The Illinois Gaming Board has released its casino revenue report for January, revealing a remarkable 22.2% year-on-year increase in revenue generated by the state’s eleven casinos. The robust growth highlights the resilience of the gaming industry, with almost 75% of the total revenue of $112.6 million attributed to slot play. The report sheds light on individual casino performances, with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines emerging as the revenue leader. Additionally, Illinois is gearing up for a wave of new casino developments in 2023, promising further expansion in the state’s gaming landscape.
Rising Revenues and Slot Dominance:
Illinois’ casino industry reported a substantial revenue boost of 22.2% compared to the previous year. The collective revenue of $112.6 million demonstrates the industry’s ability to adapt and flourish, even amidst changing circumstances. Slot play remained a dominant contributor, accounting for nearly 75% of the total revenue, totaling $84.3 million. This trend underscores the enduring popularity of slot machines among casino-goers.
Leading Performers:
Rivers Casino in Des Plaines stood out as the top performer in terms of revenue, contributing $45.5 million, or approximately 40.4% of the state’s overall revenue. Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin followed suit, reporting a gaming revenue of $11.9 million, while Harrah’s in Joliet registered $10.7 million. The diverse performances of these casinos highlight the competitive landscape and the varied preferences of patrons.
Anticipated Casino Developments:
Illinois’ gaming industry is on the cusp of significant expansion, with several new casino projects slated to come to fruition in 2023. The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan is expected to open its doors this month, marking the start of the state’s casino expansion journey. The Golden Nugget Danville is set to follow in March, while the temporary Bally’s Chicago casino is scheduled for a June opening. The landscape will further transform with the introduction of the Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Williamson County and a permanent Hard Rock Rockford casino, both scheduled to open later in the year. The Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino, positioned on the border between Homewood and East Hazel Crest, is projected to open its doors in late 2023 or early 2024.
Illinois’ casino industry’s robust revenue growth in January underscores its resilience and adaptability, positioning it as a significant contributor to the state’s economy. The dominance of slot play in revenue generation underscores the consistent appeal of these games to casino enthusiasts. As the state prepares for the launch of new casino developments throughout 2023, the landscape is set to evolve, offering new entertainment options for patrons and shaping the future trajectory of the gaming sector.