Published on: June 15, 2026, at 12:25 PM.
Updated on: June 15, 2026, at 12:25 PM.
- Illinois Gaming Board announces $192.8 million in May casino revenue
- Rivers Casino tops the list with $48.7 million in earnings
- Slots dominate revenue generation across the state’s 17 casinos
In May, Illinois’ 17 casinos reported total revenues of USD $192.8 million, marking a 9.2% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Illinois Gaming Board.
Revenue Driven by Slots
Rivers Casino led the pack with $48.7 million, reflecting a 7.2% year-over-year rise. Wind Creek Chicago Southland generated $21.2 million, showcasing a 14% increase, while Hard Rock Casino Rockford brought in $13.8 million, a modest 3.5% rise. Hollywood Casino Joliet experienced a significant jump of 73%, earning $13.2 million.
Overall, slot machines were responsible for the majority of state revenues, contributing $146.5 million, while table games accounted for $46.2 million.
Rivers Casino Dominates the Market
Located near O’Hare International Airport just outside Chicago, Rivers Casino welcomed over 266,000 visitors in May. Wind Creek Chicago Southland had over 177,400 guests 20 miles south of downtown Chicago.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford attracted around 121,000 visitors, while Hollywood Casino Joliet saw over 101,000 guests, situated 40 miles to the southwest from the city center.
Despite a remarkable 73% increase in year-over-year traffic at Hollywood Casino Joliet, the top performer was Fairmount Park to the east of St. Louis, which surged to $2.4 million from $1.2 million in May 2025, representing a staggering 106% boost.
Revenue Declines at Three Locations
Three casinos—including Hollywood Casino Aurora, DraftKings at Casino Queen, and Argosy Casino Alton—reported revenue drops in May.
Argosy Casino saw a slight decrease from $3.2 million to $3.1 million. Hollywood Casino Aurora’s revenue fell from $9.6 million to $8.3 million, while DraftKings at Casino Queen experienced a decrease from $7.93 million to $7.89 million.
The latest additions to Illinois’s land-based casino scene include Hollywood Casino Joliet, which opened in 2025, Wind Creek Chicago Southland, which started operations in 2024, and Hard Rock Casino Rockford, also launched in 2024.