Accel Entertainment Evaluates Chicago VGT Market Potential with $64M Annual Tax Revenue
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 08 2026
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Source: Newsfilter
- Market Potential Assessment: Accel Entertainment is evaluating the potential introduction of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in Chicago, with an estimated $64 million in incremental annual tax revenue for the city, highlighting significant market potential.
- Revenue Expectations: According to the City Council Office of Financial Analysis, the total annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) from Chicago's VGTs could reach $1 billion, providing a substantial boost to the existing $3 billion revenue, indicating strong market demand.
- Implementation Timeline: Although full implementation may take up to 10 years, Accel anticipates that the Chicago VGT market could start generating revenue as early as Q3 or Q4 of 2026, reflecting the company's confidence in entering this market.
- Capital Deployment Strategy: Accel plans to leverage its strong balance sheet and existing infrastructure to assess its capital deployment strategy for the Chicago market, ensuring competitiveness and sustainable growth in this new market.
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Analyst Views on ACEL
Wall Street analysts forecast ACEL stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for ACEL is 14.50 USD with a low forecast of 13.00 USD and a high forecast of 16.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
2 Analyst Rating
2 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 11.290
Low
13.00
Averages
14.50
High
16.00
Current: 11.290
Low
13.00
Averages
14.50
High
16.00
About ACEL
Accel Entertainment, Inc. is a distributed gaming operator in the United States and a partner for local business owners in the markets it serves. The Company offers turnkey full-service gaming solutions to authorized non-casino locations such as bars, restaurants, convenience stores, truck stops, and fraternal and veteran establishments across the country. It installs, maintains, operates and services gaming terminals and related equipment for its location partners as well as redemption devices, stand-alone automated teller machines (ATMs) and amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, and other entertainment-related equipment. It also designs and manufactures gaming terminals and related equipment. Its segments include distributed gaming and casinos and racing. The Company offers amusement devices, including jukeboxes, dartboards, pool tables, and other entertainment-related equipment that enhance customer experience and engagement.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Accel Entertainment Evaluates Chicago VGT Market Potential with $64M Annual Tax Revenue
- Market Potential Assessment: Accel Entertainment is evaluating the potential introduction of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in Chicago, with an estimated $64 million in incremental annual tax revenue for the city, highlighting significant market potential.
- Revenue Expectations: According to the City Council Office of Financial Analysis, the total annual gross gaming revenue (GGR) from Chicago's VGTs could reach $1 billion, providing a substantial boost to the existing $3 billion revenue, indicating strong market demand.
- Implementation Timeline: Although full implementation may take up to 10 years, Accel anticipates that the Chicago VGT market could start generating revenue as early as Q3 or Q4 of 2026, reflecting the company's confidence in entering this market.
- Capital Deployment Strategy: Accel plans to leverage its strong balance sheet and existing infrastructure to assess its capital deployment strategy for the Chicago market, ensuring competitiveness and sustainable growth in this new market.
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Consider ACEL Over IGT Stock
Accel Entertainment Overview: Accel Entertainment (NYSE: ACEL) is a small-cap gaming stock that operates as a distributed gaming or route operator, placing video gaming terminals (VGTs) in non-casino locations, which makes it less volatile compared to traditional casino stocks.
Market Position and Growth Potential: The company controls approximately 28,000 VGTs across 10 states, with significant revenue from Illinois. Analysts suggest that potential gaming expansion in various jurisdictions could further enhance Accel's market position.
Financial Strength and Strategy: Accel boasts a strong balance sheet and is expected to generate substantial free cash flow. The company is pursuing a prudent mergers and acquisitions strategy to mitigate risks associated with competition in its primary market.
Investment Considerations: While Accel is viewed as a hidden gem with growth potential, it was not included in the Motley Fool Stock Advisor's list of top investment recommendations, which highlights the importance of thorough research before investing.
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