Illinois Gaming Revenue Hits All-Time High Amid Growing Online Activity

The tax revenue gained from Illinois’ gambling industry has reached a new high in 2024, earning more than in any previous period. The reason for this increase—beyond traditional casinos and sports betting—is primarily a surge in video gaming terminals (VGTs) and online gambling. Digital promotions, such as some of the best current online casino bonus offers, appear to have attracted many new players by creating more accessibility in the industry.

The Illinois Gaming Board has released data showing the total state tax revenue from gambling to be $1.7 billion last year—a figure never reached since the inauguration of its gambling expansion. This record-setting revenue is largely driven by growth across many areas of the industry, including brick-and-mortar casinos, interactive betting platforms, and VGTs. Above all, though, by developing and legalizing various new online gambling options, the state appears to have significantly improved overall industry performance 

VGTs, which are found in various establishments throughout the state—from bars to truck stops to restaurants—make up a large share of revenue. However, the rising popularity of online casinos and mobile sports betting has brought in more revenue than ever before, making these platforms increasingly difficult to ignore. Data shows that residents of the state appear to prefer the flexibility and convenience of online gambling compared to traditional options, as well as the appeal of generous incentives and welcome bonuses. In fact, the wide range of online offers is one of the main reasons people are drawn to these platforms. As casino expert Wilna van Wyk points out, finding the best casino bonuses means taking a close look at the terms and conditions. These are usually easy to find on the bonus page and can help you figure out if a deal is actually worth it (source: https://casinobeats.com/online-casinos/bonuses/).

By generating so much tax revenue, the gambling industry has had a much larger impact on public funding. Proceeds from these new taxes are helping to support everything from public education to capital projects, as well as a wide range of social initiatives. Thanks to the foresight of Illinois authorities, the gambling structure created in the state has been designed to benefit communities across the board.

That being said, it has not been without controversy. There has been heated debate between lawmakers and gambling operators, primarily because of a new tiered tax rate for online sportsbooks. Industry leaders have already begun changing their fee structures to offset the cost of the new legislation, meaning that players, rather than operators, are the ones feeling it in their pocketbooks.

Despite all this controversy, Illinois remains one of the most active gambling states, even competing with New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, home of Las Vegas. In general, industry experts and observers agree that the state’s balanced approach—encouraging innovation while maintaining oversight—has contributed greatly to the current success of the gambling market.

As we move into the second half of 2025, stakeholders will be watching closely to see if this trend continues. The state has managed to create a favorable environment for gambling operators through evolving regulation, technological advancement, and high consumer demand. That is not in dispute. What is, however, is how sustainable the current status quo may be. For the time being, though, Illinois is reaping what it sowed: a healthy gambling industry shaped by intelligent state oversight.