Business & Tech

Illinois Casinos To Close For 14 Days Due To Coronavirus

Casinos in Joliet, Aurora, Elgin, Des Plaines, and downstate, will be closed for 14 days on orders from the Gaming Board.

All casinos in Illinois will close for 14 days starting Monday, March 16, due to the coronavirus.
All casinos in Illinois will close for 14 days starting Monday, March 16, due to the coronavirus. (John Ferak)

The Illinois Gaming Board ordered all 10 of the state's casinos to close for 14 days in response to the new coronavirus crisis. The casinos will be closed beginning Monday, March 16.

"The public health of patrons, casino employees, IGB staff, and others is of paramount
importance," the board stated in a press release issued Friday evening. "The Board is continuously monitoring developments and will update licensees and the public as frequently as possible."

In the Chicago area, the order affects Hollywood Casino and Harrah's Casino in Joliet, the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Hollywood Casino Aurora and the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Management of the Rivers Casino already decided to close its operation on Sunday.

Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Casinos in downstate Illinois also will close.

In Las Vegas, the country's gambling mecca, casinos remain open but many operators are closing buffets, night clubs, spas, gyms, salons and some theater shows.

Find out what's happening in Chicagofor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Friday afternoon, the governor ordered all Illinois schools to be closed as of March 17.

There are now 46 confirmed coronavirus cases in the state, all but one in Cook County.


Illinois Coronavirus Cancellation,Closure List

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