News Archives - Play Illinois

A Super Bowl In Illinois? State Could Host Major Sports Events If Bears Buy Arlington

The Chicago Bears made major news last week when they announced their bid to buy Arlington International Racecourse. Churchill Downs put the 326 acres of land up for sale earlier this year. If the racing and gaming company selects the Bears’ offer, it will mark the end of an era; most Chicago Bears betting fans […] Read More

Posted on: June 21, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

Vaccinated In Illinois Get A Shot At $10 Million In Prizes, A Free Drink, Too

Illinois is kicking off its "All In For The Win" vaccine lottery program, which will feature $10 million in prizes. Read More

Posted on: June 18, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

Which Sportsbooks Have Eyes On The No. 2 Sports Betting Bachelor?

Illinois should eventually have double-digit online sportsbooks. We're tracking which operators have shown interest in the market. Read More

Posted on: June 18, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

BREAKING: Chicago Bears Submit Bid To Buy Arlington International Racecourse

The Chicago Bears announced on Thursday that they have submitted a bid to buy Arlington International Racecourse. Read More

Posted on: June 17, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

2021 US Open Odds, Bonus Offers, Boosts At Illinois Sportsbooks

The third major of the 2021 golf season is upon us, and Jon Rahm is the consensus favorite to win the US Open. Read More

Posted on: June 16, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

As Illinois Readies For New Casinos, Pritzker Signs Gambling Labor Bill

Illinois SB 1360, a casino worker bill, was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker last week. It will affect new and existing IL casinos. Read More

Posted on: June 15, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

How Illinois Became The No. 2 Sports Betting Market In America

Illinois rose to the No. 2 spot in US sports betting in April, finishing ahead of Nevada and Pennsylvania. Here's how it happened. Read More

Posted on: June 14, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

Someone In The Chicago Area Won $56 Million Playing Mega Millions

There’s another Mega Millions jackpot winner, this time in Illinois. Some lucky player bought a ticket in south suburbs Chicago that’s worth $56 million. The ticket matched the five white numbers but the gold “Mega Ball” as well, claiming a progressive pot. That prize hasn’t been claimed as of yet, but when that time comes, […] Read More

Posted on: June 11, 2021 | | Derek Helling

fanduel draftkings illinois merger plans

DraftKings, FanDuel Venture To Combine Casino Operations In Downstate Illinois

FanDuel and DraftKings have submitted a request with the Illinois Gaming Board to merge their downstate casino operations. Read More

Posted on: June 11, 2021 | | Joe Boozell

You Get A License! And You! Trio Of Casinos Get OK To Add Sports Betting, Including Newbie Bally’s

Bally’s Corporation has officially assumed ownership of Jumer’s Casino & Hotel, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) announced at Wednesday’s meeting. The IGB also granted the national gaming company a retail sports betting license to add to the good Illinois news. Harrah’s Joliet and Harrah’s Metropolis also received retail sports betting licenses during the IGB meeting. […] Read More

Posted on: June 10, 2021 | | Joe Boozell