As employment and retail spending numbers are down, Colorado casinos say they had a positive revenues in 2009. Revenue for the casinos has gone up by about $19 million for 2009 from the previous year. The growth is attributed, in part, to extended gaming hours and higher limits.

Not all gaming cities saw growth this year though, the six casinos in Central City were down in 2009. Those casinos lost about $3 million from 2008.

Casinos in Cripple Creek are up by about 0.2 percent, roughly about $300,000. The owner of Bronco Billy's tells 11 News having the smallest amount of growth is much better than being down.

"It's just a fun getaway," said Debbie, she and her husband spend quite a few of their weekends in the small mountain town playing with their extra cash. "It's nice, it's like Vegas,” Debbie said. “You can keep playing and playing and playing."

The casinos really started the year down on their luck. They finally hit the jackpot once the rules changed midway through the year. "We've definitely have seen some growth since July 2nd," said Marc Murphy, Owner and General Manager of Bronco Billy’s Casino.

In July 2009 Colorado casinos were allowed to add craps, roulette and other tables to the mix of games. Gambling hours also expanded to 24-hours. "We've definitely seen some positive growth in the table games," said Murphy.

"Oh yeah, the table are where it’s at," said Derek Suide.

Black Hawk's 20 casinos saw the biggest growth last year, earning about $11 million more in 2009 versus 2008. Statewide casinos brought in more than $734 million dollars in revenue in 2009.