Gaming win up in Carson, but down statewide

Statewide gaming win was down in August by more than $47 million.

The $1.016 billion reported by nonrestricted gaming licensees is a 4.4 percent decrease compared to August 2006.

But the Carson Valley Area, which includes valley portions of Douglas County and Carson City, saw an increase of 3.8 percent in total win. Gaming Control Board analyst Frank Streshley said he believes the increase to $11.46 million can be attributed to customers drawn to the Casino Fandango by the opening of its new digital theater complex.

"That had to be a pretty good draw for that property," he said.

But it didn't entirely erase the 4.4 percent drop in win reported for July. The area is still a quarter percent below the first two months of last fiscal year.

Streshley said Carson was one of the few locals markets in the state to do well in August. Casinos in North Las Vegas, Mesquite and the Boulder Strip all took double digit hits.

The properties say the head counts are pretty good but people aren't spending as much," said Streshley.

He said with the economy flat, housing market in a deep slump and construction pretty much shut down, people aren't spending as much in the casinos.

Statewide, he said, there were no major special events such as a big boxing match or concert. He said Baccarat play was down sharply.

"We've been kind of spoiled with strong Baccarat play for months. In August we had the first month in a while where it turned down."

He said the amount wagered on the state's Baccarat tables was down 38 percent.

As a result, Clark County was down 5.4 percent from last year to $838 million.

Reno's total fell 1.6 percent to $67.4 million and Washoe County as a whole just under a percent to $95.7 million.

North Shore casinos reported essentially flat numbers - about a sixth of a percent increase from last year to $4.93 million.

South Shore casinos reported a 6.3 percent drop in win to $30.47 million. Games win was up 27 percent at Stateline. The biggest change was in craps which won $754,000 for those casinos this year compared to a $105,000 loss last year.

That increase, however, was more than offset by the 13 percent drop in slot win for August.

Because of the weak August, tax collections from gaming are now 7.5 percent behind what they were forecast by the Economic Forum. Total general fund collections from the gross gaming tax total $182.8 million this fiscal year.

Despite the downturn, Gov. Jim Gibbons said he is confident 2007 will rally into another record year for the gaming industry.

Streshley said he expects the numbers to jump upward in December when the Plaza opens in Las Vegas - the first major new resort opening in the state since Red Rock in April 2006. After December, he said, the state can expect new and large properties to open their doors for the next five years.

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

August wins

Area August Win Change

Statewide $1.016 billion -4.4%

Carson Valley $11.46 million 3.84%

South Shore $30.47 million -6.33%

North Shore $4.93 million 0.15%

Washoe County $95.74 million -0.87%

Reno $67.4 million -1.64%

Clark County $838 million -5.42%

Las Vegas Strip $531.5 million -4.45%