The U.S. gaming landscape delivered two major developments on June 17, 2026. In Chicago, the City Council rejected a proposal to ban sweepstakes machines, while in Virginia, commercial casinos posted the strongest month in state history, generating US$108.4 million in gaming revenue during May and further strengthening the regulated casino sector.
The Chicago decision came after a 33-15 vote, in which the Chicago City Council defeated an ordinance that would have prohibited sweepstakes machines, devices that operate in a regulatory gray area while offering gameplay mechanics similar to slot machines and video poker terminals. The proposal had been supported by council members concerned about the rapid spread of the machines in bars, gas stations, restaurants, laundromats and convenience stores, particularly across Chicago’s South and West Sides.
The administration of Mayor Brandon Johnson opposed the ban, arguing that the issue required a broader review of the city’s gaming ecosystem. The debate unfolds alongside ongoing discussions regarding the expansion of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) and their potential impact on Bally’s Chicago, the permanent casino project currently under development in River West.
Estimates presented during the debate suggest that approximately 7,000 machines are currently operating outside the traditional gaming tax and regulatory framework, making them one of the most controversial issues in Illinois gaming policy.
While Chicago continues to debate how to regulate or restrict alternative gaming models, Virginia’s gaming market continues to expand. According to data released by the Virginia Lottery, the state’s casino and historical horse racing (HHR) sector generated a record US$108.4 million in combined gaming revenue during May, representing a 27% year-over-year increase.
The market growth was driven by Virginia's three operational commercial casinos; Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, and Caesars Virginia in Danville, which generated US$70.0 million of the total. The remaining US$38.4 million was generated by the state's historical horse racing electronic gaming networks, including locations like Rosie's Gaming Resort.
Virginia legalized commercial casinos through legislation approved in 2020, using a model based on local voter referendums, state licensing and direct oversight by the Virginia Lottery. Each casino license requires a US$15 million payment for a ten-year authorization period, along with regulatory compliance requirements, responsible gaming programs and ongoing financial supervision.
Chicago continues debating how to address thousands of machines operating outside the traditional framework, while Virginia continues capturing investment, tax revenue and growth through a fully regulated casino market.
