Chicago Area Casinos: A Guide to Gambling and Entertainment

Introduction

Chicago, Illinois, and its surrounding areas are home to a bustling casino scene that offers a wide variety of experiences for gamblers and entertainment enthusiasts alike. Six commercial casinos and one tribal casino are located within a short drive of the city, each providing a unique blend of gaming options, dining, and live entertainment. In this guide, we will explore the Chicago area casinos, highlighting their key features, amenities, and attractions.

Casinos in the Chicago Area

Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Located just northwest of Chicago in Des Plaines, Rivers Casino is one of the largest casinos in the region. It features over 100,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slot machines, 50 table games, and a dedicated poker room. Rivers Casino also boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, including the Event Center, which hosts concerts and other live performances.

Horseshoe Casino Hammond

Across the state line in Hammond, Indiana, Horseshoe Casino is another popular destination for Chicago area gamblers. With over 200,000 square feet of gaming space, the casino offers a vast selection of slot machines, table games, and electronic table games. Horseshoe Casino is also home to a 24-hour food court, several upscale restaurants, and the Brew Brothers Tap House, which features a large selection of craft beers on tap.

Caesars Entertainment Joliet

Caesars Entertainment Joliet is located southwest of Chicago in Joliet, Illinois. It is one of the newest casinos in the area, having opened in 2019. The casino features over 100,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slot machines and 50 table games. Caesars Entertainment Joliet also offers a variety of dining options, including the Gordon Ramsay Steak restaurant, a sports bar, and a buffet.

Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago

Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago is located just east of Chicago in East Chicago, Indiana. It offers over 100,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slot machines and 40 table games. Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago also features several restaurants, bars, and a 15-screen movie theater.

Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel

Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel is located southwest of Chicago in Joliet, Illinois. It offers over 90,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slot machines and 40 table games. Harrah's Joliet Casino & Hotel also features several restaurants, bars, and a 12-screen movie theater.

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Hollywood Casino Aurora is located west of Chicago in Aurora, Illinois. It offers over 80,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,000 slot machines and 40 table games. Hollywood Casino Aurora also features several restaurants, bars, and a 10-screen movie theater.

Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin

Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin is located northwest of Chicago in Elgin, Illinois. It is owned and operated by the Potawatomi Indian Tribe and is the only tribal casino in the Chicago area. Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin offers over 100,000 square feet of gaming space with more than 1,200 slot machines and 60 table games. The casino also features several restaurants, bars, and a 2,000-seat entertainment venue.

Gaming Options

The Chicago area casinos offer a wide variety of gaming options, including:

• Slot machines: All of the casinos in the Chicago area offer a vast selection of slot machines, ranging from classic reel-spinning games to the latest video slots with interactive features.
• Table games: The casinos also offer a variety of table games, including blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat. Many of the casinos also offer electronic table games, which allow players to play without having to deal with a live dealer.
• Poker: Most of the casinos in the Chicago area offer poker rooms with a variety of cash games and tournaments.

Dining and Entertainment

In addition to gaming, the Chicago area casinos offer a variety of dining and entertainment options. Many of the casinos feature upscale restaurants with menus designed by celebrity chefs. The casinos also offer a variety of casual dining options, such as buffets, food courts, and sports bars.

Live entertainment is also a major draw at the Chicago area casinos. Many of the casinos feature live music venues with performances by local and national acts. The casinos also host a variety of other entertainment events, such as comedy shows, sporting events, and holiday celebrations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When visiting a Chicago area casino, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Not setting a budget: It is important to set a budget before you visit a casino and stick to it. This will help you avoid overspending and getting into financial trouble.
• Chasing your losses: If you start to lose money, it is important to walk away. Do not try to chase your losses by betting more money. This will only lead to further losses.
• Drinking too much alcohol: Alcohol can impair your judgment and make you more likely to make poor decisions. It is important to drink in moderation when gambling.
• Smoking: Smoking is not allowed in most public places in Illinois, including casinos. If you smoke, be sure to step outside to designated smoking areas.
• Being rude to casino staff: Casino staff are there to help you have a good experience. Be polite and respectful to them, even if you are losing money.

Why It Matters

Chicago area casinos provide a variety of benefits to the local community, including:

• Jobs: The casinos employ thousands of people, both directly and indirectly.
• Tax revenue: The casinos generate millions of dollars in tax revenue each year, which helps to fund public services and infrastructure.
• Entertainment: The casinos offer a variety of entertainment options for residents and visitors alike.
• Economic development: The casinos have helped to revitalize the local economy in many areas.

Call to Action

If you are looking for a fun and exciting getaway, consider visiting one of the Chicago area casinos. With a wide variety of gaming options, dining, and entertainment, there is something for everyone at the Chicago area casinos.

Additional Information

Table 1: Chicago Area Casinos at a Glance

Table 2: Dining Options at Chicago Area Casinos

Table 3: Entertainment Options at Chicago Area Casinos