“Rather, we expect to see continued volatility in month-to-month revenue comparisons as we adjust to the operational challenges the smoking ban has presented,” said Real, who also serves as Caesars Entertainment Corp.’s southern regional president.Ĭustomers seem to be making the best of the situation. Harrah’s New Orleans General Manager Dan Real does not expect the drastic decline to recur monthly. In June, Harrah’s New Orleans produced $20.7 million in gaming revenue, a drop of 30.7 percent from a year ago.
The smoking ban was blamed for a 16 percent decline in gaming revenue at Harrah’s New Orleans during May. Harrah’s New Orleans officials warned city leaders last spring that a smoking ban would curtail casino revenue up to 15 percent, costing the parish millions in gaming and sales tax dollars. The aftermath of the massive storm shuttered the property near the Mississippi River and entrance to the famous French Quarter for just six months while the city recovered, reopening for Mardi Gras in February 2006.īut a citywide ban on smoking in most public venues within Orleans Parish that went into effect April 22 has done more damage to the property on paper than any storm surge or 100-mph winds. NEW ORLEANS - Hurricane Katrina couldn’t crush the spirit of Harrah’s New Orleans 10 years ago. The exterior of Harrah‘s New Orleans in New Orleans is shown on Tuesday, Aug.
