As reported by: The Associated Press
A drop in revenue at Alton Belle Casino has taken a bite out of the city's budget.

The city of Alton in southern Illinois gets about 20 percent of its revenue from the casino. It has received 83-point-one (m) million in gambling revenue since the casino opened in 1991.

But Alton Belle's revenues have dropped in recent years -- down 10 percent during the first half of this year alone.

Alton Mayor Dan Sandidge says the drop has forced the city to cut some jobs through attrition and spend less on its road program.

Analysts say most Illinois casinos have seen their revenue shrink since last year when the state raised its gaming tax.

Alton Belle executive Virginia McDowell says the casino is staying open longer and spending more on marketing to boost business.