Find Your Favourite Illinois Casino Resorts 2026

Illinois has welcomed casinos for many years. It was the second state to legalize riverboat gambling, the first of which, The Alton Belle, opened in 1991. 

For many years all Illinois casinos were classed as river boats even if they were predominantly land-based. That’s because they were built over a shallow pit filled with a few inches of water.

However, a gambling expansion bill passed in June 2019 allowed all current casinos to move inland and more importantly, the development of new land-based casinos. So, let’s take a look at where you can gamble in Illinois.

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Illinois Land-Based Casino Operators

There are some big names when it comes to casino operators in Illinois, including:

• Caesars Entertainment – One of the biggest casino companies in the world, Caesars run three casinos in Illinois – Grand Victoria Casino, Harrah’s Joliet and Harrah’s Metropolis
• Bally’s – a well-known casino company across the US, Bally’s operate three casinos in Illinois – Bally’s Chicago, Bally’s Quad Cities and Draftkings at Casino Queen
• Penn Entertainment – run three casinos in Illinois – Hollywood Casino Joliet, Hollywood Casino Aurora and Argosy Casino Alton
• Hard Rock – The Hard Rock Casino Rockford is part of the Hard Rock International group of properties which is now owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida

Illinois Casino Resorts 

Gamblers in Illinois have plenty of choice when it comes to casinos. In fact, its one of the best states outside of Nevada to gamble. Here’s some of our top recommended land-based casinos in Illinois:

• Hard Rock Casino Rockford – Operating as a temporary casino for 3 years, Hard Rock Casino Rockford moved into its permanent base in August 2024. As with all Hard Rock casino resorts, it offers its unique brand and style, with a huge guitar at the front entrance and rock memorabilia throughout the resort. The 64,000 square-foot casino floor has 1,300 slots, 50 live table games, a poker room and a sportsbook. There’s also six restaurants, several bars and a large live music venue, but no accommodation on site. 
• Bally’s Chicago – Currently operating on a temporary site, the permanent casino resort will open in 2026 and will be the biggest casino in Illinois. The current casino in located in the Medinah Temple and houses a three-story casino with 800 slots and 56 live table games. There are three restaurants, two bars, and live entertainment every weekend but no on site accommodation. 
• Wind Creek Casino Chicago Southend – Illinois’ newest casino resort, the casino opened November 2024, with the hotel opening from April 2025. Wind Creek is owned by Poarch Band of Creek Indians who own several casinos across the US. The 70,000 square foot casino floor has 1,400 slots, 56 live table games, and a designated poker room. The resort has seven restaurants, two bars and a skyline lounge and the hotel will have 250 rooms, an indoor pool, a spa, and a rooftop restaurant.

More Than Gambling

Although Illinois is a great state for gambling, there’s plenty more to see and do outside of the casinos too. These include:

• Chicago – If you’re visiting Illinois, Chicago is a must-see with all of its vibrant culture and attractions such as The Sears Tower, 360 Chicago, the Navy Pier and Chicago Riverwalk
• Sports – Illinois is a hotbed of sports action and you can take your pick from the Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs & White Sox (MLB) or the Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
• Pizza – You absolutely can not visit Chicago without trying out the Deep Dish Pizza that it’s famous for. My recommendation is to go to Giordano’s, but go hungry because the portions are huge. If pizza isn’t your thing then try a Chicago-Style Hot Dog (No ketchup, just mustard, relish, onions, tomatoes, pickles, peppers, and celery salt)
• Route 66 – Chicago is the starting point of Route 66 and you’ll find loads of cool places to visit, see and dine at to celebrate the infamous trail. Examples include the Route 66 Start Sign, the Gemini Giant in Wilmington, and the Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac.

Important Considerations

The minimum gambling age for casinos in Illinois is 21 years old. It is always advisable to bring photographic ID with you on entry.