A Period of Adjustment
Oops! That large hissing audio is the gaming balloon that experienced been developing over the a long time, gradually getting rid of air. But, it has not been a tide that lowered all ships however, as some rising and growing gaming jurisdictions confirmed strong expansion in 2008.
All round, the industrial and racetrack casino sectors (excluding Indian gaming), knowledgeable a three.5 p.c decrease in gaming revenues for 2008, producing a complete of $36.2 billion, down some $800 million from 2007. It was the Racino sector that has tempered this drop, as they confirmed a achieve of almost $1 billion in 2008, therefore bringing the Business sector marketplace drop to $one.eight billion, or 6.7 p.c. Nevada was the greatest loser in 2008, dropping virtually $one.3 billion, much more than 50 percent of which stemmed from the Las Vegas Strip segment.
Hunkering Down
For the most portion, on line casino operators were caught relatively flat-footed by the extent of the 2008 income downturn, as it was not till the 3rd and fourth quarters when it really nosedived. Using the crest of calendar year in excess of yr marketplace progress across the nation and the availability of enough credit history and fairness cash, new construction and expansion proliferated in recent several years. These days, confronted with the realities of declining, or at ideal stagnant demand, several of these projects are now regarded more than-leveraged and/or over-sized. As a consequence numerous gaming firms are attempting to renegotiate their personal debt – manufactured a lot more challenging by reduce valuations – although also paring down operational fees. The latter has grow to be a extremely problematic conundrum when working with the opposition, specifically in those jurisdictions that are now vying for market shares with new rising casino assignments in neighboring regions. A subject matter we discuss more completely in the Condition by Condition analysis area of this publication.
As a result of these problems the gaming sector landscape is now strewn with impending fatalities. Between the more notable troubled companies are Station Casinos, Empire Resorts, Harrah’s Amusement, Greektown Holdings, Legends Gaming, Tropicana Leisure, Herbst Gaming and the record grows each 7 days.
“How lengthy will these financial circumstances persist, and are we at the bottom however?” are questions no one appears to be answering yet. What is distinct however is that most gaming jurisdictions will have to understand how to deal with a smaller pie.
Notice:
This examination contains only gaming revenues of accredited casinos and pari-mutuel stores that offer casino game titles, and not Indian gaming operations, card rooms, or little non-on line casino kind slot spots. The total write-up, which includes income tables is accessible on our internet webpage.
Input/Output Product
A essential facet that would seem to have arisen from the ashes of this present trend is that numerous casino assignments had been just too big to assist them selves. The input, in terms of expenditure dollars, was not proportional to the output, in conditions of net revenue following personal debt services, in comparison to earlier achieved results. Far more and/or bigger is not constantly far better. Seeing the rise in non-gaming profits at the Las Vegas Strip resorts, gave impetus to the development of far more extensive amenities in several other jurisdictions. The flaw in this method however is that the costs related with widening market place penetration and occasioned-use, are substantially larger than people incurred to appeal to the foundation market place.
As daytripper markets turn into more competitive, casino venues will have to rely much more and much more on their in-house lodge patrons, and dimension their properties (and expectations) appropriately. Even though Steve Wynn began a key development in generating up-marketplace mega-places, there basically was not ample need on the Strip to warrant the many other comparable assignments that followed that aimed at the identical specialized niche.
The trick is to strike a content medium in project configurations which of system demand much less of a ‘seat-of-pants’ method, and a single that is more researched. A shameless plug for development consultants like ourselves.
Other Gaming Pursuits
Although there are no published thorough knowledge of American Indian gaming revenues, anecdotal proof appears to propose that this phase has been as challenging hit as the Commercial sector. The two Connecticut Indian gaming installations report slot profits of $1.six billion in 2008, symbolizing a fall of about seven percent, or virtually $114 million, much more than doubling the 3.5 p.c drop from the calendar year before. This industry is evidently nonetheless reeling from the ripple-impact of a casino growth in Rhode Island, and the opening of slot functions in New York and Pennsylvania.
The Arizona Department of Gaming reports that contributions primarily based on a gaming earnings method from the state’s 23 Indian gaming casinos, have been declining each quarter in 2008 when compared to the previous 12 months reducing .eight p.c in the 1st quarter, seven.5 % in the 2nd quarter, nine.five p.c in the 3rd quarter, and 16.one percent in the fourth quarter.
Some SEC reporting Indian gaming qualities report equivalent decreases. Seneca Gaming, which operates a few Course III casinos in upstate New York, reports that although calendar year 2008 confirmed an practically 2 per cent expansion charge in gaming revenues, there was an 8.7 p.c drop in the third quarter and an nearly 10 p.c decrease in the fourth quarter of 2008, compared with 2007. Gaming profits trends at close by Niagara Falls, Ontario were down 1.5% in 2008 in comparison with 2007.
It really is been a mixed-bag for point out lotteries throughout the place. The North American Association of Condition & Provincial Lotteries stories that U.S. lotteries produced a overall of $60.six billion in product sales in fiscal 2008, up about three % from the previous calendar year nevertheless some jurisdictions described decreases, most notably California, which showed an eight p.c fall. Inasmuch as some of these states are on a variety of fiscal calendar year finishes, it would look that the knowledge does not reflect the influence of third and/or fourth quarter benefits.
