With over $1 Billion being poured into the economy, you could say that all is well with the Illinois gaming industry. It’s huge and it’s thriving and also creates more than 7,500 jobs in the state with 10 casinos, including the famous riverboat casinos. There is always some sort of proposal for more land based casinos within the state however at present there are only 10 licenses available and a maximum of 1200 gaming machines allowed per license. Playing casino games in the state of Illinois is simply not a problem, they are fully legal, regulated and provide casino players with fantastic entertainment. Illinois is one of the very few states that does actually mention online gambling in its penal code and you can find more on that as you read on about playing casino games in the fine state of Illinois.
Land Based and Riverboat Casinos in Illinois
Residents and tourists alike are simply spoiled for choice when it comes to playing casino games in Illinois. The state was the second to fully legalize and regulate riverboat casinos whilst dockside, meaning that they no longer had to depart at certain times, giving people much more flexibility as to when they wanted to pay them a visit. These great riverboat casinos offer every type of table game casino fans could wish for including blackjack, roulette, Caribbean stud and even poker. There’s also plenty of slots and fine entertainment to be found. Argosy’s Alton was the first riverboat casino and offers 23,000 square feet of gaming space with 15 table games and over 1000 slots on offer. The Hollywood Casino in Aurora has a massive 53,000 square feet with an even larger amount of both slots and table games and the list of fantastic establishments goes on, Rivers Casino, Par a Dice Hotel, Casino Queen, Grand Victoria, Harrah’s and more. There is of course much more to the riverboat casino than table games and slots as you’ll find quality entertainment by world renowned artists and excellent dining options. The call by many politicians for even more casinos is due to the fact that, despite having 10 at present, Illinois has a huge populous, the third largest in the union in fact and there is plenty room for expansion. However, even without the expansion there is still plenty on offer when it comes to playing casino games on the riverboat casinos in the state of Illinois.
Online Casinos for Residents of Illinois
As mentioned, Illinois is one of the very few states that actually talks about online gaming in its penal code. It states that, "Knowingly establish, maintain, or operate an Internet site that permits a person to play a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value by means of the Internet or to make a wager upon the result of any game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election by means of the Internet." As you can see it’s fairly clear however no-one has ever been charged with this and we doubt very much that anyone ever could be as privacy rights extend far beyond this rule. Many residents of Illinois play in online casinos without any problems at all and there are many casinos that welcome them and offer plenty of games including slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, keno, baccarat and so much more. They will also offer welcome bonuses, regular promotions and competitions as well as VIP and loyalty programs. The choice of playing in an online casino in Illinois is down to the individual, you may be breaking a state law, but whether or not that law is actually enforced is yet to be tested.
Casino Games in Illinois Summary
In summary Illinois is one of the better states of the union for playing casino games. The riverboat casinos not only provide plenty of casino entertainment but also a fantastic day out with great dining and first class service. Playing online is an option and down to the individual to make the decision. Whilst talk of gambling expansion in the state will continue, as well as talk of regulating online gambling, they way things stand at the moment is more than satisfactory for many casino games players in this fine state.
