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Operation of gaming terminals in Chicago remains one of Accel’s most compelling growth opportunities
Accel Entertainment, a leading locals-focused gaming operator, saw its second quarter revenue increase by ten per cent to $368m compared to last year’s second quarter.
Accel CEO, Andy Rubenstein, commented: “Accel delivered another strong quarter, with revenue increasing 10 per cent year-over-year to a record of $368m, and Adjusted EBITDA rising 11 per cent to $59m. We believe these results reflect the strength and resilience of our distributed gaming model, the disciplined execution of our team, and the ongoing success of our long-term strategy.
“Illinois, our largest market, once again delivered impressive results. Revenue from our Illinois distributed gaming operations, excluding Fairmount Park, increased six per cent year-over-year, reflecting our continued focus on improving route quality and maximising revenue and profitability per location. With our entire Illinois installed base now ticket-in, ticket-out (TITO)-enabled, we are encouraged by early customer adoption and expect the benefits to build over time. Fairmount Park performed well in Q2 ’26, delivering its highest quarterly gross profit since the closing of the acquisition less than two years ago. Table games and slots continue to gain traction, our second racing season is underway, and we remain committed to developing a permanent casino at the property.
“The operation of gaming terminals in Chicago remains one of Accel’s most compelling near-term growth opportunities. The Illinois Gaming Board has begun issuing approvals, and we are pleased that seventeen, or 44 per cent, of the locations approved to date are Accel locations. The City of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has begun accepting and processing applications for City video gaming licenses. Once a location receives its City video gaming license, the IGB will permit the terminal operator to schedule its connection to the Central Communications System and proceed to “go-live”. Our infrastructure, operating platform and long-standing relationships position Accel to move quickly once the City of Chicago issues our licenses.
“Beyond Illinois, we continued to build momentum in our developing markets during the second quarter. Adjusted EBITDA in each of Nebraska and Georgia increased significantly, highlighting the growing importance of these markets to our long-term earnings growth. In addition, we completed the accretive acquisition of Rice Palace Truck Stop Casino in Louisiana and announced a new route agreement and equipment purchase in Nevada which is adding approximately 600 terminals across Southern Nevada.
“Our disciplined capital allocation strategy has provided Accel with a very strong balance sheet. During the quarter, we repurchased approximately 500,000 shares of our common stock for $5.6 million, and we ended the quarter with net leverage of approximately 1.4 times and an undrawn $300 million revolving credit facility. We believe this financial strength provides the flexibility to invest organically, pursue disciplined acquisitions and return capital to shareholders.
“As I prepare to transition from Chief Executive Officer to Chairman, I am very confident in Accel’s future. We have built a resilient business and assembled an exceptional leadership team, which I firmly believe positions Accel for its next chapter of growth. I look forward to continuing to support the company as Chairman and to building on that momentum in the years ahead.”
