Illinois casinos wrapped up 2024 on a high, propelled by holiday crowds and the debut of new gambling venues. According to the Illinois Gaming Board, the industry saw significant growth in both revenue and attendance, reflecting the state’s expanding gambling landscape.
December Surge Drives Year-End Success
The numbers are impressive. December alone brought in $157 million in adjusted gross receipts, marking an 11% increase compared to the previous year. Attendance also climbed, with nearly 1.25 million visitors walking through the doors of Illinois’ 16 casinos.
For the full year, revenues hit $1.69 billion—another 11% boost over 2023—with over 13 million admissions recorded. The surge in December played a key role in these totals, aided by fresh competition from newly opened venues.
Rivers Casino Still Leads the Pack
Rivers Casino Des Plaines held its top spot in the state’s rankings, reporting $43 million in revenue for December. That figure comes alongside 264,000 visitors for the month. The casino ended 2024 with a staggering $516 million in annual revenue, a testament to its sustained popularity.
Yet, even as Rivers dominated, Illinois’ newer casinos began to carve out their own slice of the market.
Newcomers Shake Things Up
Two newer venues—Hard Rock Rockford and Wind Creek Chicago Southland—emerged as significant contributors to Illinois’ strong December performance.
Hard Rock Rockford:
The $300 million permanent facility, which opened in August, brought in $12.1 million in December, securing second place in revenue rankings. It also welcomed 118,000 visitors that month, underscoring its growing appeal.
Geno Iafrate, president of Hard Rock Rockford, credited the venue’s comprehensive offerings. “We’re still living off the high from our grand opening. Probably the number one comment when people walk in is, ‘I can’t believe this is in Rockford,’” he said. The property features expanded gaming options, seven restaurants, and a 1,600-seat concert venue.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland:
Another newcomer, Wind Creek, opened in November and posted $11.2 million in revenue for December. With 136,000 visitors, it recorded the second-highest admissions count statewide for the month.
Bally’s Temporary Casino Struggles
While the new venues thrived, Bally’s temporary casino in Chicago’s Medinah Temple faced challenges. The facility ranked fifth in December with $10.3 million in revenue and 108,000 visitors.
For 2024, Bally’s revenue totalled $125 million—just over half of the $243 million originally projected. Local taxes generated from the venue fell short as well, coming in at $16 million instead of the anticipated $35 million.
Construction delays further complicated Bally’s plans. Work on its $1.7 billion permanent casino in Chicago’s River West area was halted after debris from a demolition mishap fell into the Chicago River. Construction is expected to resume this month, with caisson installation planned for February.
Table: Key December Metrics for Illinois Casinos
| Casino | December Revenue | December Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines | $43 million | 264,000 |
| Hard Rock Rockford | $12.1 million | 118,000 |
| Wind Creek Chicago Southland | $11.2 million | 136,000 |
| Bally’s Chicago (Temporary) | $10.3 million | 108,000 |
Looking Ahead: Competition Heats Up
The influx of new casinos is creating fresh opportunities but also intensifying competition. Hard Rock and Wind Creek are expanding the market, bringing more visitors and revenue into the state. At the same time, Bally’s is banking on its permanent River West facility to secure a bigger slice of the pie once it opens in 2026.
Bally’s $1.7 billion project promises to be a game-changer with 4,000 gaming positions, a 500-room hotel, and an expected $200 million in annual local tax revenue. However, the delayed construction timeline means the company will need to maintain momentum with its temporary facility for now.
Additionally, Bally’s recently launched a $250 million IPO, inviting minority investors to acquire a 25% stake in the Chicago project. This move could generate much-needed funding and spark interest in the ambitious development.
The Big Picture
Illinois’ gambling industry is at a turning point. With total revenues climbing and new venues like Hard Rock and Wind Creek making their mark, the sector is poised for continued growth. However, challenges remain, particularly for Bally’s, which faces high stakes as it works to realise its long-term vision.
Leave a Reply