Illinois commercial casinos generated $192.8 million in adjusted gross revenue in May 2026, up 9.2 percent from May 2025, according to Illinois Gaming Board data. The gains were spread across both gaming verticals, with slot machines producing $146.5 million — a 10.3 percent increase — and table games contributing $46.2 million, a 6 percent year-over-year gain. The results reflect continued strength in one of the country's major regulated casino markets.
Leading Properties
Rivers Casino Des Plaines led all Illinois properties with $48.7 million in May revenue, a 7.2 percent improvement over its $45.5 million result from the same month in 2025. Wind Creek Chicago Southland followed at $21.2 million. Hard Rock Casino Rockford contributed $13.8 million, Hollywood Casino Joliet recorded $13.2 million, Grand Victoria posted $13.1 million, Full House Resorts reported $12.7 million, Bally's Chicago generated $12.4 million, and Harrah's Joliet crossed $10.6 million.
The most dramatic year-over-year gain came from Fairmount Park, which surged 106.4 percent to $2.4 million. The property opened its casino operation in April 2025 and did not add table games until April 2026, creating an unusually favorable comparison base that accounts for the triple-digit percentage swing.
Properties in Decline
Three Illinois casinos saw revenue fall compared to May 2025. Hollywood Casino Aurora reported the sharpest drop at 13.9 percent. Argosy Casino Alton declined 2.4 percent, and DraftKings at Casino Queen was essentially flat, down 0.5 percent year-over-year. The declines at those properties suggest some market share movement within the state rather than overall weakness in casino demand.
Illinois remains one of a handful of large US states that have not legalized online casino gambling, a fact that has generated recurring legislative debate. The strong retail revenue numbers may complicate that conversation, as some stakeholders argue that iGaming legalization would cannibalize rather than complement land-based results. Operators looking to understand the Illinois market can consult resources on Illinois sportsbooks to see how digital wagering fits alongside the retail casino landscape.