According to information offered by Equibase, horse racing pari-mutuel revenues carry on their downward spiral, falling seven % to $13.7 billion in 2008, vs . $14.seven billion in 2007.
Planned & Proposed New Expansions
As earlier famous, it has been new gaming jurisdictions that have spawned a lot of the expansion in once-a-year on line casino/racino revenues over the several years, and their influence is apt to proceed into the close to potential.
Florida
Miami Dade voters accepted a ballot problem that makes it possible for every of three pari-mutuels to have a on line casino facility of up to two,000 slot devices. The Flagler Dog Observe and Miami Jai-Alai are reportedly organizing opening in late 2009 or early 2010, although the Calder installation in Miami Gardens has however to announced its strategies. There are many other proposals being regarded as that would even more grow on line casino growth through the condition.
Illinois
The point out last but not least got all around to reissuing its tenth license, late in December, 2008 awarding it to Midwest Gaming & Leisure, LLC for a 1,two hundred+ match casino situated in Des Plaines just east of O’Hare. The new facility is not very likely to open right up until 2010. There has also been some discussion about permitting an enhance in for each spot gaming positions and slots at racetracks, although neither initiative seems to have any traction at this time.
Kansas
The state’s expanded lottery plan that permits for the development of 4 casino gaming zones and slots at current horse and puppy tracks appears mired, as only one facility is presently beneath development, whilst a few 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 situated so shut to the point out line that its parking lot is in Kansas. The Boot Hill Casino Resort in Dodge Town is planing a December 2009 opening with 575 slots and 10 table online games, together with a 2nd period owing to open up in 2011 with 875 slots and 20 table game titles. The condition has prolonged the application procedure for the other three zones until finally April, 2009.
Kentucky
There is nonetheless a lot of ‘jockeying’ likely on, but the prospect of as a lot of as eight slot parlors and racinos appears to be back again on the entrance-burner, but likely not resolved for the duration of the existing legislative session.
Las Vegas
There are about 14,000 rooms scheduled to arrive on line in 2009, with the most recent getting the 390 space M Vacation resort in Henderson. There are expansions underway at equally Caesars Palace and Hard Rock and new accommodations include two components of the Town Middle task, and the Fountainebleau.
Louisiana
Pinnacle Entertainment’s new on line casino growth assignments in Baton Rouge and Lake Charles, although delayed, are documented to nonetheless be on-monitor for opening this year and/or early 2010.
Maine
There is a bill under consideration that could a lot more than double Penn National’s slot devices to three,000, as effectively as a proposal that would eliminate the restriction that slots be positioned inside of 5 miles of the keep track of. Scarborough Downs, which has been unsuccessful in convincing local residents to permit slots, may possibly be considering relocating to a a lot more hospitable city.
Maryland
A referendum was authorized in November, 2008 that allows for the improvement of 5 casinos with a total of 15,000 slots, and now the bidding war is afoot though it is not as powerful as the state had predicted.
Mississippi
Grand Soleil Casino Resort in Natchez experienced been slated to open in 2008, but has operate into various funding problems and even though the lodge part is open, the riverboat is documented to open up in the Spring of ’09. Harrah’s Margaritaville On line casino in Biloxi, even though scaled back again considerably, is even now on observe to open this yr.
New England
Massachusetts, a sleeping-huge in phrases of market place possible, is nevertheless maneuvering to open up casinos/racinos, and/or a Course III Indian gaming facility, but are not able to look to muster the political assist. A current research accomplished by Dartmouth College estimates that Massachusetts resident put in far more than $920 million final calendar year at Connecticut casinos and slot equipment parlors in Rhode Island and Maine. The New Hampshire legislature recently declined an option to build casinos, however the subject matter is very likely to be revisited, especially if Massachusetts decides to go ahead. There are also attempts in Maine to reconsider its options.
New Jersey
Atlantic City’s casinos have imposed their political will on staving off the addition of slot machines at racetracks by lately agreeing to proceed augmenting purses with an added tax. The governor even so, has appointed a new panel to study the state’s sagging racing program which ironically, can only be preserved by making it possible for the tracks to have slot machines particularly at the Meadowlands. (See The Nor’easter Squeeze section)
New York
Just when it looked as if Aqueduct’s four,five hundred VLT facility would lastly be created, the successful bidder indicated an inability to make the required $370 million charge, citing the recent lending climate, and throwing the task again into the lap of the governor. Despite the fact that the market need in the area could be regarded as very strong, the prospect of extra opposition from nearby Belmont could have an impact on Aqueduct’s underlining economic feasibility, specifically thinking about that marginally much less than 30% of the net get is retained by the operator.
Strategies to relocate Monticello Raceway into a resort complex are being reconsidered maybe owing to each the possible opening of at the very least one particular or maybe two racino functions in the NY metro region, and the resurfacing of initiatives to growth a Course III Indian gaming facility in the Catskills.
