US: Colorado casino revenue up 16 % in July

Casinos in Black Hawk, the state's premier gambling destination and home to the largest operators, were the biggest winners of all, posting record revenue of us$ 54.4 million, up 19 % from the same month a year ago.

Overall, casinos statewide reported us$ 76.1 million in adjusted gross proceeds, which is total bets minus payouts, according to data released today by the Colorado Division of Gaming. That represents the second best month in Colorado gaming history, trailing only the us$ 76.5 million posted in July 2007.

Cripple Creek casinos posted adjusted gross proceeds of us$ 15.1 million and Central City had us$ 6.6 million.

On July 2, the maximum bet was raised to us$ 100 from us$ 5 and casinos were allowed to offer craps and roulette table games and stay open 24 hours rather than having to close at 2 a.m. The changes were approved by voters.

The industry's table games revenue increased 111 % with the addition of craps and roulette.