The gaming operator focused on local markets, Accel Entertainment, has reported an uptrend in revenue and earnings for the second quarter as growth in emerging markets compensated for setbacks in its established gaming network.
For the quarter ending June 30, revenue experienced a 10% year-over-year growth, reaching $368.1 million, up from $335.9 million. Net income surged by 72%, climbing to $12.5 million from $7.3 million, and operating income rose to $32.1 million, compared to $26.9 million.
In the first half of 2026, revenue grew to $719.7 million from $659.8 million. Net income also increased, reaching $27.2 million, compared to $21.9 million, while adjusted EBITDA was reported at $112.7 million, in contrast to $102.7 million.
As of the end of June, Accel operated 4,676 locations, marking a 5.6% increase compared to the previous year, with 29,281 gaming terminals, a rise of 6.9%. Nevada witnessed the most significant growth, with a 54.4% increase in locations to 548 and a 52.6% rise in terminals to 4,045. Georgia and Nebraska also saw expansions, while Illinois locations dropped by 1.8% to 2,692, and terminals decreased by 0.8% to 15,540.
Illinois maintained its status as the top revenue-generating market, bringing in $264.5 million for the quarter, compared to $245.4 million in the same period last year. Revenue excluding Fairmount Park rose by 6%, aided by better hold-per-day metrics and a more effective customer mix.
The daily hold-per-location improved in every market reported, except for Nevada. Notably, Nebraska recorded the most considerable growth, surging 49.8% to $427, followed by Georgia with a 24.2% rise to $185. Louisiana increased by 15.2% to $1,145, Illinois saw a 9% raise to $992, while Montana grew by 3.2% to $642. Nevada saw a decline of 15.8% to $660.
Illinois’s Fairmount Park Casino & Racing launched table games and commenced its second racing season in April 2026. Accel noted that the venue achieved its highest quarterly gross profit since the acquisition less than two years ago and reiterated plans to create a permanent casino on the site.
Rice Palace Truck Stop Casino in Louisiana
In Chicago, 17 of the video gaming locations approved by the Illinois Gaming Board, which represents 44% of the issued approvals, belong to Accel. Municipal authorities have commenced processing video gaming license applications.
Beyond Illinois, the company finalized its acquisition of Rice Palace Truck Stop Casino in Louisiana and announced a distribution agreement in Nevada along with an equipment purchase anticipated to introduce around 600 terminals throughout Southern Nevada.
Operating cash flow totaled $20 million, with free cash flow at $10 million. If not for a $17 million tax credit purchase, these numbers would have been $37 million and $26 million, respectively.
Accel’s cash reserves amounted to $255 million, with net debt at $318 million, resulting in a net leverage of approximately 1.4 times, alongside an undrawn $300 million revolving credit facility. The company also repurchased around 500,000 shares for $5.6 million.
CEO Andy Rubenstein remarked: “Accel achieved another robust quarter, with revenue surging 10% year-over-year to a record of $368 million, and Adjusted EBITDA escalating 11% to $59 million. We attribute these outcomes to the strength and durability of our distributed gaming model, our team’s disciplined execution, and the ongoing success of our long-term strategy.”
Rubenstein is set to transition from CEO to Chairman.