Vegas Gaming Revenue Down

LAS VEGAS— Strip casinos here saw gaming revenue fall 9% in March and 9.77% during the first three months of this year when compared with the same periods last year, according to figures released by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. According to the March control board figures, statewide gaming win was down 5.78% for the month to $807.1 million. The results were largely attributed to the travel decline spurred by 9/11. “It is improving, but were nowhere near normal levels,” said control board statistical analyst Frank Streshley. The newest Strip results immediately became fodder for both sides in the ongoing contract talks between Las Vegas casino operators and leaders of the 45,000-member Culinary Local 226, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The two are attempting to avert a possible June 1 strike deadline and remain split over a mix of issues related to rising health insurance costs and employee workloads. The union is seeking a 70-cents-an-hour jump per worker in the industrys contribution to the unions health insurance plan during the first year of a two-year contract. Union leaders are asking for a similar amount in the contracts second year, bringing the total contribution to as much as $3.62 an hour for each Culinary member. The union workers currently pay no health insurance premiums. —Las Vegas Review-Journal