In the world of gambling and entertainment, the month of June proved to be a mixed bag for Illinois casinos. According to recent data released by the Illinois Gaming Board, overall casino revenues were up compared to the same time last year, but they dropped slightly from the previous month.
The numbers show that in June, the state’s casinos raked in a total of $140.5 million in revenue, a 2.7% increase compared to June of 2020. This marks a positive trend for the industry, as it continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, compared to May’s numbers, where the casinos brought in $146.9 million in revenue, there was a decrease of 4.4%.
Despite the drop from the previous month, several casinos in Illinois still managed to see growth in their revenue numbers. For example, the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines reported a 15.7% increase in revenue compared to June of last year, bringing in a total of $38.7 million. Additionally, the Hollywood Casino in Aurora saw a 7.3% increase in revenue, with earnings reaching $14.6 million.
However, not all casinos fared as well in June. The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin reported a 9.4% decrease in revenue compared to the same time last year, bringing in a total of $11.9 million. The Argosy Casino Alton also saw a drop in revenue, with a decrease of 3% compared to June of 2020.
The fluctuations in revenue numbers could be attributed to various factors, including the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, the weather, and even sporting events that may have drawn customers away from the casinos. Despite these challenges, industry experts remain optimistic about the future of the Illinois casino market.
As more people begin to feel comfortable returning to casinos and as the economy continues to recover, it is expected that the industry will continue to see growth in the coming months. With new developments on the horizon, such as the potential for additional casinos to open in the state, the Illinois gambling industry is poised for a bright future.
