Northwest Indiana’s three casinos reported revenues of $69 million in September and $73.4 million in October, according to the Indiana Gaming Commission’s monthly gaming report.
The September revenues decreased from September 2023 revenues, which were $ 73.5 million, while the October revenues increased from October 2023, which were $71.6 million, according to the reports.
Hard Rock Northern Indiana remained a bright spot for earnings with about $37.4 million reported for September, an increase over September 2023 reported $34.2 million, according to the report. In October, Hard Rock reported earnings of $38.9 million, which was an increase over October 2023 reported $32.9 million.
Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, said September was a strong month in which the casino saw about a 9% increase compared to September 2023.
Labor Day weekend in 2023 fell completely within the month of September, while this year the long weekend was split between August and September, so to see September revenues increase by 9% was a strong report back, Schuffert said.
Comparing October year over year, Schuffert said Hard Rock saw an 18% increase, and “every aspect of our business was up,” from new gaming options to entertainment.
“Certainly a great October and September from Hard Rock’s perspective,” Schuffert said.
In September, Ameristar Casino in East Chicago reported a win of $12.6 million in 2024 while Horseshoe Hammond reported just over $19 million. Those figures compared to $14.5 million and $24.8 million in wins respectively for September 2023.
In October, Ameristar Casino in East Chicago reported a win of $13.9 million in 2024 while Horseshoe Hammond reported just $20.6 million. Those figures compared to $15.3 million and $23.4 million in wins respectively for October 2023.
All three Northwest Indiana casinos saw an increase in revenues from September to October this year.
Ameristar reported about $12.6 million in September and $13.9 million in October, while Horseshoe Hammond reported just over $19 million in revenues in September compared to about $20.6 million in October. Hard Rock reported about $37.4 million in September and $38.9 million in October.
But all three Northwest Indiana casinos saw decreases in revenues from August to September of this year.
Ameristar reported about $15.1 million in August compared to $12.6 million in September, while Horseshoe Hammond reported $20.6 million in August compared to just over $19 million in September. Hard Rock reported $38.1 million in August and about $37.4 million in September.
Looking ahead to November, Schuffert said the casino anticipates another strong month but it’s too soon to tell. The end of the month saw snow and a decrease in temperatures, which could impact revenues, he said.
But Hard Rock has six concerts scheduled for the final 10 days of the month, Schuffert said, so that could help November revenue. Additionally, the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after the Thanksgiving holiday tend to boost November numbers because people go out with family and friends that weekend to kick off the holiday season, he said.
“There’s a lot going on here as we close out November, so every indication is that it’ll be certainly a strong November,” Schuffert said. “Any time people have time off from work that they can devote to entertainment benefits our business.”
akukulka@post-trib.com
