Revenues Sink in January for AC Casinos

Revenue at Atlantic City's casinos fell 7.2 percent in January, dashing hopes that a surprising increase the month before might be the start of a hot streak for the nation's second-largest gambling market.

Statistics released Friday afternoon by the state Division of Gaming Enforcement show the casinos took in $236.9 million in January.

Slot machine revenue was virtually unchanged at $164.7 million, but table games revenue plunged 20.2 percent, to $72.2 million compared with a year ago.

The calendar hurt somewhat; there was one more Saturday in January 2011 than there was this year. But unseasonably mild weather this January spurred hopes the casinos might have had a better month.

The resort has been fighting fierce competition from casinos in neighboring states, and the lingering effects of an uncertain economy.