Century Casinos Breaks Q1 Revenue Record in 2026

Century Casinos Canada opened 2026 with its strongest first quarter on record. Net operating revenue reached $137.2 million, up 5% year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDAR climbed 24% to $24.9 million. Earnings from operations rose 65% to $11.8 million. Co-CEO Peter Hoetzinger called it "a strong, solid quarter," and added: "We never had higher revenues in the first quarter in the history of our company." The company's stock rose 3.4% in pre-market trading, though EPS of -$0.58 missed the consensus forecast of -$0.55.

Sparks Nugget and Regional Properties Lead Growth

The Sparks Nugget in Sparks, Nevada, emerged as the quarter's standout performer. Its Adjusted EBITDAR jumped 93% year-on-year. Co-CEO Erwin Haitzmann credited flat expenses and rising interest in non-gaming amenities. The property's concert series, featuring Keith Urban, Lady A, and Miranda Lambert, drove food-and-beverage sales, boosted casino revenue, and increased hotel occupancy for three nights around each event.

Century Cripple Creek in Colorado posted an 8.6% revenue gain. Cape Girardeau in Missouri rose 6.4%, fueled by strong slot performance, with its sportsbook capturing 17% of Missouri's sports betting handle. Caruthersville rose 3.1%, with slot revenue up 7% and visits from long-haul customers up 20%.

Consumer Trends, Canada Growth, and Poland Update

Management noted that customers are staying and spending closer to home.

Most Century patrons live within 45 miles of their nearest property.

At Rocky Gap Resort in Maryland, visits from senior citizens rose 28%, while visits from middle-aged and younger adults grew 14%.

Hoetzinger acknowledged some fuel-price sensitivity among customers but said broader economic conditions were the bigger factor. "April feels like a continuation of Q1," he said. "We're not seeing any cracks in the armor. The regional consumer has been remarkably resilient." The Canada segment grew revenue 11% year-on-year. In Poland, revenue edged up 2%, though cash flow declined. Haitzmann noted that "a challenging period marked by license delays and relocation has ended."

Century Caps Capex and Refocuses Marketing Spend

With no major capital projects planned, Century is capping full-year capex at $15 million. The company held $60 million in cash as of March 31, 2026, against $336.7 million in outstanding debt. No debt maturities are due until Q2 2029. Hoetzinger confirmed that share repurchases are on hold, with the company focused on reducing leverage.

Marketing efforts have also been retooled. Rocky Gap is targeting under-40 customers via email, while the Sparks Nugget quadrupled its table-points program and doubled slot rewards. Hoetzinger credited past investment for current results, saying: "We benefited from the strong investments we made in the last two years."