Northern Indiana that contribute to the casino economy in the area. These casinos have thrived over the years due to their proximity to Chicago, offering a wide range of attractions and amenities to enhance the casino experience.
Bally’s Chicago will soon make its mark on the landscape when its permanent casino opens in 2026, adding to the existing array of casinos in the region. However, it is important to note that these properties in Indiana have their own draws and attractions that make them popular destinations. In addition to gambling, these casinos offer various amenities such as sports betting, dining options, accommodations, and more.
To learn more about the offerings of these properties, including their gambling options, dining experiences, accommodations, and other amenities, it is recommended to explore each casino individually.
Best Indiana internet casinos to Chicago, il
Three Indianapolis casinos are much less than a 45-minute drive in the future Bally’s Chicago, il site.
- Hard Ordinary Casino Upper Indiana
- Horseshoe Hammond
- Ameristar East Chicago, il
Some sort of fourth, Bluish Chip Modern casino, is just above an hour apart.
Horseshoe Hammond (18 a long way, 25 a matter of minutes from Chicago)
Horseshoe Hammond has a rich history dating back to 1996 when it first opened as a 54,000-square-foot riverboat casino. Over the years, it has expanded to become a premier gaming destination with 350,000 square feet of gaming space. The casino offers over 1,700 slot machines and more than 60 table games.
One of the standout features of Horseshoe Hammond is the Caesars Sportsbook, which spans 5,000 square feet. It features an impressive LED video wall with multiple 85-inch televisions, as well as kiosks, betting counters and comfortable seating options including recliners and plush sofas.
In addition to its gaming offerings, Horseshoe Hammond is known for its world-class entertainment. The Venue, a 2,576-seat theater, has hosted renowned artists such as John Legend, Alicia Keys, Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson.
The WSOP (World Series of Poker) poker room at Horseshoe Hammond is another major draw. It hosts the largest poker tournaments in the area, including an annual stop in February and March. The most recent WSOP event at Horseshoe Hammond featured a prize pool of $1.66 million for the Elite tournament.
Ameristar Casino Far east Chicago (25 miles, thirty five minutes out of Chicago)
Ameristar East Chicago is one of the three casinos in the Chicagoland area of Indiana, and it is the smallest in size. The casino is housed in a docked riverboat and offers 56,000 square feet of gaming space. It features 1,000 slot machines, 42 table games, a 19-table baccarat room and a Barstool Sportsbook.
One advantage that Ameristar has over Horseshoe Hammond is its onsite accommodations. The property offers 288 modern and renovated rooms, providing convenient lodging options for guests.
Ameristar East Chicago also boasts a variety of dining options. These include a steakhouse, an Asian restaurant, a lounge and a full-service bar-style restaurant that opens at 6am daily and is located in the sportsbook area.
Challenging Rock Modern casino Northern Indianapolis (32 a long way, 40 a matter of minutes from Chicago)
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana quickly surpassed Horseshoe Hammond as the top casino in Indiana since its opening in May 2021. It now represents over 43% of the state’s monthly casino revenue.
Replacing the former Majestic Star Casino, the Hard Rock Casino offers a modern gambling experience. The property spans 200,000 square feet and features 1,700 slot machines and 80 table games. It includes two high-limit rooms, including one dedicated to Asian games. The casino also has a Hard Rock Sportsbook and multiple bars for guests to enjoy.
Hard Rock has plans to further expand its offerings with the addition of a 200-room hotel on the premises. Currently, there are several dining options available, including the renowned Council Oak Steaks & Seafood restaurant. Additionally, the property features the Hard Rock Live theater, which has a capacity of over 2,200 seats, hosting various live entertainment events
Bluish Chip Modern casino (60 a long way, 1 hour 5 minutes from Chicago)
Located in Michigan City, the Blue Chip Casino has been a popular getaway for Chicagoland residents since it opened in 1997. Over the years, the property has undergone several renovations, expanding to include nearly 500 hotel rooms and a 65,000-square-foot gaming floor.
With over 1,900 slot machines, the Blue Chip Casino boasts the largest number of slots among the Chicagoland-adjacent casinos. Additionally, it offers 42 table games. It used to have an eight-table poker room and a buffet, but both have remained closed since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
In terms of dining options, the Blue Chip Casino has fewer facilities compared to other casinos on this list. It features a steakhouse, a casual restaurant, and a deli. However, it does offer a full-service spa for guests to enjoy.
How about Indiana equine racing?
For Chicagoans willing to take a longer drive, the capital city of Indiana, Indianapolis, is home to two racinos.
Horseshoe Indianapolis and Harrah’s Hoosier Park are both located approximately three and a half hours away and just over 200 miles from Chicago. These establishments are among the largest in the state and offer full-scale casinos along with horse racing tracks.