riverboat casino illinois

This Week In Illinois History: Riverboat Gambling Comes To Illinois (Feb. 7, 1991)

Illinoisans have bet on horseracing since 1927, purchased Lottery tickets since 1974 and gambled for non-profit charities since 1986.

But on Feb. 7, 1990, Gov. James Thompson signed the Riverboat Gambling Act , laying odds on economic development and tourism.

With a blackjack table as a desk, the signing ceremony took place at the Peoria Boatworks. A steamboat blasted its whistle while a calliope played “ Happy Days are Here Again .”

The newly created Illinois Gaming Board granted 10 licenses, giving preferential treatment to economically depressed areas outside the Chicago area. Riverboat casinos could operate only on water and gambling was permitted only after the boats left the dock.

The first license went to Alton, which launched Illinois’ first riverboat casino, the Alton Belle, on Sept. 10, 1991. The three-deck, 600-passenger boat held 296 slot machines and 22 gambling tables.

In the first year, riverboat gambling brought in $8 million in tax revenue. The next year, it raked in $54 million, surpassing horseracing revenue.

On May 21, 1999, Gov. George Ryan signed a new Riverboat Gambling Act, which allowed gambling to continue on riverboats while they remained dockside. The new law, however, allowed an easy work-around. Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, for example, dug a shallow pit on dry land, filled it with water, and built a casino over it.

Riverboat gambling tax revenue peaked at $699 million in 2005.

In June 2019, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation allowing Illinois’ 10 riverboat casinos to move operations to dry land, effectively tapping out this brief and quirky footnote to our state history.

Business | No more ‘riverboat’: Rivers Casino becomes…

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Business | No more ‘riverboat’: Rivers Casino becomes first land-based casino in Illinois, will add more slots and table games

Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune

Rivers Casino is seen Oct. 8, 2019 in Des Plaines. It was built over a shallow pit of water near the Tri-State Tollway to comply with Illinois law, but now has been granted the state's first land-based casino license.

Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune

Rivers Casino in Des Plaines is seen at its opening on July 18, 2011.

The Illinois Gaming Board granted Rivers the state’s first land-based casino license at a board meeting Thursday, enabling the Des Plaines facility to move its gambling operation beyond the shallow pool of water it built to qualify as a riverboat.

Rivers plans to add 120 gaming positions — everything from slot machines to table games — to parts of the facility not located above water in the next several weeks. That represents a 10% increase in the 1,200 current gaming positions at the casino.

The shift to land-based casinos is part of the state’s sweeping gambling expansion bill, which was signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in June. Under the bill, the state’s 10 existing riverboat casinos are allowed to operate on land with approval from the board, and the payment of a $250,000 fee.

Rush Street Gaming, which built and operates Rivers, is planning to invest $150 million to expand the casino and increase the number of gaming positions to 2,000, the maximum allowed by the expansion bill.

“We’re incrementally adding these games,” said casino spokesman Patrick Skarr. “By going land-based, we can reconfigure some of our existing footprint not above water, add these games and positions within that, and then move forward with our larger expansion program.”

When Illinois enacted the Riverboat Gambling Act in 1990 , casinos were not only required to be located on a river, but actually had to set sail during gambling sessions. By the time Rivers was granted what was to be the state’s 10th and final license more than a decade ago, the seafaring requirements had been dramatically eased.

Launched in 2011 , Rivers Casino was built over a shallow pit of water near the Tri-State Tollway to comply with state law. It quickly became the state’s top-grossing riverboat casino, generating more than $400 million annually in gaming revenue.

The gambling expansion bill opens the door to everything from sports betting to so-called racinos at horse racing tracks. It provides for six new casino licenses and allows existing casinos to increase the number of gaming positions, measures aimed at reversing a decline in casino revenues statewide.

The state received 10 applications for five of the six new casino licenses by an Oct. 28 deadline, excluding a proposed Chicago casino. Plans for a casino in the city have been stalled by concerns that a 33.3% gambling tax for the city was prohibitive for developers.

