Illinois is a prime candidate for online poker expansion. However, iGaming in the state stalled out after the launch of online sports betting, due largely to opposition from the video gaming terminal industry. In the meantime, sweepstakes poker sites and offshore crypto poker serve the populace.
Illinois isn’t particularly well-known for retail poker either, but Horseshoe Hammond is a stop on the WSOP Circuit, and Hard Rock Rockford hosts tournaments periodically as well.
Bally’s is in the process of building a massive casino resort on the Chicago waterfront. The temporary location at Medinah Temple lacks a poker room, but the final resort is expected to have one, which might elevate the city’s status as a poker destination.
Illinois’ video gaming terminal (VGT) burglary problem is accelerating, with new records showing more than 500 break-ins at these establishments… Continue reading Illinois VGT Burglaries Top 2025’s Total in Half the Time Amid Chicago VGT Debate
A planned move from a riverboat to a land-based facility for Hollywood Casino Aurora will see the poker room left… Continue reading New Hollywood Casino Aurora Won’t Have a Poker Room
Illinois lawmakers have taken a significant step toward cutting the link between credit and gambling, advancing legislation that would prohibit… Continue reading Illinois House Passes Credit Card Gambling Ban in 100-1 Vote, Moves it to Senate
Chicago remains split on a decision to lift the ban on video gaming terminals (VGTs). The City Council, alderpersons, and… Continue reading Chicago Council Split on Allowing Gaming Machines in the City
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) issued more than 60 cease-and-desist letters to groups it says operate illegal online casinos or… Continue reading Illinois Cracking Down on Sweeps With Cease and Desist Letters to 65 Operators
Illinois legislators are considering a broader online gambling bill that would also legalize online poker in an effort to dissuade… Continue reading Illinois Takes Another Shot at Legal Online Poker with New Gambling Bill
Illinois establishments housing video gaming terminals (VGTs) have increasingly been targeted by burglaries in the past year, a statistic that… Continue reading Burglaries Targeting Illinois VGT Establishments on the Rise, as Chicago Debates Whether to Allow Them in the City
Casey Szaflarski, known as the one-time “kingpin” of underground video gambling in Chicago according to the Sun-Times, has been arrested… Continue reading Chicago’s Former Kingpin of Illegal Video Poker Arrested for Burglary
A 2024 tax summary for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker revealed that he won $1.4 million from gambling, which he attributed… Continue reading Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on His $1.4M in Gambling Income: ‘I Like to Play Cards’
Bally’s River West Casino in Chicago was amid construction when work abruptly stopped after an investigation found alleged links to… Continue reading Bally’s Chicago Casino Construction Paused
