The Chicagoland area has emerged as a significant casino hub in the United States, rivaling iconic destinations like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. With a diverse range of gaming establishments and a thriving gambling scene, Chicagoland offers an unparalleled experience for casino enthusiasts.
From world-class resorts to intimate riverboat casinos, the region boasts a variety of gaming options to suit every taste and preference. Chicago rocked the casino scene in 2023, snagging the third spot in terms of revenue. The city pulled in a whopping $2,191,300,000, which is an amazing 2.5% increase from the previous year.
This uptick of 2.5% from the previous year underscores the region’s rising influence in the casino scene. The increase in revenue signals continued interest from visitors and locals, showcasing the diverse gaming attractions that Chicagoland offers.
Hot on the heels of Chicagoland (which encompasses several casinos in Northwestern Indiana) was the Washington, DC, and Baltimore region, along with some properties in West Virginia. The combined area brought in $2,081,400,000 in revenue, experiencing a slight dip of 4.3% from the previous year.
Interestingly, this marks the fourth consecutive year of alternating positions between Chicagoland and the DC area in the rankings. The alternating positions between Chicagoland and the DC area in the rankings over the past four years could be attributed to various factors. One potential reason is the fluctuating economic conditions and consumer preferences in each region.
Economic trends, changes in disposable income, and shifts in tourism patterns may influence the performance of the casino industry in both areas. Additionally, competition from neighboring states or cities with emerging gambling markets could impact visitor numbers and revenue generation.
What we cover
How Chicago is winning in the gambling scene
Las Vegas has long been synonymous with gambling and entertainment on a grand scale, drawing millions of visitors from around the world each year. Its iconic resorts, extravagant shows, and vibrant nightlife create an unparalleled experience that few other destinations can replicate.
As such, unseating Las Vegas from its top position in the casino industry is indeed a monumental task. However, despite the formidable competition posed by Las Vegas, Chicago has been steadily climbing the ranks in the casino industry. Several factors contribute to this upward trajectory.
Firstly, Chicago benefits from its strategic location in the heart of the Midwest, making it easily accessible to a vast population base. The city’s vibrant cultural scene, world-class dining, and diverse attractions attract tourists and locals alike, providing a captive audience for its burgeoning casino market.
Plus, Chicagoland’s casino industry has undergone significant expansion and diversification in recent years. New developments, such as the legalization of sports betting and the introduction of integrated resorts, have injected fresh excitement and investment into the local gambling scene.
One significant development has been the opening of Bally’s Chicago Casino, which debuted its temporary location on September 9, 2023. Situated in the former Medinah Temple in the River North neighborhood, the temporary casino is conveniently accessible via the CTA red line and various bus routes, offering both locals and visitors a prime location for gambling in the heart of the city.
Spanning across three floors and occupying a 34,000-square-foot complex, Bally’s Chicago Casino boasts a wide range of gaming options. With nearly 800 slots and 56 table games, players have ample opportunities to test their luck and enjoy their favorite casino games. Additionally, plans are in place to introduce a retail sportsbook in the near future, further enhancing the gaming experience at the Illinois casino.
On the other hand, Wind Creek Chicago Southland is also gearing up for a late summer 2024 opening. Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming arm of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, secured the sole gaming concession for the South Suburbs of Chicago from the Illinois Gaming Board in late 2021.
Construction on the $300 million casino resort in East Hazel Crest commenced in June 2022. The development will feature a 70,000-square-foot casino offering 1,350 slot machines, 56 table games, and a sportsbook. Additionally, the resort will boast a 16-story, 252-room hotel, complete with amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, spa, entertainment and events center, and a variety of dining options.
The recent surge in new casino developments can be attributed to Illinois lawmakers passing a gaming bill in 2019 specifically targeting the Chicago area. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed this measure into law intending to generate additional tax revenue to support infrastructure projects.
As part of the gaming package, five suburban casino licenses were allocated, designated for Danville, Rockford, the South Suburbs, Waukegan, and Williamson County. Additionally, a sixth casino was authorized for downtown Chicago, leading to Bally’s current construction of a $1.7 billion integrated resort at the Freedom Center.
In recent developments, the $100 million Golden Nugget Danville commenced operations in May, featuring 500 slot machines and 15 table games. Meanwhile, Hard Rock International is in the process of constructing the permanent Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Rockford with a $358 million investment, following the opening of a temporary casino in November 2021.
Over in Waukegan, Full House Resorts is making headway with its $400 million American Place Casino Resort, having unveiled a provisional gaming space in February of this year. Similarly, Boyd Gaming’s Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Williamson County opened its doors last August for $147 million.
Chicago’s status as a major business and convention hub has also greatly helped to ensure a steady stream of visitors year-round, providing a robust customer base for its casinos. The steady influx of visitors, including business travelers and convention attendees, provides a reliable customer base for the city’s casinos.
These visitors often seek entertainment options during their stay, including gaming activities offered by casinos. Additionally, conventions and business events can draw attendees from diverse backgrounds and locations, further expanding the potential pool of casino patrons.
Final Thoughts
In the realm of casino gaming, Chicagoland has emerged as a formidable contender, rivaling renowned destinations like Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Recent developments, including the opening of Bally’s Chicago Casino and the upcoming launch of Wind Creek Chicago Southland, underscore the city’s growing prominence in the industry. Supported by favorable legislation and its status as a major business hub, Chicago’s casino market is poised for further expansion and success in the years to come.
