Lakeside Casino revenue down after gaming options increase

Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005 | 9:10 a.m.

OSCEOLA, Iowa -- Lakeside Casino Resort in Osceola reports that revenue tumbled last month after additional gambling options became available at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona.

Lakeside reported nearly a 30 percent drop in revenue in December.

Kevin Preston, Lakeside's general manager, said Monday he expected a 10 percent to 15 percent casino decline in December, but he added that several more months would be needed to fairly assess Prairie Meadows' impact.

"We feel that once everything settles down and the newness is gone, people will start coming back," Preston said.

Prairie Meadows on Dec. 13 added 33 table games to its 1,491 slot machines. Action has been heavy, with up to 30 people waiting at times for seats at the tables.

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