Illinois’ land-based casino industry continued its upward momentum this summer, posting two straight months of significant year-over-year revenue growth. While casinos across the country are seeing only modest gains, Illinois recorded sharp increases in both July and August, fueled by the launch of new properties and the expansion of existing ones.
According to figures released by the Illinois Gaming Board, the state’s 17 casinos reported $167.5 million in gross gaming revenue in July 2025, a 23.3% jump compared to July 2024. The following month brought even stronger results: $174 million in August, up 24.3% from the same month last year when revenues totaled $140 million.
These back-to-back surges highlight Illinois’ unique position in the U.S. gaming market. Unlike several other states where online gambling is driving most growth, Illinois’ expansion of physical casino spaces and the addition of new venues have boosted land-based play.
Top Performers and New Properties Drive Gains
In July, Rivers Casino Des Plaines held its position as the state’s leading revenue producer, generating more than $44 million—the only property to surpass $19 million that month. Wind Creek Chicago Southland followed with $18.8 million, while no other casino topped $13 million.
Hollywood Casino Joliet and Harrah’s Joliet were exceptions to the trend of yearly growth. Hollywood Joliet’s revenue dropped sharply by 44% to $4.2 million, tied to the shutdown of its riverboat operation on July 29 after 33 years. Its brand-new $185 million land-based property, offering 1,000 slot machines, 43 table games, an ESPN Bet sportsbook, and a Giada De Laurentiis restaurant, opened nearby shortly thereafter. Harrah’s Joliet also declined, slipping 3% to $10.6 million.
August figures told a slightly different story. Rivers Casino once again led the market, bringing in $42 million, though it was also the only casino to post a revenue decline year-over-year, down 3.7% from $43.5 million. In contrast, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, which recently transitioned from a temporary facility to its permanent location, posted the state’s strongest revenue growth. Its earnings skyrocketed 129.5%, climbing from $5.7 million in August 2024 to $13 million.
Other strong August performers included Wind Creek at $17.1 million, Grand Victoria Casino at $12.6 million, Bally’s Chicago at $11.3 million, Hollywood Casino Joliet at $11.2 million, Harrah’s Joliet at $11 million, and Full House Resorts Illinois at $11 million.
Slots and Tables See Parallel Increases
Slot machines continued to anchor Illinois’ revenue base. In July, slots generated about $127.6 million, compared with less than $40 million from table games. The pattern continued in August, when slots brought in $137 million, a 28.3% year-over-year increase, while table games produced $37 million, up 11.4% from the previous year.
The surge underscores how new casino floors, particularly at Wind Creek and Hard Rock Rockford, have boosted slot activity while also lifting table game revenues.
Illinois’ Growth Outpaces National Market
Illinois’ casino boom stands out against the broader U.S. landscape. Nationally, land-based casino revenue growth has been far slower, with some states leaning heavily on online gaming to fuel their numbers. For instance, New Jersey’s brick-and-mortar casinos rose only 6.1% in June, but online gaming pushed its overall total revenue up 18.4%. Pennsylvania and Michigan reported similar trends, where internet wagering accounted for most of the expansion. Nevada, which relies largely on in-person gambling, saw just 3.5% growth in June.
By contrast, Illinois’ double-digit increases came entirely from land-based operations, highlighting the state’s distinct trajectory. The openings of Wind Creek Chicago Southland in November 2024 and Fairmount Park’s expanded racino in June have provided significant momentum, helping Illinois buck the downward pressures many states face in the land-based sector.
Looking Ahead
The Illinois Gaming Board has emphasized its commitment to focusing on in-person gambling while cracking down on unauthorized online platforms. The board has issued cease-and-desist notices to unlicensed sites such as Bovada, Kalshi, and BetOnline. Meanwhile, legislation is under consideration to ban online sweepstakes casinos.
Additional development projects are on the horizon, including Boyd Gaming’s plan to replace its Par-A-Dice riverboat in East Peoria, although disputes remain over the new location.
For now, Illinois’ casino industry appears well-positioned for continued growth. With back-to-back months of more than 20% revenue gains, new properties fueling excitement, and expansions drawing in more visitors, the state has become one of the most dynamic gaming markets in the country.
