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 September 30, 1972, Pittsburgh Pirates icon Roberto Clemente doubled off New York Mets pitcher Jon Matlack to reach 3,000 career hits. Tragic fate made the milestone his final regular-season hit, as Clemente died three months later in a plane crash while delivering earthquake relief to Nicaragua. RIP Mr. Clemente.

On This Day In Sports History

On September 29, 1954, New York Giants center fielder Willie Mays made the most legendary defensive play in baseball history during Game 1 of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians. Sprinting back to deep center field at the Polo Grounds, Mays made an over-the-shoulder catch near the wall to rob Vic Wertz of an extra-base hit, then spun around instantly to hold the runners in a play forever known simply as "The Catch."