The total "credits in" and net slot revenue for South Florida's eight racinos reached new heights for the 2016-2017 fiscal year that ended on June 30. But as they say, looks can be deceiving.

    The credits in for the recently concluded period totaled more than $8.432 billion, a modest increase when compared to the previous record of $8.237 billion from the year before. However, the 2015-2016 fiscal year included the figures for Dania Jai Alai beginning six months into the session - Dania re-opened in January after a lengthy hiatus due to extensive renovations. 

    Without Dania's increase of $239 million due to its extra six months of play, the other seven were actually down slightly as a group for the first time since Hialeah became the last to enter the arena in August of 2013. Aside from Dania, only Calder Racino and Hialeah Park showed gains in wagering - perennial leader Pompano Park, Gulfstream Park, Hollywood dogs (Mardi Gras), Flagler dogs and Miami Jai Alai were down.

    Calder's credits in jumped from $991 million to $1.1 billion and slots revenue before taxes came to $78.1 million as opposed to $74.8 million the year before. Hialeah's credits went from $1.17 million to $1.24 million, and its slots revenue from $68.3 million to $73.6 million. Miami Jai Alai's credits in downturn was minimal, from $1.141 million to $1.138, but its revenue jumped because there were less winners.

    Gulfstream's revenue was down a little more than $2 million, from $48 million to $45.6 million, and Hollywood followed suit as the two continue to suffer due to their locations, just minutes apart.

    Once again, the state was the biggest winner, with the racinos donating a record $192,239,320 to the coffers, and, in return, the Tallahasseeans allowing fake news quarter horse "tracks" to prosper at the expense of the legitimate entities. 

(Next: the poker rooms).  

    

    

     

    

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