Illinois’ bet on gambling expansion appears to be paying off. According to a Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability report released last week, adjusted gross receipts of Illinois casinos and net terminal income for video gambling machines combined in 2022 to exceed $4 billion for the first time.
Much of that growth can be attributed to the meteoric rise in video gambling, which besides a COVID-induced reduction in 2020, has increased every year since the machines were introduced in bars, restaurants and truck stops across the state in 2013.
After pandemic-induced down years, brick-and-mortar casino revenue in 2022 essentially matched what was generated in 2019.
A closer look reveals more nuance, as all but one casino recorded lower revenue numbers in 2022 versus 2019.
