A Period of time of Adjustment
Oops! That large hissing seem is the gaming balloon that had been expanding over the years, slowly dropping air. But, it has not been a tide that lowered all ships even so, as some emerging and increasing gaming jurisdictions showed strong expansion in 2008.
Overall, the commercial and racetrack casino sectors (excluding Indian gaming), skilled a 3.five p.c decrease in gaming revenues for 2008, making a complete of $36.2 billion, down some $800 million from 2007. It was the Racino sector that has tempered this drop, as they showed a achieve of almost $one billion in 2008, thus bringing the Commercial sector industry decrease to $one.8 billion, or six.seven percent. Nevada was the biggest loser in 2008, dropping nearly $1.3 billion, far more than half of which stemmed from the Las Vegas Strip segment.
Hunkering Down
For the most element, casino operators were caught comparatively flat-footed by the extent of the 2008 revenue downturn, as it was not right up until the third and fourth quarters when it actually nosedived. Riding the crest of 12 months over year industry progress throughout the country and the availability of ample credit score and fairness cash, new design and expansion proliferated in modern a long time. Nowadays, confronted with the realities of declining, or at ideal stagnant need, many of these projects are now considered over-leveraged and/or in excess of-sized. As a outcome many gaming organizations are trying to renegotiate their personal debt – created a lot more hard by reduced valuations – even though also paring down operational expenses. The latter has grow to be a very problematic conundrum when working with the competitors, specifically in individuals jurisdictions that are now vying for market place shares with new rising on line casino initiatives in neighboring regions. A topic we talk about a lot more entirely in the Point out by Condition analysis area of this publication.
As a result of these conditions the gaming sector landscape is now strewn with impending fatalities. Amongst the more notable troubled corporations are Station Casinos, Empire Resorts, Harrah’s Entertainment, Greektown Holdings, Legends Gaming, Tropicana Entertainment, Herbst Gaming and the listing grows every single week.
“How extended will these economic conditions persist, and are we at the base but?” are queries no 1 appears to be answering yet. What is obvious nonetheless is that most gaming jurisdictions will have to learn how to deal with a smaller pie.
Observe:
This investigation contains only gaming revenues of certified casinos and pari-mutuel retailers that provide casino games, and not Indian gaming functions, card rooms, or modest non-on line casino variety slot locations. The whole write-up, such as earnings tables is offered on our web web page.
Enter/Output Product
A important facet that seems to have arisen from the ashes of this existing trend is that numerous casino initiatives had been just as well large to help themselves. The input, in conditions of expense pounds, was not proportional to the output, in terms of web income after financial debt service, in comparison to earlier achieved final results. Much more and/or larger is not usually much better. Viewing the rise in non-gaming income at the Las Vegas Strip resorts, gave impetus to the advancement of far more thorough amenities in numerous other jurisdictions. The flaw in this method nevertheless is that the fees associated with widening marketplace penetration and occasioned-use, are drastically larger than these incurred to entice the foundation industry.
As daytripper markets grow to be far more aggressive, on line casino venues will have to depend much more and a lot more on their in-property resort patrons, and measurement their properties (and expectations) appropriately. Whilst Steve Wynn started out a key craze in generating up-market place mega-places, there just was not ample demand from customers on the Strip to warrant the many other equivalent initiatives that adopted that aimed at the very same specialized niche.
The trick is to strike a pleased medium in project configurations which of course call for significantly less of a ‘seat-of-pants’ method, and one that is much more analyzed. A shameless plug for advancement consultants like ourselves.
Other Gaming Actions
Though there are no printed in depth knowledge of American Indian gaming revenues, anecdotal evidence appears to advise that this section has been as difficult hit as the Commercial sector. The two Connecticut Indian gaming installations report slot earnings of $one.six billion in 2008, symbolizing a fall of about 7 per cent, or nearly $114 million, a lot more than doubling the three.5 p.c fall from the calendar year just before. This industry is evidently nevertheless reeling from the ripple-effect of a on line casino growth in Rhode Island, and the opening of slot functions in New York and Pennsylvania.
