An Overview of the Gambling Scene in Chicago
The state of Illinois in the United States has gambling laws that are considered quite complex. Despite the presence of such laws, the gambling industry has been rapidly growing in Chicago. It is the most populous city in Illinois and is poised to become one of America’s gambling hotspots. This may sound a bit surprising to those who’ve always had Las Vegas in mind when talking about gambling.
It is undoubtedly one of the attractive destinations for gamblers and has the most elegant casinos. However, this might change pretty soon as many states are gradually opening their doors for casinos. This is primarily because of the revenues that the industry bring in and the jobs that it create.
The history of gambling in Chicago
Gambling in Chicago dates back to the 19th century, when it was a thriving industry in the city. During those days, Chicago was a relatively new city and there were no regulations in place for gambling. Perhaps the most popular places to gamble at the time were the riverboats. Considering this fact, you’ll understand why they were the venues where gambling and casinos thrived.
By the end of the 20th century, regulations came into force in Illinois on the riverboat casinos. The official state legislation on riverboat gambling was enacted in the year 1990. It was called Riverboat Gambling Act. This led to the opening of the first casino with a license in a riverboat the following year.
Chicago’s gambling laws
The state of Illinois covers the laws related to gambling in Chicago. The residents who are above the legal age can play casino games, but on one condition. They can play only at the riverboat venues that have the license to operate casinos. Such casinos offer different types of table games, such as craps and blackjack. Players of online casinos would be in for a disappointment over here.
The state of Illinois currently don’t allow gambling in online casinos throughout the territory. The ones who break Chicago’s gambling laws or similar laws elsewhere in the state would get into trouble. It comes under a Class A misdemeanor.
So, breaking the gambling laws in this part of the world would attract a maximum jail term of one year. Based on the severity of the offense, the authorities might also impose a a penalty. The amount of penalty may go up to $2,500.
Riverboat casinos
If you want to gamble while in Chicago, you can visit one of the riverboat casinos. They offer different varieties of gambling games. Some of them remain on barges and don’t go cruising. Others are boats that stay on the docks and have a casino on a shallow pit. Upon visiting these boats, you’ll see that the pit has only a few inches of water.
Online gambling
Chicago might not be the best place for online gambling if you want to play a popular virtual casino. Online casinos are illegal in the state of Illinois and also Indiana, which is its neighboring state. Today, online sports betting has the state’s permission to operate. You can consider this as an alternative if you want to indulge in some gambling in Chicago.
You can choose one of the sports betting websites to place your bets. There are a variety of sports you’ll get to choose from. One of them is the major professional team of Illinois.