Rush Street Gaming sold a 61% stake in Rivers Casino to Louisville-based Churchill Downs in March. The Rivers partnership is one of three applicants for a new casino in Waukegan.

The gaming board received four applications for a proposed casino in the south suburbs, which would be located in either Calumet City, Homewood/East Hazel Crest, Lynwood or Matteson.

In addition, the board received one application each for new casinos in Rockford, Danville and Williamson County in southern Illinois.

At its meeting Thursday, the gaming board said it would open up the application process for the state’s first legalized sport betting facilities next month. Under the bill, the state’s 10 casinos, three horse tracks and seven largest sports facilities can acquire a sports gaming license for an initial fee of no more than $10 million each. Three online-only licenses will be made available at $20 million each.

Rivers has already begun building a sports bar in Des Plaines, which will become a sports book, pending approval from the state, Skarr said.

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The Illinois Casino Gaming Association plays a vital role in coordinating industry initiatives, including advocacy and education, focusing on issues such as economic development, community service, and responsible gaming. The association's objective is to ensure that gaming is conducted safely, fairly, and transparently while promoting positive contributions to the local communities. Through its rigorous efforts, the association serves as a robust platform for initiating change and fostering growth within the gaming industry. With its unwavering commitment to responsible gaming, the association seeks to promote awareness and education on the importance of ethical gaming practices. In doing so, it strives to create a gaming environment that is both safe and enjoyable for all. By coordinating and advocating for industry initiatives, the Illinois Casino Gaming Association is an indispensable resource for the gaming industry and the communities it serves.

The Illinois Casino Gaming Association is more than an organization – it's a commitment to excellence, responsibility, and community.

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Casinos in Illinois

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With nine casinos in total, Illinois can’t be described as the gambling capital of America. It still has enough casinos to keep most people happy though. While all casinos used to have to be on moving ships, the law has now relaxed. There are no Indian casinos in Illinois, nor are there any racinos. ... On this page, we’ll look at the Illinois casinos, including where you can find them, and which are the best casinos in Illinois. We’ve even included information on taxation and the history of gambling in Illinois, to make sure you get a broad overview of gambling in the state.

• Illinois Casino List & Map
• Illinois Gambling and Games
• Illinois Legal Situation
• Illinois Resorts and Trips
• Need more info? FAQ & About IL

Illinois Casino Map - List of Gambling Locations

Check out our Illinois casinos map below, which shows you exactly where each of the casinos in Illinois are situated. It should be really easy to use the map and find out which of the Illinois casinos is nearest to you.

• Best Casinos (3)
• Biggest Casinos (3)
• Indian Casinos (0)
• Racinos (0)
• Cruise Ships/Riverboats (3)
• To See the Full List Casinos (9)

The Best Casinos in Illinois

The Biggest Casinos in Illinois

Are There Indian Casinos in Illinois?

Indian casinos, also called tribal casinos and Native American casinos, are casinos built on reservations. While there are many in other states throughout the country, there are none in Illinois. This shouldn’t be a problem though, as the commercial casinos offer enough variety to keep most casino fans entertained.

Racinos – venues that combine a racetrack and a casino – are not found in Illinois. It is legal to bet on horse racing in some casinos in the state though, meaning that you can bet on horses and play casino games in the same place.

Are There Cruise Ship or Riverboat Casinos in Illinois?

It used to be the law that all casinos in Illinois has to be riverboat casinos. What’s more, the law stated that these casinos had to be moving in order to operate. This law has now been relaxed though, meaning that the casinos can be permanently docked. So, Illinois casinos are now a hybrid of riverboat and commercial casinos.

Full Illinois Casino List

Below, you can see the full list of Illinois casinos. With only nine in total, it’s not a huge list, however most people in Illinois should be able to find a casino that is right for them. Remember that there are also casinos in some bordering states too, such as Iowa and Wisconsin, which are often visited by those from Illinois.

