Some, But Not All, Md. Casinos Show Improvement This Year

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Breaking the bank. New numbers released on the state's five casinos show some improvement in the last year when it comes to revenue.

But, as Gigi Barnett reports, some casinos are on tilt after this year's winter weather woes.

Whether it's slots or table games like the World Series of Poker...

"It's the only tournament where everybody around the globe comes in," said Phil Hellmuth. "It's like a poker mecca."

With all those chips stacking up, Maryland released its casino revenue figures for last month, and the state is raking in the cash. It saw a combined 25% jump in business from last February to this one. The state's newest casino, Horseshoe in Baltimore City, says last month's numbers could have been higher, if not for a series of snowstorms that slammed the state.

"Winter certainly always comes in to play so if highways are closed, if roads are difficult, it certainly affects all entertainment destinations," said Noah Hirsh, Horseshoe Casino marketing VP.

But when you look at the five casinos individually, some didn't get the payday they banked on over the last year.

Hollywood Casino in Perryville, Maryland Live in Hanover and the casino at Ocean Downs all dropped in revenue. Only Rocky Gap Casino-Resort in Cumberland saw a boost in business. With Horseshoe just opening in August, year-long numbers aren't available yet. But, as spring sets in, it means casinos are looking to offer greater incentives to draw players.

"We have a five car giveaway so every Sunday in the month of March, we're giving away a car," Hirsch said.

Last month alone, the state's casinos brought in a total of nearly $83 million.

Rocky Gap Casino is outpacing all of the others in revenue. In the last year, its bottom line jumped by nearly 12%.