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Illinois: Harrah’s Metropolis riverboat marking casino’s 30th anniversary

• Commercial Casinos

When it first opened, a common refrain around Metropolis was that it will never stay.

But on Thursday, Feb. 23, “the boat” and riverboat gambling marked 30 years at mile marker 944 on the Ohio River. From its beginnings as Players Riverboat Casino to its current status as Harrah’s Metropolis Casino & Hotel, there’s been a lot of water under the bridge since that 1993 opening, and Sherry Wessel has seen almost all of it.

Harrah’s Metropolis will celebrate its 30th anniversary throughout the year.

“We have additional funding to be sharing with nonprofits this year in honor of the 30th. I’m excited about it,” said Wessel, the operation’s senior vice president and general manager.

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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.

The Charming Small Town In Illinois That Was Home To Superman Once Upon A Time

Kim Magaraci

Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: [email protected]

More by this Author

Did you know that the hometown of Superman – where he was born and raised – is right here in the Prairie State? If you’ve never visited the small town of Metropolis, Illinois, you’re in for a treat! Take some time to enjoy an Illinois day trip to a charming small town in Massac County, where you’ll find the spot where the Boy of Steel spent his childhood.

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Plan a visit to Metropolis and you’re sure to have a  super  time! In fact, why not book a stay at this Superman-themed Airbnb while you’re in town?

Metropolis is just the hometown of Superman, by the way. While he certainly gets most of the attention, other noteworthy celebrities born here include Christopher Jackson (George Washington in the original cast of Hamilton ), MLB pitcher Moxie Manuel, MLB first basement Ben Taylor, MLB catcher Hawk Taylor, and groundbreaking filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. And Metropolis isn’t the only celebrity hotspot – there are many famous people from Illinois.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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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.

• Argosy Casino Alton
• American Place Casino
• Bally's Chicago
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• DraftKings at Casino Queen
• Golden Nugget
• Grand Victoria Casino
• Hard Rock Casino Rockford
• Harrah's Joliet
• Harrah's Metropolis
• Hollywood Aurora
• Hollywood Joliet
• Rivers Casino
• Walker's Bluff Casino

Tax Revenues for the State and Local Communities

Money Invested in Employee Payroll and Benefits

Charitable Contributions

Casino Employees

The ICGA is committed to promoting responsible gaming and offering support mechanisms for people in need of help.

Representatives from Illinois' gaming industry and the addiction treatment community have teamed up to raise awareness about problem gambling.

The Illinois Casino Gaming Association is not just an ordinary organization, it's a dedicated commitment to excellence, responsibility, and community. We invite you to join us in our ongoing effort to shape the future of gaming. Our aim is to create a vibrant and responsible industry that brings joy, entertainment, and prosperity to all.

• Southern Il / Riverboat Casino in Metropolis, Illinois
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Table of Contents: Contact Information | Map & Directions | Casino Nearby

Southern Il / Riverboat Casino Contact Information

View Address, Phone Number, and Services for Southern Il / Riverboat Casino, a Casino at Ferry Street, Metropolis, IL.

⇈ Table of Contents

Map of Southern Il / Riverboat Casino in Metropolis, Illinois

View map of Southern Il / Riverboat Casino, and get driving directions from your location .

Casino Nearby

Players Island Casino 100 East Front Street Metropolis , IL

Rivercrest Restaurant 100 East Front Street Metropolis , IL Casino Games, Food & Dining

Casinos near Metropolis

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Illinois Casinos

Casino gambling in Illinois was legalized in 1990, and there has been a lot of expansion since then. At this point, there are 15 Illinois casinos , so there are plenty of options for residents and visitors alike.

List of all Illinois casinos

Are any new casinos opening in illinois in the future, games you can play at land-based casinos in illinois, history of casinos in illinois.

Let’s take a look at key details about each and every casino in Illinois.

American Place

Argosy casino alton.

• Bally’s Quad Cities

Casino Queen

Golden nugget danville, grand victoria casino elgin, hard rock casino rockford, harrah's joliet, harrah's metropolis, hollywood casino aurora, hollywood casino joliet, par-a-dice casino, rivers casino des plaines, walker's bluff casino resort, bally’s casino chicago.

American Place Casino is still under construction, and it is expected to launch in 2026. However, The Temporary by American Place is currently open for business. There are slots and table games, and there is also a Circa Sports retail sportsbook.

If you are a slot player in the Chicago area, this is definitely the place for you. They have progressives, reel slots, video poker slots, and some of the largest jackpots you will ever see.

• Address : 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan, IL 60085
• Phone : 773-477-9515

Though it is within Illinois state lines, the Argosy Casino Alton is just 25 minutes from St. Louis, so it attracts many people from that metropolitan area. The casino is state-of-the-art , offering all of the standard games that you would find in Las Vegas.

There is currently a ESPN Bet Sportsbook at the facility, and it is important to note that Argosy Casino is owned by PENN Entertainment . On August 8, 2023, PENN Entertainment entered into a licensing deal with ESPN. The former Barstool Sportsbook that was present at the casino was rebranded as ESPN Bet , and the transition took place in November 2023.

