A Period of Adjustment
Oops! That big hissing sound is the gaming balloon that experienced been expanding more than the a long time, gradually dropping air. But, it has not been a tide that reduced all ships nonetheless, as some rising and growing gaming jurisdictions confirmed robust progress in 2008.
General, the industrial and racetrack on line casino sectors (excluding Indian gaming), skilled a three.5 p.c drop in gaming revenues for 2008, making a complete of $36.two billion, down some $800 million from 2007. It was the Racino sector that has tempered this fall, as they showed a gain of almost $1 billion in 2008, thus bringing the Professional sector market place drop to $1.8 billion, or 6.7 p.c. Nevada was the greatest loser in 2008, dropping virtually $1.three billion, far more than 50 % of which stemmed from the Las Vegas Strip phase.
Hunkering Down
For the most component, casino operators ended up caught reasonably flat-footed by the extent of the 2008 revenue downturn, as it was not till the 3rd and fourth quarters when it really nosedived. Driving the crest of year above yr market growth across the place and the availability of enough credit rating and equity cash, new design and enlargement proliferated in current several years. Nowadays, confronted with the realities of declining, or at very best stagnant demand, numerous of these projects are now regarded above-leveraged and/or over-sized. As a end result a lot of gaming firms are attempting to renegotiate their credit card debt – produced a lot more difficult by reduce valuations – whilst also paring down operational expenses. The latter has turn into a extremely problematic conundrum when working with the competition, specially in individuals jurisdictions that are now vying for market place shares with new emerging on line casino projects in neighboring areas. A subject we go over much more fully in the Condition by Point out examination segment of this publication.
As a outcome of these conditions the gaming business landscape is now strewn with impending fatalities. Between the more notable troubled firms are Station Casinos, Empire Resorts, Harrah’s Leisure, Greektown Holdings, Legends Gaming, Tropicana Leisure, Herbst Gaming and the listing grows every week.
“How prolonged will these financial situations persist, and are we at the base but?” are questions no one appears to be answering but. What is obvious even so is that most gaming jurisdictions will have to find out how to offer with a scaled-down pie.
Be aware:
This analysis includes only gaming revenues of certified casinos and pari-mutuel shops that offer you casino game titles, and not Indian gaming functions, card rooms, or small non-on line casino variety slot areas. The entire post, including revenue tables is accessible on our world wide web webpage.
Enter/Output Design
A important element that looks to have arisen from the ashes of this existing development is that several on line casino projects ended up just too massive to support on their own. The enter, in conditions of expense bucks, was not proportional to the output, in conditions of net earnings after personal debt provider, compared to formerly reached benefits. A lot more and/or even bigger is not usually greater. Seeing the rise in non-gaming revenue at the Las Vegas Strip resorts, gave impetus to the development of far more comprehensive amenities in numerous other jurisdictions. The flaw in this technique however is that the fees associated with widening industry penetration and occasioned-use, are drastically increased than those incurred to entice the foundation market place.
As daytripper markets grow to be far more competitive, on line casino venues will have to count much more and far more on their in-residence hotel patrons, and dimensions their properties (and expectations) accordingly. While Steve Wynn commenced a major trend in making up-marketplace mega-destinations, there just was not adequate demand from customers on the Strip to warrant the numerous other related initiatives that adopted that aimed at the identical niche.
The trick is to strike a satisfied medium in undertaking configurations which of program need considerably less of a ‘seat-of-pants’ method, and one that is far more examined. A shameless plug for advancement consultants like ourselves.
Other Gaming Activities
Even though there are no released in depth knowledge of American Indian gaming revenues, anecdotal proof appears to recommend that this segment has been as tough hit as the Commercial sector. The two Connecticut Indian gaming installations report slot revenue of $1.six billion in 2008, symbolizing a fall of about 7 percent, or almost $114 million, far more than doubling the 3.5 percent drop from the calendar year ahead of. This industry is seemingly nonetheless reeling from the ripple-result of a casino growth in Rhode Island, and the opening of slot operations in New York and Pennsylvania.
