Mississippi Gambling Revenue Steady After Harrah’s Closure

JACKSON, Miss. (Associated Press) - Gambling revenues tumbled in Mississippi's river region in the first month after Harrah's Tunica Hotel & Casino closed, but the trend didn't worsen much. Meanwhile, Gulf Coast casinos posted their best June in years.

State figures show casinos statewide won $174 million from gamblers in June, up less than 1 percent from June 2013.

The 18 river casinos won $78.7 million, down 12 percent from a year earlier. The 12 coastal casinos won $95.7 million, up 13 percent from June 2013.

Revenue statewide fell 4 percent over the last 12 months. Mississippi casinos winnings are down about 25 percent from 2007's peak.

Overall revenue has fallen from the year earlier in 21 of the last 24 months.

The numbers exclude Choctaw Indian casinos, which don't report to the state.