A Interval of Adjustment
Oops! That big hissing audio is the gaming balloon that had been developing in excess of the a long time, slowly and gradually losing air. But, it has not been a tide that decreased all ships nevertheless, as some rising and growing gaming jurisdictions confirmed sturdy expansion in 2008.
All round, the professional and racetrack casino sectors (excluding Indian gaming), knowledgeable a 3.five p.c decrease in gaming revenues for 2008, generating a overall of $36.2 billion, down some $800 million from 2007. It was the Racino sector that has tempered this fall, as they confirmed a obtain of practically $one billion in 2008, therefore bringing the Industrial sector market place decline to $1.eight billion, or 6.seven %. Nevada was the biggest loser in 2008, dropping almost $1.three billion, more than 50 % of which stemmed from the Las Vegas Strip section.
Hunkering Down
For the most portion, casino operators were caught fairly flat-footed by the extent of the 2008 income downturn, as it was not right up until the third and fourth quarters when it genuinely nosedived. Using the crest of 12 months over year marketplace development across the region and the availability of ample credit score and equity funds, new design and growth proliferated in recent several years. Right now, confronted with the realities of declining, or at ideal stagnant demand, a lot of of these projects are now regarded as above-leveraged and/or above-sized. As a end result a lot of gaming businesses are attempting to renegotiate their credit card debt – created far more difficult by reduced valuations – while also paring down operational charges. The latter has grow to be a extremely problematic conundrum when working with the competition, specially in individuals jurisdictions that are now vying for market place shares with new emerging casino assignments in neighboring places. A subject matter we discuss more totally in the State by State examination segment of this publication.
As a result of these problems the gaming sector landscape is now strewn with impending fatalities. Among the a lot more noteworthy troubled corporations are Station Casinos, Empire Resorts, Harrah’s Amusement, Greektown Holdings, Legends Gaming, Tropicana Amusement, Herbst Gaming and the record grows every 7 days.
“How extended will these financial conditions persist, and are we at the base yet?” are concerns no 1 seems to be answering nevertheless. What is very clear even so is that most gaming jurisdictions will have to learn how to offer with a more compact pie.
Note:
This examination involves only gaming revenues of certified casinos and pari-mutuel retailers that provide casino games, and not Indian gaming operations, card rooms, or little non-on line casino variety slot places. The whole report, like earnings tables is available on our net website page.
Input/Output Product
A key factor that looks to have arisen from the ashes of this existing craze is that several casino assignments ended up just as well large to support on their own. The enter, in conditions of expense dollars, was not proportional to the output, in terms of net profit after debt provider, compared to formerly accomplished final results. Much more and/or bigger is not constantly much better. Observing the increase in non-gaming earnings at the Las Vegas Strip resorts, gave impetus to the development of a lot more comprehensive amenities in a lot of other jurisdictions. The flaw in this technique however is that the charges related with widening industry penetration and occasioned-use, are considerably larger than people incurred to draw in the foundation marketplace.
As daytripper marketplaces grow to be far more aggressive, on line casino venues will have to rely much more and a lot more on their in-property hotel patrons, and size their properties (and anticipations) accordingly. Although Steve Wynn started a major development in creating up-industry mega-destinations, there basically was not sufficient demand on the Strip to warrant the several other equivalent projects that followed that aimed at the exact same specialized niche.
The trick is to strike a pleased medium in task configurations which of training course call for less of a ‘seat-of-pants’ approach, and one particular that is a lot more researched. A shameless plug for growth consultants like ourselves.
Other Gaming Activities
Although there are no released in depth information of American Indian gaming revenues, anecdotal proof seems to suggest that this phase has been as tough strike as the Business sector. The two Connecticut Indian gaming installations report slot income of $1.six billion in 2008, symbolizing a drop of about 7 per cent, or virtually $114 million, more than doubling the 3.5 p.c fall from the year before. This industry is apparently nevertheless reeling from the ripple-effect of a casino expansion in Rhode Island, and the opening of slot operations in New York and Pennsylvania.
