WHAS11 coverage

(WHAS11) - It is one thing that has been virtually recession proof, but perhaps no longer.

Indiana’s casinos are seeing a drop in business and the revenue that goes with it.

And that’s grim economic news for area communities that depend on casino revenue to support everything from roads to community projects.

According to Caesars – soon to become part of the Horseshoe Casino Group- is that it’s not permanent.

And local officials are also keeping a cautious eye but hardly ready to hit any panic button.

Casino gambling has been a huge jackpot for surrounding communities.

In Harrison County-home of Caesars-it’s meant 23 million in revenue.

The latest figures though have been ominous at first glance.

Total revenue from all of Indiana’s casinos is down by $54 million dollars compared to this time last year and Caesars is feeling the squeeze of a weak economy and high gas prices.

The casino is seeing a $12-million dollar drop in revenue and 200,000 visitors in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same time last ear.

Caesars is saying that it’s not a sign of their future—but remnants from the past. The casino is blaming the numbers on lost business from having to shut down because of floods in March and an overall softening of the economy.