Business
February 2, 2026
Hawthorne Race Course Faces Mounting Pressure as Racino Prospects Wear Thin
Hawthorne Race Course is once again struggling to maintain its credibility, facing rising pressure from regulators, horsemen, and lawmakers who are running out of patience. The Illinois Racing Board recently suspended the venue’s harness license, pushing the Stickney track into its deepest crisis in years. This development also raises doubts about whether its planned racino […]
Lottery
January 30, 2026
Illinois Player Stops for Gas, Wins $550K Lotto Jackpot
“If you played Lucky Day Lotto yesterday, you might want to check your ticket, that’s because you could be $550,000 richer!” This is the exuberating message that the Illinois Lottery has for its website visitors, following the latest jackpot win recorded on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. The Luckiest Tank Fill-Up Yet? As explained by the […]
Casino
January 29, 2026
Penn Adds Spa to Riverboat Replacement Casino in Illinois
American gaming giant Penn Entertainment announced that its new property in Illinois will include a state-of-the-art luxury spa. The facility will be operated by Drift Spa and will be the company’s second such location. Penn Set to Bring the Aurora Ashore For context, Penn Entertainment is currently hard at work building its Hollywood Aurora casino. […]
Casino
January 23, 2026
Modesto PD Seizes $27K, Cracks Down on Illegal Gambling
Modesto has been in the news cycle frequently these days. First, a big-time winner scooped $1 million from the Illinois Lottery, and now, law enforcement has moved against illegal gambling operators. All told, the Chicago-area’s soft spot for games of chance is well-documented. Police have now arrested four people on illegal gambling charges, part of […]
Industry
January 22, 2026
Illinois’ New Betting Tax Leads to a Decrease in Bets
Illinois’ new tax regime seems to be having an adverse effect on the sports betting industry, in line with some analysts’ predictions. Recent figures suggest that the sports betting activity has been steadily declining due to the tax changes and the measures operators implemented to break even. Illinois Introduced a New Betting Tax A report […]
Lottery
January 22, 2026
Chicago-area Man Wins $1M from Illinois Lottery
A man who resides in the Chicago area has become the latest person to pose with the outsized check for the customary photo-op at the Illinois Lottery’s headquarters after winning $1 million and 1 dollar from the iLottery. iLottery Ticket Purchase Leads to the Payout of a Lifetime While the winner preferred to remain anonymous […]
Casino
January 21, 2026
Illinois Video Gambling Venues Are Facing a Burglary Epidemic
Illinois video gambling parlors are increasingly being targeted by smash-and-grab crews, as according to the Illinois Gaming Board, businesses with video gambling reported 473 burglaries in 2025. Hits on Video Gambling Venues Have Increased in 2025 The robberies have resulted in more than $2.7 million in losses, marking a sharp rise from 2024, when 358 […]
Lottery
January 19, 2026
Illinois Lottery Mints New Millionaire, Woman Wins $3M
Just recently, the Illinois Lottery had another feel-good story to share about an anonymous winner who bought a $30 Royal Riches scratch-off ticket only to discover that she won the mega prize. This $3,000,000 payout will turn her life around moving forward. Illinois Lottery Sees Another Chance $30 Purchase Turn into Millions-Worth Win The ticket […]
Business
January 9, 2026
Accel Entertainment Prepares to Launch in Chicago if VGTs Are Regulated
Accel Entertainment is eyeballing Video Gaming Terminal (VGT) opportunities in Chicago after a recent announcement suggesting the possible introduction of such machines in licensed locations. City officials say that the change could generate additional tax revenue, while Accel Entertainment believes this could represent a significant opportunity for its business. Accel Monitors Chicago’s Strides Toward a […]
Casino
January 5, 2026
Bally’s Chicago Pays Slot Winner After Immigration ID Dispute
A disagreement about a slot machine jackpot at Bally’s temporary Chicago casino has ended. The gambler got his winnings after days of public attention and news coverage. Chicago Casino Faces Backlash After Delaying Payment of $1,200 Slot Win The player, an asylum seeker whose name remains secret to keep him safe, won a jackpot in […]