The Arizona Department of Gaming stories that contributions based on a gaming income method from the state’s 23 Indian gaming casinos, have been declining each and every quarter in 2008 compared to the preceding yr decreasing .8 percent in the first quarter, 7.five % in the 2nd quarter, nine.five percent in the third quarter, and 16.1 per cent in the fourth quarter.
Some SEC reporting Indian gaming qualities report comparable decreases. Seneca Gaming, which operates 3 Class III casinos in upstate New York, reviews that while calendar yr 2008 confirmed an nearly 2 % development charge in gaming revenues, there was an eight.seven p.c decrease in the 3rd quarter and an virtually 10 p.c decrease in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with 2007. Gaming revenue tendencies at close by Niagara Falls, Ontario were down 1.five% in 2008 in comparison with 2007.
It really is been a combined-bag for point out lotteries across the country. The North American Affiliation of Point out & Provincial Lotteries reviews that U.S. lotteries created a total of $60.6 billion in revenue in fiscal 2008, up about three per cent from the previous year nevertheless some jurisdictions reported decreases, most notably California, which showed an eight % fall. Inasmuch as some of these states are on a variety of fiscal calendar year finishes, it would seem that the data does not replicate the effect of 3rd and/or fourth quarter results.
According to data provided by Equibase, horse racing pari-mutuel revenues continue their downward spiral, falling 7 per cent to $thirteen.7 billion in 2008, vs . $14.seven billion in 2007.
Planned & Proposed New Expansions
As beforehand observed, it has been new gaming jurisdictions that have spawned much of the development in annual on line casino/racino revenues over the years, and their influence is apt to keep on into the in close proximity to long term.
Florida
Miami Dade voters accepted a ballot concern that makes it possible for every single of 3 pari-mutuels to have a casino facility of up to two,000 slot equipment. The Flagler Pet Monitor and Miami Jai-Alai are reportedly preparing opening in late 2009 or early 2010, even though the Calder installation in Miami Gardens has however to announced its strategies. There are numerous other proposals becoming deemed that would even more broaden on line casino advancement all through the state.
Illinois
The point out finally acquired around to reissuing its tenth license, late in December, 2008 awarding it to Midwest Gaming & Entertainment, LLC for a 1,two hundred+ game on line casino found in Des Plaines just east of O’Hare. The new facility is not likely to open up until finally 2010. There has also been some dialogue about allowing an improve in for each spot 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 makes it possible for for the advancement of 4 casino gaming zones and slots at present horse and pet tracks appears mired, as only one facility is presently underneath construction, even though 3 other proposals were rescinded. The only bidder on the Cherokee County contract, claimed it could not compete with the new Quapaw tribal on line casino in Oklahoma, which is situated so shut to the condition line that its parking whole lot is in Kansas. The Boot Hill Casino Vacation resort in Dodge City is planing a December 2009 opening with 575 slots and ten table online games, alongside with a 2nd stage due to open up in 2011 with 875 slots and 20 desk games. The condition has prolonged the software method for the other a few zones right up until April, 2009.
Kentucky
There is nevertheless a lot of ‘jockeying’ likely on, but the prospect of as numerous as 8 slot parlors and racinos appears to be back again on the entrance-burner, but very likely not fixed in the course of the current legislative session.
Las Vegas
There are about fourteen,000 rooms scheduled to appear on line in 2009, with the most recent currently being the 390 area M Resort in Henderson. There are expansions underway at equally Caesars Palace and Difficult Rock and new hotels consist of two factors of the Town Middle task, and the Fountainebleau.
Louisiana
Pinnacle Entertainment’s new casino improvement projects in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, even though delayed, are documented to still be on-keep track of for opening this year and/or early 2010.
