Illinois Casinos Report Strong Revenue Growth in June

The 17 land-based casinos in the US state of Illinois achieved remarkable growth in June. They reported a 9 percent increase in revenue. Overall, monthly earnings amounted to $173.6 million. This development underlines the continued strength of the gambling market in the region.

This solid result highlights the dynamics of the US casino market. Both land-based venues and online offerings contribute to overall growth. This is also reflected in other markets, which are boosted by regulatory adjustments and new offerings.

Numbers and facts

In June, the 17 land-based casinos in Illinois generated revenues of $173.6 million. This corresponds to a 9 percent growth compared to the previous month or the same month last year; the exact comparison basis was unfortunately not provided by Gaming Intelligence. Such increases are a positive signal for the local economy. They indicate recovery and stabilization after the challenges of recent years. It is interesting to see how the gambling industry adapts and finds new ways to attract players.

The situation in Chicago looks quite different. City officials there are grappling with a proposal for an additional 10.25 percent tax on sports betting. This proposal by Mayor Brandon Johnson would supplement existing state taxes of 20-40 percent on Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) and a 2 percent tax in Cook County. Illinois Rep Dan Didech, chair of the House Gaming Committee, clearly spoke out against local taxes on sports betting. He warned of the consequences.

“If you increase the tax so it becomes cost prohibitive for gamblers, they will seek out overseas sites that … are more dangerous, more predatory, untaxed and unregulated. That’s a direct loss in tax revenue for the state. That impacts our ability to invest in infrastructure.” - Dan Didech, Chair of the House Gaming Committee

This illustrates the concern that an excessive tax burden could drive players to the black market.

Background

The development in Illinois is set within the context of global trends. Significant reforms are also underway in the UK. The Rank Group reported a like-for-like Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) increase of 11 percent to £795.3 million (approximately $1.07 billion) for the 2025 financial year. Operating profit rose by 38 percent. This growth was supported by new legislative reforms. These reforms allow small casinos in England and Wales to increase their number of gaming machines. Instead of two, they can now offer five gaming machines per gaming table. This will allow for an expansion of around 850 gaming machines across 50 Grosvenor venues in FY2026. In addition, sports betting will be introduced in 38 locations.

In Illinois, sports betting taxes have been raised twice in the last two years. In 2024, a flat tax rate of 15 percent was changed to a tiered system of 20 to 40 percent, depending on the operator's revenue. Additionally, a per-wager fee was introduced this year. Sportsbooks pay 25 cents for each of the first 20 million bets placed, and 50 cents for each subsequent bet. These measures show how states are trying to generate additional revenue from the growing gambling market. In September, Illinois collected $28.7 million in taxes. Of this, $10.6 million came from the per-wager fees.

Why it matters for German players

For German players, the news from Illinois and the UK is more indirectly relevant. Nevertheless, it shows the global dynamics in the gambling sector. Since July 1, 2021, Germany has its own regulation with the State Treaty on Gambling (GlüStV 2021). This treaty led to fundamental changes in online gambling. Only operators on the so-called GGL-Whitelist, licensed by the Joint Gambling Authority of the Federal States (GGL), are allowed to legally offer their services in Germany. These licenses are tied to strict conditions.

These include a monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros per player across all providers. There is also a wagering limit of one euro per game round for online slots. Advertising is heavily restricted. The central player blocking system OASIS and the limit file system LUGAS are intended to protect players from overspending. The state system aims to prevent gambling addiction and ensure player protection. Players who play in casinos licensed by the GGL benefit from a safe and regulated environment. Outside of GGL-licensed offers, players operate in a legal grey area with corresponding risks.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

The developments in the US and UK could be interpreted as a signal that regulatory authorities continue to strive to maximize gambling revenues. At the same time, we also see warnings against over-regulation there. For GGL-licensed casinos in Germany, this means they must operate within a strict framework. German regulation is very restrictive in international comparison. Compliance with the requirements is central. Those who want to retain their license status must do so. Here in Germany, the focus is less on revenue growth through deregulation, and more on player protection.

The deposit limit of 1,000 euros per month and the 1 euro limit per spin are examples of this. While this restricts the casinos' revenue streams, it is intended to promote responsible gaming. While Illinois discusses tax increases, the frameworks for GGL-licensed casinos are considerably stricter. They must make do with lower profit margins, but in return offer a high level of security for players. This protects the player, but also the reputation of the industry.