Illinois Casino Revenue Jumps 21% in October as New Properties Drive Growth

Illinois’ commercial casino market posted a strong performance in October, with new openings and recently relocated venues helping statewide revenue climb to $165.8 million,  a 21.2% increase compared to the same month last year. Updated figures from the Illinois Gaming Board show that fresh competition and expanded offerings continue to reshape the state’s gambling landscape.

New Casinos Deliver Major Boost

The biggest driver of growth came from properties that opened within the last year. Wind Creek, which launched in late 2024, delivered $17.3 million in revenue, ranking second statewide. Fairmount Park also contributed new revenue after joining the market earlier this year.

Hollywood Joliet posted the most dramatic improvement. The casino’s move from a long-standing riverboat to a land-based facility in August has clearly resonated with players, pushing revenue up more than 46% year-over-year to $10.8 million. Walker’s Bluff, Hard Rock Rockford, Par-A-Dice, Bally’s Quad City, and several others also recorded double-digit gains.

Rivers Casino retained its position as the top-earning venue in Illinois, generating $43.2 million in October,  roughly one-quarter of all casino revenue in the state.

Online Casinos Still Absent From Illinois Market

Despite strong growth at land-based properties, Illinois online casinos remain unregulated. The state permits online sports betting, but real money online casino games such as online slots, blackjack, and live dealer tables are still prohibited. Industry analysts note that states with both retail casinos and legal iGaming, including Michigan and New Jersey, generate significantly higher overall gambling revenue. 

As Illinois continues to expand its brick-and-mortar footprint, discussions around legalising Illinois online casinos are expected to resurface, especially as lawmakers explore new ways to broaden the state’s gambling portfolio.

Slot and Table Games See Strong Increases

Both major gaming segments posted healthy year-on-year growth. Table games revenue grew 20.2%, reaching $39.4 million, while slot revenue rose 21.5% to $126.4 million. The uptick reflects improved foot traffic, expanded gaming floors at newer properties, and increased marketing activity across the state.

Despite the overall strong performance, not every venue saw gains. DraftKings at Casino Queen recorded an 8.8% decline, and Harrah’s Joliet dropped 6.6% compared to last year. Bally’s Chicago also slipped slightly as it continues to operate from its temporary location at Medinah Temple.

Policy Changes May Shift Future Revenue Patterns

The revenue surge arrives as state and local leaders debate several policy changes that could influence the long-term trajectory of gaming in Illinois. In Aurora, officials are reviewing a proposal to expand the number of video gaming terminals per business, potentially lifting the cap from five to six and increasing the citywide limit to 240 machines. Supporters argue that the move could generate more than $200,000 in additional annual revenue, while critics worry about the effect on nearby casinos.

At the state level, lawmakers have introduced a bill aimed at reviving Illinois’ declining horse racing industry. The proposal would lift the existing veto on new harness racetracks, placing pressure on Hawthorne Race Course to proceed with its long-delayed racino project or allow another developer to move forward.

Relocation Strategy Continues to Shape Illinois Gaming

Hollywood Joliet’s performance remains a standout example of how relocation can rejuvenate a casino’s earnings. The move from riverboat to land-based operations has broadened its appeal and positioned it more competitively against Aurora, Des Plaines, and other nearby markets. 

Industry observers expect additional relocations and property upgrades to continue influencing market dynamics, particularly as the 2019 casino expansion law allows operators greater flexibility.

Meanwhile, the next major addition to the Illinois market, Bally’s Chicago, is progressing toward a late-2026 opening. The permanent resort, which will feature thousands of gaming positions alongside large-scale non-gaming amenities, is expected to shift market share once operational.

For now, Illinois casino operators are benefiting from new capacity, modernised facilities, and improved access for players. With revenue up more than 21% year-over-year in October, the state’s commercial casino sector appears to be entering a new period of growth driven by both investment and expanded competition.