Casino News

California remains on top for poker

2008-12-17 07:30:21

California has retained its position as the dominant poker power in the US during 2008, maintaining its lead over Nevada in table numbers by 1,700 to 907, it has been reported.

The state - which hosts one of the biggest events on the poker calendar, the LA Poker Classic, annually - has managed to do well in light of the economic downturn as well, with revenue figures for this year expected to be similar to 2007, according to Card Player magazine.

Mark Ventre of the Bicycle Casino said his operation's takings may be down a little bit on last year, but "we have kept our heads above water".

Meanwhile, poker operations director Phyllis Caro of Hollywood Park commented: "We're running a little bit better than last year in terms of revenue, or at least maintaining the same as we were in 2007."

The numbers are seen as positive due to the detrimental effect the downswing has had on the US casino economy as a whole, with major operators such as Las Vegas Sands and MGM Mirage blaming financial pressures for below-expected earnings over the second half of 2008.