Illinois Casinos Record Highest Revenue Since 2016

Illinois casinos have experienced a robust comeback, surpassing levels seen before the pandemic. Adjusted gross revenues, total taxes, and admissions have all reached their highest points since 2018, based on year-to-date data up to March.

Data from the Illinois Gaming Board shows that the combined adjusted gross revenue of all 12 Illinois casinos in the first quarter of 2023 was $358.7 million.

The year-to-date total has increased by 19%, exceeding the 2022 AGR of $300.5 million. This marks the highest total since reaching $354.6 million in 2016.

Taxes, attendance figures highest since 2018

Both taxes and attendance figures for the first quarter of 2023 have surged to their highest levels in five years, since 2018.

Illinois casinos have seen a total of 2.48 million admissions so far this year, slightly down from the 2.63 million attendees in 2018.

Illinois casinos have contributed a total of $69.5 million in taxes as of March, with $49 million going to the state and $20.4 million to local communities. The highest tax contribution in recent years was in 2018, totaling $72.8 million.

Sharp rebound from the pandemic years

The closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 presented significant challenges for casinos in Illinois.

In the early days of the pandemic, from the beginning until March 2020, the gross revenue topped $250.5 million. By the first quarter of 2021, it had dropped to just under $210 million. However, last year saw a rebound, with revenue surpassing $300.5 million.

This indicates a 71% growth in revenue for the current year when compared to 2021.

The admission statistics present a consistent picture.

This year’s casino admissions have reached approximately 2.48 million, nearly double the 1.26 million recorded in 2021.

How the newest Illinois casinos are doing

The casino count in Illinois has steadily risen over the years, starting at 10 nine years ago, increasing to 11 last year, and now standing at 12. This growth has been somewhat beneficial.

The newest casino in Waukegan, The Temporary, officially opened to the public on February 17th.

Within the first six weeks of opening, the business produced an adjusted gross revenue just above $10.3 million.

Despite strong attendance, The Temporary managed to attract 108,537 admissions within a mere 45 days, a feat that typically takes other casinos 90 days to achieve.

In the first quarter of 2023, Rivers Casino emerged as the top performer in the state, attracting 743,408 visitors and generating revenue surpassing $53.8 million.

In November 2021, The Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act, a temporary Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, opened its doors. By 2023, the establishment had earned a gross revenue exceeding $16 million and welcomed over 140,635 guests.

Illinois sports betting also surging

Illinois sportsbooks continue to thrive, with February statistics showing a total handle of $875.4 million, ranking the state second in the United States behind New York. Illinois outperformed other major sports betting states such as New Jersey, Nevada, and Ohio.

Illinois achieved four consecutive months of handling over $1 billion each month before February, joining New York, New Jersey, and Nevada as the fourth state to accomplish this feat.

Illinois sportsbooks fell short of reaching $1 billion in sports betting handle for the first time in five months, mainly because of the limited football betting options available.