The casino markets of Illinois and Missouri closed May 2026 with positive results, confirming that slot machines remain the primary engine of gaming growth across the U.S. Midwest. According to official reports published by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and the Missouri Gaming Commission (MGC), the two states generated a combined US$376.1 million in casino revenue during May, reinforcing a growth trend despite weakness in certain table-game segments.
In Illinois, total casino revenue reached US$192.8 million, representing a 9.2 percent year-over-year increase compared with May 2025. The performance was driven primarily by slot machines, which generated US$146.5 million, up 10.3 percent, while table games contributed US$46.2 million, an increase of 6 percent.
The market leader remained Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which reported US$48.7 million, up from US$45.5 million a year earlier. Other strong performers included Wind Creek Chicago Southland with US$21.2 million, Hard Rock Casino Rockford with US$13.8 million, Hollywood Casino Joliet with US$13.2 million, Grand Victoria Casino with US$13.1 million, American Place Casino with US$12.7 million, Bally’s Chicago with US$12.4 million, and Harrah’s Joliet with US$10.6 million.
The most significant growth came from Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, whose revenue surged 106.4 percent to US$2.4 million, supported by the introduction of table games in April. The market is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, led by Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter, while Chairman Charles Schmadeke is scheduled to conclude his term on July 1, 2026.
In Missouri, casinos generated US$183.3 million, an increase of 3.2 percent. Slot machines produced US$160.8 million, rising 6.5 percent, while table-game revenue declined 15.2 percent to US$22.4 million.
The highest-grossing property was Ameristar St. Charles, with US$27.5 million, followed by River City Casino at US$24.7 million and Hollywood Casino St. Louis at US$23.5 million. A total of 11 of Missouri’s 13 casinos reported year-over-year growth. The strongest gains were recorded by Century Casino Cape Girardeau, up 18 percent to US$7.4 million, Mark Twain Casino, up 16.2 percent, and Argosy Riverside Casino, up 13.6 percent.
Figures released by the Missouri Gaming Commission, chaired by Jan M. Zimmerman and directed by Michael A. Leara, paint a clear picture of the regional gaming industry: slot machines continue to fuel market growth, while operators work to restore momentum in table games amid an increasingly competitive environment.