Expected New Casinos

At the moment, there are plans to open another six casinos in the state. This plan is only in its early stages though, with locations still being chosen. Many involved in gambling in Illinois hope that these new casinos, as well as the recently legalized sports betting, will help to make the state a destination for gambling fans. So, expect to see some new Illinois gambling cities at some point!

Gambling in Illinois

Looking to find out about gambling in Illinois? Perhaps you want to know how old you need to be to play in a casino, or what types of games are found in Illinois casinos? If so, you’ll find the answers you need below, as well as information on many other topics too.

Casino Games in Illinois

When it comes to the games found in Illinois casinos, you’ll find pretty much everything. Whether you’re looking to play slot machines, blackjack or anything else, you should find it easily. What’s more, unlike casinos in some other states, Illinois casinos are allowed to also offer sports betting to patrons.

• Cherry Riches
• Wheel of Fortune
• Buffalo Inferno
• Dancing Drums
• Black Diamond
• 9,000+ slot machines in the state
• Types: Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker Free Slot Tournaments
• Popular providers: Aristocrat, WMS
• 3 Card Poker
• Mississippi Stud
• Caribbean Stud Poker
• Ultimate Texas Hold’em
• 4 Card Poker
• Pai Gow Poker
• Limit Hold’em
• Omaha 8 or Better
• Fortune Pai Gow Poker
• Mixed Games
• 44 poker tables at casinos in Illinois
• American Roulette
• Roulette Evolution
• Double Zero Roulette
• Double Deck Pitch Blackjack
• Splitting Aces
• Royal Match 21
• Firebet Craps
• Electronic Keno
• Video Poker
• Mini-Baccarat
• Dragon Bonus Baccarat
• Horse Racing
• Sports betting is legal in Illinois and is currently being rolled out at casinos

Gambling Legal Situation in Illinois

Taxation of winnings.

Illinois has a flat rate of income tax, which is 4.95%. Wins of any size won in an Illinois casino must be declared and tax must be paid. It will also be necessary to pay federal tax of 24% on any wins over a certain amount, which differs from game to game (it’s $1,200 for slots), or on wins that are worth 300x the original stake or more.

Illinois Gambling Laws

When it comes to gambling laws in Illinois , the state has more relaxed rules than many other states. Casinos are legal in the state, plus sports betting has also recently been legalized. The two most important Illinois gambling laws are summarized below.

This legalized riverboat casinos in 1991. The law is now slightly different, as casinos can be in moored vessels that don’t leave the dock.

This act made significant changes to gambling law in Illinois, including legalizing sports betting online and offline.

As with many states in the country, Illinois has a long history with gambling. Nowadays, the lottery, casinos and sports betting are all legal in the state. Take a look below to see some of the key dates in the history of gambling in Illinois.

1800s Illinois has a large problem with unlicensed riverboat casinos and the clientele they attract. Gambling is eventually banned altogether in the state.

1927 Pari-mutuel betting is legalized in Illinois.

1975 Illinois becomes the first state in the country to introduce a lottery.

1990 The Riverboat Casino Act is passed, legalizing riverboat casinos. These casinos had to be moving along a waterway in order to legally operate.

1991 The first riverboat casino opened.

1999 A change to the law means that casinos no longer need to be on moving riverboats.

2019 Sports betting is legalized in Illinois, both online and offline. Both forms of sports betting began in 2020.

Upcoming Changes in the Gambling Regulation

With the fact that sports betting has just been legalized, it’s unlikely that there will be any other changes to gambling regulations in Illinois soon.

Illinois Casino Resorts and Trips

Illinois doesn’t have the largest casino resorts, however they’re still great fun and provide accommodation, as well as entertainment, restaurants and more. Perhaps the best way to visit a casino resort is by signing up to a trip, and there are plenty of them to choose from. We’ve listed the best casino resorts in Illinois below, as well as three trips that will take you to an Illinois casino.

