After reopening on June 15, casinos in Indiana are getting back to their near pre-COVID revenue levels. The gaming properties in the state were shut down for free months owing to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gamblers returns

While places like Las Vegas are struggling to get back to their regular routines, Indiana’s gaming properties are seeing players returns quickly. This week, the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) released the casino revenue data for the month of July. Stats show that the 13 commercial gaming properties in the state have had a surprisingly quick recovery.

In July, the Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) from table games, slot machines, and sports betting were $175.8 million. This was only $10.1 million lesser than July 2019, marking a decrease of just 5.4%. This is a strong comeback because casinos in the state are operating under strict occupancy limits and other restrictions.

All employees and guests must undergo screening before they are admitted entry into the premises. They must also wear face masks while inside the casino. Strict social distancing norms are being followed on the floor, with slot machines getting rearranged and table games getting a limit of just 3 players. Only four players are allowed on roulettes and six on craps.

Nita’s Horseshoe casino was the top performer in the Indiana gaming industry. The Caesars Entertainment property reported a GGR of $30.5 million, just which is just $2 million lesser than the same month last year.

Sports betting crosses billion-dollar mark

As the PGA Tour returned in June and July saw the beginning of the regular season of MLB and NBA, sports betting revenues also increase. With $71 million wagered on sports in July, the total handle for legal sportsbooks in the state crossed $1 billion in the first 10 months. Bookmakers are still short of their initial targets on the sports because of the pandemic but July figures suggest that there is scope for quick growth in this sector as well.