On Friday, March 20, Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker issued an executive order to “stay at home” through April 7 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the Illinois Gaming Board extended its order requiring all casinos and video gaming terminals to shut down through April 8. Originally the gaming commission shut down all casinos and video gaming terminals from March 15 through March 29.
The gaming board stated, “The health and safety of patrons, gaming industry employees, gaming board staff and all others in Illinois is the gaming board’s top priority. The gaming board will continue to monitor the situation and update licensees and the public as warranted if any further extension is necessary.”
On March 9, Rivers Casino in Des Plaines became the first in Illinois to open a sportsbook, the BetRivers Sportsbook. Argosy Casino in Alton planned to open its sportsbook March 16. Officials at both casinos said they would pay employees during the closure.
