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.

#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.

Find the best Casinos on Yelp: search reviews of 6 North Chicago businesses by price, type, or location. Property Info Grand Victoria Casino Welcome to Grand Victoria Casino in beautiful Elgin. Perched atop the spectacular Fox River, Grand Victoria Casino boasts over 1,100 exciting slots, a countless variety of Vegas-style table games, acclaimed gaming promotions and giveaways, three extraordinary restaurants, including award-winning Buckinghams, and unparalleled customer service.

#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.

#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.

Casino North Chicago Downtown

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.

Chicago, get ready for a new way to host a party! Chicago Casino Rentals is Chicagoland’s premier full-service casino event provider. With casino grade tables and equipment, energetic and personable casino dealers, we provide everything you need to host a unique and memorable casino event.

We offer a large variety of casino games, including Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Pai Gow, Let It Ride, Money Wheels, Slot Machines and more. From corporate events, charity fundraisers, and conventions, to birthday parties, weddings, bachelor parties and more, Chicago Casino Rentals is your best bet for a unique and exciting casino party.

Casino North Chicago Hotel

History of Gambling & Casinos in Chicago

Gambling has been a huge part of the entire world’s history for centuries. The earliest record of anyone competing for the “luck of the draw” goes back to ancient China. There were ceramic tiles found that dated all the way back to 2300BC, along with text that suggested these tiles were being used for a lottery-style game. There’s even evidence that suggests these funds from this form of gambling were even used to build the Great Wall of China!

Casino North Chicago Map

Fast forward a few thousand years, you’ll find when gambling made its way into Illinois. Gambling in the state actually started with horse racing, which back in the early 1800’s isn’t that surprising. Around the same time casino riverboats were also introduced. However, neither form of gambling was legal. Many argued that keeping it illegal only opened doors for people to operate against the law and profit for themselves, as opposed to the state being able to profit and fund public works with the taxes.

Closest Casino To North Chicago Illinois

It wasn’t until 1927 horse racing was regulated, which helped expand tourism and revenue. The races became a place to see and be seen, dress up, and of course place wagers. Thus began the skyrocketing popularity of gambling. After regulating horse racing, Illinois became the first state to legislate a state lottery in 1974. It wasn’t until nearly 70 years after horse racing became regulated, that the Riverboat Gambling Act went into effect. This allowed casinos to operate on the water, in fact it was mandatory for the boat to leave the dock every 2 hours. This law changed in 1999, allowing riverboats to remain docked and be more of a “traditional” casino.

Casino North Chicago Restaurants

The demand for gambling, even before becoming legal, shows the love people have for it. There can be many reasons people have taken such a liking to gambling. Some just love the risk taking aspect of it. It’s human nature to feel a rush when taking a risk. The anticipation of “will I win?” creates the natural high that so many of us yearn for. Another reason, glamour. This can mostly be blamed on the media and pop culture. In so many movies and tv shows you see characters dressed to the nines and enjoying a night at the casino, or a day at the races. They make it seem like you’ll be apart of high society if you’re seen at either establishment, which is just a common misconception among us today. Lastly, some are just looking for an escape from their everyday life. Whether it be an actual casino, or online gambling people are searching for new people, new sounds something to stimulate their senses and take them away, even for a short amount of time. Luckily our casino rentals are just for fun, so you can experience all of these reasons, without the high-risk low-yield return, call today to find out how!