Phil West, Author at PlayIllinois

Silver microphone and guitar symbolize Steve Albini, Chicago area punk and poker legend's, death.

Steve Albini, Indie Music Pioneer And World Series Of Poker Bracelet Winner, Dead At 61

Steve Albini, who found notoriety in Chicago's indie music scene and fame in the World Series of Poker, died of a heart attack Tuesday.

Posted on: May 13, 2024 | | Phil West

Row of slot machines signifies Illinois April casino revenue totals.

Illinois Casino Revenue Drops To $137M In April But Up Year Over Year

April casino revenue in Illinois was down from March's totals but still outpaced the previous April and came close to February's total.

Posted on: May 9, 2024 | | Phil West

Calculator reading "losses" signifies Bally's first quarter revenue despite Chicago casino earnings

Bally’s Reports IQ Losses Despite Chicago Casino Successes

Despite losses in the first three months of 2024, Bally's Corporation celebrated its successes in Chicago during an earnings call this week.

Posted on: May 2, 2024 | | Phil West

Chicago skyline, signifying Illinois igaming bills still in both state legislative chambers

Illinois Online Casino Bills Still Alive With A Month To Go

With about a month remaining in the 2024 session, both the Illinois House and Senate still have iGaming bills up for committee consideration.

Posted on: April 25, 2024 | | Phil West

Casino table close up signifying Bally's Chicago's strong month of March

Bally’s Chicago Revenue, Attendance Grow In March Amid Takeover Bid Attempt

The chairman of Bally's was thrilled to see March numbers for Bally's Chicago increase as he tries to take over the gaming company.

Posted on: April 22, 2024 | | Phil West

Illinois Feb. Sports betting revenue up 26% year over year

February Sports Betting Handle Up 26% Over 2023 In Illinois

Illinois sports betting handle in February was more than 26% higher year over year but down significantly compared to the previous month.

Posted on: April 19, 2024 | | Phil West

Bar graph rising signifies strong month of March for Illinois casinos

March Casino Revenue Up 16% From Previous Year In Illinois

Illinois's 15 casinos reported an increase in revenue in March of more than 16% year over year and over 10% from the previous month.

Posted on: April 17, 2024 | | Phil West

Blurred out video game terminals signify a VGT bill proposed by the IL General Assembly

Illinois House Bill Would Legalize Video Gaming Terminals In Chicago

A bill in the Illinois General Assembly would allow video gaming terminals, legal in other parts of the state, to become legal in Chicago.

Posted on: April 3, 2024 | | Phil West

Bally's chairman offers buyout to raise capital for Chicago casino.

Bally’s Chairman Offers Shares Buyout To Raise Chicago Casino Funding

Bally's chairman Soo Kim believes that taking the company private can fund $800 million toward construction of a Chicago casino.

Posted on: March 18, 2024 | | Phil West

Pile of $100 bills for story on American Place in Waukegan fueling Full House Resorts' Q4 revenue growth

American Place’s Record Revenues Fuel Full House Resorts’ Q4 Growth

Full House Resorts experienced revenue growth in 2023, especially in the fourth quarter, thanks to the American Place casino in Waukegan.

Posted on: March 12, 2024 | | Phil West

Phil West

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Posts by Phil West:

Steve Albini, Indie Music Pioneer And World Series Of Poker Bracelet Winner, Dead At 61

Illinois Casino Revenue Drops To $137M In April But Up Year Over Year

Bally’s Reports IQ Losses Despite Chicago Casino Successes

Illinois Online Casino Bills Still Alive With A Month To Go

Bally’s Chicago Revenue, Attendance Grow In March Amid Takeover Bid Attempt

February Sports Betting Handle Up 26% Over 2023 In Illinois

March Casino Revenue Up 16% From Previous Year In Illinois

Illinois House Bill Would Legalize Video Gaming Terminals In Chicago

Bally’s Chairman Offers Shares Buyout To Raise Chicago Casino Funding

American Place’s Record Revenues Fuel Full House Resorts’ Q4 Growth

Bally’s Chicago Construction Schedule In Jeopardy Due to Unapproved Contractor

Illinois Senate Bill Would Allow State Lottery To Regulate Courier Services

Bally’s Changes Terms for Investment in Chicago Resort to Address Lawsuit

Harrah’s Metropolis Casino Forced to Close Due to Ohio River Floodwaters

East Dundee Considers Limitations On Video Gaming Terminals