The next year, it raked in $54 million, surpassing horseracing revenue. In the first year, riverboat gambling brought in $8 million in tax revenue. The three-deck, 600-passenger boat held 296 slot machines and 22 gambling tables. The first license went to Alton, which launched Illinois’ first riverboat casino, the Alton Belle, on Sept. Riverboat casinos could operate only on water and gambling was permitted only after the boats left the dock. The newly created Illinois Gaming Board granted 10 licenses, giving preferential treatment to economically depressed areas outside the Chicago area. A steamboat blasted its whistle while a calliope played “ Happy Days are Here Again.” With a blackjack table as a desk, the signing ceremony took place at the Peoria Boatworks. James Thompson signed the Riverboat Gambling Act, laying odds on economic development and tourism.

Illinoisans have bet on horseracing since 1927, purchased Lottery tickets since 1974 and gambled for non-profit charities since 1986.īut on Feb.

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