The Chicagoland area boasts the state’s largest concentration of casinos, with four at last count. Joliet’s Egyptian-themed Empress Casino riverboat, opened in 1992, was the region’s first casino. Today it boasts more than 1,100 slots and 20 table games. Perhaps most impressive are the four original Picasso paintings that grace the chic high-limit table area. Dining options include the award-winning Alex steakhouse, the exotic Marrakech Market Buffet and the casual Casablanca Café. Enjoy drinks and appetizers in the Casa Bar. On weekends catch live bands in the Zanzibar Lounge. Spend the night in a luxe suite at the Empress Hotel or its seasonal RV Resort that offers all the conveniences of home (including a laundromat and store).

Harrah’s Joliet was voted Luckiest Casino by readers of Casino Player magazine. Try your luck in the Video Poker Zone, with more than 200 video poker machines. Dine on fine steaks at The Reserve, grab a burger at Ace’s Diner, sample ethnic dishes at Mosaic or graze the Union Station Buffet, named the Best Buffet in Chicagoland by Casino Player. Stop by the casino’s Stage 151 to catch local bands on Friday and Saturday nights, or sip a signature Harrahcane at the posh Sheer lounge. See a show at the nearby Rialto Square Theatre; Harrah’s regularly offers hotel-theater packages. Stay at the 200-room Harrah’s hotel, located on the Des Plaines River in downtown Joliet.

The largest Chicagoland casino is Hollywood Casino in Aurora, offering 53,000 square feet of gaming space decorated with real movie memorabilia. Table games include the Live Poker Room, offering Texas Hold ‘Em seven days a week. Enjoy dinner in a glam 1940s Hollywood setting at Fairbanks Steakhouse, known for its prime steaks and award-winning wine list. Fairbanks was named the Best Casino Fine Dining Restaurant by readers of Midwest Gaming & Travel magazine. Or pile your plate with everything from ethnic foods to all-American fare at the Epic Buffet.

Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin was voted Chicagoland’s Best Casino for two years in a row by Casino Player magazine. Located on the scenic Fox River, Grand Victoria has more than 1,100 slot and video machines. Dine in the elegant Buckinghams, where you can indulge in specialties that include oysters Rockefeller and chateaubriand for two. Or try the Grand Victoria Buffet, which offers seafood and prime rib buffets on the weekends. End the night with cocktails and live entertainment in the Fox & Hounds bar.

The brand-new Jumer’s Casino & Hotel in Rock Island features a lavish Art Deco design. The 42,500-square-foot gaming floor includes more than 1,100 slot machines and 24 table games. The Oculus Bar lends a classy club feel, and features live music nightly. Four restaurants offer steaks and seafood, a bountiful buffet, and casual fare in both a diner and deli. The
700-seat Event Center hosts everything from concerts to trade shows. The five-story, 205-room hotel connected to the casino features 11 luxury suites and scenic lake views.

The Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria is a waterfront gaming facility docked on Peoria Lake. Par-A-Dice was the first casino in the state to have penny slots, and honors that tradition with Penny Lane, lined with a variety of penny slot machines. The Par-A-Dice features regular live entertainment that ranges from concerts to intimate cabaret performances. Enjoy a steak and cigar at Boyd’s Steakhouse or sample the extensive offerings at the Par-A-Dice Buffet. Unwind with live piano music and a cocktail at Bourbon’s. The Par-A-Dice Hotel offers 202 rooms, including deluxe suites, just steps away from the casino.

For gaming action in Southern Illinois, head to Harrah’s Metropolis. Located on the picturesque Ohio River in the town of Metropolis, Harrah’s offers 1,172 slot machines, along with 27 table games. Start your day with breakfast at The Rivercrest, have a Royal Flush burger at Ace’s Diner for lunch and order prime rib for dinner at The Range Steakhouse. Harrah’s Riverfront Event Center presents live shows, including big-name entertainers and professional boxing matches. Harrah’s often offers special stay-and-play packages at its 252-room hotel that’s located adjacent to the casino.

For three years in a row, the Casino Queen in East St. Louis has been recognized as having the Loosest Slots in the Country by Casino Player magazine. Besides its liberal slot payouts, the Casino Queen also offers classic casino games. Order the Sicilian New York Strip at the Prime Steakhouse or sample a variety of cuisines at the Market Street Buffet. See some of the area’s best musicians perform on Friday and Saturday nights at the Stage Bar. Located on the Mississippi River, the Casino Queen Hotel features postcard views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis skyline. The Casino Queen’s RV Park offers full hook-ups (including cable television and Internet access), along with shuttle service to the casino.

The Argosy Alton is a colorful riverboat casino docked on the Mississippi River in downtown Alton. The casino features a constantly updated selection of slots and a variety of table games. For a panoramic view of the Upper Mississippi and Clark Bridge, dine at Argosy’s Outfitters Grill. The Captain’s Table Buffet offers comfort foods like fried chicken and meatloaf, along with all-you-can-eat crab legs on Monday nights. Catch the latest game or play video poker at The Key West Bar. Argosy’s Music Hall regularly features music legends such as Chuck Berry, ladies-only shows by the famous Chippendales and edgy comedians.