Video poker: Fewer Locations, Fewer Machines, More Money
Two hurricanes left fewer locations and even fewer machines, but gamblers are on pace to lose more money playing video poker this year than they did the year before. Even though play took a nosedive in the immediate weeks after Katrina and Rita, video poker revenue is up for the state's fiscal year, which ends June 30.
Through April, the machines had taken in $566. 3 million for 2005-06, compared with the year-ago figure of $485. 6 million. Last month alone, the 12,696 machines at bars, restaurants, truck stops, race tracks and off-track betting locations won $58. 2 million from gamblers. In April 2005, when there were 14,457 machines in operation, gamblers lost $51. 6 million, according to state police figures.
Almost all of the decline came in the number of bars and restaurants, especially in southern Louisiana, that are limited to a maximum of three machines each. The number of those establishments offering video poker fell by 468, according to state police. There were only three fewer truck stops operating last month - 152 - as compared with a year ago. Truck stops can offer up to 50 machines, depending upon fuel sales. And the number of machines in truck stops increased slightly.
May 23, 2006
Posted By Guy Akers
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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