The Arizona Office of Gaming reviews that contributions based on a gaming income system from the state’s 23 Indian gaming casinos, have been declining each quarter in 2008 in contrast to the prior 12 months decreasing .eight p.c in the very first quarter, 7.5 p.c in the next quarter, 9.5 % in the third quarter, and 16.1 % in the fourth quarter.
Some SEC reporting Indian gaming houses report similar decreases. Seneca Gaming, which operates a few Course III casinos in upstate New York, stories that even though calendar yr 2008 showed an almost 2 percent expansion charge in gaming revenues, there was an eight.seven percent decrease in the third quarter and an almost 10 per cent drop in the fourth quarter of 2008, in comparison with 2007. Gaming income developments at nearby Niagara Falls, Ontario ended up down 1.5% in 2008 in comparison with 2007.
It’s been a combined-bag for condition lotteries throughout the nation. The North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries reviews that U.S. lotteries created a overall of $sixty.6 billion in product sales in fiscal 2008, up about 3 % from the preceding 12 months nevertheless some jurisdictions reported decreases, most notably California, which showed an eight percent fall. Inasmuch as some of these states are on various fiscal yr finishes, it would seem that the data does not mirror the effect of third and/or fourth quarter outcomes.
According to data supplied by Equibase, horse racing pari-mutuel revenues carry on their downward spiral, falling seven percent to $13.7 billion in 2008, vs . $14.seven billion in 2007.
Planned & Proposed New Expansions
As beforehand mentioned, it has been new gaming jurisdictions that have spawned much of the development in yearly casino/racino revenues over the years, and their effect is apt to proceed into the close to long term.
Florida
Miami Dade voters accepted a ballot problem that makes it possible for every of three pari-mutuels to have a on line casino facility of up to 2,000 slot equipment. The Flagler Pet Keep track of and Miami Jai-Alai are reportedly arranging opening in late 2009 or early 2010, even though the Calder set up in Miami Gardens has yet to declared its plans. There are several other proposals becoming deemed that would further increase on line casino improvement all through the point out.
Illinois
The condition lastly received about to reissuing its tenth license, late in December, 2008 awarding it to Midwest Gaming & Leisure, LLC for a one,two hundred+ game on line casino located in Des Plaines just east of O’Hare. The new facility is not probably to open up until 2010. There has also been some discussion about making it possible for an improve in for every area gaming positions and slots at racetracks, although neither initiative appears to have any traction at this time.
Kansas
The state’s expanded lottery program that allows for the growth of 4 on line casino gaming zones and slots at present horse and dog tracks appears mired, as only one particular facility is presently under building, while three other proposals have been rescinded. The only bidder on the Cherokee County agreement, claimed it could not compete with the new Quapaw tribal casino in Oklahoma, which is located so shut to the point out line that its parking great deal is in Kansas. The Boot Hill On line casino Resort in Dodge Town is planing a December 2009 opening with 575 slots and 10 desk game titles, together with a next section owing to open in 2011 with 875 slots and twenty desk online games. The point out has extended the software method for the other three zones till April, 2009.
Kentucky
There is nevertheless a whole lot of ‘jockeying’ going on, but the prospect of as numerous as eight slot parlors and racinos seems to be again on the front-burner, but likely not solved throughout the recent legislative session.
Las Vegas
There are about 14,000 rooms scheduled to occur on line in 2009, with the most recent becoming the 390 place M Resort in Henderson. There are expansions underway at each Caesars Palace and Difficult Rock and new hotels include two elements of the Metropolis Middle undertaking, and the Fountainebleau.
Louisiana
Pinnacle Entertainment’s new casino advancement assignments in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, whilst delayed, are described to nonetheless be on-observe for opening this year and/or early 2010.
Maine
There is a bill below consideration that could more than double Penn National’s slot machines to 3,000, as well as a proposal that would get rid of the restriction that slots be found inside 5 miles of the observe. Scarborough Downs, which has been unsuccessful in convincing nearby inhabitants to enable slots, may possibly be taking into consideration relocating to a more hospitable town.
