Guide to Chicago area Casinos.
If you limit your gambling many casinos have other low cost or free things to do and eat as well as people watching. It can still be a relatively inexpensive way to spend a day or evening particularly once winter is upon us.
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No free drinks
Unlike Vegas (although that’s changing too), Illinois and Indiana gaming regulations do not allow casinos to provide free alcoholic beverages. They are sold at greatly reduced prices if you’re gambling (think: penny or nickel slots).
The minimum gambling age in Illinois and Indiana is 21. Getting there: Free Chicago area Casino Shuttles
Illinois Casino’s
Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL, (888)-307-0777.
This casino is land based near the Des Plaines River. It’s has a 43,687 square foot casino offering slots and table games, seven dining options and Live entertainment . Join Rush Rewards Players Club for discounts. Download the Rivers Casino app.
Harrah’s Joliet, 151 N. Joliet Street, Joliet, IL (815) 740-7800.
This casino is on a barge docked on the Des Plaines River. It has a 39,000 square foot casino offering slots and table games and three dining options. Join Total Rewards to get special member pricing at participating restaurants.
Hollywood Casino Aurora, 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL (630) 801-1234.
This casino is on a barge docked on the Fox River. It has a 41,384 square foot casino offering slots and table games and four dining options.
Grand Victoria Elgin, 250 South Grove Ave., Elgin, IL (847) 468-7000.
This casino is a boat on the Fox River. It has a 29,850 square foot casino offering slots and table games, four dining options. Join Club GVC players club to receive restaurant ofers.
Indiana Casino’s
Ameristar Casino Hotel, 777 Ameristar Boulevard, East Chicago, IN (866) 711-GAME.
Land based with a 53,492 square foot casino offering slots and table games, Seven dining options, No entertainment. Join My Choice Rewards for Restaurant Offers and Discounts and Hotel Discounts/Offers.
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, 5400 West 29th Avenue Gary, Indiana 46406 (219) 228-2383
Land based with a 200,000 square foot casino offering slots and table games, Six dining options, Entertainment calendar. Join Unity rewards program for Restaurant Offers and Discounts and Hotel Discounts/Offers. This casino replaces the two Majestic Star boats.
Horseshoe Casino Hammond, 777 Casino Center Drive, Hammond, IN (866) 711-SHOE.
Horseshoe is a barge with a 108,000 square foot casino offering slots and table games, four dining options. Join Total Rewards to get special member pricing at participating restaurants.
Majestic Star Casino and Hotel I, One Buffington Harbor Drive, Gary, IN 46402 (888) 225-8259. Replaced by Hard Rock Northern Indiana
Both Majestic Casino’s are actually boats. There’s a pavilion in front where the six dining options are located. There is no live entertainment. Their players club is Majestic Rewards. Unfortunately there’s no way to get there from downtown Chicago unless you drive.
The Majestic I has a 40,720 square foot casino offering slots and table games.
Majestic Star Casino and Hotel II, One Buffington Harbor Drive Gary, IN 46402 (888) 225-8259.
Replaced by Hard Rock Northern Indiana
The Majestic I has a 37,300 square foot casino offering slots and table games.
Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, IN 46360, (888) 879-7711.
The boat has 65,000 square foot casino offering slots and table games, six dining options, a 10,000 square foot spa. Sign up for emailed deals.
Michigan
Four Winds Casino and Resort New Buffalo, 11111 Wilson Rd. New Buffalo, MI 49117 1-866-4WINDS1
The land based 125,000 square foot casino offering slots and table games, five dining options, entertainment bars, retail venues, a pool, and a 415-room hotel,
Save money with Casino Members Clubs/Players Cards:
While every gaming company’s program is different in order to earn benefits such as free rooms, meals, etc. you generally have to spend exponentially more money than it would cost you to purchase these things outright. The real value in the cards are any basic benefits they offer even is you barely gamble. Also they mail email and/or snail mail you offers. Lastly some programs offer discounts in their restaurants.
To keep up with the latest news on deals, discounts and free events in Chicago, sign up for the daily Chicago on the Cheap newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
