Gambling revenue in the US state of Nevada was up by 10 per cent in July, crossing the psychologically important $1bn threshold.
Statistics from the Nevada Gaming Control Board showed a 17 per cent increase in winnings from the Las Vegas Strip, which is the state’s biggest gambling centre. Baccarat revenue accounted for more than $150m, rising 44 per cent in July compared with a year ago.
“From the state’s point of view, that was a pleasant surprise on the baccarat side,” said Gaming Control Board senior analyst Michael Lawton, adding that an extra Saturday and Sunday also helped.
Most of the money came from the Las Vegas Strip, which raked in $613m. The strong month means the Strip is now doing better so far this calendar year than last and that’s the case in all the major gambling markets in the state except for Carson Valley in northern Nevada, Lawton said.
Downtown Las Vegas winnings notched up about three per cent to $42m in July. Reno casino revenue surged 11 per cent to $56m and South Lake Tahoe revenue rose 20 per cent to $28m.
Slot machine winnings were basically flat at $601m statewide, while revenue from games was up 29 per cent to $414m. The $222m that bettors wagered on sports was more than in any other July on record, although casinos only collected $11m off the play.
The state collected $68m in tax money based on July gambling revenue, which is up 20 per cent from the same time last year.
