OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings toured casinos in Black Hawk, CO and attended Monarch Casino & Resorts, Inc.'s investor day. Fitch came away more convinced that Monarch's expansion can grow the overall market and estimate total returns of 10%-15%, or $40 million-$60 million in incremental EBITDA. The additional hotel supply and higher-quality amenities should also help the market capture more Denver customers who frequent Las Vegas.

The consensus from other operators echoed our sentiment that the Monarch expansion is a positive for the overall market, given the limited hotel supply. Black Hawk has benefited from strength in the underlying Denver economy and is in closer proximity compared to the other two towns where gaming is legal, Central City and Cripple Creek.

In 'Black Hawk Colorado Casino Tour Takeaways', Fitch discusses key takeaways from Fitch's meetings with gaming operators and property tours.