• Address : 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002
• Phone : 800-711-GAME

Bally's Quad Cities

People in the northwestern part of the state can enjoy high-quality casino gambling at Bally’s Quad Cities . The Bally’s name is well known in gambling circles, and they operate casinos in 10 different states. They definitely know how to deliver a player experience that keeps people coming back for more.

In addition to the standard slots, video poker, and traditional table games, there is a live poker room at Bally’s Quad Cities. It is the only legal venue for playing poker in that area, so this is the place to go if you like to mix it up with other poker enthusiasts.

Bally Bet is the company’s online sports betting platform . Unfortunately, they have not entered the Illinois market as of yet, and there is no retail sportsbook at Bally’s Quad Cities.

• Address : 777 Bally Boulevard, Rock Island, IL 61201
• Contact information : 309-756-4600

Daily fantasy sports contests made DraftKings a household name among sports fans in the United States, and they have used that as a launching point. They are now in the casino business with DraftKings at Casino Queen , a multipurpose gaming facility in East St. Louis, Illinois.

This is a relatively recent acquisition because Casino Queen has been around since 1993. Obviously, there is a retail DraftKings sportsbook at the venue along with slots and all of the table games you would expect to find at a modern gambling hall .

• Address : 200 Front Street, East St. Louis, IL 62201
• Phone : 800-777-0777

The Golden Nugget Danville carries one of the most iconic names in American gaming . Back in 1948, the original Golden Nugget Casino opened its doors in then-fledgling Las Vegas, and it is still going strong downtown at the Fremont Street Experience.

People in and around Danville can head over to the venue to play all their favorite casino games. This facility places an emphasis on table games ; there are 14 different games available, including mini-baccarat, blackjack, 3-card poker, craps, and roulette. The casino is open from 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. 7 days a week.

• Address : 204 Eastgate Drive, Danville, IL 61834
• Phone : 217-271-8200

Illinois casino gambling became possible when the Riverboat Gambling Act was enacted in 1990. At first, the casinos had to be floating on the water away from the shore, and the current Grand Victoria Casino is actually floating on the Fox River.

You say you like to play slots? There are about 700 different options available along with the Las Vegas-style table games. Guests enjoy promotions, giveaways, and top-notch restaurants, and since the property is owned by Caesars Entertainment , there are Caesars Sportsbook kiosks.

• Address : 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
• Phone : 847-468-7000

The full-blown Hard Rock Rockford Casino is still being constructed, but the Rockford Casino – A Hard Rock Opening Act is open for business right now. You get all of the ambiance that this brand has become famous for over the years, and this is a great backdrop for casino gambling.

Though this is a temporary venue, you will find everything you need to have an enjoyable gaming experience. The casino floor features plenty of slots and table games , and the Rock River Bar & Grill adds another dimension to a night out at the local gambling hall.

There is no retail sportsbook at the present time, but a Hard Rock Sportsbook platform is expected to launch online early in 2024 .

• Address : 610 North Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61107
• Phone : 779-269-9010

Caesar’s Entertainment also owns the Harrah’s Joliet casino , which is one of the most impressive gaming facilities in the state. It spans an eye-popping 39,000 square feet, and there are over 800 slot machines along with more than 20 table games, so there is a lot of action available.

There are three restaurants for your culinary enjoyment, including The Reserve, a fine dining establishment that gets great reviews. They do not have a physical sportsbook, but you can use the Caesar’s Sportsbook app to place sports wagers when you are at the casino or anywhere else in the state.

• Address : 151 North Joliet Street, Joliet, IL 60432
• Phone : 815-740-7800

Harrah’s Metropolis is another Illinois gambling facility that is operated by Caesars Entertainment. It is known for its generous player promotions that are rolled out on a continual basis. Plus, you can participate in the Caesars Rewards program to receive valuable perks in return for your play.

There is a beautiful hotel on the property that overlooks the scenic Ohio River, and there are sports betting kiosks dotting the landscape on the casino floor. And of course, you can always use the Caesars Sportsbook app to place your bets with no hassles whatsoever.

• Address : 100 E. Front St., Metropolis, IL 62960
• Phone : 618-524-2628

Players keep coming back for more after they get a taste of the action at Hollywood Casino Aurora . This is another PENN Entertainment property, so the current Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Aurora is likely to convert to the ESPN Bet concept at some point in the future.

You’ll find every standard casino game when you stroll around the floor, and there are stakes levels to satisfy players at all ends of the budgetary spectrum . Dining options are available as well, so you can enjoy a well-rounded entertainment experience at Hollywood Casino Aurora.

• Address : 1 West New York Street Bridge, Joliet, IL 60506
• Phone : 630-801-1234

PENN Entertainment has a significant presence in Illinois that includes Hollywood Casino Joliet . Like all the other casinos, they feature table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and craps, and they have slot machines galore. Plus, if you want to play slots for fun online, they provide that option for their website visitors.