The Arizona Section of Gaming reports that contributions based mostly on a gaming profits method from the state’s 23 Indian gaming casinos, have been declining every quarter in 2008 compared to the prior calendar year lowering .eight % in the 1st quarter, seven.5 percent in the next quarter, nine.five % in the 3rd quarter, and 16.1 % in the fourth quarter.
Some SEC reporting Indian gaming properties report comparable decreases. Seneca Gaming, which operates a few Class III casinos in upstate New York, reports that even though calendar year 2008 showed an nearly two percent expansion price in gaming revenues, there was an 8.7 p.c decline in the third quarter and an virtually ten p.c decline in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with 2007. Gaming revenue developments at nearby Niagara Falls, Ontario had been down 1.five% in 2008 when compared with 2007.
It is been a blended-bag for condition lotteries across the nation. The North American Association of State & Provincial Lotteries stories that U.S. lotteries generated a total of $sixty.six billion in revenue in fiscal 2008, up about 3 per cent from the earlier year however some jurisdictions noted decreases, most notably California, which showed an 8 p.c drop. Inasmuch as some of these states are on a variety of fiscal 12 months finishes, it would seem to be that the info does not reflect the influence of 3rd and/or fourth quarter outcomes.
According to information supplied by Equibase, horse racing pari-mutuel revenues keep on their downward spiral, slipping 7 per cent to $thirteen.seven billion in 2008, versus $14.7 billion in 2007.
Planned & Proposed New Expansions
As earlier observed, it has been new gaming jurisdictions that have spawned considerably of the growth in once-a-year casino/racino revenues over the a long time, and their effect is apt to keep on into the around potential.
Florida
Miami Dade voters approved a ballot situation that permits each and every of three pari-mutuels to have a casino facility of up to 2,000 slot machines. The Flagler Pet Track and Miami Jai-Alai are reportedly organizing opening in late 2009 or early 2010, while the Calder set up in Miami Gardens has however to introduced its plans. There are numerous other proposals being deemed that would more grow on line casino advancement during the condition.
Illinois
The state ultimately acquired about to reissuing its tenth license, late in December, 2008 awarding it to Midwest Gaming & Leisure, LLC for a 1,two hundred+ sport on line casino positioned in Des Plaines just east of O’Hare. The new facility is not very likely to open till 2010. There has also been some dialogue about making it possible for an boost in per area gaming positions and slots at racetracks, although neither initiative appears to have any traction at this time.
Kansas
The state’s expanded lottery system that allows for the advancement of four casino gaming zones and slots at current horse and dog tracks seems mired, as only a single facility is presently below design, whilst a few other proposals were rescinded. The only bidder on the Cherokee County agreement, claimed it could not compete with the new Quapaw tribal casino in Oklahoma, which is positioned so near to the state line that its parking lot is in Kansas. The Boot Hill Casino Resort in Dodge City is planing a December 2009 opening with 575 slots and ten table games, alongside with a 2nd phase due to open up in 2011 with 875 slots and twenty table online games. The condition has extended the software process for the other three zones until April, 2009.
Kentucky
There is nevertheless a lot of ‘jockeying’ heading on, but the prospect of as several as 8 slot parlors and racinos appears to be again on the front-burner, but very likely not solved during the recent legislative session.
Las Vegas
There are about 14,000 rooms scheduled to appear on line in 2009, with the most latest getting the 390 space M Resort in Henderson. There are expansions underway at the two Caesars Palace and Challenging Rock and new hotels incorporate two components of the City Middle undertaking, and the Fountainebleau.
Louisiana
Pinnacle Entertainment’s new on line casino growth initiatives in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, even though delayed, are described to nevertheless be on-observe for opening this calendar year and/or early 2010.
Maine
There is a monthly bill below consideration that could much more than double Penn National’s slot devices to 3,000, as nicely as a proposal that would get rid of the restriction that slots be situated in 5 miles of the monitor. Scarborough Downs, which has been unsuccessful in convincing regional citizens to let slots, may possibly be contemplating relocating to a a lot more hospitable town.
