During Tuesday’s earnings call, Accel Entertainment CEO Andy Rubenstein admitted that the company’s location and terminal count decreased slightly in Illinois. But hold per day in Illinois increased 9% year over year to $992 during the second quarter of 2026.
“That’s precisely the outcome our strategy is designed to produce,” Rubenstein said. “We’re not managing this business to maximize machine count. We’re managing it to maximize revenue and profitability per location and our results reflect that.”
Accel reported revenue of $368 million in 2Q26, a quarterly record and a 10% increase year-over-year. Net income reached $13 million, compared to $7 million in 2Q25. Adjusted EBITDA increased 11% to $59 million, also an all-time quarterly record.
Accel ended the quarter operating in nearly 4,700 locations, an increase of 6%, with 29,000 gaming terminals, a 7% increase year over year.
Rubenstein added that Chicago remains one of Accel’s most significant near-term growth opportunities.
The company has been approved for 17 of the 39 video gaming terminal licenses available, approximately 44% of establishments licensed in the city.
“Because we already operate at scale across Illinois, the incremental cost for us to stand up Chicago is low and we can move as quickly as the city process allows,” said Accel Chief Operating Officer Mark Phelan, who will succeed Rubenstein as CEO August 7. “When these locations begin going live, we believe our existing infrastructure, service network, and deep local relationships position us to capture our share of this market efficiently.”
Phelan noted that Accel’s Louisiana results were strong, resulting in Toucan Entertainment’s revenue in the state increasing 14% and terminal count jumping 27%.
“Our acquisition pipeline in Louisiana remains active and we believe our operating expertise and integration track record continue to position us as the buyer of choice in that market,” Phelan said.
The company’s Fairmount Park Racetrack, according to Phelan, delivered its strongest quarter to date on a gross-profit basis and Accel management is encouraged by the continued momentum across the operation.
“Live table games have performed in line with our expectations and continue to gain traction with customers,” Phelan said of Fairmount. “At the same time, the additional revenue generated for gaming continues to support investments in racing, including an approximate increase of $500,000 in purses paid out over the 2026 season. … We remain committed to the long-term development of a permanent casino at Fairmont. In the meantime, our focus remains on executing the fundamentals, improving the customer experience, and building a property that continues to strengthen over time.”
