Illinois Casino Revenue Surges Again as New Venues Lift October Results

Illinois’ casino industry continued its upward trajectory in October, finishing the month with $165.8 million in revenue and posting one of its strongest year-over-year gains since the state’s major expansion began. According to the Illinois Gaming Board, revenue increased 21.2% compared to October 2024 , a jump largely fueled by newly opened casinos and recently relocated properties attracting fresh traffic.

Newly Opened Casinos Lead the Month’s Growth

Much of the momentum came from casinos that entered the Illinois market within the last 12 months. Wind Creek, which opened in late 2024, remained one of the state’s standout performers, pulling in $17.3 million and securing the second-highest revenue total statewide. Fairmount Park also contributed meaningful gains following its introduction earlier this year.

One of the most dramatic turnarounds came from Hollywood Joliet, which relocated from a long-standing riverboat to a permanent land-based facility in August. The move has clearly paid off; October revenue surged more than 46% year-over-year, rising to $10.8 million and giving the property a much stronger competitive position against nearby venues.

Rivers Casino retained its hold as Illinois’ highest-earning casino, reporting $43.2 million, or roughly one-quarter of all casino revenue in the state.

Illinois Online Casinos Still Not Part of the Picture

Despite the strong retail performance, Illinois online casinos remain unregulated. While sports betting is well-established, residents still cannot legally access games such as slots, online blackjack, or live dealer tables at real money online casinos.

Analysts continue to point out that states with dual retail and online casino markets,  including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Michigan, routinely outperform states limited to land-based gaming and sports wagering. With Illinois’ brick-and-mortar sector growing rapidly, conversations about legalizing online casinos in Illinois are expected to resurface as legislators explore new revenue streams.

Slot and Table Game Revenue Strengthens

Both major gaming categories delivered strong results in October. Slot machines produced $126.4 million, an increase of 21.5%, while table games rose 20.2% to $39.4 million. Operators attributed the gains to increased customer volume across newer properties, expanded floor space, and targeted promotional activities.

The month wasn’t positive for every venue. DraftKings at Casino Queen saw revenue fall 8.8%, Harrah’s Joliet declined 6.6%, and Bally’s Chicago posted a slight dip as it continues operating out of its temporary Medinah Temple location.

Policy Decisions May Redirect Future Market Growth

October’s performance landed at a time when city and state officials are reviewing policy updates that could reshape the market in the years ahead.

In Aurora, local leaders are considering increasing the allowable number of video gaming terminals per business from five to six, a change that could boost municipal revenue but may also intensify competitive pressure on nearby casinos.

At the state level, lawmakers have revived discussion around the long-stalled harness racing sector. A bill under consideration would remove the veto that has prevented the construction of new harness tracks, putting fresh pressure on Hawthorne Race Course to advance its racino project or risk losing the opportunity to another developer.

Relocations and Upgrades Remain Key Industry Drivers

Hollywood Joliet’s strong performance demonstrates how relocation can reinvigorate a casino’s market presence. With Illinois’ 2019 expansion law providing operators greater flexibility, industry analysts expect more relocations, remodels, and property upgrades over the next several years.

The state’s next major addition, Bally’s Chicago, is still on track for a permanent resort opening in late 2026. The property is expected to significantly reshape market share as soon as it launches, thanks to its large footprint and integrated entertainment offerings.

For now, Illinois operators are benefiting from a mix of new investment, expanded amenities, and increased access for players. October’s numbers suggest the state’s casino industry is entering a period of renewed growth, even without online casinos in the mix.