Illinois Casino Revenue Surges To $165m In January Growth Spurt
According to the latest data from the Illinois Gaming Board, statewide revenue from land-based casinos increased 14.6% year over year to just over $165million in January 2026.
All major verticals posted gains.
Slot machines generated $121.9m, up 12%, while table games climbed 22.7% to $43.1m, signaling strong and sustained demand for live dealer gaming across the state.
Market Leaders & Standout Performers
Rivers Casino Des Plaines led the Illinois market with $42.1m in January revenue. While its 8.7% increase was more moderate than some competitors, Rivers remained closely aligned with overall statewide growth.
Wind Creek Chicago delivered one of the strongest performances of the month, generating $19.2m, up 44.8% year over year.
Mid-tier properties also reported solid gains. Hard Rock Casino Rockford earned $11.6m, up 2.4%, while Grand Victoria Casino brought in $11.4m, rising 11.3%.
Hollywood Casino Joliet was one of the month’s biggest success stories, posting $11.3m in revenue - a 60.3% jump, the largest percentage increase among Illinois casinos.
January’s performance shows Illinois casinos entering 2026 with real momentum, as strong table game growth and steady slot demand offset isolated declines, highlighting both the resilience and competitiveness of the state’s evolving gaming market.
Bally’s Chicago reached $10.4m in January revenue, an increase of 13.8% from the prior year. Full House Resorts reported $10.1m at its Illinois property, up 7.5%.
Hollywood Casino Aurora added $8.2m to the statewide total, reflecting a 3.9% gain, while Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino continued its upward trend with $5.3m, up 10.2%.
Not all operators experienced growth. Harrah’s Joliet reported $8.3m in revenue, down 5.5% year over year and Argosy Casino Alton declined 1.9% to $2.5m. Harrah’s Metropolis remained flat at $4.1m.
DraftKings at Casino Queen generated $7.3m, up 10.2%, continuing to expand its footprint in Illinois through brand integration and omnichannel strategies that increasingly connect retail casinos with the best online casinos in the market.
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Strong Start To 2026 Despite Competitive Pressures
January’s results point to a broadly positive outlook for Illinois casinos heading into 2026.
The sharp rise in table game revenue suggests players are returning to traditional casino experiences alongside slot play, even as many also explore the best online slots through regulated digital platforms.
Industry analysts note that annual performance is often shaped by the first quarter’s momentum.
The combination of rising slot revenue and stronger table game activity indicates that demand could remain firm throughout the year.
While some properties face pressure from shifting player preferences and regional competition, Illinois’ overall gaming market continues to expand, demonstrating resilience despite localized declines at select casinos.
