Gaming breaks records in March

Nevada gaming numbers set records across the state in March with total monthly win surpassing $1 billion for the first time in state history.

The total $1.031 billion is a 10.9 percent increase over the previous record month which was $930 million in win reported in March 2004.

"Every market in the south excluding downtown Las Vegas was an all-time record," said Gaming Control Board analyst Frank Streshley.

The Strip, he said, exceeded $500 million in total win for the first time.

Every part of the state enjoyed the boom in gaming except Washoe County which was up just two-thirds of a percent. Reno was the only reporting area in Nevada which reported a decrease - 1.56 percent.

The Carson Valley area and both ends of Lake Tahoe also had excellent months.

In Carson, which includes valley portions of Douglas as well as the capital city, a 9.27 percent gain translates to $9.68 million in winnings. Streshley said that is Carson's 23rd straight monthly increase.

South Shore rebounded from a couple of weak months caused by stormy weather that prevented customers from getting to Stateline. Casinos there reported $34.3 million in win - up 28.6 percent from the same month last year.

North Shore casinos, also held down by December and January storms, were the bright spot in Washoe County, reporting a 19.9 percent increase in win to just more than $3 million in win.

Washoe casinos reported $86.3 million in winnings for the month but Streshley said part of the problem is this is the one year in every three when that county doesn't have the American Bowling Congress tournaments.

Even Elko County casino operators had a record month, winning $22.5 million - a 10.5 percent increase over last March.

Streshley said slot win was a monthly record with $719.6 million in win - up 11 percent over March 2004. Statewide, game and table win was up 9.8 percent to almost $301 million.

n Contact reporter Geoff Dornan at gdornan@nevadaappeal.com or 687-8750.

Casino win

Area March win % change

Statewide $1.031 billion 10.91 percent

Clark County $864.9 million 11.42 percent

Las Vegas Strip $514.4 million 10.53 percent

Washoe County $86.3 million 0.67 percent

Reno $62.5 million -1.56 percent

North Lake Tahoe $3.06 million 19.94 percent

South Lake Tahoe $34.3 million 28.58 percent

Elko $22.5 million 10.45 percent

Carson Valley area $9.68 million 9.27 percent