With four casinos under construction in Ohio, another in Maine, and the prospects of additional gambling properties to be built in Massachusetts and possibly in Florida, gaming machine manufacturers see a bright spot in their future.

However, a slower market in the past few months has hurt earnings for industry leaders such as International Game Technology (IGT) and WMS Industries, Inc. (WMS).

During the most recent quarter that ended on Dec. 31, 2010, IGT saw its revenues fall to $446 million from last year’s $451 million. And net income was $50 million or $0.17 per share compared to last year’s $73 million or $0.25 per share.

Yet, noted CEO Patti Hart, the company was able to generate $100 million in operating income.

Said Hart: "As anticipated, our North American product sales are off to a slow start in what is historically our softest seasonal quarter. We expect to gain momentum throughout the year given the planned increase in new openings and a more active replacement market."

Continuing to provide cash was the company’s gaming operations with its participating slots machines generating $265 million, an increase of 5 percent.

Also reporting a decline in net income for the second fiscal quarter was WMS Industries Inc. The company said net income was $16.1 million or $0.29 per share. Last year, in the second quarter, the company had net income of $27 million or $0.46 per share.

Still, CEO Brian Gamache was positive in his approach to the coming months.

"We expect quarterly sequential improvements in revenues and operating margin to accelerate in the second half of fiscal 2012 as the return to a more ratable schedule for the development and ongoing commercialization of innovative new products continues, as we realize the benefit of increased demand from new casino openings, and as we maintain our disciplined focus on improving operational execution and cost containment," he said.