September was a down month at Coast casinos.

The year started with slow but steady growth. Revenue increased in five of the first seven months, and despite slipping in August and September, remains $5.8 million ahead of last year’s pace.

August’s $10 million drop in gross casino revenue was followed by a $6 million decrease in September on the Coast. Mississippi Department of Revenue reported Thursday that winnings in September dropped 7 percent to $84.3 million compared to $90.6 million in September 2010.

The river casinos increased winnings in September by almost $1 million, from $100.6 million last year to $101.5 million.

Mississippi’s combined revenue fell 3 percent from $191.3 million to $185.8 million.