Maryland casino earnings jump 10 percent in May

The casinos in Arundel, Cecil, Worcester and Allegany counties reported US$ 75.8 million in revenue for the month, and, as usual, Maryland Live in Arundel Mills was the biggest earner by far with nearly 80 percent of the total: US$ 59.5 million for slots and table games. The casino in Hanover has made nearly US$ 598 million in revenue this fiscal year, and is on track for about US$ 650 million, making it the top earner of all casinos on the East Coast offering both slots and table games.

Drawing some 7.5 million visitors a year, Maryland Live's revenue jumped 8 percent compared to May 2013. That helped to make up for losses at Hollywood Casino Perryville and the Casino at Ocean Downs, which recorded drops of nearly 9 percent and 1 percent respectively.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County opened on May 22, 2013, so there is no full monthly total for comparison.

The revenue figure is the sum taken in before the casinos pay out 67 percent of earnings to an array of state funds, chiefly to benefit public schools and Maryland racetracks. The casino share is roughly 33 percent of the revenue figure, representing the owner's cut before operating expenses are paid.