Illinois Casino Closures Extended

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.

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On This Day In Sports History

On August 23, 2017, Dodgers starter Rich Hill lost both a no-hitter and the game on a single pitch in a 1-0 loss to the Pirates at PNC Park. Hill carried a perfect game into the 9th inning before an error broke it up, though he retired the next three batters to keep the no-hitter intact. Returning for the 10th inning in a scoreless tie, Hill surrendered a walk-off home run on a 2-1 pitch to Pittsburgh leadoff hitter Josh Harrison.

On This Day In Sports History

On August 22, 1951, St. Louis Browns pitcher Tommy Byrne tied a major league record by issuing 16 walks in a 3-1, 13-inning loss to the Boston Red Sox at Sportsman's Park. Byrne faced 63 batters, struck out five, left 22 men on base, and even drove in St. Louis's only run with a fifth-inning double. Boston secured the victory in the top of the 13th behind a Ted Williams single and four two-out walks, including a bases-loaded pass to opposing pitcher Leo Kiely, who pitched 12 1/3 innings for the win.