Illinois gaming revenue surges 21% in January, driven by casino and sports betting boom

Illinois’ gambling industry kicked off 2025 on a high note, with January’s revenue soaring 21% compared to last year. Casinos and sports betting operators across the state pulled in about  $144 million, which is a big jump from the $119 million they made in January 2024. From the growth in numbers, there’s no doubt that gambling has become very popular in Illinois.

Gambling establishments boosting earnings 

Leading the charge in growth was Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, which once again proved to be the top-earning casino in the state. It brought in $45 million in adjusted gross receipts (AGR), making up nearly a third of the state’s total gambling revenue for January. Other casinos also saw strong numbers. DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis reported $15 million in revenue, while Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel wasn’t far behind with $12 million. The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin pulled in $10.2 million, and the newly opened American Place in Waukegan added another $9.4 million to the total. It seems now that as more gaming options become available, players are spending more than ever before as they sample new games.

While many in-person venues are booming, online casino gaming is also growing popular in the state. However, the revenue from online casinos is not part of January’s huge numbers because Illinois has not yet allowed in-state online gambling options. Instead, bettors often visit offshore international sites or platforms hosted in different states to find the top titles to play like slots, poker, and blackjack from the comfort of home. Some industry experts believe that legalizing online casinos could significantly boost revenue, as states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have seen massive success with online casino gaming. With Illinois already seeing strong revenue growth from traditional casinos and sports betting, lawmakers remain divided on whether adding online casinos would be beneficial or if it would create more challenges with regulations.

Factors pushing growth forward 

One major factor propelling growth in the state is the expansion of gambling facilities. New casinos like American Place in Waukegan have been added and this has given players more places to try their luck. The more they play, the higher the total revenue. Sports betting also continues to rise rapidly since Illinois legalized sports betting a few years ago, and it’s been growing ever since. In the fiscal year 2022, sports wagering alone generated $92 million in tax revenue, and those numbers have only continued to climb as more people get involved. The post-pandemic recovery has also played a role, with restrictions lifted and more people eager to visit casinos and bet on their favorite sports teams.

The gambling revenue surge isn’t just good news for casino operators—it’s also a major boost for the state’s economy. More money flowing into the gaming industry means more tax dollars collected by the state. In 2022, Illinois raked in nearly $1.9 billion from gambling-related taxes. The money was instrumental in helping to fund public programs, facilitating infrastructure improvements, and improving state-wide education. With such a strong start to 2025, Illinois could see another record-breaking year in tax revenues, benefiting communities across the state.

Industry challenges 

Despite the excitement surrounding this growth, there are still some challenges the industry will need to face. One concern since as far back as 2019 is market saturation. With more casinos opening and competition increasing, there’s always the risk that the market could become overcrowded. Overcrowding will lead to slower growth in the future which will negatively impact revenue. Another issue is regulation. As the gambling industry expands, state regulators will need to ensure responsible gaming practices are in place to prevent irresponsible gambling and to protect consumers. There’s also the question of economic stability—while gambling revenue is on the rise now, a downturn in the economy could cause spending to drop, which would impact the industry.

Looking ahead 

At the moment, Illinois' gambling sector seems poised for even more growth. With the continued support of lawmakers toward expansion efforts and with technology continuously enhancing the gaming experience, the industry could reach new heights in the coming years.

January’s numbers are setting a strong pace and Illinois is proving itself as a major player in the U.S. gambling market. If this momentum continues, 2025 could be one of the best years yet for the state’s gaming industry.