Illinois casinos hit record £1.95B in gambler losses for 2025
Illinois casinos, including Wind Creek Chicago Southland and Hard Rock Casino Rockford, saw record losses for gamblers in 2025, with total revenue climbing sharply. Players lost nearly £1.95 billion across the state’s 17 physical casinos, marking a 15% rise from the previous year. The growth comes as new venues like Wind Creek Chicago Southland and Hard Rock Casino Rockford completed their first full year of operation.
Slot machines dominated earnings, bringing in about £1.49 billion of the 2025 casino revenue. Table games contributed an additional £457.8 million. Meanwhile, video gaming terminals (VGTs) across Illinois generated over £2.91 billion through November alone.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines remained the state’s top performer, holding a 26% market share. Wind Creek Chicago Southland, which opened in late 2024, quickly became the second-highest earner. Bally’s temporary casino in Chicago ranked fifth in revenue for the year.
Despite delays and opposition to video gaming terminals, Bally’s Corporation is pushing ahead with plans for a permanent casino in Chicago’s River West neighbourhood. The company aims to complete construction and open the venue by the end of 2026.
2025 also marked the first full year for two major casinos: Wind Creek Chicago Southland and Hard Rock Casino Rockford. Their strong performance contributed to the overall 29% revenue jump since 2023.
The 2025 figures highlight Illinois’ booming casino industry, with both new and established venues driving growth. Bally’s upcoming permanent casino in River West is set to further expand the market when it opens in late 2026. The state’s gambling sector continues to break records, with no signs of slowing down.
