Illinois Casinos Decline Behind Only Las Vegas and Atlantic City

The state of Illinois says the bad news is that casino gambling revenue continues a sharp decline, and the good news is that it's not as sharp as last year.

Illinois casinos again experienced a steep decline in gaming revenue, beating only Nevada and New Jersey among states that allow casino gambling. First quarter results for this year show almost a ten percent drop from the same quarter last year, according to the American Gaming Association.

Regional casinos across the US have fared much better than destination resorts during the recession, accounting for the big losses in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. But Illinois' problems have been exacerbated by the extension of the state smoking ban to include gambling venues.

While the 2009 figures show the rate of decline slowing, this may be because 2008 figures showed a catastrophic drop after the implementation of the no-smoking law. Last year, casino revenues fell an amazing twenty-one percent, beating out every state for the worst performance in the US.

"There is still some backlash from smoking, but we're seeing the numbers getting better," said Thomas Swoik, executive director of the Illinois Casino Gaming Association. "We believe the majority of decline now is the result of the economy."

Illinois officials are hoping massive expansions passed by the legislature, including legalizing video lottery terminals, placing slots at tracks, and adding casinos, can offset the damage done by forcing smokers elsewhere.