Illinois Casinos End 2021 on High Note with December Increase

The revenue at Illinois casinos spiked in the final month of 2021, with December marking a 5.6% increase over November.

December revenue was $109,807,611 in December, a rise of almost $6 million from the $103,962,512 reported in November.

Of the December total adjusted gross receipts (AGR), $80.4 million came from electronic gaming devices and $29.4 million was derived from table games. November’s numbers indicated that $77.3 million came from EGDs and $26.7 million from table games.

That December total was the second-best figure of 2021 and the state’s highest since July, when the casinos combined for $120.2 million in revenue, as reported by the Illinois Gaming Board.

The state share of taxes for the month came to $29.9 million and the local share for the various municipalities added up to $6.2 million.

Illinois Casino Revenue for 2021 Exceeds $1 Billion

For the year, the state’s 11 commercial casinos reported nearly $1.2 billion in combined AGR, producing a state share in taxes of nearly $250 million.

That was a slight dip from 2019, when the state reported $1.35 billion in revenue from what was then a list of 10 casinos.

The comparison to 2019 numbers is more relevant than those from 2020 because COVID-19 protocols affected Illinois casinos as well as sports facilities and many other businesses across the country. In 2020, Illinois casinos combined for just $367.3 million in AGR.

Even in 2021, the state’s casinos were still recovering from the restrictions brought about by measures put in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In January, the revenue was only $26.2 million.

$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See http://BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

Illinois Casino Revenue Breakdown

As usual, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines led the state in AGR by a fair distance. Rivers is the largest casino in the state at 43,687 square feet and usually has about three times the number of admissions and revenue each month of any other Illinois casino.

In December, Rivers drew about $43 million in revenue, derived from about $25 million in EGDs and $18 million in table games.

The second-highest number was at Grand Victoria in Elgin, with $12.91 million in December revenue. Next up was Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel at $11.09 million.

Learn More: Illinois sports betting apps

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost

Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS (Affiliated with Kansas Crossing Casino), ME (Licensed through the Mi’kmaq Nation, Penobscot Nation, and Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, federally recognized tribes located in the State of Maine), NC (Licensed through Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise), PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; MA: Call 1-800-327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org, NY: Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369); LA (Licensed through Horseshoe Bossier City and Caesars New Orleans) Call 1-800-522-4700, Washington, DC (OLG Class A licensed Operator): Call 1-800-MY-RESET. ©2026, Caesars Entertainment

State’s 11th Casino Has First Full Month

December was the first full month for the newest gaming facility in Illinois, the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford.

The temporary facility was originally slated to launch in October but wound up opening its doors on Nov. 9. Plans are already under way for a permanent casino in Rockford, scheduled to open in two years.

For December, Hard Rock’s first full month in Rockford produced $4.3 million in revenue from EGDs, the only gaming option there (the casino hasn’t opened any table games).

Bet $5+ Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + 100% NCAA Tournament Winner Profit Boost

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit http://www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Min. $5 first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Plus, upon qualifying bet placement, get 1 100% Profit Boost Token, valid only for a NCAA Tournament Winner bet. Max. Bet: $10. Profit Boost Tokens are single-use and expire on 4/6/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Must select Token BEFORE placing bet. Boost only applies to winnings. Ends 4/6/26 11:59 PM ET. Terms: https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.