Illinois Casino Revenue Reaches $141.3M in February Amid Mixed Results

Illinois casinos reported a total adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of $141.3 million in February, reflecting a 2.6% increase from the $137.6 million recorded in the same month last year. However, revenue dipped slightly compared to January’s $143.9 million, marking a 1.8% decline month-over-month.

revenue fell 5% from the previous year, generating $23.9 million compared to February 2024’s $34.6 million.

Rivers Casino Maintains Lead Despite Decline

Among Illinois casinos, Rivers Casino remained the market leader, generating $37.6 million in AGR for February. However, this represented a 13.7% decline from the $43.6 million it earned in the same month last year.

Wind Creek Casino brought in $13.5 million, marking a 1.5% increase from January’s $13.3 million. Meanwhile, Hard Rock Casino Rockford experienced the highest year-over-year growth, reporting $11.1 million in AGR—an 80.1% surge from the $6.2 million it earned in February 2024.

State Continues Crackdown on Illegal Betting

In addition to revenue updates, the IGB has intensified efforts against illegal sports betting operations. In collaboration with the Illinois Attorney General’s office, the board issued 11 cease-and-desist letters earlier this month to unlicensed operators, including offshore sportsbooks and daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms.

Among those targeted were Bovada, PrizePicks, Bet Online, Bet US, and Blitz Studios’ Sleeper platform. These operators were accused of violating the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, which prohibits unlicensed sports betting, including single-game wagers, parlays, props, and exchange betting.

Illinois’ crackdown follows similar actions in states like Michigan, which recently issued cease-and-desist orders to nine online gambling platforms. Many of the operators flagged in Illinois, including Bovada and Bet Online, are based offshore, complicating regulatory enforcement.

In addition to traditional sportsbooks, the IGB has taken aim at DFS platforms, asserting that some offerings too closely resemble sports betting. PrizePicks, Sleeper, and Drafters were among those that received cease-and-desist letters.

PrizePicks has since adjusted its Illinois operations, shifting toward peer-to-peer contests instead of its traditional “against-the-house” Pick ‘Em games. The company also expressed for two proposed Illinois bills—SB1224 and SB2145—that seek to clarify DFS regulations.

As Illinois casinos report a year-over-year revenue increase, regulatory enforcement remains a key focus. The IGB continues to monitor industry trends while pushing back against unlicensed gaming activities.

Source:

‘’Monthly Reports’’, igb.illinois.gov.