Once again, the sportsbook at the facility will likely be rebranded when the ESPN Bet conversion is completed. There are two restaurants and an enticing deli, and you can spend some time in the adjoining hotel if you want to immerse yourself in the experience.

• Address : 777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet, IL 60436
• Phone : 888-436-7737

Boyd Gaming is a long-standing casino operator that was established in Las Vegas in 1975, and they are the company behind Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino in East Peoria. The casino is open for business seven days a week, and they do not close until 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

You can book a room at the hotel if you want to stay out late or spend a few days enjoying some casino gaming action. The facility offers all of the casino games that you would expect to see at a full-service venue, and you can place your sports bets at FanDuel Sportsbook .

• Address : 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria, IL 61611
• Phone : 309-699-7711

Homegrown Chicago company Rush Street Gaming has established Rivers Casino in Des Plaines . They offer a wide range of different slot options along with video poker, blackjack, craps, and all the other typical table games, and they have a live poker room as well.

You can also wager on sporting events at the BetRivers Sportsbook at the facility, so they have you covered across the board. There are three full-service restaurants including the fine dining experience that is provided by Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House.

• Address : 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018
• Phone : 888-303-0777

The last gaming venue on the list is Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, which is located in Carterville, Illinois. This facility gets high marks for its friendly, attentive customer service , with a 4.4-star overall rating from Google and Facebook users.

This is a full-blown resort, so you can spend some time at the hotel and enjoy all the amenities that it has to offer. In addition, there are a number of restaurants, and they are known for their live entertainment.

All of those features are great, but the casino takes center stage . Slots and video poker are very popular options, and all of the standard live table games are available in different increments to satisfy all players.

• Address : 777 Walkers Bluff Way, Carterville, IL 62918
• Phone : 618-993-7777

Bally’s Casino Chicago stands as a beacon of entertainment in the heart of the city. This vibrant casino offers a wide range of gaming options, including popular slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker tables.

The lively atmosphere is complemented by various dining and entertainment choices , making it a perfect spot for a night out in Chicago. With its commitment to providing an unparalleled gaming experience, this Chicago casino is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

• Address : 600 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL, 60611
• Phone : 888-822-2559

Casino gaming has continued to expand in the state of Illinois. As we have touched upon, there are a couple of temporary casinos in operation while the permanent versions are being constructed.

We are monitoring ongoing developments, and at the time of this writing, there is one new Illinois casino in the pipeline: Chicago Southland Casino .

Chicago Southland Casino

Wind Creek Hospitality is going to launch Chicago Southland Casino in the relatively near future.

It was originally scheduled to open its doors in the spring of 2024, but complications with local building regulations are expected to push the date back. With regard to the specific geography, the casino will be located in the East Hazel Crest/Homewood area.

There are plenty of ways to get in on the action at the Illinois casinos. Let’s take a look at the most common gaming options that you can choose from when you visit these facilities.

• Blackjack : This is a card game that has been very popular around the world for generations. Players compete against the dealer and the hand that is closest to 21 wins.
• Roulette : When you play roulette, you place a wager on a number or a color. A marble rotates around a spinning roulette wheel, and when it comes to rest, the winning number and color are revealed.
• Craps : People that like to throw dice will be familiar with the game of craps. Aside from the “pass” and “don’t pass” basic options, there are a number of different side bets you can place.
• Baccarat : With this casino game, you can bet on the player or the banker. The banker deals two cards to both hands, and the one that emerges with the highest-ranked hand is the winner.

The history of casino gambling in Illinois goes back to the 1800s when riverboats would offer casino gambling without being regulated in any way.

This established a historical precedent, but the activity was never actually legalized , and it was snuffed out eventually.

Fast forwarding to 1990, the Riverboat Gambling Act was enacted by the legislature and signed into law by the governor. It allowed for casino gaming on licensed riverboats that were actually out on the water away from the shore.

This presented problems because people could not come and go freely throughout the day, and this limited revenue generation. In 1990, the law was amended to allow for “riverboat” casinos that are permanently docked.

In 2019, the Gaming Expansion Law opened up new possibilities. It authorized the construction of six additional casinos, and it allows for table games and slot machines at licensed horseracing tracks.

How old do you have to be to gamble at casinos in Illinois?

You have to be at least 21 years old to gamble at casinos in Illinois.

When did Illinois legalize casinos?

Illinois legalized casinos in 1990.

When did the first casino open in IL?

The first casino opened in Illinois in September 1991.

Are there any online casinos in Illinois?

No, there are no legal online casinos in Illinois .

Author Details

Gary Garry is a contributing editor and author at IL Betting. Gary has lent his expertise to platforms like Gambling.com, Sports Betting Forum, Doc’s Sports, GamblingSites.com, Crossing Broad, AM New York, Elite Sports New York, Saturday Down South, and Mile High Sports, among other notable websites. Additionally, with a solid 15-year background in legal research, Gary is adept at keeping abreast of regulatory shifts in the sports betting industry.

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