Three of Ohio’s four casinos showed a decline in revenues from a year ago, but overall, gambling revenues were up slightly (1.1 percent). Horseshoe Cleveland was the only casino with increased revenues from a year ago, up 14.7 percent, to $20.1 million. Horseshoe Cincinnati, with revenues of $15.6 million, declined 5.6 percent from a year ago. Hollywood Columbus revenues of $16.6 million were down 5 percent from a year ago. Hollywood Toledo was nearly the same as last year, with $15.2 million revenue that was only .2 percent less than last year.

The racinos did the opposite. Of the four that were open last year, only one showed a drop in revenues. Thistledown declined 13.7 percent, to $8.7 million. Hard Rock had the biggest increase, with revenues of $14.8 million, an 11.9 percent increase over last year. Miami Valley Gaming had revenues of $9.5 million, which was a 2.9 percent increase over last year. Scioto Downs increased 2.8 percent to $11.4 million. Belterra Park ($4.5 million), Hollywood Dayton ($7.1 million) and Hollywood Mahoning ($6.9 million) were not open at this time last year.

Weather was most likely a factor. Fifteen times the average daily temperature was below 20 degrees. Last February that occurred only nine times.