Le Cheng Horseshoe Casino is truly a design marvel. With exquisite detail and appropriate feng shui, the spacious and elegant Asian Gaming Area welcomes players into their own resplendent niche of the casino. Crafted in China, all the wood in the Asian Gaming and Foo Noodle Bar are made with rich rose wood color. 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.

1. Casinos Close To Chicago
2. Casinos Close To Chicago

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.

#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!

#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.

#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.

You can also find reviews of the top USA casino promo codes at USACasinoCodes.com.

Or if you prefer playing poker, visit GPSTS.org for more information.

Some casino’s offer free shuttles, some require you to take public transit to connect with a free shuttle and some offer no shuttle at all. As always check the schedules as they are all subject to change. Guide to Chicago Area Casinos

6/23/20: All casino’s may be closed due to Covid. Please call the casino to check status.

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Illinois Casino’s

Grand Victoria Elgin, 250 South Grove Ave, Elgin, IL (847) 468-7000. Press 7 for operator.

Casino hours: 8:30 am – 6:30 am.

• No free or discounted shuttles.
• Metra Milwaukee District West Line: The MDW has a limited schedule and runs out of the Union Station where it can be difficult to get a cab at off hours. The casinoa half a mile from the National Street Station. I don’t know what that area around the station is like. Use a Metra weekend pass for $10.

Harrah’s Joliet, 151 N. Joliet Street, Joliet, IL (815) 740-7800.Press 9 for operator.

Casino hours: 8am – 6am.

• No free or discounted shuttles.
• Metra Rock Island: The Rock Island has a very limited schedule and runs out of the LaSalle Street Station where it can be very difficult to get a cab at off hours. The casino is a couple blocks from the Joliet station. I don’t know what that area around the station is like. Use a Metra weekend pass for $8.

Hollywood Casino Aurora, 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL (630) 801-1234.

Casino hours: Sunday – Thursday 8:30am-4:30am, Friday & Saturday 8:30am-6:30am.

• No free or discounted shuttles.
• Metra BNSF: The BNSF has a limited schedule and runs out of the Union Station where it can be difficult to get a cab at off hours. The casino is a couple blocks from the Aurora station. I don’t know what that area around the station is like. Use a Metra weekend pass for $8.

Rivers Casino, 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL, (888)-307-0777.

Rivers offers limited shuttle options all listed in this post.

Indiana Casino’s

Ameristar Casino Hotel, 777 Ameristar Boulevard, East Chicago, IN (866) 711-GAME.

Casino hours: 24 hours

• Ameristar offers free and low cost transportation from areas around Chicago. More info here.

Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa, 777 Blue Chip Drive, Michigan City, IN 46360, (888) 879-7711.

Casino hours: 24 hours

• Free shuttles from the Museum Campus/11th Street Station (between Columbus & Michigan Avenue) on the Metra Electric/South Shore. 7 days a week, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Must contact them at least 2 hours in advance for shuttle at (219) 861-4840 or at the Valet Station in the casino.

Horseshoe Casino Hammond, 777 Casino Center Dr., Hammond, IN (866) 711-7463 or (219)-473-7000 Press 0 for operator.

Casinos Close To Chicago

Casino hours: 24 hours

• Free shuttle bus from multiple locations around Chicago including downtown.
• They will issue you a return shuttle ticket when you get off the bus with your assigned shuttle time.
• If you lose your return shuttle ticket you mys pay $20 for a replacement ticket.

Majestic Star Casino and Hotel I &II, One Buffington Harbor Dr., Gary, IN 46402 (888) 225-8259.

Casino hours: 24 hours

• There is no way to get there from downtown Chicago unless you drive. The casino has a shuttle that departs from Chinatown, 2743 S. Wentworth.

Casinos Close To Chicago