Quick Answer: Illinois Gaming Revenue Per Establishment
According to publicly available data from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB):
- The average Illinois gaming establishment generates over $104,000 per year in gross gaming revenue
- Monthly average gross revenue per location is $8,500–$9,500
- Establishments typically retain approximately 32% of Net Terminal Income (NTI)
- Average annual net revenue to the business is $30,000–$40,000 per year
Actual earnings vary depending on:
- Location
- Number of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs). Current limit is 6 machines.
- Foot traffic
- Local ordinances
- Quality of Terminal Operator support
Illinois gaming revenue continues to make video gaming one of the most consistent supplemental income streams for bars, restaurants, cafés, and truck stops.
Illinois Gaming Is Big Business
Illinois is one of the largest video gaming markets in the United States.
Under the Illinois Video Gaming Act (2009), licensed establishments can operate Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) if permitted by local ordinance. Since then, Illinois gaming revenue has grown into a multi-billion-dollar industry statewide.
Thousands of establishments across Illinois operate VGTs, including:
- Bars and taverns
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops and gaming cafés
- Truck stops
- Veterans’ and fraternal organizations
According to Illinois Gaming Board reports, the average establishment in 2023 generated more than $104,000 in annual gross gaming revenue.
In April 2024 alone, establishments averaged more than $9,300 in monthly gross gaming revenue.
Understanding Net Terminal Income (NTI)
To understand Illinois video gaming revenue by location, it’s important to understand Net Terminal Income (NTI).
Net Terminal Income (NTI) =
Total money deposited into a VGT minus total money paid out to players
This NTI is then distributed approximately as follows:
- ~1/3 to the gaming establishment
- ~1/3 to state and local government
- ~1/3 to the Terminal Operator
After taxes and revenue splits, most establishments retain approximately 32% of NTI.
This percentage is key when estimating your annual net revenue.
Illinois Video Gaming Revenue by Location and Establishment Type (2024 Estimates)
The following estimates are derived from publicly available Illinois Gaming Board monthly reports and statewide averages of approximately $1,400–$1,600 per VGT per month.
| Establishment Type | Avg. Number of VGTs | Avg. Monthly Gross Gaming Revenue | Avg. Net Revenue to Establishment (~32%) | Estimated Annual Net Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bar / Tavern | 6 VGTs | $9,500 | $3,040 | $36,480 |
| Restaurant | 5 VGTs | $8,000 | $2,560 | $30,720 |
| Coffee Shop / Café | 4 VGTs | $6,000 | $1,920 | $23,040 |
| Large Truck Stop | Up to 10 VGTs | $15,000+ | $4,800+ | $57,600+ |
How These Estimates Are Calculated
- Gross Monthly Revenue: Average revenue per VGT × number of terminals
- Net Revenue: Approx. 32% of NTI
- Annual Revenue: Monthly net × 12
Actual Illinois gaming revenue by location may vary significantly based on traffic patterns and community size.
Revenue Per Square Foot: A Practical Benchmark
In April 2024, VGTs generated approximately $81.75 per square foot of gaming area (based on 6-terminal layouts).
With an average gaming area of about 107 square feet:
- Monthly gross revenue ≈ $8,767
- Per VGT ≈ $1,461 per month
This metric helps business owners evaluate the return on dedicated gaming space inside their establishment.
Illinois Gaming Law: What Businesses Should Know
Since legalization in 2009, Illinois has made several regulatory updates that impact revenue potential:
Maximum Machines
- Most establishments: up to 6 VGTs
- Large truck stops: up to 10 VGTs
Increased Max Bet and Max Win
- Max bet increased to $4
- Max win increased to $1,199
Progressive Jackpots
Intra-location progressive jackpots up to $10,000 were authorized as part of the gaming expansion package signed into law in Illinois in June of 2019, increasing player engagement.
Servicing Improvements
Terminal Operators no longer require on-site IGB presence for maintenance, improving uptime and revenue continuity.
Tax Rate Updates
- Gaming establishment tax increased to 33% in 2020
- Beginning July 1, 2024, tax increased to 35%
Despite tax adjustments, Illinois gaming revenue remains strong and competitive.
How Much Can Your Illinois Gaming Establishment Make?
Here is a realistic annual projection model:
If you operate:
- 6 VGTs
- Generate $1,500 per VGT monthly
Then:
Gross monthly revenue = $9,000
Estimated net to establishment (32%) ≈ $2,880
Annual net revenue ≈ $34,560
For many Illinois businesses, this represents one of the highest-margin revenue categories in the establishment.
Maximizing Illinois Gaming Revenue at Your Location
To optimize performance:
1. Strategic Placement
Create a semi-private, well-designed gaming space separated from main dining areas.
2. Lighting & Atmosphere
Balanced lighting enhances player comfort and session length.
3. Clean, Accessible Restrooms
Convenience increases dwell time.
4. Promotional Marketing
Use permitted in-store signage and social media to increase awareness.
5. Knowledgeable Staff
Friendly and informed staff improve customer retention.
6. Extended Hours
Opening early and operating on Sundays increases revenue potential.
Why Your Terminal Operator Matters
While Illinois gaming revenue potential is strong, performance varies significantly based on terminal quality, maintenance speed, and analytics support.
A strong Terminal Operator should provide:
- High-performing machines
- Rapid service response
- Data transparency
- Strategic guidance to increase NTI
- Compliance expertise
Universal Gaming Group was the first Terminal Operator to install licensed VGTs in Illinois. Since then we have become Illinois’ most trusted, most reliable Terminal Operators. Whether you’re opening a new gaming establishment or upgrading from your current provider, partnering with an experienced operator can directly impact your annual revenue.
FAQ: Illinois Gaming Revenue
How much do Illinois bars make from slot machines per month?
Most Illinois bars with 6 VGTs generate between $8,500 and $9,500 in gross monthly gaming revenue. After taxes and revenue splits, they typically retain around $3,000 per month.
What percentage of Illinois gaming revenue does the establishment keep?
Establishments generally retain approximately 32% of Net Terminal Income after state taxes and Terminal Operator splits.
Where can I find Illinois video gaming revenue by location?
Illinois video gaming revenue by location is available in monthly reports published by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
How many slot machines can an Illinois establishment operate?
Most establishments can operate up to 6 VGTs. Large truck stops may operate up to 10 terminals if they meet specific criteria.
Final Thoughts on Illinois Gaming Revenue
Illinois gaming revenue remains one of the most stable supplemental income opportunities for licensed establishments.
With the right location, layout, and Terminal Operator partnership, businesses can realistically generate $30,000–$40,000 in annual net revenue from video gaming — and significantly more in high-traffic markets.
If you’re considering adding video gaming to your business or improving performance at your current location, strategic planning and experienced operational support make all the difference.
