Business at River Rock Casino slipped 4 percent in the second quarter, as high gas prices kept players at home, a casino executive said Tuesday.
The tribal casino in Alexander Valley reported $31.2 million in net revenue for the quarter ended June 30, compared to $32.4 million for the same period last year.
The casino had income of $6.8 million before a $3.5 million distribution to its owner, the Dry Creek Pomo tribe.
High fuel costs meant fewer visits by drive-up visitors, River Rock financial officer Joe Callahan told investment analysts Tuesday. The casino also brings 300,000 guests each year by bus.
The casino's average daily winnings for each slot machine fell to $238 in the second quarter, compared to $256 a year ago.
River Rock is now in talks with investors about refinancing $200 million in casino debt that comes due in November, Callahan said.
Earlier this month, River Rock reached a deal to build a new access road from Highway 128 to the casino east of Geyserville. The emergency access is required as part of a 2008 settlement with Sonoma County.
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