Springfield brings in the most gambling revenue for 2024 fiscal year

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS — A recent report released by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability shows that Illinois gambling revenue has grown to$2 billion.

Springfield was ranked number one for bringing in the most revenue for the fiscal 2024 year. City officials told NewsChannel 20 that they plan to put the money towards projects that have been neglected for far too long.

For the entire 2024 fiscal year, the nearly 800 gaming terminals in Springfield brought in $2.5 million for the city. The city’s Director of Budget and Management, Ramona Metzger, said this decision was made in 2014 that the funds will be used annually to take care of road maintenance.

“There was a bond issue done in 2014, 2015 and 2016 for just over $80 million,” Metzger said. “That was to catch the city up in repairs that had been neglected for years.”

The money will also go towards maintaining the sidewalks and alleyways. Right after Springfield, Decatur is ranked number two for bringing in the highest revenue. Metzger added that gaming and infrastructure revenue is expected to bring in a total of $17 million.