Maine
There is a monthly bill beneath consideration that could far more than double Penn National’s slot devices to 3,000, as well as a proposal that would take away the restriction that slots be situated inside 5 miles of the observe. Scarborough Downs, which has been unsuccessful in convincing regional people to permit slots, may be contemplating moving to a much more hospitable town.
Maryland
A referendum was accepted in November, 2008 that permits for the improvement of 5 casinos with a whole of fifteen,000 slots, and now the bidding war is afoot despite the fact that it is not as intense as the point out had expected.
Mississippi
Grand Soleil Casino Vacation resort in Natchez had been slated to open up in 2008, but has run into different funding issues and whilst the lodge portion is open up, the riverboat is documented to open in the Spring of ’09. Harrah’s Margaritaville On line casino in Biloxi, whilst scaled back again fairly, is nonetheless on observe to open up this year.
New England
Massachusetts, a sleeping-giant in phrases of marketplace prospective, is even now maneuvering to open casinos/racinos, and/or a Course III Indian gaming facility, but can not look to muster the political assist. A current examine completed by Dartmouth College estimates that Massachusetts resident invested more than $920 million previous year at Connecticut casinos and slot device parlors in Rhode Island and Maine. The New Hampshire legislature recently declined an choice to build casinos, nonetheless the matter is likely to be revisited, particularly if Massachusetts decides to go ahead. There are also tries in Maine to reconsider its choices.
New Jersey
Atlantic City’s casinos have imposed their political will on staving off the addition of slot devices at racetracks by lately agreeing to carry on augmenting purses with an additional tax. The governor even so, has appointed a new panel to study the state’s sagging racing plan which ironically, can only be preserved by making it possible for the tracks to have slot equipment specifically at the Meadowlands. (See The Nor’easter Squeeze section)
New York
Just when it seemed as if Aqueduct’s 4,500 VLT facility would finally be designed, the profitable bidder indicated an lack of ability to make the required $370 million fee, citing the current lending climate, and throwing the undertaking back into the lap of the governor. Despite the fact that the market place demand from customers in the area could be considered very robust, the prospect of further competitors from close by Belmont could have an affect on Aqueduct’s underlining financial feasibility, especially considering that a bit less than thirty% of the web get is retained by the operator.
Strategies to relocate Monticello Raceway into a vacation resort complex are becoming reconsidered maybe owing to the two the possible opening of at the very least one particular or maybe two racino functions in the NY metro spot, and the resurfacing of initiatives to advancement a Course III Indian gaming facility in the Catskills.
Ohio
But another gaming proposal is getting set forth in Ohio, after final year’s model was turned down by the voters. This prepare calls for 1 on line casino each and every in the state’s biggest cities: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. There would be a bare minimum investment decision necessary of $250 million, as effectively as an original licensing fee of $fifty million, and a 33 percent tax on gaming earnings.
Pennsylvania
The Sands in Bethlehem is because of to open up in the Spring of ’09, and the new Rivers project in Pittsburgh is expected to be operational in August, ’09 whilst Philadelphia’s two slot facilities even now wallow in a political mire, but are anticipated to start off building this 12 months.
South Dakota
The Lodge at Deadwood is slated to open up in the Fall of 2009, and contain three hundred online games, 140 rooms and a vast selection of facilities.
Texas
Legislators are proposing a voter referendum that would amend the condition constitution to allow on line casino gambling in designated locations, 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 filed for personal bankruptcy, but has a new suitor in Marriott Lodges, who have reportedly tendered an offer you. Point out federal government has proffered the notion of permitting the resort to offer on line casino online games, but this energy is in also early a phase to have any traction a single way or an additional.
Indian Gaming
A recent Supreme Court ruling that restricts the taking of lands into trust on behalf of federally identified American Indian tribes has more stymied some new Course III gaming projects across the region. Moreover, there have been eleven Indian casino assignments turned down by the DOI very last yr since of its new rule that casinos have to be in close proximity to adequate to a reservation that tribal associates can operate at them. It has been suggested that the new Obama administration may possibly be more sympathetic to the improvement of Indian gaming tasks, but this problem has but to be tackled.
