Tag: casino

Majority of money was from casino’s slot machine operation

Matthew Bieniek Cumberland Times-News

ROCKY GAP — Rocky Gap Casino Resort made $776,133 in revenue from slots and table games during the 10 days it was open in May, state gaming officials said.

The casino opened May 22. More than $600,000 of the revenue was from the slots side of the operation, which took in $648,365.59.

“Gross gaming revenue per unit per day was: $106.39 for slot machines and $1,161.52 for banking table games. Rocky Gap Casino Resort operates 554 slot machines and 10 banking table games,” according to a press release from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.

Allegany County Commission President Michael McKay said it was too early to start thinking about the potential revenue to the county. McKay said he wants to see what happens over a two- to three-year period, at least, before making any judgments.

“With the projections and the May numbers it is too soon to forecast success or have apprehension,” McKay said. “I’m optimistic and excited by the early results.” McKay said he took it as a good sign that it was hard to find parking when he stopped at Rocky Gap on business. But he offered further words of caution.

“We need to be fiscally prudent. … It’s premature to start commenting and premature for the county to start talking about spending the revenue,” McKay said. The county and the casino company have a payment in lieu of taxes agreement in place that will pay the county at least $295,000 a year.

Slot machine revenue from Rocky Gap included a contribution of $272,315.55 to the state’s education trust fund and local impact grants of $17,830.05. Lakes Entertainment earned $324,128.81, according to commission records. Total table game revenue was $127,767.50.

Rocky Gap helped save the day, or month, for state gambling revenues.

“In a year-to-year comparison — excluding Maryland Live, which opened in June 2012 and Rocky Gap Casino Resort — May 2013 casino revenue decreased from May 2012 by $1,206,766 or 8.29 percent. The addition of Maryland Live and Rocky Gap Casino Resort, however, brought a year-to-year net benefit to the state of $36,599,254. May’s figures brought total fiscal year 2013 gross revenues to $511.1 million,” according to the press release. The Maryland Live Casino is in Anne Arundel County.

Lakes Entertainment controls subsidiary Evitts Resort LLC, which owns the casino.

Lakes also held its 2013 annual shareholders meeting June 5 at Rocky Gap. Shareholders elected a five-member board of directors consisting of Lyle Berman, Timothy Cope, Neil I. Sell, Ray Moberg and Larry C. Barenbaum. Berman is the chief executive officer of the company and Cope is the chief financial officer. The information was reported, as required, to the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com.

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Greg Larry Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — CUMBERLAND — Nearly 300 people were waiting outside and in the lobby Wednesday when Rocky Gap Casino Resort officials emerged at about 4 p.m. to announce they had received a call from the Maryland gaming commission that they were approved to open.

Those waiting were immediately let inside the casino where the crowd continued to grow through out the evening.

Officials estimated about 1,000 people visited Maryland’s newest casino on its first day.

Casino officials had been waiting for the final approval of a license after a test audit of the casino’s procedures and functions on Monday.

The crowd began to build early Wednesday as expectations of the opening of its doors grew.

Receiving the call from the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency was Scott Just, the resort’s general manager, from Lakes Entertainment Inc., the operators of the casino.

“Our team is experienced in gaming and hospitality and is looking forward to providing a great gambling experience and exceptional guest services,” said Just.

A visit to the resort and casino Thursday afternoon found about 200 people playing at the 558 slots and 10 table games. Some players who spoke to the Times-News asked to remain anonymous, while others provided only their first names.

Rip Coulehan and his wife Shawn of Cumberland were among those who came out Thursday.

“It’s impressive. I just hope it brings people out and creates more positive attitudes in the area,” said Rip Coulehan. “It’s like a mini Las Vegas without the vulgarity.”

Another Cumberland resident, Denise, was asked for her impression when she walked through the door.

“I just said, ‘Wow!’ It’s very nice. I think it will do well. We need some excitement in the area,” she said.

Several of those at the casino were from towns throughout the tri-state region.

Husband and wife Tim and Chris Miller of Hagerstown spoke after Tim received $15 on a free spin and Chris receivied $7 as part of a current promotion for anyone who signs up for the resort’s Rewards Club. Upon signing up for the club, which is free, a member may win up to $500 as part of the casino’s Join, Spin and Win promotion.

“I think it’s nice. They have a lot of different machines and the people are very attentive,” said Chris Miller.

“I like that they have free coffee and soft drinks. Other places we’ve gone charge for that,” said Tim Miller.

Chris Miller said the couple’s goal was to “leave with a little more than we came with.”

Allegany County will receive 5.5 percent of casino profits, which officials laud as good news for the local economy. Increased income for the county is expected to help fund increased road improvements, health programs, education and more.

Rocky Gap Casino Resort, which is also constructing a new addition in the form of an events center, is expected to employ around 350 people.

Three women from the Bedford, Pa., area were enjoying playing the Pink Diamond video terminals.

“It’s fun and it’s close for us,” said one woman.

“They’ve done a nice job,” said another.

Another woman from Needmore, Pa., also had words of praise. “I think it’s nice and it’s a good thing for the area,” she said.

Lakes Entertainment officials stressed that gambling at the casino should be done in a responsible fashion.

In addition to the casino, the resort has four restaurants, a spa, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus golf course with walking trails, fishing and other activities.

Greg Larry can be contacted at glarry@times-news.com.

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