Illinois Casinos Earn $165 Million in October, Govt. Shutdown Deal Looming

The commercial casino sector in Illinois recorded over $165 million in revenue during October, according to the latest industry figures. 

The state’s 17 commercial casino venues produced adjusted gross revenue of $165.8 million during the month, a 21.2% increase from $136.8 million in October 2024. Table games revenue rose 20.2% from $32.8 million to $39.4 million, and slots revenue saw a similar rise of 21.5% from $104 million to $126.4 million. 

The Looming End of the Government Shutdown 

As lawmakers from Illinois look to expand video gaming terminals in the city of Aurora, as well as revive the state’s horse racing industry, the process can be seemingly expedited after a deal was struck Sunday night, with eight Democrats siding with Republicans to end the federal government shutdown. 

Two Nevada Democrats were also instrumental to the deal, with the end of the shutdown looking to help lawmakers advance new gambling legislation, such as in Illinois, as well as revive tourism to various gambling establishments with casinos and sportsbooks looking to increase marketing spend with the inevitable rise in travel.

Rivers Casino Still Dominant

The Illinois Gaming Board has published its latest monthly report, which shows that of the 17 casino venues operating in Illinois, 11 showed a year-on-year revenue increase. Hollywood Joliet recorded an impressive 46.3% rise, and there were double-figure increases for Bally’s Quad City, FHR-Illinois, Grand Victoria, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, Par-A-Dice Hotel, and Walker’s Bluff. 

The clear revenue leader, however, remains Rivers Casino, which recorded $43.2 million in gross receipts in October, representing approximately 26% of the entire Illinois market. The year-on-year revenue increase across the sector was also boosted by the figures of Fairmount Park and Wind Creek, neither of which was in operation at the same point last year. 

Aurora Considers Expanding Video Gambling Terminals

Aurora city officials are considering a change that would allow for more video gambling terminals in the city, which they say could generate more than $200,000 in new annual revenue. 

The existing rules stipulate that each licensed business can host a maximum of five terminals, but the proposal would increase this limit to six, also raising the citywide limit to 240. 

Deputy Chief of Staff Nicholas Richard-Thompson told the City Council’s Rules, Administration and Procedures Committee that businesses in the city have been pushing for the change. Although some at the hearing raised concerns about potential impacts on casino revenue, the proposals were approved unanimously and will now move to face two more votes before becoming law. 

Bill to Revive Illinois Horse Racing Passes Senate

Meanwhile, a bill aimed at boosting the Illinois horse racing industry has passed through the state Senate. House Bill 2724, proposed by Sen. Patrick Joyce, would end the current veto on new harness racetracks currently held by Hawthorne Race Course. 

According to Joyce, the bill would pressure Hawthorne to proceed with its promised racino project or allow another developer to build one. Figures show that horse racing betting handle in the state has dropped from $514 million in 2022 to $478 million last year, the lowest in four decades.