Rockford Casino hits jackpot with January revenue numbers

Rockford Casino, A Hard Rock Opening Act opened 2023 by posting one of its most successful months of operation in terms of revenue so far, according to data released Tuesday by the Illinois Gaming Board.

The temporary Rockford casino raked in more than $5 million in January. That is 49% more than the $3.3 million the casino collected in revenue minus payouts in January 2022.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford President Geno Iafrate said the casino was still new last year and the pandemic was a bigger issue.

"As awareness increases and our Unity Loyalty program members continue to grow, our performance will reflect that," Iafrate said.

Since the temporary casino opened in November of 2021, it has generated $68.2 million in revenue and more than $4 million in local gaming taxes. January was its third best month ever in terms of revenue ranking just behind November 2022 and April 2022 when it did $5.1 million in business, its best month so far.

There were 44,643 visits to the casino in January, nearly double the number of admissions in January of 2022.

Rockford Casino is working with the Illinois Gaming Board to add table games including blackjack, Ultimate Texas Hold 'Em and Three Card Poker without reducing its offerings of slot machines. In addition, it is seeking permission to offer sports betting at the temporary casino location. Those amenities are expected to draw more visitors to the casino.