Atlantic City's market-leading Borgata led the industry with $44.5 million in gross operating profit, but that was down 10.5 percent from the same period last year.
The steepest decline, at 43.2 percent, was at Caesars, which reported $18.7 million in gross operating profit, down from $32.9 million from a year ago.
Gross operating profits represent earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and other charges from affiliates.
On a bright note, the number of occupied rooms at the casino hotels increased by 0.5 percent in the second quarter, compared with the same period last year. Overall occupancy increased to 85.2 percent versus 84.6 percent. The Shore resort has just shy of 17,100 rooms.
For Atlantic City, the numbers confirm a continuing trend, and one that has prompted attention from Trenton.
On July 21, Gov. Christie outlined a proposal in which the state would take over Atlantic City's tourism and gambling district, clean up the city's image, stabilize its struggling casinos, and boost convention business.
The plan would put an end to the casinos' annual subsidy to the state's horse-racing industry - $30 million this year and $7.5 million next year, when it expires.
Another key aspect of Christie's plan is to keep all gambling revenues collected by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority in Atlantic City, rather than distribute them statewide for redevelopment projects.
Most of the proposals require legislative approval.
Contact staff writer Suzette Parmley at 215-854-2594 or sparmley@phillynews.com.