Maryland
A referendum was approved in November, 2008 that enables for the growth of five casinos with a complete of 15,000 slots, and now the bidding war is afoot despite the fact that it is not as intense as the state experienced anticipated.
Mississippi
Grand Soleil Casino Vacation resort in Natchez experienced been slated to open up in 2008, but has operate into a variety of financing concerns and whilst the lodge part is open up, the riverboat is reported to open in the Spring of ’09. Harrah’s Margaritaville Casino in Biloxi, although scaled back relatively, is nevertheless on track to open this yr.
New England
Massachusetts, a sleeping-giant in phrases of industry likely, is still maneuvering to open up casinos/racinos, and/or a Class III Indian gaming facility, but are not able to seem to muster the political assist. A current examine concluded by Dartmouth University estimates that Massachusetts resident put in much more than $920 million previous 12 months at Connecticut casinos and slot equipment parlors in Rhode Island and Maine. The New Hampshire legislature recently declined an choice to develop casinos, even so the subject matter is very likely to be revisited, specially if Massachusetts decides to go ahead. There are also tries in Maine to rethink its options.
New Jersey
Atlantic City’s casinos have imposed their political will on staving off the addition of slot devices at racetracks by not too long ago agreeing to carry on augmenting purses with an additional tax. The governor nevertheless, has appointed a new panel to review the state’s sagging racing software which ironically, can only be preserved by making it possible for the tracks to have slot devices especially at the Meadowlands. (See 2bcbet Squeeze area)
New York
Just when it appeared as if Aqueduct’s 4,500 VLT facility would finally be designed, the profitable bidder indicated an incapacity to make the required $370 million charge, citing the current lending local weather, and throwing the undertaking back into the lap of the governor. Even though the market place demand in the area could be deemed quite sturdy, the prospect of further opposition from close by Belmont could have an influence on Aqueduct’s underlining financial feasibility, particularly thinking about that marginally considerably less than 30% of the net win is retained by the operator.
Programs to relocate Monticello Raceway into a resort complex are currently being reconsidered probably owing to each the possible opening of at minimum one or probably two racino functions in the NY metro region, and the resurfacing of initiatives to improvement a Course III Indian gaming facility in the Catskills.
Ohio
Nevertheless one more gaming proposal is becoming put forth in Ohio, soon after very last year’s model was turned down by the voters. This prepare calls for a single casino each and every in the state’s largest towns: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. There would be a minimum expense essential of $250 million, as properly as an initial licensing price of $fifty million, and a 33 p.c tax on gaming profits.
Pennsylvania
The Sands in Bethlehem is owing to open in the Spring of ’09, and the new Rivers task in Pittsburgh is envisioned to be operational in August, ’09 while Philadelphia’s two slot amenities still wallow in a political mire, but are anticipated to begin construction this year.
South Dakota
The Lodge at Deadwood is slated to open in the Drop of 2009, and consist of 300 games, 140 rooms and a broad assortment of features.
Texas
Legislators are proposing a voter referendum that would amend the condition constitution to let casino gambling in specified locations, as well as allow gambling on American Indian lands in Texas and at present racetracks.
West Virginia
The Greenbriar, the state’s venerable vacation resort facility has submitted for personal bankruptcy, but has a new suitor in Marriott Hotels, who have reportedly tendered an offer you. Condition government has proffered the idea of enabling the vacation resort to supply on line casino game titles, but this energy is in also early a phase to have any traction 1 way or yet another.
Indian Gaming
A current Supreme Courtroom ruling that restricts the taking of lands into have confidence in on behalf of federally acknowledged American Indian tribes has further stymied some new Course III gaming initiatives throughout the place. Furthermore, there ended up eleven Indian casino assignments rejected by the DOI very last calendar year simply because of its new rule that casinos need to be close to enough to a reservation that tribal associates can function at them. It has been recommended that the new Obama administration may be more sympathetic to the improvement of Indian gaming tasks, but this concern has however to be dealt with.
