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.

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Chicago has been nicknamed the ‘Windy City’ and is located along Lake Michigan’s shores. It enjoys great popularity across the world for its 20th-century art and architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright, Picasso, Louis Sullivan and many other artists and architects have left their mark on the city.

You’ll be able to enjoy many cultural attractions and memorable shopping experiences while exploring this city. Here we present some of the best attractions worth visiting during your time spent in Chicago:

1. Lincoln Park

Along Lake Michigan’s edge is Lincoln Park, a charming green space that stretches to about six miles. It is the biggest park in the city and houses the Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory. You’ll also come across Chicago History Museum and Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in the park.

Besides all these offerings, you’ll also find bike trails, beaches, playing fields, and jogging paths. The park also has some brilliant pieces of public art. Among them is a bronze statue of Abraham Lincoln, which Augustus Saint-Gaudens had completed in the late 19th century.

2. Field Museum of Natural History

This museum was originally called the Columbian Museum of Chicago. It was founded in the late 19th century with the intention of showcasing the anthropological and biological collections. All of them were gathered for exhibition at the World’s Columbian Exposition.

In the early 20th century, the name of this museum was changed in the honor of Marshall Field. He was a patron of art, owner of the department store, and the museum’s major benefactor. The permanent collection in this museum features around 20 million specimens and artifacts. They cover geology, anthropology, zoology, botany, and several other disciplines.

You’ll also find permanent displays associated with Ancient Egypt. The museum also has permanent displays on Central, North, and South American cultures. Don’t miss the most complete and world’s largest skeleton of Tyrannosaurus Rex.

3. Art Institute of Chicago

You’ll get to see thousands of artworks in this world-class museum. The Art Institute of Chicago is known for its fabulous collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. They include George Seurat’s 1884 painting called A Sunday Afternoon on La Grande Jatte.

You’ll also come across other impressive paintings from famous artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The main building of this museum was constructed for the World’s Columbian Exposition. Today, the entire complex is spread across a vast area of 400,000 square feet.

4. 360 Chicago

Adventure lovers would love to explore this observation deck owing to its newest feature called ‘Tilt’. This observation area is located on the 94th floor of John Hancock Building. You can easily recognize this building due to its dark metallic exterior. From 360 Chicago, you can enjoy awe-inspiring views of the city’s skyline. Its ‘Tilt’ feature will give you the chance to be tipped outward at a certain angle.

As a result, you’ll be looking straight down from the glass enclosure. The building also houses many offices, shops, and apartments. On the first floor, you’ll get to witness a multimedia exhibit. It gives you some valuable information about Chicago city and John Hancock Building’s construction.

5. Museum of Science and Industry

This museum is located at the northern end of Jackson Park. You’ll find permanent as well as changing exhibits in the museum. The Museum of Science and Industry is also home to an OMNIMAX theater. Founded in the year 1933, this museum is one of the most impressive museums of the city.

It is probably the first museum in the United States to include interactive exhibits. The museum mainly showcases the application of natural laws in the development of industry and technology.

6. Buckingham Fountain

Although the official name of this fountain is Clarence Buckingham Memorial Fountain, it is popular as the Buckingham Fountain. The construction of this fountain dates back to 1927. You’ll clearly see the Art Deco influence in its design. This fountain is one of the world’s largest and is a central point of Grant Park. It comes alive from 8:00 in the morning and delights visitors until 11:00 in the evening.

The sculptures of four seahorses surround this fountain. They represent the four bordering states of Lake Michigan. Buckingham Fountain shoots 15,000 gallons of water through 200 nozzles every minute. This creates an impressive display of the shooting waters, which is also accompanied by lights after dusk.

7. Navy Pier

The Navy Pier comprises 50 acres of gardens, shops, concert venues, parks, and other attractions. Its opening dates back to the early 20th century. During those days, it operated as a shipping facility and amusement area. Over the years, it became one of the most popular attractions in the city. Upon visiting the Navy Pier Park, you’ll find a historic carousel and a 150-feet Ferris Wheel.

You can watch a film at the 3D Imax Theater during your visit to the Navy Pier. You can also choose to watch some wonderful performances at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Some of the other attractions you must not miss include Chicago Children’s Museum and Crystal Gardens.

8. Millennium Park

A part of the larger Grant Park, Millennium Park is home to a popular attraction called Crown Fountain. It is a modern interpretation of the ancient gargoyle. This fountain gives the appearance of water flowing from the mouths of the images of Chicago’s citizens. Millennium Park is located in the city’s downtown area.

At its center is a sculpture with the name ‘Cloud Gate’, which weighs 110 tons. It has a polished surface made with mirror-like stainless steel. The sculpture reflects the surrounding buildings, sky, and the people walking through its central arch.

9. Willis Tower SkyDeck

Until the construction of Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Willis Tower was the tallest commercial building in the world. This 110-story building took three years to build. It has an observation area known as the SkyDeck, which is located on the 103rd floor.

Jutting out from this observation area is a glass box that has a glass floor. They call this box ‘The Ledge’. You can stand in this box and look directly down at the city. A visit to SkyDeck will allow you to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city’s impressive architecture.

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This relationship of Chicago with music continues even today. With the development of several musical genres over the years, many music venues also came up in the city. Every year, Chicago witnessed the opening of some new music venues. The city had an estimated 225 venues for musical performances in 2017.

Such an astounding growth is, of course, great news for Chicago’s music scene. Now, with so many options available for music lovers, you might wonder which is the best among them. Well, here we’ve listed a few of such venues, which will make choosing the best venue easier for you.

1. Chicago Cultural Center

This multi-use building has a fantastic architecture with all the traditional elements. Among them are a splendid staircase and a dome made with stained glass. The Chicago Cultural Center is located opposite Millennium Park. It hosts many contemporary musical events every year. The traditional architecture along with some entertaining jazz, blues, and classical music will surely take you back in time.

2. Green Mill Jazz Club

This place was once a favorite hangout of gangsters, such as Al Capone. In the late 20th century, it got back its original glory with the efforts of the owner, Dave Jemilo. So, if you want a music venue with a mix of history and character, Green Mill Jazz Club would be an ideal choice. You don’t need to worry about gangsters anymore. Today, this place is all about some good-quality music.

3. Old Town School of Folk Music

People of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can take music, theater, visual arts, and dance courses at this venue. Old Town School of Folk Music is a non-profit organization, founded in the mid-20th century. It offers 700 accredited classes, workshops, and private lessons. All of these are provided with an intention of exposing the people of Chicago to a variety of artistic genres.

4. Schubas Tavern

Housed in a historic building, this venue is a small, family-owned club. It sets the right mood for budding artists and indie bands to showcase their musical skills. You’ll get a taste of history while you’re in the building that houses Schubas Tavern. The building still exhibits some of its old charm with most of its interior still intact.

5. Lincoln Hall

This venue is a bigger version of Schubas Tavern. Ever since Chris and Mike Schubas created Lincoln Hall, it quickly became one of Chicago’s well-loved music venues. Lincoln Hall has been in operation since 2009. It typically hosts performances of new artists or the successful ones seeking a smaller audience for a change.

6. Park West

Park West has hosted some fantastic shows featuring well-established singers. This concert hall is a nationally-treasured venue. It is considered one of the finest places in the city to witness an event or a show. The venue has a reputation of hosting some of the most popular artists from the 1970s and 1980s.

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