Maryland
A referendum was approved in November, 2008 that permits for the improvement of five casinos with a complete of fifteen,000 slots, and now the bidding war is afoot though it is not as powerful as the state had anticipated.
Mississippi
Grand Soleil On line casino Vacation resort in Natchez had been slated to open in 2008, but has run into various financing troubles and while the hotel part is open up, the riverboat is reported to open up in the Spring of ’09. Harrah’s Margaritaville Casino in Biloxi, while scaled back fairly, is nonetheless on observe to open this 12 months.
New England
Massachusetts, a sleeping-giant in phrases of industry likely, is nonetheless maneuvering to open casinos/racinos, and/or a Class III Indian gaming facility, but cannot look to muster the political assist. A latest research accomplished by Dartmouth University estimates that Massachusetts resident expended a lot more than $920 million last 12 months at Connecticut casinos and slot machine parlors in Rhode Island and Maine. The New Hampshire legislature just lately declined an selection to produce casinos, nevertheless the topic is very likely to be revisited, especially if Massachusetts decides to go forward. There are also makes an attempt in Maine to rethink its alternatives.
New Jersey
Atlantic City’s casinos have imposed their political will on staving off the addition of slot devices at racetracks by not too long ago agreeing to proceed augmenting purses with an extra tax. The governor however, has appointed a new panel to study the state’s sagging racing plan which ironically, can only be preserved by enabling the tracks to have slot devices specially at the Meadowlands. (See The Nor’easter Squeeze area)
New York
Just when it looked as if Aqueduct’s four,500 VLT facility would ultimately be designed, the profitable bidder indicated an lack of ability to make the necessary $370 million charge, citing the present lending local climate, and throwing the undertaking again into the lap of the governor. Though the industry desire in the region could be regarded really sturdy, the prospect of additional competition from close by Belmont could have an affect on Aqueduct’s underlining economic feasibility, specially contemplating that slightly less than 30% of the internet earn is retained by the operator.
Ideas to relocate Monticello Raceway into a resort sophisticated are getting reconsidered maybe owing to each the possible opening of at minimum 1 or perhaps two racino functions in the NY metro area, and the resurfacing of initiatives to advancement a Course III Indian gaming facility in the Catskills.
Ohio
However another gaming proposal is currently being put forth in Ohio, soon after very last year’s version was turned down by the voters. This strategy calls for one casino each and every in the state’s largest towns: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. There would be a least investment decision essential of $250 million, as nicely as an preliminary licensing payment of $fifty million, and a 33 % tax on gaming earnings.
Pennsylvania
The Sands in Bethlehem is because of to open up in the Spring of ’09, and the new Rivers task in Pittsburgh is expected to be operational in August, ’09 while Philadelphia’s two slot amenities even now wallow in a political mire, but are expected to start off construction this 12 months.
South Dakota
The Lodge at Deadwood is slated to open in the Fall of 2009, and incorporate three hundred video games, a hundred and forty rooms and a wide selection of amenities.
Texas
Legislators are proposing a voter referendum that would amend the point out structure to allow on line casino gambling in specified places, as well as let gambling on American Indian lands in Texas and at current racetracks.
West Virginia
The Greenbriar, the state’s venerable resort facility has submitted for individual bankruptcy, but has a new suitor in Marriott Accommodations, who have reportedly tendered an offer you. luxury12 has proffered the idea of enabling the resort to offer you on line casino games, but this hard work is in too early a phase to have any traction a single way or an additional.
Indian Gaming
A recent Supreme Courtroom ruling that restricts the having of lands into believe in on behalf of federally regarded American Indian tribes has even more stymied some new Class III gaming tasks across the place. Moreover, there were eleven Indian casino projects rejected by the DOI last year because of its new rule that casinos have to be close to ample to a reservation that tribal customers can perform at them. It has been recommended that the new Obama administration might be much more sympathetic to the development of Indian gaming projects, but this problem has nevertheless to be tackled.
