As published in Las Vegas Sun recently, gamblers with extra cash from Nevada tax rebates helped to give the state's casinos their biggest month ever - a $1.06 billion win in October.
The state Gaming Control Board reported Friday that the win was up 14.4 percent over the same month a year earlier and marked the 15th positive month in a row for the clubs.
"The win is the best month ever in the history of gaming revenue," said the GCB's Frank Streshley, adding that the mailing of more than $270 million in Nevada vehicle fee rebates in early October helped to produce the record.
The rebates, which are growing to nearly $300 million with additional checks being mailed this month, were sought by Gov. Kenny Guinn and approved by the 2005 Legislature.
Special events, including Eagles and Jimmy Buffet concerts in Las Vegas, also figured in the record win. And while gasoline prices were high, Streshley said there was no apparent slowdown in drive-in traffic from California and other states.
The win, the amount left in casino coffers after gamblers wagered a record $14.6 billion, marked the fourth time the casinos have hit or exceeded the $1 billion mark in a one-month period. The previous record was last May, at $1.03 billion.
"Win" is a gross figure, with no operating costs or other expenses deducted. It represents casino revenue only - not hotel, restaurant or bar revenues.
In November, the state collected $71 million in percentage fees based on the October win. That's up 11.3 percent compared with the fees collected for the same month in 2004.
A breakdown of the casinos' $1.06 billion win shows that Las Vegas Strip resorts accounted for more than half the total, a record $563.5 million. That's a 14.5 percent increase over the same month a year ago.
Most other major markets around the state also reported gains, including downtown Las Vegas which increased 4.8 percent for its first gain in seven months. The exception was Laughlin, which was barely down 0.2 percent.
Clubs in Washoe County, encompassing Reno, had their fifth straight positive month, winning $95.4 million for a 3.5 percent gain. A breakdown shows Reno was up 2.2 percent while neighboring Sparks was up 3.9 percent.
Stateline casinos on Tahoe's south shore were up 27.3 percent, while smaller resorts on the lake's north shore were up 6.9 percent.
The total October win included $353.7 million from table games, up 8 percent. A breakdown shows $92.5 million came from blackjack tables, down 2.3 percent; while baccarat tables around the state won $63.8 million for an 11.7 percent increase. Mini-baccarat tables added another $19.5 million, down 11.5 percent.
Craps took in $42.9 million, up 20.4 percent, and roulette generated about $29 million for the clubs, up 12.1 percent.
Statewide slot winnings accounted for $692.6 million of the total win, up 17.7 percent. The biggest producers were multi-denomination slots, which accounted for $265.2 million of the total, up 71.3 percent; and quarter slots, which were down 6.3 percent but still had a win total of $133.2 million.