October Brings In Over $33 Million in Revenue for Kansas’ Commercial Casinos, Setting a Strong Precedent for the Year
Kansas’ commercial casinos are on an upward trajectory, with recent data from the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission showing a 3% increase in revenue for October 2024 compared to the same month last year. The state’s four casinos collectively earned $33.4 million, reflecting steady growth in the gaming sector.
This boost adds to a year-to-date revenue total of $118.7 million, marking a similar 3% increase over the same period in 2023. As Kansas continues to see an uptick in gaming revenue, local and state governments are reaping the rewards of this expanding industry.
Electronic Games Drive the Revenue Surge
One of the key factors behind this increase is the ongoing dominance of electronic gaming machines, which accounted for $29.3 million of October’s revenue. Despite this dominance, the traditional table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps, still pulled in a respectable $4 million.
The rise in popularity of electronic games continues to shape the state’s gambling landscape. These machines are a staple in many casinos, drawing in players with a wide variety of game options and more user-friendly experiences. With people continuing to flock to casinos for their gaming entertainment, it’s no surprise that electronic games have taken a commanding share of the pie.
Hollywood and Kansas Star Casinos Lead the Pack
Among the four commercial casinos, Hollywood Casino & Resort took the lead with $13.6 million in revenue, closely followed by Kansas Star Casino & Resort, which generated nearly $13.0 million. Boot Hill Casino & Resort saw more modest numbers, with $3.6 million, while Kansas Crossing Casino & Resort earned $3.2 million in October.
These figures highlight the competitive nature of Kansas’ gaming industry, where each casino is vying for a bigger share of the market. Hollywood Casino and Kansas Star are proving to be the most popular, but the smaller casinos are still holding their ground with solid performances.
- Hollywood Casino & Resort: $13.6 million.
- Kansas Star Casino & Resort: $12.9 million.
- Boot Hill Casino & Resort: $3.6 million.
- Kansas Crossing Casino & Resort: $3.2 million.
The casinos keep 73% of the total winnings, which in this case equals approximately $24.4 million. Of the remaining funds, 22% goes to the state, amounting to $7.3 million, while local communities receive 3%, or $1 million. An additional 2% ($0.7 million) is earmarked for supporting problem gambling treatment in Kansas.
Sports Betting Strengthens the State’s Gaming Market
October was not just a strong month for traditional casino games; sports betting also saw impressive numbers. According to the Kansas Lottery, the state reported a record-breaking $275.9 million handle for sports betting. This figure surpasses previous monthly records, signaling that Kansans are continuing to embrace the growing sports betting market.
However, despite the high volume of bets placed, Kansas’ sports betting industry faced a significant year-over-year dip in gross revenue, falling 49%. While the total handle has increased, the decrease in revenue may be linked to a higher payout rate or a less successful betting outcome for sportsbooks. Regardless, the market remains strong, and experts expect the industry to stabilize as the sports betting ecosystem continues to mature.
The Big Picture: Kansas Casinos on a Steady Growth Path
With October’s revenue bump, it’s clear that Kansas’ commercial casinos are experiencing sustained growth, driven largely by the popularity of electronic gaming. While the table games and sports betting sectors still contribute significantly, they are being overshadowed by the digital gaming trend.
The state is also benefiting from a well-structured revenue-sharing model, ensuring that local communities and programs aimed at problem gambling treatment continue to receive vital funding.
As for the casinos themselves, they continue to expand their offerings to attract more visitors. The competition between Hollywood Casino, Kansas Star, and others means that players are likely to see even more promotions, improved facilities, and new gaming options in the future.
With the added revenue from sports betting and the consistent popularity of traditional casino games, Kansas is positioning itself as a steady player in the regional gaming market. As the fiscal year progresses, local businesses, state authorities, and casino operators alike are all hopeful that this trend will continue well into 2025.
