By JEFF AMY
Associated Press

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi casino revenue continued to tumble in January, with gamblers losing less than in any other January since 1997.

Statewide casino revenue fell 9% to $161.2 million, according to Mississippi Department of Revenue figures.

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The state's gambling halls eked out a 1% gain in 2012, because revenue rebounded after most Mississippi River casinos were affected by 2011's floods. But year-over-year casino revenue has fallen in every month since July.

The 18 river casinos from Tunica to Natchez won $77.9 million, down 13% from the $89.2 million they won in January 2012. The 12 coastal casinos won $83.3 million from gamblers, down 5% from the $87.8 million they won in January 2012.

The numbers exclude Choctaw Indian casinos, which aren't required to report winnings to the state.

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