Illinois Texas Holdem Poker Rooms

If you're looking for a Texas holdem poker game in Illinois your best bet is to be close to Chicago. Most of the rooms are in casinos around this major city. No limit Texas holdem is the main game played in Illnois with every casino offering cash games in this variant.

You won't find a lot of tournament play in this state, however, they do run some WSOP circuit events here from time to time and the odd World Poker Tour event. This is probably because two casinos are run by Harrah's, the owner of WSOP. Until recently both casinos had poker rooms, but now only Harrah's Joilet remains.

Poker is in demand in this state, so we don't anticipate any other rooms closing soon, which is a good thing for the game.

List of Illinois Poker Rooms

Here is our compiled list of all the poker rooms you can find in the state of Illinois:

Grand Victoria Casino

Location
Elgin, IL
Hours
Open daily from 8:30am to 6am
Tables
12
Games
No limit holdem tournaments are held on Wednesday and Sunday at 12.30pm with a buy in of $115 and $170 respectively. For the cash players, they spread $1 / $2 and $2 / $5 no limit holdem all the time with $5 / $10 tables opening up when it's busy.
Ambience
This basic poker room features brown and beige décor with bright green table felt. TV's are placed along the walls and are viewable from most tables. The room is non-smoking and brightly lit for player comfort.
Hospitality
Comps are earned here at a rate of 50 cents per hour through the Club GVC player rewards program. They also run a bad beat jackpot and a high hand bonus.
Players
Most tables feature talkative and friendly regulars which makes for an enjoyable poker experience. The play will be solid, although this sometimes means you get paid in spots where lesser players would fold or call you down with crazy draws. Sometimes it's nice to just play poker with other experience players, and this is what you'll find here.

Harrah's Joliet

Location
Joilet, IL
Hours
Open daily from 9am to 6am
Tables
8
Games
This poker room offers a range of no limit holdem tournaments with the buy in being $100 or $125. The schedule varies week to week so call ahead to check what they have running. If you are looking for cash games, you'll find $1 / $2 and $2 / $5 no limit holdem all the time. Sometimes they will open up higher stakes and Omaha and Limit holdem tables if there's demand.
Ambience
This poker room features dark brown and wooden tones in a cozy and intimate poker environment. The room is entirely non-smoking and the tables and chairs are well maintained. TV's are strategically positioned to keep you entertained between hands.
Hospitality
Comps can be earned playing poker here at a rate of 50 cents per hour through the Total Rewards program. On top of this you can get food and cocktails at the table. They also run a splash the pot promotion here on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
Players
You'll find the standard regulars here with some weaker amateur players at times. The $2 / $5 game will feature more regulars and the $1 / $2 game will be a lot softer with some crazy play. The dealers and staff ensure everyone is having a great time, which adds well to the overall playing environment.

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Location
Aurora, IL
Hours
Open daily from 9:30am to 6am
Tables
15
Games
Only one no limit holdem tournament is held here each week on Wednesday. The game is no limit holdem and the buy in is $120. Cash games are spread all the time with the main games being $1 / $2 no limit holdem, $10 / $20 and $20 / $40 limit holdem and $10 / $20 limit Omaha 8s or better.
Ambience
This non-smoking poker room is spacious and decked out with brown and yellow patterned carpets against checkered walls with light brown table felt. It's a nice and warm environment to play poker. TVs are positioned on the walls to keep you entertained when the guy in the hijack tanks on every decision.
Hospitality
Food can be ordered from the table in this poker room and they also offer cocktail service. Comps can be earned at 50 cents per hour through the Marquee rewards program. A bad beat jackpot is also offered.
Players
You'll find a lot of regulars in this poker room with weaker players joining the tables on weekend evenings. The staff and management here are welcoming to new players and try to make them feel included which is a good thing and makes for a friendlier environment.

Hollywood Casino Joilet

Location
Joilet, IL
Hours
Open daily from 10am to 6am
Tables
5
Games
This room doesn't offer any tournaments, but cash games are always running when they are open. You'll find only $1 / $2 no limit holdem tables.
Ambience
Two TV's are viewable from the table in this non-smoking poker room. Tables have automatic shufflers to keep the game moving along quickly. The green table felt and brown chairs go nicely with the light brown and beige décor in this well maintained and spacious room.
Hospitality
You can get cocktails from the table while you play here. If you want food, you'll need to go elsewhere in the casino to get it. They also offer jackpots and promotions and comps can be earnt at 50 cents per hour through the Club Hollywood rewards program.
Players
Generally, this room will feature mostly regulars with some weaker amateurs arriving at the table later in the day. The play will be weaker in the evening so this may be the best time for you to visit and capitalize.

Jumer's Casino

Location
Rock Island, IL
Hours
Monday to Saturday from midday to 5am, Sunday from 11am to 5am
Tables
6
Games
The poker room at Jumer's offers a daily no limit holdem tournament with the buy in ranging from $40 up to $100. On top of this they spread $1 / $2 and $2 / $5 no limit holdem, $1 / $2 and $10 / $20 mixed and $5 / $10 limit Omaha 8s or better.
Ambience
This non-smoking room has TVs on the walls and automatic shufflers to keep play moving. The earthy tones and browns, oranges and reds used on the floors, tables and walls make this poker room nice on the eye. The tables and chairs are comfortable and well-maintained.
Hospitality
Comps can be earned here while playing at 50 cents per hour through the Image Player's Club. They also serve players cocktails and food at the table.
Players
You'll find some good action in this poker with a great vibe and atmosphere. Staff are friendly and the players are welcoming. Everyone wants to have a good time while playing here and doesn't take it too seriously, which is always a good thing. Overall, this is a nice place to play.

Par-a-Dice Casino

Location
East Peoria, IL
Hours
Open daily 9am to 6am
Tables
5
Games
You will find two no limit holdem tournaments in this poker room on Sunday's. The buy in is $125 for the 11am event and $95 for the 7pm event. For cash players, they spread $1 / $2, $1 / $3 and $2 / $5 no limit holdem as well as $1 / $2 pot limit Omaha 8s or better.
Ambience
This poker room is not that well-lit or maintained. It won't be comfortable for a long session. It does have TV's around the place and is non-smoking.
Hospitality
No comps can be earned here while playing, which is a real shame. They do serve cocktails and food at the table and have a series of promotions and jackpots running which makes up for it a little bit. Finally, they also have free soda at a drinks station for players.
Players
You'll find a mix of players here with some regulars and weaker amateurs. It's the only place to play poker in the immediate area which means it may be a necessity for you to play here. If you aren't in the area, it's not worth a special visit.

Conclusion

Finding a game of Texas holdem in Illinois boils down to whether you're willing to play in a private game or have to play in a public poker room and casino. Private and home Texas holdem games thrive around a city like Chicago, but if you want a public game you need to visit one of the rooms listed above or venture to a neighboring state if you're close to a border.