Joliet casino revenue down 5.1 percent

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Updated: February 11, 2012 8:19AM

JOLIET — Collectively, Joliet casinos generated less money in 2011 even as the state’s gambling pot grew.

The impact of the new Rivers Casino in Des Plaines was evident.

In just under six months of business, the new casino generated more money than Hollywood Joliet, which opened 2011 with a new pavilion and added attractions.

Rivers Casino was the third biggest money-maker in the state in 2011, generating $177 million, according to the Illinois Gaming Board’s monthly report from December.

Hollywood Casino Joliet generated $146 million, a $3 million improvement from 2010.

Harrah’s Joliet held onto its spot as the second-biggest money maker in the state, generating $223 million. That, however, was down $23 million from a year ago.

Joliet’s 2011 casino revenues were down 5.1 percent from the previous year.

The city of Joliet received $21.8 million in casino taxes in 2011, a $1.1 million decline from 2010.

With an additional casino in business, however, the state received $17 million more in gaming taxes at $401 million.

Total casino revenues in the state were up by $103 million at $1.48 billion.

Rivers Casino continued to have an impact in December, marking another month in which it was the top grossing casino in Illinois.

Of the other four suburban casinos, only Harrah’s Joliet showed December growth compared to a year ago. December revenue was up 6.6 percent.

Hollywood Casino Joliet was down 7.3 percent from December 2010.