In the meantime, there are other Class III projects in the different phases of advancement. The Seneca casino project in Buffalo, NY, whilst operating a modest short-term facility, has delayed an already underneath building permanent facility till the market rebounds. totop10.com have also expressed an fascination in building a casino in the Catskills. The point out gaming compact with Seminoles in Florida is currently being challenged, and could affect their strategies for bigger projects. There are new Indian gaming assignments set to open up in Michigan and Oklahoma this year, and other folks are in the organizing phase. Texas might let the reopening of Indian gaming facilities and enable other location and there are ideas afoot by the Navajos in Arizona to build further casinos. California is poised to open two to 3 new Course III casinos in 2009/10.
The Nor’easter Squeeze
Complete gaming profits in Atlantic City has declined seven.6 p.c, from $four.9 billion in 2007 to $four.five billion in 2008 with decreases continuing into 2009, as the town is obtaining by itself in an extreme comp-war with the Pennsylvania venues. At one particular time the only casinos in the Northeast were found in Atlantic Metropolis, exactly where it seemed as if it might really even eclipse the Las Vegas Strip’s yearly gaming revenues.
Little by little nevertheless its marketplace share was getting encroached upon, first by the improvement of a huge Class III gaming procedure in Connecticut, and then yet another slots functions in Rhode Island, and then movie lottery terminals at New York racetracks, racinos in West Virginia and Delaware, and most lately Pennsylvania.
Now, with the planned opening of slot functions in Maryland, the impending opening of a new casino in Bethlehem, PA, and eventually two functions in Philadelphia, the noose is tightening close to Atlantic City’s foreseeable future prospective customers. It really is reliance on day-trippers lulled it into a false feeling of stability, and it now finds by itself having to redefine its mission statement to “location resort.”
The only dilemma with this technique however is that it is sick-equipped to pull it off. For all intents and needs, Atlantic Town is below-roomed and/or more than-gamed. There is basically not adequate working day-tripper market place to go about, and their successful trading spot is tightening, as the peripheral populations northward now/will have more ready entry to a widened provide in New York (Yonkers, and soon at Aqueduct and possibly Belmont), westward in Pennsylvania and southward in Delaware, West Virginia and Maryland.
Other than the ocean access, the city’s only real competitive positive aspects are its resort potential and the availability of table games, though the latter is most likely to eventuate in Pennsylvania, and potentially Delaware. In buy to sufficiently compete as a vacation spot resort the town requirements to produce added visitor rooms and not automatically gaming capacity. By comparison, the Las Vegas Strip homes – correct gaming destinations, in that they do not have a lot of a working day-vacation market place, except for the ‘locals’ – have an regular of .87 gaming positions for every guest space although Atlantic City’s typical is 2.seventy four positions for each guest place.
It is not a coincidence that Atlantic City’s two premier hotels, the Borgata and Harrah’s Marina, the two of which included new rooms in 2008, had been the least impacted by the latest downturn. The Borgata experienced a gaming profits drop of 1.six percent, while Harrah’s Marina reported a 4.nine percent enhance when compared to 2007. In addition, the most difficult strike venues, specifically the AC Hilton, Resorts and the Trump Marina, also have the smallest variety of rooms. In the meantime some of the venues are teetering on viability, including the the Trump houses and Resorts with the hoped for sale of the Tropicana has been further delayed, and shedding valuation.
With a constant increase in gaming revenues by means of 2006, the town seemed key for further development, which precipitated organizing for four new vacation resort tasks, each of which have now been indefinitely delayed. Revel Entertainment Group’s $2.5 billion task stays an iron skeleton, Pinnacle Enjoyment has declared it may possibly look for to market its razed Sands web site, MGM Mirage has shelved its on line casino ideas, and Penn Nationwide seems to have stopped its pursuit of the Bader Subject airport site.