Mississippi’s 30 state-licensed casinos boosted their winnings from gamblers a bit last month — despite the threat to tourism from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

Players left behind $203.2 million, up from $198.2 million in April.

However, the numbers still lagged behind those posted before the economic meltdown of 2008 that has cut travel and discretionary spending. The latest figure was down 8.8 percent from May 2009 and 13.8 percent from May 2008.

Along the coast, 11 casinos took in $95.4 million last month, up from $92.5 million in April. But that total lagged behind the $97.7 million won in May 2009 and $107.5 million won in May 2008.

Casinos along the Mississippi River won $107.9 million last month, up from $105.7 million in April.