2000 and 2007. As Illinois Gaming Board reports illustrate, the 2008-2009 economic recession led to an overall decrease in revenue among Illinois casinos, particularly the Grand Victoria. The casino's revenue of $25 million for the month of February, 2009 was down 9.9% from the previous year and down 24% from 2007. The Smoke Free Illinois Act, which banned smoking in all enclosed workplaces beginning January 1, 2008, also severely reduced casino attendance. Casino industry officials estimated that Illinois would receive about 20% less in monetary contributions from the casino over the course of 2008, a difference of nearly $144 million. In an attempt to make up for lost revenue, the Grand Victoria and other Illinois riverboat casinos petitioned for permission to distribute free alcoholic beverages. Supporters of a proposed bill said that the existing law was unclear, while opposing groups cited increased gambling addiction as a likely consequence if free alcohol distribution were to be legalized. In 2018, the Grand Victoria was third among Illinois riverboat casinos, with gross receipts of $160.7 billion. References Casinos in Illinois Elgin, Illinois Riverboat casinos Tourist attractions in Kane County, Illinois 1994 establishments in Illinois Caesars Entertainment Mandalay Resort Group