Nevada Poker Revenue Enjoys Ten-Year High in June

July 28th, 2017 | by Jason Reynolds

Nevada’s poker revenue peaked at a ten-year high in June 2017 thanks, in part, to the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Nevada June poker revenue hits its highest level since 2007 thanks to a record-breaking WSOP. (Image: thebalance.com)

Looking at the official statistics from the Nevada Gaming Commission, the state’s live poker rooms raked $16,678,000 across 731 tables in June.

That figure was almost double the amount generated in May and over $500,000 more than the state’s poker operators banked in June 2016.

Beyond the annual increase, this summer’s revenue jump also represents a ten-year high. In order to find a larger June total, you have to go back to 2007 when 104 poker rooms with 960 tables notched up a poker win worth $17,661,000.

Fewer Tables but Greater Spending

What’s more impressive about this year’s total when you compare it to 2007 is that there are now fewer tables for players to choose from. Looking at the latest report, Nevada has just 62 poker rooms and 731 tables.

Although the total number of tables is up from 724 in May and 586 in April, it’s still more than 200 down on 2007’s total. This would suggest that players are now spending more time and more money at the felt than they did ten years ago.

What’s also noticeable from the recent revenue high is that it coincided with a successful WSOP. Throughout this year’s festival inside the Rio, the organizers counted more players than ever before in certain events.

As well as the Seniors event and the Millionaire Maker attracting record crowds, the WSOP Main Event became the third largest of all time.

Given that the poker economy has been in a state of recovery ever since the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 and Black Friday (2011) dealt major blows to online operators, the recent resurgence is impressive.

Nevada’s Casino Economy in a Strong State

This recent resurgence has not only helped the WSOP, but the state of Nevada as a whole. As more players have made the trip to Las Vegas for the Series, this activity has filtered out across the state and resulted in a 3.3 percent year-on-year increase.

Whether this upswing in revenue will continue throughout the year remains to be seen, but Nevada is currently enjoying a more profitable year than it did in 2016. In line with its poker revenue report, the Nevada Gaming Commission noted a 0.90 percent year-on-year increase in general casino and betting revenue.

The $895,427,384 gaming win was not only better than in 2016, but it has contributed to a fiscal year-to-date tally that’s 2.9 percent better than last year.

Between this and an improved poker performance, Nevada gaming looks as though it’s finally bouncing back.