Atlantic City casino monthly revenue down slightly again

Atlantic City's casinos saw revenue decline slightly in June, down a bit more than 1 percent compared to a year ago, while revenue for the first six months of the year was slightly higher.

The eight casinos collectively won $216.5 million from gamblers, a decline of 1.2 percent compared to June 2015, according to figures released Wednesday. Through the first six months of the year, the city's casinos had won $1.25 billion, a 2.5 percent increase over the first six months of 2015.

Only the Trump Taj Mahal and Resorts casinos saw increases in June. About 1,000 workers at the Taj Mahal went on strike July 1, but the casino's take for June was 13.2 percent higher than last year. The casino's take for the first six months of 2016 is 3.6 percent lower than in 2015. The strike does not include dealers, and the casino remains open.

Resorts' nearly $15 million gambling win was 9.8 percent higher than June 2015. Its 9.5 percent increase over the first six months of the year is the highest of any of the eight casinos.

"It is encouraging to see that casino revenue is up 2.5 percent for the first half of the year even though the industry had a weak June," said Matthew Levinson, chairman of the Casino Control Commission.  "Internet revenue continued to surge last month ... but it wasn't enough to offset declines at the tables and slot machines in Atlantic City. There is so much to see and do in Atlantic City, but we need to do a better job letting people know about everything the city has to offer."

Internet gambling in the state was up more than 40 percent since last year, to $16.4 million. Table game revenue was down 3.3 percent at the eight casinos, to $54.5 million. Slot machine winnings were $142.9 million, down 3.7 percent.

Four of Atlantic City's 12 casinos shut down in 2014; the surviving eight have seen their revenue and profitability begin to stabilize recently with less competition in the local market.

(Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)