Illinois Casinos
Illinois is home to riverboat casinos, and there are 9 major
casinos in Illinois. Illinois casinos have been limited by the
government's restrictions and are taxed at the highest rate in
the nation. The laws also limit the amount of gaming licenses
that can be issued to 9, and the state is now at the maximum for
gaming licenses. Illinois casinos do, however, offer a wide
range of gaming options.
Illinois was the 5th state admitted to the union on December 3,
1818. It covers an area of 57,918 square miles. It is a Great
Lakes state, and is nicknamed the "Prairie State". The
population, as reported in December 2000, is 12,419,293 and it
is the 5th most populated state in the U.S. With the
introduction of the Alton Belle, Illinois became only the second
state to allow riverboat casinos. All of the casinos offer great
gaming from Slots to Blackjack to Roulette, and welcome all
guests over the age of 21.
Argosy's Alton Belle Casino was the first riverboat casino in
Illinois, opening its doors in 1991. It is located at 1 Front
Street in Alton. There are three restaurants available for
guests. The casino occupies 23,000 square feet and operates from
9am to 5pm every day. It features a 1,200-passenger yacht and a
barge.
Argosy's Empress Casino is located at 2300 Empress Drive in
Joliet. There are 85 rooms and 17 suites available at the casino
hotel. The casino operates from 10am to 4am on Friday and from
10am to 4am on Saturday. There are three restaurants on site.
The casino occupies 50,000 square feet, and has special features
like an 80-space RV park and 2,500-passenger barge.
Casino Queen is located in East Saint Louis at 200 South Front
Street. There are 150 rooms and 7 suites available at the casino
as well. The casino operates from 9am to 7am daily. It occupies
27,500 square feet and offers many features. Besides gaming,
Casino Queen offers a 2,500-passenger paddle wheeler, a
140-space RV park and easy access to MetroLink light-rail
station.
These are only three of the nine Illinois casinos. They all
offer special features that are worth taking a look at, like
paddleboats and barges. Most casinos also offer great dining on
site. Illinois casinos offer much more than gambling - they
offer a great vacation experience.