Amelia Belle holding its own in strained economy

As more Louisianans feel the economic pinch, so too are the state’s casinos.

According to figures compiled by the Louisiana State Police, gaming earnings were down across the state the first half of the year. Earnings among state-licensed casinos fell 10.7 percent in June alone compared to the previous year’s take.

But Bruce Woods, general manager of the Amelia Belle Casino, is optimistic about the St. Mary Parish facility’s future.

The Amelia Belle raked in nearly $4.7 million in June, down 12 percent from June 2008.

May’s earnings, however, were up 6.9 percent – $4.39 million – compared to May 2008.

“Recently, we’ve seen the small effects of the slowing economy,” Woods said. “But overall, they’re nowhere near what the rest of the country is experiencing.”

Woods said the Amelia Belle continues to hire staffers. “And we’re in the middle of the biggest cash giveaway promotion that we’ve ever had since our doors opened.”

The promotion, dubbed “The Spice of Life $100,000 Cash Giveaway,” ends Sept. 30. And the casino is giving away an all-expense-paid trip to Las Vegas as well as a couple of other destinations.

“We’re still making money,” Woods said.

The Amelia Belle made national gaming news last month – on the heels of its second anniversary – when Peninsula Gaming LLC, which also owns Evangeline Downs race track and casino in Opelousas, agreed to buy the riverboat casino for $106.5 million.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is expected to consider the deal next month.

“The sale is going to allow us to improve our marketing even more as well as our slot and gaming products,” Woods predicted. “Frankly, it will give us the opportunity to get involved deeper in this community.”

Peninsula Gaming’s CEO Brent Stevens said the Amelia Belle is a good fit for its operation. “We’ve been operating in south Louisiana for five years at Evangeline, and the Belle fits perfectly in our portfolio,” he said. “The opportunity to improve performance by creating synergies with our existing property attracted us to this acquisition.”