Good weather, calendar help Northwest Indiana casinos improve January revenue

According to the monthly revenues report issued Tuesday by the Indiana Gaming Commission, Northwest Indiana's five casinos raked in a total of $79.18 million in revenues in January, compared to $75.99 million in January 2015.

"We actually exceeded our expectations," said Dan Nita, Horseshoe Hammond's senior vice president and general manager.

He attributed the hike in part to much milder weather than the region experienced the previous January and to a fortuitous calendar, with five Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays last month.

He said the entire Chicago market, including Illinois and Northwest Indiana casinos, had a 4.2 percent increase in revenues.

Nita said he's equally encouraged about February.

"It's gotten off to a good start," he said.

Ameristar Casino in East Chicago saw its revenues rise from $17.6 million to $18.7 million, while revenues at Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City went from $11.73 million to $12.5 million. Horseshoe Hammond took in $35.11 million last month compared to $34.13 million in January 2014, while Majestic Star I Casino in Gary took in $7.35 million compared to $7.23 million and Majestic Star II in Gary took in $5.48 million compared to $5.3 million.

Ed Feigenbaum, editor of Indiana Gaming Insight, said statewide this was the second consecutive January with monthly year-over-year gains.

"This is the first time we've seen that since 2006-2007, which was before the recession," he said.

He also said this was the best January revenue report since 2013.

Still, Feigenbaum said the percentage increase throughout the state isn't that remarkable, given the much improved weather over the last two Januarys and the fact that New Year's Eve fell on a Friday this year compared to Thursday in 2015.

The attendance report was split, with Horseshoe and Blue Chip showing increases while Ameristar and the two Majestic Stars saw their attendance numbers drop.

Ameristar's turnstile count last month was 189,001 compared to 194,109 the previous January. The Majestic Stars had 149,614 go through their turnstiles last month compared to 152,840 the same month last year.

Blue Chip had a turnstile count of 181,052 compared to 167,703. Horseshoe Hammond's turnstile count was 310,564 compared to 308,722.