Illinois Casino Revenue Rises to $183.1M in March, Led by Rivers Casino
Illinois commercial casinos had a strong March. The Illinois Gaming Board reported total revenue of $183.1 million for the month, up 7.1% compared to March 2025.
The result continues a pattern of steady year-over-year growth for the state’s casino sector, driven by a combination of established properties maintaining their footing and newer or recently expanded facilities hitting their stride.
March is typically one of the stronger months on the casino calendar. NCAA tournament activity drives foot traffic and sports betting volume, while spring weather encourages travel. Some industry insiders were concerned with the impact of prediction markets on major events like the NCAA Tournament.
Illinois benefits from a dense population base anchored by the Chicago metropolitan area and from a gaming landscape that has expanded considerably since the state authorized new casinos and venue upgrades in its 2019 gambling expansion legislation. There were concerns about new tax implications for sports wagering, but revenue has remained strong in 2026.
Both primary revenue categories improved. Slots generated $140.7 million, up 6.6% year-over-year. Table games contributed $42.4 million, up 9.1%.
Property-Level Results
Rivers Casino Des Plaines held its position as the state’s top performer with $44.6 million in total revenue. The property split that figure between $28.6 million from slots and $16 million from table games.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland followed with $22 million. Hard Rock Casino Rockford posted $13.4 million. Grand Victoria Casino generated $13.2 million.
Hollywood Casino Joliet was the month’s standout story. The property, which completed its move to a land-based facility in August 2025, recorded $12.4 million in March, a 56% increase year-over-year. The relocation to permanent land-based operations has clearly accelerated the property’s performance.
Wind Creek Southland also posted a significant gain, up 30.6%, reflecting the continued impact of its full resort opening in April 2025. Walkers Bluff added a 10.4% year-over-year increase.
The Decliners in Illinois
Not every property improved. Harrah’s Metropolis recorded the steepest year-over-year decline, falling 11.8% to $4.8 million. Harrah’s Joliet was down 8%. Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino dropped 3.7%.
The Harrah’s properties, in particular, have faced persistent pressure as newer and expanded facilities draw customers in the competitive Illinois market.
Broader Context For Illinois
Illinois has expanded its commercial casino footprint significantly over the past two years. The full resort opening at Wind Creek Southland and the land-based transition at Hollywood Casino Joliet have each added capacity and amenity offerings that were previously absent. Those investments are showing up in the revenue data. The state’s overall 7.1% growth in March continues a trend of year-over-year improvement that has been driven in large part by these newer or upgraded properties coming into full stride.
The Illinois Gaming Board figures cover commercial casinos only and do not include sports betting or video gaming terminal revenue, which operate under separate regulatory reporting frameworks.
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