Video gambling industry posts gains statewide

Montana’s video gambling industry saw 7.5 percent growth in the quarter ending Dec. 31 compared to the same time period in 2013, but locally the numbers were mixed.

According to preliminary figures from the state’s Gambling Control Division, revenue from the gaming industry reached $14.8 million for the quarter, compared to $13.8 million one year earlier.

This marked the third consecutive year in which the quarter ending Dec. 31 posted a gain. Neil Peterson, executive director of the Gaming Industry Association, credited the improving economy, better weather and lower fuel prices for the gain.

Video gaming revenue in Columbia Falls fell 2.4 percent from $160,004 in 2013 to $156,111 for the same period in 2014. Kalispell saw a 2.3 percent increase to $650,560, and Whitefish remained flat at $112,987.

Flathead County saw a 1.9 percent increase, reaching $1.17 million for the last quarter of 2014. All counties with large cities posted gains, with Missoula County seeing 16.2 percent growth and Yellowstone County seeing 13.2 percent growth.