Jump to full article: Journal Gazette and Times-Courier (IL), 2008-05-09
Author: Mike Riopell, JG/T-C Springfield Bureau
Intro: Illinois casino officials continue to blame the state's indoor smoking ban as riverboat gambling revenues have fallen for the fourth straight month, a report shows.
Each of the state's nine riverboat gambling sites took in less money in April than they did in the same month last year, for an average loss of about 19 percent, according to the Illinois Gaming Board's monthly report. Each casino also saw its revenues and attendance drop from March to April.
Even as the country's economy struggles and people may be more likely to cut some of the extras out of their personal budgets, Illinois casino officials say the smoking ban is what's hurting the state's boats.
"We still believe it's the smoking ban," said Illinois Casino and Gaming Association director Tom Swoik.
Illinois' falling casino revenues have prompted several attempts to exempt riverboats
Jump to full article » |