Meanwhile, there are other Class III projects in the numerous phases of advancement. The Seneca casino undertaking in Buffalo, NY, while running a small short term facility, has delayed an already under design everlasting facility right up until the market place rebounds. They have also expressed an fascination in building a on line casino in the Catskills. The condition gaming compact with Seminoles in Florida is becoming challenged, and could impact their strategies for larger assignments. There are new Indian gaming tasks established to open up in Michigan and Oklahoma this 12 months, and other folks are in the preparing phase. Texas may possibly permit the reopening of Indian gaming services and permit other venue and there are programs afoot by the Navajos in Arizona to assemble extra casinos. California is poised to open up two to a few new Class III casinos in 2009/10.
The Nor’easter Squeeze
Whole gaming earnings in Atlantic Metropolis has declined 7.6 p.c, from $four.9 billion in 2007 to $four.five billion in 2008 with decreases continuing into 2009, as the town is finding by itself in an extreme comp-war with the Pennsylvania venues. At 1 time the only casinos in the Northeast ended up positioned in Atlantic Town, exactly where it seemed as if it may truly even eclipse the Las Vegas Strip’s yearly gaming revenues.
Gradually however its market place share was becoming encroached on, 1st by the development of a big Course III gaming procedure in Connecticut, and then another slots functions in Rhode Island, and then video clip lottery terminals at New York racetracks, racinos in West Virginia and Delaware, and most recently Pennsylvania.
Now, with the planned opening of slot functions in Maryland, the impending opening of a new casino in Bethlehem, PA, and sooner or later two operations in Philadelphia, the noose is tightening about Atlantic City’s potential prospective customers. It’s reliance on working day-trippers lulled it into a bogus sense of security, and it now finds by itself possessing to redefine its mission statement to “location resort.”
The only problem with this approach however is that it is sick-geared up to pull it off. For all intents and reasons, Atlantic Metropolis is underneath-roomed and/or in excess of-gamed. There is basically not ample day-tripper industry to go about, and their efficient buying and selling area is tightening, as the peripheral populations northward now/will have a lot more all set accessibility to a widened supply in New York (Yonkers, and before long at Aqueduct and perhaps Belmont), westward in Pennsylvania and southward in Delaware, West Virginia and Maryland.
Other than the ocean entry, the city’s only genuine aggressive advantages are its lodge ability and the availability of desk game titles, even though the latter is most likely to eventuate in Pennsylvania, and perhaps Delaware. In order to adequately compete as a spot vacation resort the town requirements to produce extra guest rooms and not automatically gaming capability. By comparison, the Las Vegas Strip qualities – accurate gaming locations, in that they do not have significantly of a day-journey marketplace, apart from for the ‘locals’ – have an regular of .87 gaming positions per visitor room even though Atlantic City’s regular is 2.74 positions for every guest area.
It is not a coincidence that Atlantic City’s two premier accommodations, the Borgata and Harrah’s Marina, equally of which extra new rooms in 2008, ended up the the very least impacted by the most current downturn. The Borgata knowledgeable a gaming revenue drop of one.6 p.c, whilst Harrah’s Marina described a 4.9 percent improve in comparison to 2007. Additionally, the most difficult hit venues, namely the AC Hilton, Resorts and the Trump Marina, also have the smallest number of rooms. In the meantime some of the venues are teetering on viability, which includes the the Trump properties and Resorts with the hoped for sale of the Tropicana has been even more delayed, and dropping valuation.
With a constant rise in gaming revenues via 2006, the town seemed prime for additional growth, which precipitated arranging for 4 new vacation resort assignments, each of which have now been indefinitely delayed. Revel Amusement Group’s $2.five billion task continues to be an iron skeleton, Pinnacle Leisure has introduced it may look for to market its razed Sands web site, MGM Mirage has shelved its casino plans, and Penn National appears to have stopped its pursuit of the Bader Field airport website.