You can say what you want about a parent company going bankrupt and poor publicity from a 2-year-old state investigation of out-of-control employees, but you also gotta say this: Of the three Broward County parimutuels with slot machines, only Gulfstream Casino and Racing can report gains from last year.

The state's July slot figures are out, and they support Gulfstream's argument that they're gaining ground:

Gulfstream had net slot revenues of $3.3 million this July, compared to $2.8 million in 2008;

Mardi Gras took in $4.6 million this year, down from $5.7 million in 2008;

Isle Casino and Racing reported $7.5 million this July; last year, it was $8.5 million.

Overall, Florida gambling is down about 9 percent, according to the state's web site.

Gulfstream issued a press release to this effect, documenting the percentage losses the two others have had, and quoting Michael Pollock’s Gaming Industry Observer: “The percentage gulf between these racinos is attributable, in part, to a commitment to keeping the slot floor fresh.”

In the Gulfstream release, Gulfstream VP Steve Calabro said, “We’ve achieved these results by offering our customers ‘the latest and greatest’ slot machines; fun and exciting marketing promotions on a daily basis; a safe and clean environment in which to play, great guest service and great jackpot payouts."

Meanwhile, the Village at Gulfstream Park project keeps rolling along, with a Feb. 11 planned opening date. The Gulfstream poker room reports solid tournament play, as its season-long "leaderboard" concept creates player loyalty. And there's momentum from last year's horse racing season, which industry observers (I'm not real good with horse racing) described as "excellent."

And so, you gotta wonder: Could this whole mall-casino-horse track idea actually work?

Why do you think Gulfstream's slot business is up, while the two others are down?