By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford has ranked second in the state in total revenue and visits during its first two full months in operation.
The casino made a huge debut during its first full month of business in September, and new data shows interest was still strong in October.
Hard Rock jumped from ninth to second among total revenue and admissions to the state’s 15 casinos in September. It held that ranking last month, according to figures released Tuesday by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Related: Hard Rock Casino revenue helps fund expansion of Rockford Promise college scholarship program
Hard Rock had 122,621 admissions to the casino at 7801 E. State St. in October. It had 157,154 during its debut month.
It brought in more than $11 million in total gambling revenue in October, according to state gaming data. That doesn’t include revenue from ticket sales or food and beverages sold.
The state Gaming Board requires monthly reports on all 15 of the state’s casinos’ total admissions, revenue from table games and electronic gambling machines, and how much tax revenue is generated for local municipalities and the state.
Only Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which is just a couple miles from O’Hare International Airport, has brought in more visitors or revenue since Hard Rock’s opening.
Rivers had nearly 257,000 visitors in October and $42.1 million in total gambling revenue.
Bally’s in Chicago ranked third with 110,557 admissions and more than $10.7 million in total revenue.
Related: Ho-Chunk Nation begins construction on Beloit casino
Hard Rock Casino Rockford opened on Aug. 29, offering nearly 1,300 slot machines, 50 live table games, a poker room, a sportsbook, seven restaurants, a shop for Hard Rock merchandise, roughly 150 items of memorabilia on display and a 1,600-seat Hard Rock Live entertainment venue.
In its first two full months of business, it has generated more than $24.7 million in total gambling revenue and more than $1.5 million in local tax revenue.
Rockford receives 70% of the tax revenue, and has outlined 9 ways it will spend its $7 million share in the first year, including expanding Rockford Promise college scholarships and economic development initiatives. Winnebago County receives 20% and 5% goes to both Loves Park and Machesney Park, per the terms of a revenue-sharing agreement.
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas