COFA has estimated a potential VGT market in Chicago could generate approximately $64m in incremental tax revenue, as well as a total GGR of $1bn annually.
 

Key points

• Accel believes a VGT market in Chicago would begin producing revenue for the operator as early as the third or fourth quarter of 2026
• The operator will continue assessing its capital deployment strategy in anticipation of Chicago expansion, including ramp timing and new account costs
   

Accel Entertainment will begin evaluating potential expansion of its distributed gaming and local entertainment operations to Chicago following recent public announcements proposing the integration of video gaming terminals (VGTs). 

If such approvals occur, Accel stated it believes a VGT market in Chicago could begin generating revenue for the operator as early as Q3 or Q4 2026 once legislative, regulatory and implementation processes have been completed. 

The City Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) estimated VGTs could drive incremental annual tax revenues of approximately $64m in Chicago, based upon the proposed framework from lawmakers. 

COFA also projects a total annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $1bn for VGT activity in Chicago, which would result in $320m of expected incremental net income for licensed operators. 

Accel went on to state it is “well positioned” to leverage its balance sheet, existing fixed operating infrastructure, route management capabilities and fixed asset base to “capitalize” on VGT opportunities in Chicago. 
 

The operator will continue assessing its capital deployment strategy in anticipation of Chicago expansion, including ramp timing and marginal costs for servicing new accounts. 

Accel plans to update its investor community of potential expansion efforts as regulatory and operating framework for VGT integrations emerge. 

In November 2025, Accel reported its Q3 financial results, as the operator's net revenue grew 9.1% to $329.7m while also having generated a net income of $13.4m. 

The operator's adjusted EBITDA increased 11.5% year-over-year to $51.2m for Q3 2025, while Accel's reported net income for the period was primarily attributed to a $2.2m gain on the change in fair value of Class A-2 common stock.

Source

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