JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Casino revenue rose strongly in Mississippi in May, driven by the second big month in a row at Gulf Coast casinos.

State Revenue Department figures released last week show gamblers lost $181 million statewide in May, up 7 percent from May 2017’s $169 million.

Receipts rose to $107 million at the 12 coastal casinos, up 11 percent from $96 million last year. Revenues have risen there in eight months of the past 12.

The 16 river casinos posted winnings of $74 million, up less than 1 percent from $73 million in May 2017. It’s the second month over the past 12 that revenues rose along the Mississippi River. Statewide revenue is flat over the last 12 months.

Numbers exclude Choctaw Indian casinos, which don’t report winnings to the state.