Illinois bettors lost more money than ever last year, according to a new state report.
State coffers, meanwhile, went in the opposite direction, collecting a record $2.7 billion in gambling-related revenue — a 19.2% increase from the previous year. It marks a 90% increase from fiscal year 2019, the final year before the state approved a massive gambling expansion aimed at raising revenue for the state’s ongoing capital infrastructure plan.
A report released this month by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability noted revenues are expected to grow further in the coming years, as several new permanent casinos open, new slot machines enter Chicago bars and restaurants, and sports wagering continues its rapid growth with new fantasy sports offerings.
