Accel Entertainment Considers VGT Roll-Out if Chicago Allows the Devices
Accel Entertainment is evaluating bringing its distributed gaming and local entertainment model to Chicago as the city considers changing local law to allow video gaming terminals.
The City Council Office of Financial Analysis has estimated the proposed framework for VGTs could generate approximately $64 million in incremental annual tax revenue for the city.
Based on existing legislative revenue splits in Illinois, Chicago VGT-related annual gross gaming revenue could reach as high as $1 billion. This would be in addition to the existing $3 billion from the rest of the state.
This would translate into approximately $320 million of expected incremental net terminal income for the licensed VGT operations in Chicago.
Accel Expects VGT Chicago Revenue Before Year-End
Subject to legislative change and regulatory approval, Accel said it would consider launching in the city. If it were to proceed, the operator anticipated generating revenue from VGT in Chicago in Q3 or Q4 of 2026.
“From a capital deployment perspective, Accel believes it is well positioned to leverage its strong balance sheet, existing fixed operating infrastructure, route management capabilities, and fixed asset base to capitalize on opportunities in a Chicago VGT market, subject to customer acquisition rates and final regulatory requirements,” Accel said.
Accel added that it will continue to assess its capital deployment strategy for an anticipated roll-out in Chicago. This will include ramp timing and marginal costs to service new accounts.
“Accel will continue to monitor developments closely and plans to update the investor community as appropriate as the regulatory and operating framework emerge,” it said.
