Gambling is still not permitted in the city of Chicago, but you’d don’t have to go to a seedy backroom controlled by the mafia if you’re looking to get in on some Vegas action. There are many casinos not far from the city these days; here are a few of our favorites, in no particular order.
Only about 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Ameristar Casino features a four-scale luxury hotel and free parking. Besides the penny slots, people come far and wide for the Friday night seafood buffet. #10 Hollywood Casino (Aurora) Hollywood Casino regularly brings in big entertainment to its fun-packed casino.
#1 Rivers Casino (Des Plaines)
Built in 2011, the suburban casino is just a few minutes from O’Hare. Besides games, they offer a steakhouse and regularly booked entertainment.
#2 Horseshoe Casino (Hammond, Indiana)
There’s plenty of gaming across the 350,000 square feet along with food (the Paula Deen buffet is delicious) and entertainment. They also have well-built, affordable rooms, and a heated pool, so the casino can also serve as a weekend getaway.
- Best Casinos in Chicago, IL - Rivers Casino, Horseshoe Hammond Casino, Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago, Majestic Star Casino, Big Top 2, Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, Kiki's Gaming Lounge, Slots of Candy, Tailgator's, Tracy's.
- Downtown Chicago is still a possibility. That would make sense as far as putting the casino in the most affluent part of the city goes. There are other concerns, however. Because of the proximity of Indiana casinos and Rivers Casino, the Chicago region is already considered the third-largest gambling market in the US.
#3 The Isle of Capri Casino (Bettendorf)
This luxury floating casino isn’t the place to bring the kids, but $79 a night for rooms and great dining options make it a fun adults-only getaway.
#4 Majestic Star Casino (Gary, Indiana)
It’s not Vegas, but the Majestic Star Casino has over 1500 slots and video poker machines. Only 40 minutes away from Chicago, they also supply entertainment and a luxury steakhouse.
#5 Blue Chip Casino Hotel (Michigan City, Indiana)
Blue Chip offers a unique Vegas-luxury experience. It’s not as massive as Horseshoe, but offers machines and tables for every gambler. Spend the night for less than $100 and be sure to check out the spa while you’re at it.
#6 Par-A-Dice Casino (East Peoria)
This riverboat casino is for adults only and comes equipped with a gym facility. There’s also a free soda fountain, which will help you keep going until close at 6:00 am.
#7 Harrah’s Casino (Joliet)
Harrah’s is very chic, offering excellent shopping, a 4.5 star hotel, and upscale Asian cuisine. It seems crazy there’s a casino this great is in Joliet, but it’s true!
#8 Grand Victoria Casino (Elgin)
This riverboat casino is consistently named one of the best casinos in Chicagoland. They truly cater to their customers by offering free parking, free admission, and always have a variety of promotions. Their slots are also certified to be the loosest in the area. You can’t make a weekend out of this casino, but they have four great restaurants to dine in.
#9 Ameristar Casino (East Chicago, Indiana)
Only about 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Ameristar Casino features a four-scale luxury hotel and free parking. Besides the penny slots, people come far and wide for the Friday night seafood buffet.
#10 Hollywood Casino (Aurora)
Hollywood Casino regularly brings in big entertainment to its fun-packed casino. They have over 1100 slots, 27 tables, a high-stakes poker salon, and a fantastic steakhouse.
Of course, you always have the option to stay at home and play online. Check out OnlineCasinoUSABonus.com for online casino reviews, bonuses, and welcome promotions.
You can also find reviews of the top USA casino promo codes at USACasinoCodes.com.
Or if you prefer playing poker, visit GPSTS.org for more information.
More Articles from The Chicago Traveler
2 4 | |
The north and east sides of Chicago might feel slighted. A list has narrowed possible new Chicago casino sites to the south and west sides of town.
Lawmakers have five potential locations in their sights now. Those decision-makers are still a long way off from making a choice, however.
Details on the new Chicago casino site selection
According to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago mayor Lori Lightfootmade five suggestions for the site. Those sites defined the parameters for analysis by Union Gaming Analytics.
The five locations are:
- Harborside
- Michael Reese
- Pershing and State
- Roosevelt and Kostner
- US Steel
The proximity to Indiana casinos and transportation options were just a few factors that went into the study. Additionally, it looked at:
- Aldermen support
- Crime levels
- Household income
- Population density
Although some sites had distinct advantages in some factors, a clear winner is hard to distinguish.
How the five casino sites stack up
Pershing and State wins the transportation option, as its proximity to Guaranteed Rate Field creates natural traffic flow and offers many public transportation options. The drawback, however, is that the local alderman objects to the casino being placed in her ward.
The lack of alderman support is also a drawback for Michael Reese. That area boasts the lowest crime rate of the five potential locations, however, and a strong population density.
Harborside actually has the support of the local alderman, but it brings the lowest population density of the five sites to the table. It’s also the closest location to Indiana casinos, giving it competition nearby.
Roosevelt and Kostner is the site closest to the most affluent parts of the city. It’s also the furthest from Indiana casinos. It has the highest crime rate of the five by a large margin, however.
US Steel also does not have alderman support and is the worst of the five for transportation options. There is no CTA “L” link to the area, and even by bus, some walking would be required.
As none of the sites check all the boxes, options for the casino are still wide open.
A sixth possibility for a Chicago casino: None of the above
The final landing spot for the casino isn’t by any means bound to Lightfoot’s proposals. Downtown Chicago is still a possibility. That would make sense as far as putting the casino in the most affluent part of the city goes.
There are other concerns, however. Because of the proximity of Indiana casinos and Rivers Casino, the Chicago region is already considered the third-largest gambling market in the US.
That makes market saturation a legitimate worry. Indiana gaming companies are already working to compete for gambling dollars in the region by building a new casino in Gary.
Nearest Casino To Downtown Chicago Il
The Union Gaming Analytics report will have a lot to say about the chances of a new mega-casino in Chicago being successful. If the forecast is positive, it could include one of the five sites proposed by Lightfoot.