A Period of time of Adjustment
Oops! That giant hissing sound is the gaming balloon that had been growing over the years, little by little getting rid of air. But, it has not been a tide that decreased all ships however, as some emerging and expanding gaming jurisdictions confirmed robust expansion in 2008.
Overall, the business and racetrack on line casino sectors (excluding Indian gaming), knowledgeable a three.five per cent drop in gaming revenues for 2008, creating a overall 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 practically $1 billion in 2008, thereby bringing the Commercial sector industry decline to $1.eight billion, or 6.seven p.c. Nevada was the biggest loser in 2008, dropping almost $one.three billion, far more than half of which stemmed from the Las Vegas Strip section.
Hunkering Down
For the most part, on line casino operators were caught reasonably flat-footed by the extent of the 2008 income downturn, as it was not until finally the 3rd and fourth quarters when it really nosedived. Using the crest of yr in excess of calendar year market place development throughout the region and the availability of enough credit rating and equity resources, new design and expansion proliferated in latest a long time. Today, confronted with the realities of declining, or at best stagnant demand, several of these projects are now deemed above-leveraged and/or in excess of-sized. As a result several gaming organizations are making an attempt to renegotiate their credit card debt – produced more challenging by reduce valuations – whilst also paring down operational charges. The latter has turn into a very problematic conundrum when dealing with the opposition, especially in people jurisdictions that are now vying for industry shares with new emerging casino initiatives in neighboring areas. A matter we examine more fully in the Point out by Point out analysis segment of this publication.
As a result of these circumstances the gaming sector landscape is now strewn with impending fatalities. Between the far more noteworthy troubled companies are Station Casinos, Empire Resorts, Harrah’s Entertainment, Greektown Holdings, Legends Gaming, Tropicana Enjoyment, Herbst Gaming and the listing grows each and every 7 days.
“How prolonged will these economic situations persist, and are we at the bottom nevertheless?” are inquiries no a single seems to be answering yet. What is clear nevertheless is that most gaming jurisdictions will have to find out how to offer with a scaled-down pie.
Note:
This evaluation consists of only gaming revenues of certified casinos and pari-mutuel shops that supply on line casino video games, and not Indian gaming functions, card rooms, or modest non-on line casino type slot places. The complete post, such as revenue tables is obtainable on our internet web page.
Enter/Output Model
A crucial factor that seems to have arisen from the ashes of this existing development is that a lot of casino projects had been just as well huge to assist themselves. The input, in phrases of investment decision pounds, was not proportional to the output, in terms of web income soon after debt service, compared to previously reached benefits. Far more and/or greater is not always far better. Looking at the rise in non-gaming revenue at the Las Vegas Strip resorts, gave impetus to the advancement of a lot more complete facilities in numerous other jurisdictions. The flaw in this approach nonetheless is that the expenses related with widening market penetration and occasioned-use, are drastically larger than individuals incurred to appeal to the base market.
As daytripper marketplaces grow to be a lot more aggressive, casino venues will have to count a lot more and far more on their in-house resort patrons, and measurement their houses (and anticipations) accordingly. Although Steve Wynn commenced a major pattern in making up-market mega-locations, there basically was not adequate desire on the Strip to warrant the a lot of other comparable projects that followed that aimed at the exact same specialized niche.
The trick is to strike a pleased medium in task configurations which of system need much less of a ‘seat-of-pants’ technique, and a single that is much more studied. A shameless plug for growth consultants like ourselves.
Other Gaming Actions
Even though there are no released detailed knowledge of American Indian gaming revenues, anecdotal evidence seems to propose that this segment has been as challenging hit as the Business sector. The two Connecticut Indian gaming installations report slot earnings of $1.six billion in 2008, symbolizing a drop of about 7 %, or almost $114 million, much more than doubling the three.5 p.c fall from the calendar year just before. This market place is evidently nonetheless reeling from the ripple-influence of a on line casino growth in Rhode Island, and the opening of slot functions in New York and Pennsylvania.
The Arizona Division of Gaming reports that contributions based mostly on a gaming income method from the state’s 23 Indian gaming casinos, have been declining each quarter in 2008 compared to the prior year lowering .eight % in the first quarter, seven.5 per cent in the next quarter, nine.five % in the 3rd quarter, and sixteen.1 p.c in the fourth quarter.
Some SEC reporting Indian gaming qualities report comparable decreases. Seneca Gaming, which operates a few Class III casinos in upstate New York, reviews that even though calendar 12 months 2008 showed an almost 2 p.c growth price in gaming revenues, there was an 8.seven % decrease in the 3rd quarter and an practically 10 p.c drop in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with 2007. Gaming earnings traits at nearby Niagara Falls, Ontario had been down 1.five% in 2008 in comparison with 2007.
It truly is been a mixed-bag for point out lotteries across the nation. The North American Affiliation of Point out & Provincial Lotteries reports that U.S. lotteries created a total of $60.six billion in revenue in fiscal 2008, up about three p.c from the previous 12 months but some jurisdictions reported decreases, most notably California, which showed an eight per cent drop. Inasmuch as some of these states are on a variety of fiscal 12 months finishes, it would seem to be that the information does not replicate the impact of third and/or fourth quarter final results.
