Vegas making a comeback, thanks to baccarat

Nevada recorded its second $1 billion gaming revenue month of 2012 during July – the first time in four years the state has seen multiple billion-dollar months – due in large part to a near-record performance in baccarat play. Casinos collected $1.005 billion from customers during July, according to figures released Monday by the Gaming Control Board.

Baccarat was the driving force behind the revenue increase. Casinos collected $189.9 million gamblers, a jump of 111.8 percent from a year ago. Gamblers wagered $1.2 billion on baccarat during the month, a 28.9 percent increase from a year ago.

On the Las Vegas Strip, gaming revenues jumped 27.5 percent to almost $597.5 million, compared to $468.5 million in July 2011.