With a new multi-billion dollar casino now in the works for the city’s downtown area, Illinois Gaming Board data shows casino revenue in the state is down by $200 million over the past decade.
The dwindling casino numbers started to take form in 2012 as video gaming machines and sports betting facilities began to pop up in more spots across the state.
Data shows that in 2022, video gaming terminals across the area nearly doubled in revenue from $395 million in 2019 to $762 million in 2022. Boasting of providing a more accessible and convenient experience than full-fledged casinos, the machines allow players to place bets on video poker and slot machines in local bars and restaurants.