In accordance to information provided by Equibase, horse racing pari-mutuel revenues carry on their downward spiral, slipping 7 per cent to $thirteen.7 billion in 2008, versus $fourteen.7 billion in 2007.
Planned & Proposed New Expansions
As previously mentioned, it has been new gaming jurisdictions that have spawned significantly of the expansion in yearly on line casino/racino revenues in excess of the years, and their effect is apt to keep on into the close to long term.
Florida
Miami Dade voters authorized a ballot problem that allows every single of 3 pari-mutuels to have a casino facility of up to two,000 slot machines. The Flagler Pet Observe and Miami Jai-Alai are reportedly arranging opening in late 2009 or early 2010, although the Calder set up in Miami Gardens has nevertheless to introduced its programs. There are numerous other proposals becoming considered that would more increase casino improvement through the condition.
Illinois
The condition lastly acquired all around to reissuing its tenth license, late in December, 2008 awarding it to Midwest Gaming & Leisure, LLC for a one,200+ sport on line casino found in Des Plaines just east of O’Hare. The new facility is not most likely to open right up until 2010. There has also been some discussion about allowing an boost in for every spot gaming positions and slots at racetracks, although neither initiative seems to have any traction at this time.
Kansas
The state’s expanded lottery program that allows for the advancement of 4 on line casino gaming zones and slots at present horse and canine tracks seems mired, as only a single facility is presently beneath design, whilst 3 other proposals ended up rescinded. The only bidder on the Cherokee County agreement, claimed it could not contend with the new Quapaw tribal on line casino in Oklahoma, which is positioned so near to the condition line that its parking great deal is in Kansas. The Boot Hill On line casino Resort in Dodge City is planing a December 2009 opening with 575 slots and ten table online games, along with a next phase because of to open up in 2011 with 875 slots and 20 table video games. The condition has prolonged the application process for the other a few zones until finally April, 2009.
Kentucky
There is nonetheless a great deal of ‘jockeying’ going on, but the prospect of as a lot of as 8 slot parlors and racinos appears to be back on the front-burner, but most likely not solved for the duration of the current legislative session.
Las Vegas
There are about fourteen,000 rooms scheduled to appear on line in 2009, with the most modern getting the 390 room M Resort in Henderson. There are expansions underway at the two Caesars Palace and Challenging Rock and new lodges incorporate two components of the Metropolis Middle task, and the Fountainebleau.
Louisiana
Pinnacle Entertainment’s new casino growth projects in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, while delayed, are described to even now be on-keep track of for opening this year and/or early 2010.
Maine
There is a invoice beneath thing to consider that could a lot more than double Penn National’s slot equipment to 3,000, as nicely as a proposal that would remove the restriction that slots be situated inside five miles of the keep track of. Scarborough Downs, which has been unsuccessful in convincing regional inhabitants to permit slots, may be considering relocating to a far more hospitable city.
Maryland
A referendum was accepted in November, 2008 that permits for the advancement of five casinos with a overall of 15,000 slots, and now the bidding war is afoot even though it is not as extreme as the point out had expected.
Mississippi
Grand Soleil Casino Resort in Natchez had been slated to open in 2008, but has run into different funding concerns and whilst the lodge portion is open up, the riverboat is documented to open up in the Spring of ’09. Harrah’s Margaritaville Casino in Biloxi, although scaled again considerably, is nevertheless on monitor to open this yr.
New England
Massachusetts, a sleeping-big in terms of market possible, is even now maneuvering to open casinos/racinos, and/or a Class III Indian gaming facility, but cannot seem to be to muster the political support. A modern review finished by Dartmouth College estimates that Massachusetts resident invested much more than $920 million final yr at Connecticut casinos and slot equipment parlors in Rhode Island and Maine. The New Hampshire legislature just lately declined an option to produce casinos, even so the subject is likely to be revisited, specially if Massachusetts decides to go ahead. There are also attempts in Maine to rethink its possibilities.
New Jersey
Atlantic City’s casinos have imposed their political will on staving off the addition of slot equipment at racetracks by not too long ago agreeing to proceed augmenting purses with an additional tax. The governor however, has appointed a new panel to research the state’s sagging racing software which ironically, can only be preserved by allowing the tracks to have slot machines specifically at the Meadowlands. (See The Nor’easter Squeeze area)
New York
Just when it looked as if Aqueduct’s four,500 VLT facility would finally be designed, the profitable bidder indicated an lack of ability to make the necessary $370 million charge, citing the existing lending weather, and throwing the task back into the lap of the governor. Though the market place demand in the area could be considered very robust, the prospect of further competitors from close by Belmont could have an impact on Aqueduct’s underlining financial feasibility, specifically considering that marginally significantly less than thirty% of the net get is retained by the operator.
Ideas to relocate Monticello Raceway into a vacation resort complex are being reconsidered perhaps owing to both the possible opening of at the very least 1 or probably two racino functions in the NY metro area, and the resurfacing of initiatives to growth a Class III Indian gaming facility in the Catskills.
