Illinois Casinos — Chicago's Gaming Scene and the Complete State Guide
More than 10 licensed casinos. Legal mobile sports betting. Chicago's first downtown casino now open. Illinois is one of America's biggest gambling markets — here's everything you need to know.
Illinois Gambling in 2026 — What You Need to Know
Illinois has one of the most active gambling markets in the United States. The state's casino industry dates to the 1990s, when riverboat casinos launched along the Chicago River and the Mississippi. Today, Illinois has more than ten licensed land-based casinos, with the marquee property — Rivers Casino Chicago — bringing downtown Chicago its first full-scale casino in August 2023. The city that once had to drive to the suburbs to gamble now has a casino in the heart of the Loop.
Sports betting followed in 2020. Illinois legalized mobile and retail sports wagering under the Sports Wagering Act, with the first mobile bets placed in March 2020. Today, Illinois is consistently among the top five US states by monthly sports betting handle, driven by the Chicago market — the home of the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and White Sox. If you're in Illinois, you're never more than a few taps from a legal sports wager.
Illinois.Casino is your independent guide to legal gambling in the Prairie State. We cover every licensed casino in Illinois, every legal sportsbook, and the rules that govern how gambling works here. Every property and operator on this site is fully licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Illinois Casinos — From Chicago to the Mississippi
Every casino below is fully licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Rivers Casino Chicago
Chicago's First Downtown Casino — Opened 2023
Rivers Casino Chicago brought full-scale casino gambling to the heart of downtown Chicago in August 2023, ending decades in which Chicagoans had to drive to suburban riverboat casinos to play. Located in the Fulton Market district, Rivers Chicago is a landmark in the expansion of Illinois gambling — and the most-watched casino opening in the Midwest in years.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Illinois' Highest-Revenue Casino
Rivers Casino Des Plaines has been Illinois' revenue leader for years — a full-scale casino just minutes from O'Hare International Airport and the Chicago northwest suburbs. The Des Plaines property draws both Chicago-area residents and travelers, and consistently ranks as one of the most visited casinos in the Midwest.
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Chicago's Western Suburban Casino
Hollywood Casino Aurora serves the western Chicago suburbs — a large casino property in the Fox River corridor that draws players from the Aurora, Naperville, and DuPage County markets. Part of the Penn Entertainment network, Hollywood Aurora connects to the mychoice rewards program.
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Chicago's Southern Suburban Casino
Hollywood Casino Joliet anchors the southern suburban market, serving players from the Joliet, Bolingbrook, and Will County areas. Paired with Harrah's Joliet nearby, the Joliet market gives south suburban Chicago players two full casino options within close range.
Harrah's Joliet Hotel & Casino
Caesars Rewards in the Chicago South Suburbs
Harrah's Joliet is the Caesars Entertainment property in the Chicago market, giving Caesars Rewards members a local earn-and-redeem option. The Joliet casino corridor — Harrah's plus Hollywood — makes this city the most concentrated casino market outside of Chicago proper.
Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
The Northwest Suburban Casino
Grand Victoria Elgin serves the northwest suburbs along the Fox River — Elgin, Schaumburg, and surrounding communities. Part of the Penn Entertainment network, Grand Victoria connects players to the mychoice rewards program and offers a full range of table games and slots.
Legal Sports Betting in Illinois
Illinois launched mobile sports betting in 2020. Bet from anywhere in the state — no retail visit required.
Illinois is one of America's largest sports betting markets — consistently in the top five nationally by monthly wagering volume. The state launched mobile sports betting in March 2020 and retail betting in June 2020. Illinois sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, and operators must hold a valid Illinois sports wagering license. Every app listed below is fully licensed and legal for Illinois residents and visitors to use.
DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois
DraftKings placed Illinois' first legal mobile sports bet in March 2020, and remains one of the state's top apps. Deep market coverage across all major US pro and college sports, same-game parlays, and live betting.
FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois
FanDuel is consistently among Illinois' most-used sports betting apps, offering competitive odds across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports. The FanDuel app is fast, intuitive, and has strong coverage of Chicago teams.
BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois
BetMGM operates a fully licensed Illinois sports betting app with wide coverage across major sports and leagues. One of the major national operators in the Illinois market since launch.
Caesars Sportsbook Illinois
Caesars Sportsbook operates retail at Harrah's Joliet and statewide via mobile app. Caesars Rewards members can integrate their wagering activity with their broader Caesars loyalty account.
Illinois Gambling Fast Facts
The numbers behind one of America's biggest gambling markets
Illinois Gambling — Your Questions Answered
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Yes — Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2020. The state offers both retail sportsbooks (at licensed casinos) and mobile sports betting apps. Illinois mobile sports betting lets you wager from anywhere within state lines using a licensed app. Illinois is consistently one of the top five US states by monthly sports betting volume, driven largely by the Chicago market.
Is Online Casino Legal in Illinois?
No. As of 2026, Illinois has not legalized online casino gambling. You can legally use Illinois-licensed mobile sports betting apps, but online slots, blackjack, and other casino-style games are not legally available in Illinois. Legal online casino is currently only available in seven states: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
What Is the Gambling Age in Illinois?
The legal gambling age for casino gambling and sports betting in Illinois is 21. This applies to all licensed casinos, all retail sportsbooks, and all mobile sports betting apps. Valid government-issued photo ID is required to enter a casino floor or create a sports betting account in Illinois.
Where Is the Best Casino Near Chicago?
For the ultimate convenience, Rivers Casino Chicago in the Fulton Market district brings downtown casino gambling to the city proper — opened in August 2023. For the Chicago suburbs, Rivers Casino Des Plaines (near O'Hare) is Illinois' highest-revenue property and a strong all-around option. Harrah's Joliet (south suburbs) works well for Caesars Rewards members. The best choice depends on where in the metro area you're based.
Explore the Midwest Casino Network
Illinois.Casino is part of the Midwest gaming guide network.
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