Report: slot machines + table games = big profits

Friday, December 11, 2009

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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A boost in business was expected when Tampa Hard Rock casino brought in Las Vegas-style gaming - most notably slot machines.

But just how much certainly came as a pleasant surprise.

According to Bay News 9's partner newspaper the St. Petersburg Times, a new report shows a 19 percent jump in revenue from last year for the Seminole Tribe's Florida casinos.

That compares to the revenue increase of two percent during the previous year.

The Indian Gaming Industry Report credits the Las Vegas-style slot machines and table games for the extra revenue.

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The Class III slot machines (Vegas style) replaced the computer slots the casino previously had. The new slots allow gamers to play against the house rather than against other players.

According to the report Florida is the fifth-busiest tribal gaming state overall, with more than $1.9 billion in estimated revenues.

However, the future of those games are still up in the air.

Gov. Charlie Crist approved a deal that would have the tribe pay at least $150 million a year to the state of Florida. Legislators have not signed off on the deal yet.

But state lawmakers have criticized the $150 million figure as not enough.