Ohio
Nevertheless an additional gaming proposal is currently being place forth in Ohio, soon after final year’s edition was turned down by the voters. This prepare calls for one particular on line casino every single in the state’s biggest towns: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. There would be a least expense essential of $250 million, as effectively as an preliminary licensing price of $50 million, and a 33 percent tax on gaming revenue.
Pennsylvania
The Sands in Bethlehem is owing 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 still wallow in a political mire, but are anticipated to commence development this year.
South Dakota
The Lodge at Deadwood is slated to open up in the Slide of 2009, and contain three hundred game titles, a hundred and forty rooms and a extensive selection of facilities.
Texas
Legislators are proposing a voter referendum that would amend the point out structure to permit casino gambling in specified regions, as properly as enable gambling on American Indian lands in Texas and at current racetracks.
West Virginia
The Greenbriar, the state’s venerable vacation resort facility has submitted for individual bankruptcy, but has a new suitor in Marriott Resorts, who have reportedly tendered an offer you. State government has proffered the notion of making it possible for the resort to provide on line casino games, but this effort is in way too early a stage to have any traction 1 way or another.
Indian Gaming
A latest Supreme Court ruling that restricts the using of lands into believe in on behalf of federally regarded American Indian tribes has further stymied some new Class III gaming assignments across the place. Moreover, there ended up eleven Indian on line casino projects turned down by the DOI final calendar year since of its new rule that casinos should be around adequate to a reservation that tribal users can operate at them. It has been suggested that the new Obama administration may be much more sympathetic to the growth of Indian gaming projects, but this situation has but to be dealt with.
In the meantime, there are other Class III projects in the a variety of stages of improvement. The Seneca on line casino venture in Buffalo, NY, even though functioning a small momentary facility, has delayed an currently beneath construction everlasting facility until finally the market rebounds. They have also expressed an desire in building a on line casino in the Catskills. The point out gaming compact with Seminoles in Florida is currently being challenged, and could impact their strategies for bigger tasks. There are new Indian gaming tasks established to open up in Michigan and Oklahoma this year, and other individuals are in the organizing phase. Texas could allow the reopening of Indian gaming facilities and let other venue and there are plans afoot by the Navajos in Arizona to build extra casinos. California is poised to open two to 3 new Class III casinos in 2009/ten.
The Nor’easter Squeeze
Total gaming profits in Atlantic Town has declined 7.six per cent, from $four.nine billion in 2007 to $four.five billion in 2008 with decreases continuing into 2009, as the town is finding by itself in an powerful comp-war with the Pennsylvania venues. At one time the only casinos in the Northeast have been found in Atlantic Town, where it appeared as if it may truly even eclipse the Las Vegas Strip’s yearly gaming revenues.
Little by little nevertheless its market share was being encroached on, first by the growth of a massive Course III gaming procedure in Connecticut, and then an additional slots functions in Rhode Island, and then online video lottery terminals at New York racetracks, racinos in West Virginia and Delaware, and most not too long ago Pennsylvania.
Now, with the prepared opening of slot functions in Maryland, the impending opening of a new on line casino in Bethlehem, PA, and sooner or later two functions in Philadelphia, the noose is tightening around Atlantic City’s long term prospective customers. It’s reliance on working day-trippers lulled it into a untrue perception of security, and it now finds itself obtaining to redefine its mission assertion to “location resort.”
The only issue with this method nonetheless is that it is sick-outfitted to pull it off. For all intents and functions, Atlantic City is below-roomed and/or more than-gamed. There is just not enough day-tripper marketplace to go all around, and their successful trading area is tightening, as the peripheral populations northward now/will have more all set access to a widened provide 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 obtain, the city’s only true aggressive positive aspects are its lodge capacity and the availability of desk games, though the latter is most likely to eventuate in Pennsylvania, and possibly Delaware. In order to adequately contend as a destination resort the metropolis demands to build additional guest rooms and not automatically gaming ability. By comparison, the Las Vegas Strip qualities – true gaming locations, in that they do not have significantly of a working day-vacation industry, except for the ‘locals’ – have an average of .87 gaming positions for each visitor area whilst Atlantic City’s common is 2.seventy four positions per visitor space.
It is not a coincidence that Atlantic City’s two largest accommodations, the Borgata and Harrah’s Marina, each of which extra new rooms in 2008, had been the minimum impacted by the most current downturn. The Borgata experienced a gaming profits fall of 1.6 percent, while Harrah’s Marina documented a 4.nine per cent increase in contrast to 2007. Furthermore, the most difficult strike 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 qualities and Resorts with the hoped for sale of the Tropicana has been more delayed, and dropping valuation.
With a steady rise in gaming revenues through 2006, the city appeared primary for additional improvement, which precipitated organizing for 4 new resort initiatives, every of which have now been indefinitely delayed. Revel Enjoyment Group’s $two.5 billion undertaking stays an iron skeleton, Pinnacle Leisure has declared it may well look for to promote its razed Sands web site, MGM Mirage has shelved its on line casino strategies, and Penn Nationwide appears to have stopped its pursuit of the Bader Area airport web site. pussy88