Sports betting handle hit $272m even as casino revenue slid across every major market except Baton Rouge.
The hit
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board said August gaming revenue totalled $201 million, down 6.4% year-over-year. Sports betting revenue was $34 million on a handle of $272 million, down 2%.
Why it matters
Bettors and operators watch these monthly filings as a barometer of market health. A falling handle alongside falling revenue signals softer wagering activity across the state’s casinos and sportsbooks, which can affect promotional spend, odds competitiveness and how aggressively operators chase market share in Louisiana.
The record
The Louisiana Gaming Control Board reported August revenue of $201 million, down 6.4%, per CDC Gaming. Lake Charles led with $73.2 million, down 8.8%; New Orleans reported $50.9 million, down 5.2%; Shreveport/Bossier City posted $47.1 million, down 8.3%. Baton Rouge bucked the trend at $23.3 million, up 3.2%, driven by Bally’s Baton Rouge’s $5.3 million, up 661.1% after its move to a land-based facility, according to the board’s figures.
| Total revenue | $201m, down 6.4% |
|---|---|
| Sports betting revenue | $34m on $272m handle, down 2% |
| Lake Charles district | $73.2m, down 8.8% |
| New Orleans district | $50.9m, down 5.2% |
| Shreveport/Bossier City | $47.1m, down 8.3% |
| Baton Rouge district | $23.3m, up 3.2% |
What happens next
Watch for the Louisiana Gaming Control Board’s September figures to see whether Bally’s Baton Rouge’s land-based bump holds and whether sports betting handle stabilises after August’s dip.
Sources: Louisiana gaming revenue falls 6.4% in August to $201 million – CDC Gaming
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