Illinois gambling tax revenue rises 19% to record $2.7 billion

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 14:49 · Archive

Illinois collected a record $2.7 billion in gambling-related tax revenue last year, a 19% increase from the previous year. The figure marks a 90% increase since fiscal year 2019, the final year before state lawmakers approved a massive gambling expansion designed to raise revenue for the state's capital infrastructure plan.

Video gambling machines generated over $1 billion in state and local tax revenues, surpassing the Illinois Lottery as the largest-grossing source of wagering revenue in the state for the second consecutive year. The lottery generated $788 million. Sports wagering remained the fastest-growing source of gambling revenue, with more than $15 billion wagered in 2026 alone, generating $593 million in state taxes. Casino receipts grew 13% from the year prior.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability noted that revenues are expected to continue growing 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. Since the 2019 expansion, the number of casinos allowed to operate in Illinois has risen from 10 to 17. Illinois bettors lost nearly $8 billion last year.

How it is being reported

• Report: Illinois tax revenue from gambling increased 19% last yearThe state’s annual wagering report shows tax revenues from casinos, sports gambling, slot machines and the lottery exceeded $2.7 billion, a 19% increase over the previous fiscal year.Kfvs12 · 9 Oct, 14:01
• Report: Illinois tax revenue from gambling increased 19% last yearThe state’s annual wagering report shows tax revenues from casinos, sports gambling, slot machines and the lottery exceeded $2.7 billion, a 19% increase over the previous fiscal year.WIFR · 9 Oct, 14:01

In this story: Illinois · Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability · Chicago · Capitol News Illinois · Illinois Answers Project

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