Ohio
Yet an additional gaming proposal is currently being place forth in Ohio, following last year’s version was turned down by the voters. This prepare calls for one on line casino each in the state’s largest towns: Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo. There would be a bare minimum investment decision needed of $250 million, as well as an first licensing price of $50 million, and a 33 per cent tax on gaming profits.
Pennsylvania
The Sands in Bethlehem is owing to open up in the Spring of ’09, and the new Rivers project in Pittsburgh is anticipated to be operational in August, ’09 while Philadelphia’s two slot facilities nevertheless wallow in a political mire, but are anticipated to begin building this year.
South Dakota
The Lodge at Deadwood is slated to open in the Fall of 2009, and consist of 300 game titles, 140 rooms and a wide assortment of facilities.
Texas
Legislators are proposing a voter referendum that would amend the state structure to allow casino gambling in selected locations, as well as let gambling on American Indian lands in Texas and at present 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 provide. State government has proffered the notion of permitting the resort to provide on line casino online games, but this energy is in as well early a phase to have any traction one way or another.
Indian Gaming
A current Supreme Court docket ruling that restricts the having of lands into believe in on behalf of federally acknowledged American Indian tribes has additional stymied some new Class III gaming initiatives throughout the country. Moreover, there were eleven Indian on line casino assignments rejected by the DOI very last calendar year since of its new rule that casinos must be close to adequate to a reservation that tribal users can work at them. It has been proposed that the new Obama administration might be far more sympathetic to the improvement of Indian gaming projects, but this issue has nevertheless to be addressed.
Meanwhile, there are other Class III initiatives in the a variety of phases of development. The Seneca casino project in Buffalo, NY, although operating a little short-term facility, has delayed an currently under design long lasting facility till the market place rebounds. They have also expressed an interest in developing a casino in the Catskills. The point out gaming compact with Seminoles in Florida is becoming challenged, and could influence their plans for larger initiatives. There are new Indian gaming tasks set to open up in Michigan and Oklahoma this year, and other people are in the organizing stage. Texas might allow the reopening of Indian gaming services and enable other venue and there are plans afoot by the Navajos in Arizona to construct further casinos. California is poised to open two to a few new Class III casinos in 2009/ten.
slotxo Squeeze
Complete gaming earnings in Atlantic Town has declined 7.6 %, from $four.nine billion in 2007 to $4.5 billion in 2008 with decreases continuing into 2009, as the city is finding alone in an powerful comp-war with the Pennsylvania venues. At one particular time the only casinos in the Northeast ended up located in Atlantic Metropolis, the place it seemed as if it may possibly truly even eclipse the Las Vegas Strip’s yearly gaming revenues.
Gradually nonetheless its marketplace share was getting encroached upon, initial by the advancement of a massive Class III gaming operation in Connecticut, and then yet another slots operations in Rhode Island, and then movie lottery terminals at New York racetracks, racinos in West Virginia and Delaware, and most just lately Pennsylvania.
Now, with the planned opening of slot operations in Maryland, the impending opening of a new on line casino in Bethlehem, PA, and sooner or later two operations in Philadelphia, the noose is tightening about Atlantic City’s potential potential customers. It really is reliance on day-trippers lulled it into a bogus feeling of safety, and it now finds by itself possessing to redefine its mission assertion to “destination resort.”
The only dilemma with this strategy nonetheless is that it is unwell-outfitted to pull it off. For all intents and functions, Atlantic Town is underneath-roomed and/or above-gamed. There is basically not ample working day-tripper market place to go close to, and their effective investing location is tightening, as the peripheral populations northward now/will have more prepared access to a widened source in New York (Yonkers, and quickly at Aqueduct and probably Belmont), westward in Pennsylvania and southward in Delaware, West Virginia and Maryland.
Other than the ocean access, the city’s only genuine aggressive rewards are its hotel potential and the availability of desk game titles, although the latter is probably to eventuate in Pennsylvania, and probably Delaware. In order to sufficiently contend as a vacation spot resort the city needs to develop added guest rooms and not essentially gaming capability. By comparison, the Las Vegas Strip properties – true gaming destinations, in that they do not have a lot of a working day-vacation industry, except for the ‘locals’ – have an common of .87 gaming positions per guest area although Atlantic City’s typical is two.74 positions per guest space.
It is not a coincidence that Atlantic City’s two greatest lodges, the Borgata and Harrah’s Marina, equally of which included new rooms in 2008, had been the minimum impacted by the newest downturn. The Borgata experienced a gaming earnings drop of 1.six percent, even though Harrah’s Marina described a 4.nine % improve compared to 2007. Furthermore, the most difficult hit venues, namely the AC Hilton, Resorts and the Trump Marina, also have the smallest amount 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 further delayed, and getting rid of valuation.
With a steady increase in gaming revenues by means of 2006, the metropolis seemed prime for even more improvement, which precipitated arranging for 4 new resort assignments, each of which have now been indefinitely delayed. Revel Leisure Group’s $2.5 billion undertaking continues to be an iron skeleton, Pinnacle Leisure has declared it might seek to market its razed Sands website, MGM Mirage has shelved its on line casino plans, and Penn Countrywide appears to have stopped its pursuit of the Bader Area airport website.