By Nolan McKendry| The Center Square

Louisiana’s gambling industry wrapped up December with mixed performance across its various gaming sectors, according to the Louisiana State Police.

Video gaming devices generated $63.7 million in net device revenue in December, up 1.5% from the same month last year. Truck stops, the largest contributors to video gaming device revenue, brought in $47.1 million, a 1.4% year-over-year increase.

Bars also saw a 4.7% growth, with revenue reaching $9.46 million. However, hotels experienced a sharp decline, with revenue dropping 11.2% compared to last December, reflecting the sector’s ongoing struggles.

Year-to-date, the video gaming sector has posted a slight overall increase, with total revenue reaching $369.2 million, up 0.7% from last year.

Caesars New Orleans, Louisiana’s only land-based casino, reported $25.37 million in revenue for December. This marked a 5.0% decrease from November but a 2.6% increase compared to December 2023. Despite the monthly dip, year-to-year gains indicate some recovery in the sector.

Riverboat casinos reported $151.7 million in adjusted gross revenue (adjusted gross revenue) in December, slightly down from $151.8 million in November and an 8.1% drop from $158.2 million in December 2023. Fiscal year-to-date, riverboat casinos have generated $852.7 million in adjusted gross revenue and remitted $183.3 million in fees to the state.

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The top-performing riverboats included L’Auberge Lake Charles, with fiscal year to date revenue of $146 million, and Golden Nugget Lake Charles, which led the sector with $155 million in fiscal year to date revenue.

Slots at racetracks brought in $26.4 million in adjusted gross revenue for December, with a total of $4 million in state taxes paid. Year-to-date, slots have generated $152.8 million in adjusted gross revenue, down slightly from the previous fiscal year. Tax contributions from this sector totaled $23.2 million fiscal year to date.

Retail and mobile sports betting combined to accept $390.7 million in wagers during December, reflecting a 3.6% increase compared to December 2023. However, net proceeds from sports betting dropped sharply, down 38.1% year-over-year to $34.5 million. Taxes paid from sports betting also fell, totaling $6.4 million in December, a 15.1% decrease compared to last year.

The decline in net proceeds was attributed to a significant year-over-year decrease in promotions deductions and reduced win percentages in certain sports categories.

Fantasy sports contests saw $2.4 million in gross revenues for December, with $285,924 in net revenues and $22,874 in taxes paid. Year-to-date, the sector has contributed a modest $52,778 in taxes to the state.