Casino Resorts

Casino resorts don’t just offer gambling, as they also have many other aspects to them. This means that they can be a great place to spend an entire day, or even a whole weekend. The casino resorts below all offer accommodation, as well as dining options. Check out the special packages too, which can really lead to some fantastic deals.

Casino Trips

If you don’t fancy driving to a casino yourself, why not jump on a casino trip? These visit various Illinois casinos, and some even visit large casino resorts outside of the state. These trips will include transportation to and from the casino, plus some also include special perks, such as free play on slot machines. You can see three top Illinois casino trips below.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide only accurate and up-to-date information, please be aware that casinos.us shall not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in the offer packages or other details listed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all illinois casinos on riverboats, can i gamble outside of casinos, do illinois casinos allow guns, where can i get help regarding gambling addiction, about illinois.

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The Legacy and Historical Influence of Riverboat Casinos in the United States

Welcome aboard as we set sail into the captivating world of riverboat casinos in the United States . On this page, we’ll walk you through their legal status and historical implications, explore the where, what, and why of these floating gaming venues, and finally, take a close look at the modern condition of riverboat gambling.

As we explore the ins and outs of this unique chapter in American gaming history, we’ll also take a glance at if riverboat casinos have left a mark on the WV online gambling scene and gambling in the US in general.

• Legal Status of Riverboat Gambling
• Boat Casinos Regulation in Various States
• History of Riverboat Gambling
• Popular Riverboat Casinos

The Legal Status of Riverboat Gambling

Historically, casino boats were allowed in many states, mostly those with access to the Mississippi River. Today, only six states still allow this form of gambling:

Mississippi

Gambling boats are essentially floating casinos operating on designated waterways . They offer a wide variety of gambling activities just like land-based casinos, including slots , table games , and poker .

Each state with legal riverboat gambling has its own regulatory body responsible for licensing and ensuring compliance with state laws and regulations. These regulations typically address aspects such as gambling activities allowed, revenue sharing with the state, security measures, responsible gambling practices, and environmental considerations.

While sharing similarities with land-based casinos, riverboat casinos face additional regulations due to their unique setting, such as:

• Licensing requirements . Land-based casinos typically have more stringent licensing requirements than riverboat casinos. For instance, land-based casinos may be required to undergo a more rigorous background check and financial audit process compared to riverboat casinos;
• Location restrictions . There are usually fewer restrictions on riverboat casino locations than on those of the brick-and-mortar venues. For instance, land-based casinos might not be allowed to operate in certain areas, such as residential neighborhoods or near schools. Riverboat casinos, in turn, are more flexible when it comes to location, as they can be moored on rivers that flow through various areas;
• Taxation . The taxation of land-based casinos and riverboat casinos can vary depending on the state. In some cases, land-based casinos may be subject to higher tax rates than riverboat casinos;
• Building codes . Land-based casinos are typically required to meet more stringent building codes than riverboat casinos. This is because land-based casinos are permanent structures, while riverboat casinos are considered temporary structures;
• Inspection and enforcement . Land-based casinos usually undergo more frequent inspections and stricter enforcement of regulations compared to riverboat casinos.

Generally, the regulation of land-based casinos tends to be more strict and comprehensive than the regulation of any casino on the Mississippi River . The reason is likely that land-based casinos are considered to have a greater impact on the surrounding community , both in terms of economic benefits and social costs.

State-by-State Riverboat Gambling Regulations

As of 2024, it’s legal to run and visit a riverboat casino in six states. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:

Here, riverboat casinos are allowed on the Mississippi River , the Illinois River , and the Des Plaines River . The casinos must be located at least 300 feet from the shore and be accessible to the public by land or water . Riverboat casinos in Illinois are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board .

In Indiana, boat casinos can operate on the Ohio River , the Indiana Harbor , and the Patoka Lake Reservoir . They must be located at least 600 feet from the shore . Riverboat casinos in Indiana are regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission .

In this state, it’s legal for riverboat casinos to operate on the Mississippi River and the Missouri River . They must be located at least 300 feet from the shore and are regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission .

