Introduction
Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, is well-known for its tradition, history, and the plethora of options it offers to tourists and locals. The city is a hub for cultural diversity, vibrant nightlife, sports, and much more. One of the things that Chicago is not commonly known for is its casinos. However, the city has a rich history of gambling, from the 19th century to today. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the current scenario of casinos in Chicago, the possible future of gambling in the city, and the pros and cons of having a casino in Chicago.
The Ultimate Guide to Chicago Casinos: A Comprehensive List and Guide
Chicago is not known for having an abundance of casinos compared to other major cities in the US. However, there are still several options for those looking to test their luck and engage in some gambling activity. Below is a comprehensive list of the most well-known casinos in the Windy City:
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines
- Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago
- Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino
- Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
- Hollywood Casino Aurora
Each of these casinos has its unique charm and offers a wide array of gambling options. Let’s take a brief look at each of them.
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines: Located near O’Hare International Airport, the casino offers over 1,000 slot machines and 50 tables, including poker tables, blackjack, roulette, craps, and more. It also has several restaurants and bars where visitors can grab a bite or unwind after a long day of gambling and entertainment.
- Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago: This casino is situated in Indiana but still attracts a significant number of visitors from Chicago due to its proximity. The 56,000 square feet casino and hotel has several gaming options, including table games, slot machines, and live poker. Apart from its gambling facilities, the casino also has a spa, golf course, and several restaurants and bars.
- Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino: Located in Joliet, a suburb of Chicago, this casino offers a range of gaming options, including craps, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and more. It also has a poker room and over 1,000 slot machines. The casino has a hotel, several bars and restaurants, and live entertainment shows.
- Grand Victoria Casino Elgin: This casino is located in Elgin, Illinois, just off the Fox River. It has over 1,100 slot machines and 29 table games such as blackjack, roulette, and craps. The casino also has several restaurants and bars and regularly offers live entertainment shows.
- Hollywood Casino Aurora: The casino features 1,000 slot machines along with a dozen table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker variations. The facility also has several dining options and a sports bar.
Gambling in the Windy City: Where You Can Find Casinos in Chicago
Chicago is a sprawling city, and the gambling establishments are pretty spread out throughout its area. Below is an overview of the main areas where you can find casinos in Chicago:
- Des Plaines: This area is home to Rivers Casino Des Plaines, a large and popular casino located near O’Hare International Airport.
- East Chicago: Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago is situated in the nearby town of East Chicago, Indiana, right across the state line from Chicago.
- Joliet: Harrah’s Joliet Hotel & Casino is located in Joliet, Illinois, a southern suburb of Chicago.
- Elgin: Grand Victoria Casino Elgin is located in the city of Elgin, Illinois, about 40 miles northwest of Chicago.
- Aurora: Hollywood Casino Aurora is situated in the city of Aurora, Illinois, about 40 miles west of Chicago.
Unfortunately, it’s important to note that there are currently no casinos located in the city itself. However, the locations mentioned above are easily accessible for most Chicago residents and visitors.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of a Chicago Casino
Many arguments are for and against having a casino in Chicago. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Pros
- Job opportunities: A new casino would create thousands of new job opportunities.
- Revenue generation: Casinos generate significant revenue, primarily through taxes and fees paid to the government.
- Tourism: A new casino would likely attract new tourists to the city, generating extra revenue for local businesses and the economy.
Cons
- Increased gambling addiction: The presence of a casino could lead to an increase in gambling addiction in the city.
- Criminal activities: Casinos are known to attract criminal activity, including thefts, scams, and organized crime participation.
- Negative societal impacts: The prevalence of a casino in the community could result in negative societal impacts, including homelessness, poverty, and mental health issues.
- Environmental impact: Casinos operate 24/7 and generate high levels of energy, leading to environmental problems such as air and noise pollution.
Overall, it’s essential to consider that a new casino in Chicago would have both positive and negative impacts. Therefore, it is vital to weigh these effects before making any decisions about expanding gambling facilities in the city.
Chicago’s Casino History: From the 19th Century to Today
Chicago has a long and vibrant gambling history, dating back to the 19th century. Gambling houses and illegal gambling rings were prevalent during the prohibition era in the 1920s, and organized crime often oversaw these operations. However, the state of Illinois banned virtually all forms of gambling that lasted until the 1970s.
In 1974, the state of Illinois introduced the Illinois Lottery, and a few years later, it introduced charity gambling. The introduction of riverboat gambling and casinos followed soon after, starting with the Alton Belle Casino in 1991.
Currently, Illinois has 10 casinos, with five of them being located near Chicago.
A Beginner’s Guide to Visiting a Casino in Chicago
If you’re new to casinos and plan on visiting one in Chicago, there are a few things you need to know:
- Carry a valid ID: You will need to show proof of identification to enter a casino and gamble.
- Set a budget: It’s always a good idea to set a limit of how much you plan on spending at the casino before you start gambling.
- Know the games: Take some time to learn about the various games offered at casinos, including the rules and strategies.
- Don’t drink too much: Casinos offer free drinks to their customers, but it’s essential to drink responsibly and not let it affect your decisions while gambling.
- Be alert: It’s essential to keep an eye on your surroundings and belongings while gambling, as casinos can become crowded at times.
If you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for your first casino visit and hope for a fun and enjoyable time!
The Future of Gambling in Chicago: Will There Ever Be a Casino?
Currently, there is talk of introducing a new casino in Chicago itself for several years. In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act, permitting the construction of six new casinos across the state, including one in Chicago. This act raised hopes that a new casino would be built in the city soon.
The proposed casino will be located either downtown or on the southside of the city. However, negotiations for selecting a location for the new casino have been slow, and the pandemic has further delayed progress in this regard. Furthermore, several legal and bureaucratic hurdles need to be cleared before a new casino is introduced.
Regardless, the construction of a new casino in Chicago would undoubtedly bring about significant changes and improvements to the city, including increased tourism, job opportunities, and economic growth.
Conclusion
Chicago has a rich history of gambling, and while the city is not known for having an abundance of casinos, plenty of options are available for those looking for some gambling fun. Casinos in and around the city offer a range of gaming options, dining, and entertainment facilities.
While the addition of a new casino in Chicago would bring about many benefits, it’s crucial to consider the potential drawbacks, such as increased crime rates and the negative impact it might have on the city’s suburbs.
Overall, the future of gambling in Chicago is still uncertain, and several legal, bureaucratic, and logistical hurdles must be cleared before a new casino can be built. However, Illinois’s rapid changes in gambling policies offer hope that eventually, a new casino will be built in Chicago itself.