Illinois Casino Breaks Attendance Record, Boosts Revenue For Rockford

The Opening Act at Rockford’s Hard Rock had a record-breaking month in July, representing positive news for both the casino and the entire community.

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) announced that Hard Rock welcomed 45,000 guests in July, marking the highest number since the temporary casino’s inauguration in November 2021. Currently, Rockford city is utilizing its tax earnings from Hard Rock to fund community investments.

Tom McNamara, the Mayor of Rockford, expressed his satisfaction with how the Hard Rock is performing, meeting the expectations of city officials. He mentioned that the city is using the revenue generated to create long-term value for its residents.

The tax revenue from Hard Rock is distributed to Rockford and its surrounding regions as follows:

• Rockford: 70%
• Winnebago County: 20%
• Loves Park: 5%
• Machesney Park: 5%

Hard Rock Rockford’s success good for the city

McNamara noted that before Hard Rock’s establishment, northern Illinois had no casinos. However, in 2022 alone, Hard Rock generated over $1 million in tax revenue, which was returned to Rockford.

Before this casino, citizens had been wanting a casino for 30 years. Not only that, but we had residents travelling to Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa to gamble. Therefore, a significant amount of money was leaving Illinois, particularly Rockford. We’re now seeing just how much money was actually being lost.

McNamara stated that the initial $1.5 million the city received from Hard Rock was donated to Rockford Promise to fund the next 17 years.

Rockford Promise, a non-profit organization, provides full-tuition scholarships to graduates from Rockford Public School District 205. Their aim is to boost education levels in the city and provide financial benefits to both residents and businesses in the community.

Kaylene Goh, the interim executive director of Rockford Promise, stated that the funds provided by the city have been instrumental in expanding the organization’s outreach.

In 2016, we began our journey by providing five full tuition scholarships. Now, just six years later, we expect to have over 300 scholars attending college simultaneously this year. This incredible growth is largely due to the city’s involvement and their unwavering commitment to our organization, which has significantly benefitted local scholars.

Construction plan for the permanent casino

McNamara anticipates that the construction of Hard Rock’s permanent venue will progress rapidly once it begins. He stated:

“I believe by the end of this year, you’ll witness the land being moved and leveled. Furthermore, I anticipate that the majority of construction will kick off at the beginning of next spring.”

The grand opening of the permanent gaming site is expected to occur in 2023. However, neither Hard Rock nor Rockford officials have provided a concrete timeline for the long-term casino’s inauguration.

Bettors are treated to the Opening Act until the main site is fully operational and thriving.

This facility boasts 37,000 square feet of gaming space, housing 625 slot machines and electronic table games.

Options for dining and drinks include the Rock River Bar and Grill or the Midway Bar.