After registering their second-best month of the year, Ohio casino and racino operators are celebrating.
According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, Ohio’s casino revenue shot past $84 million in May, topping April by over a million dollars. This marks the second most profitable month for retail casino activity in 2024.
The state also has seven racinos, a combination of a casino and a horse track, contributing to the strong numbers in May.
The state’s 11 casinos and racinos brought in a combined $204 million in May, up from $196 million in 2023 and $202 million in 2022. According to data from the OCC and lottery commissions, the combined record for the month was set in 2021, at $209 million.
Which casinos generated the most revenue in May? It was a close race because three out of Ohio’s four standalone casinos experienced increased revenue month-on-month.
However, it was Hollywood Columbus who led the way with nearly $24 million in overall revenue, followed by Jack Cleveland and Hard Rock Cincinnati, while Hollywood Toledo was the only property that saw a decline.
Here’s the breakdown:
Total casino revenue generated topped out at $86.4 million.
The total racino revenue reached $119.8 million. Additionally, Jack Cleveland had the highest table games revenue during May.
The question everyone is asking now is: Will online gaming arrive in Ohio soon?
Online casinos would give consumers the chance to legally play slots and table games through mobile apps or browser-based sites.
Ohio is a strong contender for expanding online gaming due to its existing features:
The state achieved a significant milestone by reaching $10 billion in lifetime betting volume in April, making it the fastest state to do so. And despite having only four casinos, Ohio’s continued casino success is impressive. Compared to other states of similar size, the Buckeye State has significant untapped revenue potential.
If online gaming is added to the gambling options in the Buckeye State, experts say it would instantly become one of the strongest iGaming markets in the country.
We’ll have to wait and see.