Casino Near Downtown Chicago

This summer, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office asked interested parties to answer questions about a potential casino in the city. The office recently released a non-binding summary of the responses from 11 operators, including casino operators Hard Rock International, MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and a partnership between Rush Street Gaming and developer Related Midwest. Real estate developers D3 Realty, Development Management Associates, JDL and R2 Companies also responded.

Lightfoot said the city is now “one step closer to bringing the long-awaited Chicago casino to life.” She said the responses from the 11 firms contain “critical information we need to ensure this project will be a success.”

The Ameristar Casino East Chicago announced on Thursday its plans to open a Barstool Sportsbook. East Chicago is in Indiana, only about a half-hour away from downtown Chicago. So, those looking to bet in Chicago with Barstool in person will have a convenient option. Horseshoe Casino in Hammond is the closest to downtown, in good traffic I can make it in 20 minutes from downtown. There are shuttles but I've never used one, I'd try calling the casino and asking them, I'm sure they would be happy to help you get to the casino. Rivers Casino offers the very best in casinos, hotels, restaurants, concerts, and entertainment. Visit us in Des Plaines, IL, Philadelphia, PA, Pittsburgh, PA. Best Casinos in Chicago, IL - Rivers Casino, Horseshoe Hammond Casino, Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago, Majestic Star Casino, Big Top 2, Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas, Kiki's Gaming Lounge, Slots of Candy, Tailgator's, Tracy's. The Case for a Downtown Chicago Casino. While Pritzker would disagree, another suggested location is in the heart of the city. Ed Zotti of the Chicago Sun-Times believes the best place for the casino is at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, just a short walk from Millennium Park.

Eight of the respondents stated the casino should be built in or near downtown, agreeing with a 2019 feasibility study that recommended the Chicago casino be located “in a tourist-centric location that also enjoys, if possible, decent access to the local population.”

This could lead to pressure for Lightfoot from south and westside aldermen who want the casino in their wards, since it could create hundreds of jobs that have been passed over for private and public investments. Lightfoot previously said she would “work to put a casino in a place where we can spur economic growth as part of a larger economic development initiative.” Governor J.B. Pritzker also has commented he’d prefer the casino be developed in an area that has not benefited from the recent Chicago downtown development boom. The casino site will be selected after “a robust community engagement process,” that includes public meetings, officials said.

According to the summary, six of the 11 respondents who said they would operate a temporary casino during the two to three years it would take to build a permanent facility noted it should be downtown, but not in the same location as a permanent casino. They said the cash flow from a temporary casino would help pay for the larger venue, provide earlier tax revenue and create jobs. Three said a temporary casino would add extra cost, detract from the permanent facility and create confusion in the marketplace.

The summary also indicated the final choice for a Chicago casino should have adequate parking and be in a visible location near city amenities with the “ability to leverage the Chicago riverfront.” Ten of the 11 respondents stated the casino must include a hotel with 100 to 750 rooms, 25,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet of convention, entertainment and retail space, with a 100,000-square-foot to 200,000-square-foot gaming floor. One said it would use existing Chicago hotels but possibly build one later.

The information in the responses will be used to create a formal request for proposals early next year, depending on the Covid-19 situation, officials stated. The respondents “agreed that the current Covid-19 pandemic will have no or minimal impact on the finally constructed casino facility given the timeline for selecting and licensing a casino operator and construction of the casino complex,” according to the mayor’s office.

Gambling is still not permitted in the city of Chicago, but you’d don’t have to go to a seedy backroom controlled by the mafia if you’re looking to get in on some Vegas action. There are many casinos not far from the city these days; here are a few of our favorites, in no particular order.

#1 Rivers Casino (Des Plaines)
Built in 2011, the suburban casino is just a few minutes from O’Hare. Besides games, they offer a steakhouse and regularly booked entertainment.

#2 Horseshoe Casino (Hammond, Indiana)
There’s plenty of gaming across the 350,000 square feet along with food (the Paula Deen buffet is delicious) and entertainment. They also have well-built, affordable rooms, and a heated pool, so the casino can also serve as a weekend getaway.

#3 The Isle of Capri Casino (Bettendorf)
This luxury floating casino isn’t the place to bring the kids, but $79 a night for rooms and great dining options make it a fun adults-only getaway.

#4 Majestic Star Casino (Gary, Indiana)
It’s not Vegas, but the Majestic Star Casino has over 1500 slots and video poker machines. Only 40 minutes away from Chicago, they also supply entertainment and a luxury steakhouse.

#5 Blue Chip Casino Hotel (Michigan City, Indiana)
Blue Chip offers a unique Vegas-luxury experience. It’s not as massive as Horseshoe, but offers machines and tables for every gambler. Spend the night for less than $100 and be sure to check out the spa while you’re at it.

#6 Par-A-Dice Casino (East Peoria)
This riverboat casino is for adults only and comes equipped with a gym facility. There’s also a free soda fountain, which will help you keep going until close at 6:00 am.

Casinos Close To Downtown Chicago

#7 Harrah’s Casino (Joliet)
Harrah’s is very chic, offering excellent shopping, a 4.5 star hotel, and upscale Asian cuisine. It seems crazy there’s a casino this great is in Joliet, but it’s true!

Casino Near Downtown Chicago Il

#8 Grand Victoria Casino (Elgin)
This riverboat casino is consistently named one of the best casinos in Chicagoland. They truly cater to their customers by offering free parking, free admission, and always have a variety of promotions. Their slots are also certified to be the loosest in the area. You can’t make a weekend out of this casino, but they have four great restaurants to dine in.

#9 Ameristar Casino (East Chicago, Indiana)
Only about 25 miles from downtown Chicago, Ameristar Casino features a four-scale luxury hotel and free parking. Besides the penny slots, people come far and wide for the Friday night seafood buffet.

Casinos Near Downtown Chicago

#10 Hollywood Casino (Aurora)
Hollywood Casino regularly brings in big entertainment to its fun-packed casino. They have over 1100 slots, 27 tables, a high-stakes poker salon, and a fantastic steakhouse.

Of course, you always have the option to stay at home and play online. Check out OnlineCasinoUSABonus.com for online casino reviews, bonuses, and welcome promotions.

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Downtown Chicago Map

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