According to figures released by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, Iowa casinos raked in $160.5 million in gaming revenue in April, an increase of 30% over April 2019’s $123.4 million*.
Statewide, slot revenue dramatically increased 32% to $145.4 million. Table game revenue posted a smaller increase of 14% to $15.1 million.
Sports betting reached a handle of $118 million with online contributing $104 million of that, or 88% of overall handle. Overall, the casinos net $7.7 million in sports betting receipts for April, compared with just $150k online-only in April 2020, a statistic hampered by lack of games to bet on and an in-person registration requirement.
During April this year, casinos were operating without restrictions from the state government as Gov. Kim Reynolds lifted restrictions on public gatherings and mask-wearing in February.
Foot traffic increased 6% to 1.68 million over April 2019’s 1.59 million.
The state’s top three gaming revenue earners were Prairie Meadows Racetrack & Casino with $22.3 million, Horseshoe Casino Council Bluffs with $18.4 million, and Ameristar II with $17.2 million posting 30%, 31%, and 33% gains respectively.
* Iowa’s casinos were closed for the entirety of April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
