Boyd Gaming Corp. lower income from continuing operations during the third quarter, in part because of lower business at its Downtown Las Vegas gaming properties that are popular with Hawai'i residents.

The company also reported that income from continuing operations when adjusted for preopening expenses and writedowns was less than half the income it earned a year earlier. On this basis Boyd reported a profit of $14 million or 16 cents a share. That was less than the about 19 cents a share consensus estimate of financial analysts polled by Bloomberg LP.

"The dynamics we are dealing with for the last year continued during the quarter, as our nation's economic downturn accelerated and consumers across the country continued to face new challenges," said Keith Smith, Boyd president and chief operating officer, in a press statement.

"Fortunately people are still visiting our casinos, although they are more cautious with their discretionary spending.

Revenue at Boyd's Downtown properties fell to $55.6 million from $59.3 million a year earlier. During a conference call with analysts and investors, Boyd's management said the properties had been hurt by the shutdown of Aloha and ATA airlines.

"As a result, the ability for Hawaiians to get to Las Vegas has become more difficult as scheduled airline capacity has been significantly reduced," said Paul Chakmak, Boyd executive vice president.