If you're in Aurora and looking for a place to play slots, table games, or poker, you've got solid options both in Illinois and just over the border. While Aurora itself doesn't host any casinos, you're within a reasonable drive of several major riverboat and land-based venues. For most players in the Chicago suburbs, the choice comes down to convenience, game selection, and the specific promotions running that week.
Your Closest Casino Options from Aurora
The most direct drive is typically to Hollywood Casino Aurora, located about 20 minutes west in the city of Aurora. It's a full-scale riverboat casino with over 1,000 slot machines, 40 table games including blackjack and roulette, and a dedicated poker room. For a different vibe, the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin is roughly a 30-minute drive north. It's known for a slightly more upscale atmosphere and a strong selection of video poker machines. Heading into Chicago, you have the massive Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which is about a 45-minute drive without traffic. It's the largest casino in Illinois by gaming positions and often has the newest slot titles.
What About Indiana Casinos?
Many Aurora residents don't mind the extra drive to Indiana for a different experience. The Horseshoe Hammond Casino is just over the state line, about an hour's drive depending on traffic. It's a behemoth with one of the largest poker rooms in the Midwest. A little further east, you'll find the Ameristar Casino in East Chicago. Indiana casinos often have different progressive jackpot pools and can feel less crowded on weeknights compared to the Illinois locations.
Online Casino Play for Illinois Players
Since you're physically located in Illinois, remember that online casino games (like digital slots and live dealer blackjack) are not yet legal in the state. However, online sports betting is fully legal and operational. This means you can use apps like DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetRivers, and Caesars Sportsbook to place wagers from your phone. These apps often offer casino-style bonus games or free bets as part of their promotions, which can scratch that itch while you're at home.
Using PayPal and Other Payment Methods
When funding your online sportsbook account, you'll have several trusted options. Most major brands accept Visa and Mastercard directly. PayPal is widely available at BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel for both deposits and withdrawals, which is a huge plus for security and speed. Some, like BetRivers, also offer online bank transfer via PayNearMe or direct ACH. Cryptocurrency isn't commonly accepted on the regulated Illinois sportsbooks yet.
Maximizing Your Casino Visit
Before you head out, always check the casino's website for current promotions. You might find a "$20 Free Play on Tuesdays" offer just for signing up for their players club card, which is always free. Hollywood Aurora often runs slot tournaments, while Rivers Des Plaines might have a blackjack bonus day. The welcome bonus for new members is usually a match on your first slot play, something like "Get $10 in Free Play when you earn 10 points." Understand that these are not deposit matches like online casinos; they're tied to your actual coin-in on the floor.
FAQ
What is the closest casino to Aurora, IL?
The closest casino is Hollywood Casino Aurora, located at 1 W New York St in Aurora. It's about a 20-minute drive from most parts of the city and is situated on the Fox River.
Can I play online casinos like BetMGM from Aurora?
No. Real-money online casino games (slots, table games) are not legal in Illinois. You can only legally gamble at the physical, state-licensed casinos or use the legal online sports betting apps for sports wagers.
Do Illinois casinos have poker rooms?
Yes, several do. Hollywood Casino Aurora has a dedicated poker room with daily tournaments. Rivers Casino Des Plaines has a large, popular poker room as well. For the biggest games, many players drive to the Horseshoe Hammond in Indiana.
What's the best way to get casino bonuses in Illinois?
Sign up for the free players club card at each casino. They track your play and offer free slot play, dining credits, and hotel discounts based on your activity. Also, check the "Promotions" page on the casino website before you go for one-day-only offers.
What is the legal gambling age in Illinois?
You must be 21 years or older to enter any casino floor and to gamble in Illinois, including at the riverboat casinos. The same age applies for online sports betting registration.