Illinois casino revenue falls as sports betting, video gaming take off
Wednesday 19 de April 2023 / 12:00
⏱ 2 min read
(Illinois).- With a new multi-billion dollar casino now in the works for the city’s downtown area, Illinois Gaming Board data shows casino revenue in the state is down by $200 million over the past decade.
The dwindling casino numbers started to take form in 2012 as video gaming machines and sports betting facilities began to pop up in more spots across the state.
Data shows that in 2022, video gaming terminals across the area nearly doubled in revenue from $395 million in 2019 to $762 million in 2022. Boasting of providing a more accessible and convenient experience than full-fledged casinos, the machines allow players to place bets on video poker and slot machines in local bars and restaurants.
Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson has made clear that video gaming revenue prominently figures into his plan for the city, which will first need to legalize such machines, with a spokesperson recently telling reporters, “He is a supporter of legalized video gambling as an important revenue source for critical investments in public safety, transportation, housing and other public accommodations.”
At the same time, the rise in popularity of sports betting has been so meteoric that it eclipsed casino revenue $142 million to $140 million in 2022. Overall, state gaming revenue was up to nearly $1.9 billion in fiscal year 2022, the highest ever and almost 39% higher than in 2021.
With the Chicago City Council having green-lighted the Bally’s casino project during the city’s final meeting of the year, the hope is that project could generate as much as $200 million annually for the city once it opens for business in 2026, with the money having already been earmarked for first responders’ pensions.
As the facility, which will include a 500-room hotel and 3,000-seat theater, is being constructed, a temporary casino in Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave. is in review for approval to possibly open this summer.
By Glenn Minnis
Categoría:Sportsbook
Tags: casino,
País: United States
Región: North America
Event
AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026
18 de May 2026
Evoplay Highlights Innovation and Global Growth at AffPapa Madrid 2026
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- Zhanna Tarakanova, PR Team Lead at Evoplay, shares insights on the company’s sponsorship of AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, key industry trends, and upcoming expansion plans.
Friday 05 Jun 2026 / 12:00
GSH Online Media CEO Reflects on AffPapa Madrid 2026
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, Viorel Stan, CEO of GSH Online Media, discussed the growing influence of AI across the affiliate sector, the evolution of sports betting acquisition strategies, and how the company is positioning itself for long-term growth through technology, product development, and new B2B solutions.
Thursday 04 Jun 2026 / 12:00
"Industry Referees for a Day" Boosts Networking at AffPapa Madrid 2026
(Madrid, SoloAzar Exclusive).- At the AffPapa Conference Madrid 2026, held May 18–20 in Spain, SoloAzar once again embraced interactive formats that brought together executives, operators, affiliates, and suppliers from the online gaming industry. This year, the media outlet introduced “Industry Referees for a Day”—a social media video series inspired by soccer and refereeing. Sector leaders were invited to use red, yellow, and green cards to highlight practices that either benefit or harm the iGaming ecosystem, while also sparking fresh networking opportunities among attendees.
Wednesday 03 Jun 2026 / 12:00
SUSCRIBIRSE
Para suscribirse a nuestro newsletter, complete sus datos
Reciba todo el contenido más reciente en su correo electrónico varias veces al mes.
