Illinois Casino Revenue Rises 13.8%, Hollywood Joliet Casino Moves Ashore

Illinois casinos generated $158.1 million in September, a 13.8% increase year-on-year from $139 million the previous year. 

Of the total, table games generated $38.3 million, a 19.8% increase from the $31.9 million generated in 2024, and slots revenue also rose by 11.9% from $107 million to $119.8 million. 

Hollywood Casino Joliet Sees Revenue Skyrocket 

According to the latest report from the Illinois Gaming Board, of the 17 casinos in the state, six saw revenue rise, six saw year-on-year losses, three had revenue remain stable, and two did not have statistics to report as they were not in operation in September last year. 

The Hollywood Casino Joliet was the winner for revenue increase, seeing profits rise 48% year-on-year from $7.6 million to $11.2 million. Grand Victoria Casino also saw a double-digit revenue increase of 13.8% from $9.6 million to $10.9 million, along with the Walkers Bluff Casino Resort, with a rise of 12.2% from $2.5 million to $2.8 million. 

Despite only opening in November 2024, Wind Creek Casino was the second-highest earner in the state, generating just under $16 million in revenue, with first place being taken by the Rivers Casino, which generated $41 million, remaining stable with a mild decrease of 1.3% from $41.5 million. 

While the state overall remained positive regarding revenue generated, the Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel experienced a double-digit year-on-year loss of 17.6%, with profits falling from $9.7 million to $8 million. 

Hollywood Joliet Casino Swims Ashore, While Harrah's Joliet Still Sunk in Past Trouble 

After a 2019 legislation change allowed riverboat casinos to move ashore, the Hollywood Joliet Casino officially moved in August after closing its riverboat location in July. 

After parent company Penn Entertainment invested $185 million in the project, the impact of its opening can already be seen. The new model includes over 1,000 slot machines, 43 live-dealer table games, a high-limit slot and table game area, and an ESPN Sportsbook. In September, the casino's profits climbed nearly 50% year over year. 

Ahead of the opening, Todd George, Penn’s executive vice president of operations, said, “We are incredibly excited about our future at the new location, which enhances our ability to serve guests and creates a top entertainment, gaming, and dining attraction in the region.”

While the new Hollywood Joliet sees a huge uptake in revenues and visitors at its shiny new facilities, Harrah's Joliet still seems unable to shake off the troubles it had last year, In July last year, a man was shot in both legs in the parking complex near the property, and in June this year, a woman pressed charges against the casino after she was violently robbed and assaulted in a guest room in February 2024.