenue in March since the first casino opened in 1991.
The state’s 42 casinos posted revenue of $63.2 million in March, down 15.2 percent from $74.5 million during the same month a year ago, according to data released today by the Division of Gaming.
It was the third-consecutive month that the industry has seen a drop in revenue after posting gains for 11 straight months. March also was the third month of the casino smoking ban.
Additionally, consumers have been socked with rising gas and food prices, coupled with a slowing economy.
The previous record monthly drop for the industry was in March 2003, when revenue declined 10.3 percent.
Casinos in Black Hawk, the state’s gambling powerhouse, posted revenue of $45.8 million, down 14.6 percent from $53.6 million.
Cripple Creek casinos posted revenue of $11.4 million, down 16.8 percent from $13.7 million.
Central City casinos saw the biggest percentage drop of 18 percent, recording revenue of $5.9 million, down from $7.2 million.
Andy Vuong: 303-954-1209 or avuong@denverpost.com
