There are currently nine casino applicants. The vetting process has now taken a year, with the IGB expected to make a decision in the next few weeks. This is due to the delay caused by the Illinois Gaming Board who has yet to give a response to the riverboats that have applied for the license. The new bill that was introduced in 2019 permitted land-based casinos to start operating in specific areas in IL, however, none have been able to open their doors just yet.
There are different ways you can gamble in the state offline, including racetracks and river casino boats. Illinois is in the process of changing the laws surrounding gambling in the state, both on and offline.
