News Archives - Play Illinois

Illinois Sets Sports Betting Record, Topping $1 Billion In October

Betting on the NFL and the opening of the NBA and NHL regular seasons helped Illinois remain second in revenue and third in handle in the US.

Posted on: December 8, 2022 | | Dave Briggs

Chicago River North residents have concerns about traffic, parking, safety and job opportunities at Bally's Medinah Temple temporary casino.

Bally’s Chicago Officials Met With Community To Allay Fears

Chicago River North residents have concerns about traffic, parking, safety and job opportunities at Medinah Temple temporary casino.

Posted on: December 6, 2022 | | Dave Briggs

Ultimate ReliaQuest Bowl Guide For Illinois Fans

Illinois and Mississippi St. will battle in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on Jan. 2. Now, let's start making plans.

Posted on: December 5, 2022 | | Russ Mitchell

Illinois Pro Sports Teams Could Apply For Sportsbook Licenses If Bill Passes

Lamont Robinson Jr.'s bill would eliminate the middleman for the sports franchises in Illinois and grant them a sports betting license.

Posted on: December 1, 2022 | | Darren Cooper

The Legacy Of John “Mushmouth” Johnson, Chicago’s Black Gambling King

Join us for Part 4 of our Illinois gambling history series, where we meet John "Mushmouth" Johnson, Chicago's Black Gambling King

Posted on: December 1, 2022 | | Robyn McNeil

Chicago Bulls Strike A Deal With Wind Creek Casino

Wind Creek Casino Chicago Southland, which is due to open in September 2023, has signed a deal to be an official partner of the NBA team.

Posted on: November 28, 2022 | | Matt Boecker

Bally’s Finalizes Its Chicago Casino Land Purchase

The $200 million Bally's Chicago casino land purchase is a done deal, the gaming and hospitality corporation announced on Monday.

Posted on: November 22, 2022 | | Russ Mitchell

Bally’s Expected To Finalize Purchase Of Chicago Tribune Printing Plant

Bally's should complete the $200 million deal to acquire the land for its $1.74 billion Chicago casino before Thanksgiving.

Posted on: November 18, 2022 | | Matt Boecker

illinois gambling history levee lords first ward ball gambling ship

Corruption, Extravagance And Ingenuity In Early Illinois Gambling

In Part 3 of our Illinois gambling history series, we meet The Lords of The Levee, get an invite to the First Ward Ball, and set sail on a floating gambling haven.

Posted on: November 17, 2022 | | Robyn McNeil

The Ultimate Illinois Fan Guide To The 2022 World Cup

Everything you need to know to watch, bet on and enjoy one of the world's greatest sporting events — the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Posted on: November 15, 2022 | | Dave Briggs