February Sees 2.3% Year-Over-Year Increase in Iowa Casinos

Iowa casinos have reported a 2.3% year-over-year increase in revenue for the month of February. This is a positive sign for the state’s gambling industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the state’s 19 casinos generated $143.6 million in revenue in February 2021, up from $140.3 million in February 2020. This increase is particularly impressive given that February 2020 was a leap year, meaning it had an extra day of operation compared to February 2021.

The increase in revenue can be attributed to a number of factors, including the easing of COVID-19 restrictions and the return of sports betting. In January, Governor Kim Reynolds lifted the statewide mask mandate and allowed bars and restaurants to resume normal hours of operation. This has likely led to more people visiting casinos and spending money on gambling.

Additionally, sports betting has become increasingly popular in Iowa since it was legalized in August 2019. In February 2021, sports betting accounted for $13.5 million of the state’s total casino revenue, up from $5.7 million in February 2020.

Despite the overall increase in revenue, not all casinos saw growth in February. The Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque reported a 14% decrease in revenue compared to February 2020, while the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort saw a 10% decrease.

Overall, however, the increase in revenue is a positive sign for Iowa’s gambling industry. With COVID-19 restrictions continuing to ease and sports betting becoming more popular, it is possible that we will see further growth in the coming months.