Riverboat gambling was legalized in Illinois in 1990. Casinos have thrived in the area since then. Although Chicago hotels don't have casinos, there are enough Casinos in and around Chicago to help the gamers engage in risk based entertainment. Driving a few miles on any side of Chicago will take users to some of the finest casinos in the area.

Casinos in Chicago:

- Grand Victoria Casino (http://www.grandvictoria-elgin.com) is located in Elgin and is one of the most popular casinos in Chicago. In addition to a full size baccarat table, it has over 1,000 slots, 24 blackjack tables, 4 roulette tables, 6 craps tables, 3 Card Poker tables and 3 Caribbean Stud Poker tables.

- Harrah's Casino Joliet (http://www.harrahsjoliet.com) is the premier casino in Chicago as per the Casino Player magazine. It has received 41 awards in various categories.

- Empress Casino Joliet (http://www.pngaming.com) is a new property and has already become quite popular among gamblers. It has a 50,000 square foot space and contains more than 1,100 slots. It has 500 new machines that offer popular reel, progressive and video games and 32 table games.

- Hollywood Casino Aurora (http://www.hollywoodcasinoaurora.com) is the biggest and best casino of Chicago. It is located 38 miles west of Chicago and has more than 1,120 slots, live poker and 27 table games. It is spread over 53,000 square foot on a single level.

- Jumer's Casino Rock Island is a popular casino styled like Las Vegas. It offers great games along with great food and drinks.

- Par-A-Dice Casino is also a popular destination for gamers and offers poker, baccarat, roulette, blackjack and keno.

- Blue Chip Casino is a 42,000 square foot area on three levels that offers poker, baccarat, roulette, blackjack and Pai Gow.

- Resorts East Chicago (http://www.resortseastchicago.com) is another 53,000 square foot gaming space with over 1,900 slots, 16 live poker tables and 50 other table games.