Hollywood Casino in Joliet experiences year-to-date revenue gains

JOLIET – While statewide casino revenue continues on the decline, the latest year-to-date figures for 2015 show Hollywood Casino in Joliet is among the few establishments raking in more money this year compared to last.

Hollywood Casino brought in $115.9 million in adjusted gross receipts between January and November, compared to $112.2 million during that same 11-month period in 2014, according to figures released earlier this month by the Illinois Gaming Board.

The local casino also did well last month, bringing in $9.5 million in adjusted gross receipts. That's up from $9 million gained in November 2014.

On the other hand, Harrah's Casino in Joliet has brought in $170.8 million between January and November — down from $181.5 million in adjusted gross receipts during that same 11-month period in 2014. Harrah's Casino brought in $15.7 million last month, down 5 percent from $16.5 million in November 2014.

In terms of revenue among the state's 10 casinos, Harrah’s came in second last month but remained far behind Des Plaines Rivers Casino’s $32.9 million. The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin came in third with $12.7 million, while Hollywood of Joliet ranked fourth. Hollywood Casino in Aurora came in fifth with $8.9 million.

Harrah’s Casino brought in just under $907,993 in tax revenue for the city of Joliet last month, while Hollywood brought in about $562,663. In all, the state’s 10 casinos brought in a collective $6.5 million for Illinois municipalities.

Admissions at Harrah’s stood at 123,407 last month, representing an 8.74 percent dip from 135,229 in November 2014. Hollywood saw 86,605 people, representing a 3.36 percent increase compared to the same time last year.

Video gaming industry

Meanwhile, the video gaming industry statewide and in Joliet saw gains this past month.

Illinois gaming establishments brought in about $19.7 million in state revenue, up from $18.7 million in November 2014. At the same time, establishments brought in about $3.9 million for municipalities last month, up from $3.1 million in November 2014.

Joliet businesses with video gaming machines brought in about $942,082 in November, while the city’s revenue share this past month was $47,096. In all, Joliet has 70 establishments with 264 gaming terminals.

Some of the biggest moneymakers in Joliet last month were two of Blackhawk Restaurant Group LLC’s locations, McBride's Pub Inc., WSB Inc., Double J Sports Bar, Izzy's Bar and Lenny’s Route 66 Fuel Stop.