A riverboat casino in Louisiana is allowed to operate on the Mississippi River , the Red River , and the Gulf of Mexico as long as they are located at least 300 feet from the shore . The casinos here are regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board .

Obviously, a riverboat casino in Mississippi can be located on the Mississippi River at least 300 feet from the shore . Boat casinos in Mississippi are regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission .

Last but not least, Missouri riverboat casinos are allowed on the Mississippi River and the Missouri River at least 300 feet from the shore . Riverboat casinos in Missouri are regulated by the Missouri Gaming Commission .

Brief History of Riverboat Casinos

Explore the history of riverboat casinos in the United States, tracing their origins, development, and impact on both the gambling industry and American culture.

19th Century: The Origins of Riverboat Gambling

The roots of riverboat gambling can be traced back to the 19th century when steamboats were the primary mode of transportation along the Mississippi River. As passengers went on long journeys, gambling became a popular pastime to pass the time. While gambling activities were generally illegal on land at that time, boats provided a loophole, as they were considered to be outside of state jurisdiction.

Early 20th Century: Decline and Revival

The invention of railroads in the early 20th century led to a logical decline in riverboat travel, and respectively, riverboat gambling. However, the 1970s saw a reappearance of interest in riverboat casinos, primarily because of the push to revitalize urban areas.

1990s: Expansion and Legalization

The 1990s marked a period of significant growth for riverboat casinos. Several states legalized riverboat gambling, and the industry expanded rapidly. By the late 1990s, there were over 150 riverboat casinos operating in the United States.

2005: Hurricane Katrina and Its Devastating Blow

In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, causing widespread destruction and displacement. The storm severely impacted the boat casino industry in Mississippi and Louisiana, with several casinos suffering significant damage or complete destruction.

Late 2010s: Post-Katrina Recovery and Adaptation

The consequences of Hurricane Katrina brought significant changes to the riverboat casino industry. While some casinos managed to rebuild and reopen, others had to close permanently. The industry also faced increased competition from brick-and-mortar casinos, which were gaining popularity at that time.

Today: A Mature Industry

Today, a casino boat remains a popular form of entertainment in the United States. However, the industry has matured and consolidated, with the number of riverboat casinos decreasing in recent years. Despite these changes, riverboat casinos continue to be an important economic driver in many regions.

Popular Riverboat Casinos in the US

Now that we know all the theory about riverboat gambling, let’s get to practice and take a look at the most popular water casinos in the United States.

The Grand Victoria Casino – Elgin, Illinois

Located along the beautiful Fox River, The Grand Victoria Casino is a home (or rather a boat) of true gaming elegance. Known as the largest riverboat casino in Illinois, it boasts an impressive 65,000 square feet of gaming space including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, including a steakhouse, a buffet, and a concert venue.

Ameristar Casino Vicksburg – Vicksburg, Mississippi

The Ameristar Casino Vicksburg is one of the oldest and most crowded riverboat casinos in Mississippi with over 50,000 square feet of gaming space . The wide choice of slots, table games, and poker tables is complemented by all kinds of entertainments, from the flavors of a diverse buffet to comedy clubs and nightclubs.

Horseshoe Casino – Bossier City, Louisiana

The Horseshoe Casino is one of the largest riverboat casinos in Louisiana and one of the most popular. It features over 100,000 square feet of gaming space , including slots, table games, and a poker room. The casino also offers a variety of dining and entertainment options, so players can choose between a steakhouse, a buffet, a concert venue, and others.

Sam’s Town Casino – Shreveport, Louisiana

Sam’s Town Casino is a popular destination for all kinds of gaming enthusiasts in and out of state. With a gaming space of over 34,000 square feet , this casino offers an intimate yet exhilarating experience. Beyond the slots, table games, and poker room, Sam’s Town welcomes gamers to savor a culinary journey with a steakhouse, a buffet, and a unique entertainment experience at the in-house bowling alley.

