CASINOS: Expansion not in public interest

The effect of the new Rivers Casino, in Des Plaines, Ill., has become exhibit No. 1 against any expansion of gaming in Illinois or Indiana.

The casino, which opened in July, was a big factor behind a 5.5 percent drop in Northwest Indiana casino revenues in 2011, according to Dan Nita, senior vice president and general manager at Horseshoe Casino. And its effect on some Illinois casinos is even more pronounced, with some experiencing double-digit percentage revenue declines in January.

"It does give us pause to think about what the next evolution of gaming will be," Nita said.

Horseshoe and parent Caesars Entertainment remain bullish on the legalization of online gaming, if it can be regulated uniformly on the federal level, Nita said.

In the meantime, casinos are increasing their use of technology within their brick and mortar casinos, for everything from beverage service to the latest slots.