Illinois VLT market records $3.23 billion in wagers in May
Illinois’ Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) market recorded $3.23 billion in wagers during May 2026, reinforcing the state’s position as one of the largest regulated electronic gaming markets in the United States. During the same period, gross gaming revenue generated by the machines reached $299.2 million, maintaining the growth trend observed in recent years.
According to the monthly report released by the Illinois Gaming Board, wagering volume increased by approximately 4 per cent compared with May 2025, while gross gaming revenue rose by around 5 per cent over the same period. The regulator also reported that the state ended the month with 49,415 VLTs in operation across 8,984 licensed establishments.
VLTs are electronic gaming machines similar to traditional slot machines, but they operate under Illinois’ state video gaming programme. The legislation allows these machines to be installed in establishments such as bars, restaurants, truck stops, organisations and clubs, all under the supervision of the Illinois Gaming Board.
Market growth continues
The May results show that the segment continues to grow even after years of industry expansion. The fact that revenue increased at a faster pace than wagering volume indicates that operators generated higher returns from gaming activity during the period.
In addition to the expansion of the machine network, the video gaming programme has become an important source of tax revenue for the state, consolidating Illinois as one of the leading regulated gaming markets in the United States.
Part of this growth is linked to the gaming legislation reform approved in 2019. At the time, Governor J. B. Pritzker introduced a package of reforms that expanded the state’s gambling market. Among the changes were the authorisation of new casinos, the legalisation of sports betting and an increase in the maximum number of VLTs permitted at each licensed establishment, from five to six machines. The reform aimed to increase state revenue through the expansion of the regulated gaming sector.
With nearly 50,000 active terminals, Illinois remains one of the largest jurisdictions in the United States for video gaming operations. The results from May show that the market continues to experience solid growth, supported by an extensive network of licensed establishments and sustained consumer demand.
Chicago expands its role in the market
Another factor that could drive further growth in the sector is Chicago’s entry into the state’s VLT programme. For years, Illinois‘ largest city prohibited the installation of these machines, even as they expanded across other parts of the state. The situation began to change at the end of 2025, when the City Council approved legislation allowing video gaming terminals to operate in the city, ending a restriction that had been in place for more than a decade.
The measure was incorporated into the city’s 2026 budget with the expectation of creating a new source of revenue for the city. Supporters of the change argued that legalisation would help bars, restaurants and other licensed establishments compete with neighbouring municipalities, where VLTs had already been operating legally for years. The city administration estimated that machine licensing would generate approximately $6.8 million in revenue.
However, Mayor Brandon Johnson opposed the expansion of VLTs and supported a proposal to reverse the authorisation approved by the City Council. Among the concerns raised were a potential increase in gambling-related harm, impacts on public safety and the possibility that the expansion could reduce the attractiveness of Bally’s Corporation’s future casino in Chicago. Studies commissioned by the city indicated that expanding VLT operations could reduce revenue at the Bally’s development and affect the number of jobs the project is expected to create.
This article was first published on the Portuguese SiGMA News page on 13 July 2026.
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