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 […]
Lottery
January 2, 2026
Woman Spends $20 on Illinois Lottery, Scoops $250K Payout
A woman from Illinois has accidentally purchased a $20 Magnificent Multiplier game ticket, which turned out to be the luckiest mistake of her life. Identified as Holly of Johnston City, the lucky player turned her $20 purchase into a $250,000 payout. The ticket was bought by accident, with Holly originally intending to scoop up a […]
Casino
December 18, 2025
VGT Debate Grows as Bally’s Misses Chicago Targets
World-leading entertainment company with “millions of players spread across digital gaming platforms and traditional casino venues”, Bally’s, has been intensely working on building a $2 billion casino in Chicago’s River West neighborhood. The facility is expected to officially open its doors to patrons in September 2026. However, the company believes the legalization of video gaming […]
Casino
December 12, 2025
Boyd Gaming Submits Riverboat Casino Proposal in Illinois
Boyd Gaming is planning to replace its riverboat casino in East Peoria, Illinois, with a new facility. The casino operator’s plans are to move the casino inland while still keeping it aligned with the local definition of a riverboat casino. Boyd Plans New Riverboat Casino For context, Boyd Gaming currently operates the Par-A-Dice Casino, which […]
Casino
December 4, 2025
United Auto Workers Back Hard Rock Casino Rockford Employees Seeking to Unionize
On Tuesday, the United Auto Workers joined a Hard Rock Casino Rockford employee picket line in a show of support as dozens of workers are looking to join the union and are expecting a decision. Unions Work to Strengthen Their Pay Benefits, Collective Bargaining The UAW has argued that Hard Rock Casino employees needed a […]
Casino
December 3, 2025
Illinois “Bounty Hunter” Challenges Operators in Unusual Gambling Lawsuit
A new federal case in Illinois is attracting attention for its unusual legal challenge and eccentric plaintiff. Mark T. Lavery, an Illinois resident who has spent years challenging what he sees as illegal gambling schemes, has filed a lawsuit that claims modern online wagering violates legal theory tied to an antiquated English law. The Law […]
Industry
November 14, 2025
Illinois’ Per-Wager Tax Is Reshaping the State’s Betting Landscape
Illinois’ decision to implement a per-wager tax is starting to reshape how residents place their bets, with most sports wagering operators implementing measures to cope with the change. The tax change, approved in June, added a fee of $0.25 on the first 20 million online wagers placed in a fiscal year and $0.50 to every […]
Lottery
November 6, 2025
Illinois Lottery Player Wins $1M from Holiday Scratcher
A player from Illinois is preparing to celebrate the holidays of their life after winning a $1 million top prize from a festive scratch-off game. The winner promised to share the money with their mom. A Huge Prize, Just in Time for the Festivities According to the Illinois Lottery’s official announcement, the player won the […]
Sports
November 4, 2025
Decatur Edges Closer to Hosting Big Racino Project
A plan to build a massive horse racing track and casino in Decatur is picking up steam following recent approval in the Illinois Senate. The proposal, which merges a harness racing track with a complete gaming venue, might transform the area’s entertainment scene and give a big lift to the local economy. Privately Funded Racino […]
