Indiana, Mississippi casinos see March gaming revenue tumble

Casinos in Indiana and Mississippi reported sharp drops in revenue in the month of March as the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of gaming operations.

Figures released by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) show the state’s 11 casinos and two racinos generated gaming revenue of just $98m in March, nearly $100m below February’s total, the result of the state ordering all gaming venues to close on March 16 to prevent further transmission of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Sports betting was also negatively impacted, both from the shutdown of retail sportsbooks and the suspension of most sports events, including the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament.

While mobile betting continues, March betting handle totaled only $74.8m, down from $187.2m in February, while betting revenue fell by half to $5.5m, the lowest monthly total since the state launched legal wagering last September.