They continue to go big in the bayou.
Louisiana's casinos posted impressive gaming revenues in July. They experienced significant growth compared to the previous year and are signaling a continued recovery in the state's gaming sector.
For the month, Louisiana's casinos, riverboats, and racetrack slots collectively brought in $198.6 million in adjusted gross revenue, marking a 9.8% rise from the previous year. These figures also piggyback the strong numbers we saw in The Bayou State in June.
This uptick in revenue comes shortly after Governor Jeff Landry signed a bill to increase taxes on sports betting. The additional funds from this tax hike will be directed to support athletic departments at the state's leading public universities.
Below is a closer look at how different regions performed and what these developments mean for Louisiana's gaming industry.
Statewide Performance
- Total Revenue: Louisiana's casinos generated approximately $199 million, reflecting a nearly 10% increase compared to July 2024.
- Consumer Spending Trends: This growth indicates strong consumer spending on leisure and entertainment, even amidst inflationary pressures.
Lake Charles: Leading the Pack
The Lake Charles market maintained its position as Louisiana’s strongest casino hub.
- Total Revenue: Lake Charles generated $72.5 million, making up over one-third of the statewide revenue.
- Top Performers:
- Golden Nugget Lake Charles: Led in revenue with $27 million, up by 7% from the previous year.
- L’Auberge du Lac: Followed with $24.4 million, marking a similar 7% increase.
- Delta Downs: Contributed $14 million, showing a nearly 10% rise.
Why Lake Charles is Winning
- Tourism Boom: Out-of-state visitors, particularly from Texas, drive the region's success.
- Resort Appeal: Properties combine gaming with resort amenities, attracting a broad audience.
Shreveport/Bossier City: A Revival Story
The Shreveport/Bossier region exhibited notable growth and recovery.
- Revenue Growth: Achieved $49 million in July 2025, a substantial 18% increase from July 2024.
- Regional Demand: The surge suggests heightened regional demand and increased visitation from neighboring states, such as East Texas.
Other Regions: Contributing to Overall Growth
Smaller markets like Baton Rouge and New Orleans also contributed to the growth.
Caesars New Orleans generated $21.3 million in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), an increase of 20.4% compared to July 2024. This growth contributed to the state-wide increase in Louisiana's gaming revenue for the month.
Treasure Chest Casino's revenue grew by 6% to $13 million, while L’Auberge Casino Hotel increased by 7% to $13 million. The Queen of Baton Rouge had a significant jump, rising 65% to reach $1 million.
Evangeline Downs and Fair Grounds saw revenues increase by more than 3% to $6.3 million and 4.5% to $3.1 million, respectively, compared to the previous year, while Louisiana Downs experienced a decline of almost 12% to $2.8 million.
Key Takeaways
- Tourism-Driven Success: Lake Charles continues to thrive largely due to out-of-state visitors.
- Resilient Markets: Shreveport/Bossier's double-digit growth highlights renewed competitiveness.
- Stable Statewide Growth: The nearly 10% statewide revenue growth signals a robust recovery from recent economic and social challenges.
2025 Revenue Trends
January–July Performance Highlights
- January 2025: Revenue dipped compared to December 2024, as expected post-holiday.
- February 2025: Marginal recovery aligned with major events like Mardi Gras.
- March 2025: Tourism boosted revenues close to $190 million.
- April–May 2025: Steady growth in line with seasonal visitation.
- June 2025: Summer travel pushed revenues above $200 million with ~8% gains.
July 2025 Surge
July stood out as the strongest month, with nearly $199 million in revenue, marking it as a potential benchmark for future growth.
- Strong Tourism Activity: The increase suggests sustained demand and a successful summer season.
- Pandemic Recovery: July’s figures represent the highest monthly total since the pandemic began, indicating a solid economic rebound.
Regional Contribution Trends
- Lake Charles: Continued leading with over 36% of state revenues, solidifying its dominant position.
- Shreveport/Bossier: Set a milestone with significant year-over-year growth, representing one of its strongest performances in years.
Seasonal vs. Sustained Growth
- Seasonal Factors: July benefits from summer travel and school vacations.
- Sustained Growth Signs: A consistent increase from January through July points to a stable recovery trend.
This upward trajectory not only demonstrates a recovery from past lows but also sets new standards for Louisiana's gaming industry. While Lake Charles remains a key hub, the significant growth seen in Shreveport/Bossier suggests a diversified and resilient market.
