Summer number crunching

September 23, 9:59 AMChicago Casino ExaminerClay Champlin

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The numbers are in. Casinos reported how they fared over the normally slow summer months. With the economy still weighing on everyone's mind, those numbers were expected to hit some tremendous lows. But they didn't.

Here are some stats from a summer on the Illinois riverboats:

• According the Illinois Gaming Board the number of casino visitors in July increased by nearly 5% over last year. However, admissions dipped slightly in August compared to July, and also fell a little when compared to August 2008.
• Casinos grew - slightly. There are a 354 more slots and video poker machines than there were this time last year. The actual total size of casino gambling space grew by 8%.
• The relatively new table game version of Texas Hold 'Em (i.e. not played in the poker room but on the main casino floor - near blackjack and other table games) continues to be a big money maker for the casinos (and not for you). Last month it held on to 25% of all of the money wagered at its tables. The only game that takes more money in Caribbean Stud - which last month had a hold of 27%
• Who says no one makes money off the slots? In July Harrah's Joliet saw a -28% return on the high roller slot (yes, they only have one). While the Grand Victoria in Elgin had a hold of -6% on their pair of black chip machines.

Nationally, casino revenues were down 2.8% from last year. It's also the first time in 20 years the casino industry has seen a dip in profits.