New Orleans-area gambling establishments brought in $51.6 million during March, a 119% increase over what the properties brought in during COVID marred March 2020.

Statewide, the 13 riverboat casinos, Harrah’s land-based casino and four racinos brought in $225.1 million during March, according to figures released Monday by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. That’s a 132% increase over what 15 riverboats, Harrah’s and four racinos generated during March 2020.

Casinos and racinos benefited from easy comparisons because Louisiana shut down the state’s gambling halls on March 17, 2020, to slow the spread of the pandemic. The properties remained closed for nearly two months.

Video poker revenue had an even bigger gain. It was up to $84.7 million in March, a 163% increase from the nearly $32.2 million.