Nevada sportsbook win dips in 2016 despite record handle

Nevada casino gaming revenue took a slight dip in December but the state managed to squeak out an annual gain all the same.

Figures released Tuesday by the Nevada Gaming Control Board show gaming revenue of $956.1m in December, a 2.7% decline from December 2015’s take. The situation was slightly rosier on the Las Vegas Strip, where gaming revenue fell 1.7% to $590.7m. For 2016 as a whole, statewide gaming win improved 1.3% to $11.25b.

December’s decline came despite a monster baccarat win of $172.8m, which was down 3.3% year-on-year, but keep in mind that December 2015’s baccarat win was up nearly one-fifth from December 2014. Blackjack slipped 7.3% to $89.8m, craps gained 28.1% to $35.2m and roulette slid 11.7% to $26.2m.

Baccarat maintained its status as 2016’s top table earner, despite falling 5.3% to $1.22b, enough to keep blackjack in second place with $1.14b (+4.3%). Craps ranked third with $384m (flat) while roulette placed fourth with $351.2m (+8.9%). December’s slots win fell 3.4% to $547.3m, while its 2016 total was up 2.3% to $7.16b.