Introduction
If you’re looking for some fun and excitement in the Prairie State, you might be wondering how many casinos there are in Illinois. Luckily, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at every casino in Illinois, explore the top gaming destinations in the state, and give you an overview of the casino industry in Illinois.
Counting the Chips: A Comprehensive Guide to Every Casino in Illinois
The casino industry in Illinois is a booming business, with over 35 casinos located throughout the state. From riverboats to land-based casinos, there are plenty of options for gaming enthusiasts looking to try their luck. Here’s a list of every casino in Illinois, categorized by city and county:
- East St. Louis – Casino Queen
- Joliet – Hollywood Casino Joliet
- Metropolis – Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino
- Rock Island – Jumer’s Casino & Hotel
- Rockford – Hard Rock Casino Rockford (coming soon)
- Alton – Argosy Casino Alton
- Aurora – Hollywood Casino Aurora
- Des Plaines – Rivers Casino Des Plaines
- Elgin – Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
- Harvey – Harrah’s Joliet Chicago Casino & Hotel
- Joilet – Harrah’s Joliet
- East Peoria – Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
- East Peoria – Boyd Gaming Corp
- Collinsville – Fairmount Park Racetrack
- Crete – Gateway Casino Crete
- Danville – Haven Gaming LLC
- Johnston City – Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort (coming soon)
- Williamsfield – Knupp Racing
- Carterville – Rocky Gap Airstrip
- Marion – Hollywood Casino Marquee Rewards
- Waterloo – Harrah’s Casino & Hotel Waterloo
- East Dubuque – Q Casino
- Moline – Rhythm City Casino Resort
- Bettendorf – Isle Casino Bettendorf
- Jackpot – Cactus Pete’s Resort Casino
- Elk Grove Village – Elk Grove Casino (coming soon)
- Naperville – City Limits Harley-Davidson
- Calumet City – Windy City Gaming
- Chicago – Horseshoe Casino Hammond
- Chicago – Majestic Star Casino & Hotel
- Chicago – Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago
- Chicago – Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa
- Arlington Heights – Arlington International Racecourse
- Stickney – Stickney Point of Sale
- Springfield – Springfield Gaming & Racing
- Villa Park – Casinos By Del Vecchio
Each casino offers its own unique gaming amenities and features. Here are some highlights:
- Casino Queen – Located in East St. Louis, this riverboat casino offers a variety of slot machines and table games. Guests can also enjoy a full-service hotel, several dining options, and a nightclub with live music performances.
- Harrah’s Metropolis – This casino is situated on the Ohio River and offers over 800 slot machines and 22 table games. The property also includes a hotel, multiple restaurants and bars, and an entertainment venue.
- Jumer’s Casino & Hotel – Located in Rock Island, this casino features over 1,000 slot machines and 24 table games. The property also includes a hotel, four restaurants, and a golf course.
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines – This 147,000 square foot casino features over 1,000 slot machines and 50 table games. Guests can also enjoy several dining options, a sports bar, and a nightclub with live music.
- Grand Victoria Casino Elgin – Situated on the Fox River, this casino offers over 1,000 slot machines and 30 table games. Guests can also enjoy four dining options and a sports bar.
- Hollywood Casino Joliet – Located in Joliet, this casino features over 1,100 slot machines and 25 table games. The property also includes a hotel, four dining options, and a live entertainment venue.
Gaming Across the Prairie State: Exploring the Top Casinos in Illinois
Now that we’ve covered every casino in Illinois, let’s take a closer look at the top gaming destinations in the state:
Casino Queen (East St. Louis)
The Casino Queen offers a modern and spacious gaming floor with over 1,000 slot machines and 27 table games featuring a variety of popular games. The property also boasts a 157-room hotel, four restaurants, and a nightclub with regular live performances. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Gateway Arch and downtown St. Louis from its riverboat location.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Located in the Chicago suburbs, Rivers Casino Des Plaines is a popular destination for gaming enthusiasts with over 50 table games and 1,000 slot machines. The property also features several dining options, a sports bar, and a nightclub with live music. The casino is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Hollywood Casino Joliet offers over 1,100 slot machines and a variety of table games, including blackjack, craps, poker, and roulette. The property also includes a 100-room hotel, several dining options, and a live entertainment venue that hosts concerts and comedy shows.
Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
This riverside casino features over 1,000 slot machines and 30 table games, including blackjack, craps, and roulette. The property also offers several dining options and a sports bar.
Harrah’s Joliet
Harrah’s Joliet features over 1,100 slot machines and 25 table games, including blackjack, roulette, and craps. The property also includes a hotel, multiple restaurants, and an entertainment venue that hosts live music and comedy shows.
The Rise of Gambling in Illinois: A Look at the State’s Casino Industry
The casino industry in Illinois has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s, when riverboat gambling was first introduced. In the 1990s, Illinois passed legislation allowing for land-based casinos and expanded gaming options. Today, Illinois has one of the largest casino industries in the country.
The current state of the casino industry in Illinois is strong, with over 35 casinos generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. The industry provides thousands of jobs to Illinois residents and contributes significantly to the state’s economy through taxes and other revenue streams.
There are several factors that have contributed to the growth of gambling in Illinois, including the state’s large population, its location in the heart of the Midwest, and its proximity to other states with robust casino industries.
A Complete Breakdown of the Number of Casinos in Illinois by City and County
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the number of casinos in each city and county in Illinois:
- Cook County – 5 casinos
- Joliet – 2 casinos
- East Peoria – 2 casinos
- Rock Island – 1 casino
- Metropolis – 1 casino
- Elgin – 1 casino
- Harvey – 1 casino
- Alton – 1 casino
- Aurora – 1 casino
- Des Plaines – 1 casino
- Stickney – 1 casino
- Collinsville – 1 casino
- Crete – 1 casino (coming soon)
- Danville – 1 casino (coming soon)
- Johnston City – 1 casino (coming soon)
- Williamsfield – 1 casino
- Carterville – 1 casino
- Marion – 1 casino
- Waterloo – 1 casino
- East Dubuque – 1 casino
- Moline – 1 casino
- Bettendorf – 1 casino
- Jackpot – 1 casino
- Elk Grove Village – 1 casino (coming soon)
- Naperville – 1 casino
- Calumet City – 1 casino
The number of casinos in Illinois by city and county demonstrates the significant economic impact that the casino industry has on the state.
The Economic Impact of Casinos in Illinois: How Many Casinos and What They Bring to the State
The casino industry in Illinois is a major contributor to the state’s economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue and providing thousands of jobs to Illinois residents. In addition to direct revenue from gaming operations, the casino industry also contributes indirectly through taxes on gaming revenue, hotel stays, and dining and entertainment expenditures.
The benefits of the casino industry in Illinois are not limited to economic impact, however. The industry also provides a unique form of entertainment for residents and tourists alike and contributes to the cultural fabric of the state.
While some critics may argue that the negative effects of the casino industry, such as gambling addiction and social costs, outweigh the benefits, the overall impact of casinos in Illinois is largely positive.
From Riverboat Casinos to High-Tech Gaming: A History of Illinois’ Casino Industry and Its Future Prospects
The casino industry in Illinois has come a long way since the days of riverboat gambling. Today, casinos in Illinois offer state-of-the-art gaming technology and a wide variety of gaming options.
The future prospects for the casino industry in Illinois are bright, with several new casinos slated to open in the coming years and a continued expansion of gaming technology and offerings.
Conclusion
The casino industry in Illinois is a significant contributor to the state’s economy and a unique form of entertainment for residents and tourists. With over 35 casinos located throughout the state and more on the way, there’s no shortage of gaming options in Illinois. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or new to the gaming scene, there’s something for everyone in the Prairie State.