Illinois Casinos Thrive: March's Big Wins Break Records
Casino profits in Illinois increase by 12% in March compared to the previous year
The Illinois gambling scene is on a roll! March's staggering figures from the Illinois Gaming Board reveal a whopping $170.9 million in adjusted gross receipts (AGR), representing a 12.2% rise compared to March 2024.
Slot machines, the casino's bread and butter, raked in a significant chunk of the earnings, contributing a hefty $132.1 million to the total haul – a 14.1% jump year-over-year. Table games followed suit, bringing in $38.8 million, marking a 6.2% increase from 2024.
Rivers Casino held the lead with a lucrative $43.7 million in AGR, but it experienced a slight dip of 8.5% compared to March last year. On the flip side, Hard Rock Casino Rockford posted the most impressive growth, nearly doubling its revenue to $13.1 million, an impressive 99.2% surge.
March's takings even surpassed January's casino revenue, which totaled $149.3 million. Remember when Illinois reported a sports betting handle of an impressive $1.53 billion in January? While specifics aren't out yet, it's safe to say the gambling train keeps moving!
What's Happening Behind the Scenes
- Gaming Industry Boom: The state's casinos are experiencing a boom, with an increase of $170.9 million in AGR in March 2025, marking a 12.2% year-over-year jump.
- New Casinos on the Horizon: Recently, the 17th casino, a racino at Fairmount Park, Collinsville, opened, marking a significant step in Illinois' gaming expansion venture.
- Regulatory Changes: The Illinois Gaming Board has introduced new rules, such as a ban on credit card use in gaming transactions. These rules are pending public comment and Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approval.
- Mobile Gambling on the Agenda: Lawmakers are mulling over the idea of legalizing mobile gambling, which could shake up the industry by increasing accessibility and potentially boosting tax revenues.
Stay tuned for more updates on Illinois' thriving gaming industry! This ain't your grandpa's casino scene anymore! 🎰📈💸️
- The unprecedented growth in the casino industry is evident in Rockford, where Hard Rock Casino saw a dramatic 99.2% surge in revenue in March 2025.
- The Illinois Gaming Board's recent move to ban credit card use in gaming transactions could have a significant impact on how casino-goers, including those at casinos in Rockford, make their payments.
- The gaming industry in Illinois is in for a shake-up if lawmakers legalize mobile gambling, potentially increasing accessibility and boosting tax revenues in the casino-and-gambling sector.
