Rocky Gap helps new parent company turn profit

Even before the first slot machine lever is pulled, Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort in Allegany County is already paying off for its new owner, Lakes Entertainment Inc.

Minnetonka, Minn.-based Lakes (NASDAQ: LACO) bought the resort from the state in August, so the fourth quarter was the first full three-month period in which Lakes owned the resort outside Cumberland.

Lakes reported $1.4 million in operating revenue from the resort during that period. That helped Lakes swing to a $2 million profit…