State’s casinos see worst month since September 1998

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — Mississippi casinos stumbled through their worst revenue month since September 1998 in October, with gamblers losing 8 percent less than in October 2011.

Statewide casino revenue fell to $167.4 million, according to Mississippi Department of Revenue figures.

If poor results continue, the state’s gambling halls could collect less money in 2012 than in 2011, even though the prior year saw Mississippi River casinos closed for much of May because of flooding.

The 17 river casinos from Tunica to Natchez won $83.9 million, down 11 percent from the $93.9 million they won in October 2011. The 12 coastal casinos won $83.5 million from gamblers, down 5 percent from the $88.2 million they won in October 2011.

The numbers exclude Choctaw Indian casinos, which aren’t required to report winnings to the state.