What is the Diamond Lady casino boat?

The Diamond Lady Riverboat Casino was a paddlewheel riverboat casino that operated on the Mississippi River in Bettendorf, Iowa, from 1991 to 2008. In 2021, the Diamond Lady sank during a severe winter storm. It was later raised and brought to shore, where it remains today. The future of the Diamond Lady is uncertain, but it is possible that it will be restored and reopened as a casino or museum.

Why do casinos have to be on water in the US?

Casinos in the US don’t necessarily have to be on the water, but there are some casinos that are. This practice originated when gambling laws were more restrictive on land, and the association of riverboat gambling with waterborne transportation became a legal requirement in some states.

Why are casinos on the water so popular?

Riverboat casinos are popular for their unique charm and historical allure. The on-water setting offers players a distinctive and memorable gaming experience, contributing to the popularity of these establishments. Additionally, the regulations associated with riverboat gambling create a controlled and regulated environment that appeals to both operators and players.

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Scottie Scheffler isn’t the first pro golfer to be arrested during a tournament

(AP) - Scottie Scheffler’s arrest hours before his second-round tee time at the PGA Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, will go down as one of the most shocking in professional golf history. It certainly wasn’t the first, though.

Tiger Woods and John Daly are probably the highest-profile golfers to wear handcuffs, but Scheffler’s arrest is very different because it happened while he was competing in a tournament — a major championship, no less.

Woods was arrested in 2017 on suspicion of driving under the influence when he was found asleep in the driver’s seat of his Mercedes-Benz while he was recovering from back surgery. Daly was taken into custody in North Carolina in October 2008 after he was found drunk outside a Hooters restaurant and held until he could get sober.

At least five other pro golfers — Robert Allenby, Steven Bowditch, Matt Every, Joe Ogilvie and Jack McGurn — have been arrested either during or around a tournament.

ROBERT ALLENBY

Australian golfer Robert Allenby was arrested outside a casino in Rock Island, Illinois, hours after he missed the cut in the 2016 John Deere Classic. Allenby was apprehended outside Jumer’s Casino and charged with disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing.

STEVEN BOWDITCH

Another Australian, Steven Bowditch, was arrested for extreme DUI following the first round of the 2017 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Scottsdale police said Bowditch had a blood-alcohol level over 0.20% when he was taken into custody.

Responding to a 911 report about a truck “swerving all over the road,” officers observed the vehicle sit through two greens lights without moving and found Bowditch asleep behind the wheel. He was released from jail, shot 3-over 74 in the second round and missed the cut.

Matt Every was in his first year on the PGA Tour when he was arrested for marijuana possession in Bettendorf, Iowa, two days before the first round of the 2010 John Deere Classic. He was arrested along with two other men after police were called to investigate the odor of marijuana coming from a room.

The smell became stronger when police knocked on the door, according to a police report. Every tied for 56th in the tournament and later was suspended for three weeks. He was suspended 12 weeks in 2019 for violating the PGA Tour’s Conduct Policy for drugs.

JOE OGILVIE

Joe Ogilvie was charged with driving while impaired after a traffic stop on the day before the 2006 Wachovia Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Police say he was stopped for speeding, and the officer smelled alcohol. He failed a field sobriety test and was taken into custody before posting bond. He tied for 26th that week.

JACK McGURN

Jack “Machine Gun” McGurn was one of Chicago mobster Al Capone’s henchmen, and also was a pretty good stick. He entered the 1933 Western Open under an assumed name and shot 83 in the first round. Police got wise to McGurn’s ruse the next day and planned to arrest him on the course.

According to Golfheritage.org , Chicago had just passed a law to treat individuals associated with crime as vagrants unless they could show legitimate income. At the time, McGurn headed up a bookmaking operation. McGurn was 1 under when officers approached him on the seventh green to make the arrest. But McGurn asked if they would let him finish his round and they agreed.

The encounter must have rattled McGurn because he finished with an 86 and then was ushered to the hoosegow.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

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