Meanwhile, there are other Class III initiatives in the different phases of growth. The Seneca casino venture in Buffalo, NY, whilst functioning a little short term facility, has delayed an previously beneath construction long term facility until the market place rebounds. They have also expressed an interest in establishing a casino in the Catskills. The point out gaming compact with Seminoles in Florida is getting challenged, and could affect their plans for greater initiatives. There are new Indian gaming tasks established to open up in Michigan and Oklahoma this yr, and other people are in the planning stage. Texas might let the reopening of Indian gaming facilities and let other location and there are strategies afoot by the Navajos in Arizona to build additional casinos. California is poised to open two to a few new Class III casinos in 2009/ten.
The Nor’easter Squeeze
Overall gaming income in Atlantic Metropolis has declined 7.6 p.c, from $4.9 billion in 2007 to $four.5 billion in 2008 with decreases continuing into 2009, as the city is obtaining alone in an intense comp-war with the Pennsylvania venues. At one time the only casinos in the Northeast were situated in Atlantic Metropolis, in which it seemed as if it may possibly really even eclipse the Las Vegas Strip’s annual gaming revenues.
Little by little nonetheless its marketplace share was being encroached upon, 1st by the development of a massive Course III gaming operation in Connecticut, and then yet another slots operations in Rhode Island, and then online video lottery terminals at New York racetracks, racinos in West Virginia and Delaware, and most not too long ago Pennsylvania.
Now, with the prepared opening of slot operations in Maryland, the impending opening of a new on line casino in Bethlehem, PA, and sooner or later two functions in Philadelphia, the noose is tightening about Atlantic City’s potential prospects. It truly is reliance on day-trippers lulled it into a fake sense of stability, and it now finds alone obtaining to redefine its mission assertion to “location vacation resort.”
The only dilemma with this strategy however is that it is unwell-outfitted to pull it off. For all intents and functions, Atlantic Metropolis is underneath-roomed and/or over-gamed. There is basically not ample day-tripper market to go all around, and their successful buying and selling region is tightening, as the peripheral populations northward now/will have more ready entry to a widened supply in New York (Yonkers, and shortly at Aqueduct and potentially Belmont), westward in Pennsylvania and southward in Delaware, West Virginia and Maryland.
Other than the ocean access, the city’s only true aggressive rewards are its lodge capability and the availability of desk game titles, although the latter is probably to eventuate in Pennsylvania, and perhaps Delaware. In purchase to sufficiently compete as a destination resort the metropolis needs to build extra guest rooms and not always gaming ability. By comparison, the Las Vegas Strip houses – correct gaming locations, in that they do not have significantly of a working day-excursion industry, except for the ‘locals’ – have an average of .87 gaming positions for every guest area although Atlantic City’s average is two.74 positions per visitor room.
It is not a coincidence that Atlantic City’s two premier lodges, the Borgata and Harrah’s Marina, the two of which added new rooms in 2008, were the the very least impacted by the latest downturn. The Borgata knowledgeable a gaming profits fall of 1.six percent, even though Harrah’s Marina documented a four.9 percent improve when compared to 2007. Additionally, the toughest hit venues, specifically the AC Hilton, Resorts and the Trump Marina, also have the smallest quantity of rooms. In the meantime some of the venues are teetering on viability, including the the Trump homes and Resorts with the hoped for sale of the Tropicana has been further delayed, and dropping valuation.
With a regular increase in gaming revenues by way of 2006, the city appeared primary for further development, which precipitated planning for 4 new vacation resort assignments, every single of which have now been indefinitely delayed. Revel Leisure Group’s $2.five billion venture remains an iron skeleton, Pinnacle Enjoyment has announced it might seek to sell its razed Sands website, MGM Mirage has shelved its casino ideas, and Penn Nationwide seems to have stopped its pursuit of the Bader Discipline airport website.