Argosy's Alton Belle Casino was the first riverboat casino in Illinois, opening its doors in 1991. With the introduction of the Alton Belle casino, Illinois became the second state to allow riverboat casinos. Nicknamed the 'Prairie State', Illinois is also a Great Lakes state. The state covers an area of 57,918 square miles. The population, as reported in December 2000, was 12,419,293. Illinois is also the 5th most populated state in the U.S. On December 3, 1818, Illinois was admitted into the union, and was the 5th state to do so. Betting on sports futures, props and lay bets.
