Illinois Casino Market Surges in October as New Venues Reshape the Industry

Illinois’ casino sector delivered another strong month in October, with statewide revenue rising to $165.8 million. The latest update from the Illinois Gaming Board confirms a 21.2% jump compared to October last year, primarily driven by new casino openings and recently upgraded properties attracting more visitors.

New Entrants Strengthen Statewide Performance

Several properties that joined the market within the past year helped push revenue higher. Wind Creek, which opened in late 2024, continued its strong performance with $17.3 million, securing the second-highest total in the state. Fairmount Park also contributed fresh revenue after entering the casino landscape earlier this year.

One of the biggest success stories remains Hollywood Joliet, which transitioned from a long-running riverboat operation to a modern land-based facility in August. The move has clearly paid off as the property posted a 46% year-over-year increase, reaching $10.8 million for the month. Other venues, including Walker’s Bluff, Hard Rock Rockford, Bally’s Quad City, and Par-A-Dice, also posted double-digit growth.

Rivers Casino, however, remains the dominant player in the market. With $43.2 million in October revenue, it accounted for roughly a quarter of the state's casino receipts.

Where Illinois Stands on Online Casinos

While physical venues are enjoying strong momentum, Illinois online casinos remain outside the legal landscape. The state allows online sports wagering, but real money online casino games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and live dealer tables are still prohibited.

Industry analysts often point to results in states like New Jersey and Michigan, where licensed retail casinos combined with regulated iGaming create a significantly larger revenue base. As Illinois continues to add and modernize its brick-and-mortar venues, lawmakers are expected to revisit discussions around legalizing online casinos in Illinois in the coming legislative cycles.

Growth in Slots and Table Games

Player activity increased across both major gaming categories. Table games brought in $39.4 million, up 20% year-on-year, while the revenue of slot machine games climbed to $126.4 million, a rise of more than 21%. The expansion of gaming floors at new properties, combined with steady customer demand, contributed to these gains.

Not all operators saw an uptick, however. DraftKings at Casino Queen recorded an 8.8% decline, and Harrah’s Joliet slipped by 6.6% compared to last October. Bally’s Chicago, still operating from a temporary facility at Medinah Temple, also saw a modest decrease.

Regulatory Debates Could Influence Future Growth

The rise in casino revenue comes as state and local officials consider several policy adjustments. In Aurora, city leaders are reviewing a proposal to increase the number of video gaming terminals allowed per business, raising the cap from five to six. Supporters argue that this could generate over $200,000 in new annual revenue for the city, while opponents worry that it could negatively impact nearby casinos.

Meanwhile, a statewide bill aimed at revitalising Illinois’ declining horse racing industry continues to move forward. The proposal would end the longstanding ban on new harness tracks, a move designed to pressure Hawthorne Race Course to accelerate its racino project or step aside for another developer.

Relocation and Expansion Continue to Drive Change

Hollywood Joliet’s strong performance demonstrates how strategic relocations can revive a casino’s market position. Moving from a riverboat to a land-based location has helped the property better compete with nearby casinos in Aurora and Des Plaines.

With the 2019 casino expansion law granting operators greater flexibility to relocate and upgrade, industry observers anticipate more substantial changes over the next few years.

The most notable project on the horizon is Bally’s Chicago, a large-scale resort set to open in late 2026. Featuring thousands of gaming positions, major entertainment draws, and hotel accommodations, the development is expected to capture a significant market share once fully operational.

Illinois Casino Outlook

For now, Illinois casinos are benefiting from fresh investment, new competition, and modernised gaming environments. With October revenue jumping more than 21%, the state’s commercial gambling industry is showing strong momentum heading into the following year, even as discussions around online casino regulation continue.