3 Poker Events That The Grand Victoria Casino in Illinois Went All-In On
Credit: @wsop on Instagram
The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Illinois, has been pulling out all the stops with its events, keeping the casino scene in the state vibrant. After being bought by Caesars Entertainment in 2020, the $4 million investment helped boost and expand the casino’s operations at a time when other establishments were relocating and as sports betting in Illinois rose in popularity – an industry which, combined with different forms of gaming, earned the state nearly $2 billion last year.
Since then, the Grand Victoria Casino has become a poker hotspot in the area and one of the top casinos in Illinois. Though it was an unorthodox approach by the entertainment giant, it has allowed the place to remain a cultural landmark and a must-visit destination as poker becomes more popular in the state. The casino has also made Illinois a significant state in the American tournament-poker network now that it hosts a World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit. To further establish its status as a poker hub, the Grand Victoria Casino has gone all-in with its poker events; here are a few that stand out:
The Grand Opening of The New Poker Room with Chris Moneymaker
Thanks to the Grand Victoria Casino’s popularity among poker players, the casino established a new and expanded poker room in 2022. The latest poker room offers up to 20 tables for cash games and major tournaments, making accommodating more players to amp up the action much easier. An adjacent Caesars sportsbook and a bar area also turn the location into a multi-purpose gaming space. With a monumental expansion, going all-in with the celebrations only made sense. The casino invited poker legend Chris Moneymaker as the guest of honor for the grand opening. In one interview, Grand Victoria Casino’s senior vice president Rolando Guerrero cited the “Moneymaker” effect and how seeing Chris Moneymaker come out of nowhere “opened the industry up to everyone.”
Chris Moneymaker revolutionized the American online poker landscape when he won the WSOP Main Event in 2003 after qualifying through an online site while working as an accountant. He now serves as a Team Pro for the leading poker platform ACR Poker, further making his mark in online poker. Despite his busy schedule after opening his own poker club and fulfilling his duties as a brand representative, he made the trip to the Grand Victoria Casino to join the fun. His story and fame in the poker world made him a fitting choice for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event also held a five-table tourney featuring 49 other poker players alongside Moneymaker. He also joined a $1/$3 No-Limit Hold’em cash game for fast-paced fun.
Credit: @exploreelgin on Instagram
The World Series of Poker Circuit
Aside from hosting live cash games, the expanded poker area of the Grand Victoria Casino has become a venue for the World Series of Poker circuit, a series of poker tournaments held yearly at various casinos to build up to the WSOP. Caesars Entertainment acquired the property in 2020, investing in its development to make it an official stop for the tour; the new poker area has been hosting the circuit’s tournaments every year since 2022. The 2025 event, held from April 3 to 14, hosted 18 WSOP circuit ring events, daily side events, and satellites with $2,010,000 across all tournaments. Guarantees range from $25,000 for smaller games and up to $750,000 for the Main Event.
Unlike many other suburban Illinois casinos moving to new locations, Caesars Entertainment took a different approach by investing in the Grand Victoria Casino. It aims to appeal to loyal and new players with exciting additions and luxurious experiences. With many skilled poker players hailing from the state, including 2024 WSOP Main Event runner-up Jordan Griff, enhancing the poker offerings of the Grand Victoria Casino may be a worthwhile investment that can make the casino a must-visit destination for players and enthusiasts.
Their No Limit Hold’em Weekly Tourneys
The Grand Victoria Casino keeps the action going on regular days with weekly tournaments. The poker room hosts No Limit Hold’em games every Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday with buy-in prices of $160, $200, and $300, respectively. The Nightly Tuesday, Friday Nightly, and Sunday Deepstack events allow players to participate according to their preferred schedule and budget, and they keep the tables active throughout the week. Every month or so, the casino also hosts a Monthly Mega Monster Stack with a $600 buy-in for a bigger prize pool. The variety of tournaments and buy-ins can attract players, from people who prefer more low-stakes cash games to those who want a more high-stakes experience with bigger prizes.
Illinois has become a popular poker state, and major poker destinations like the Grand Victoria Casino provide unique experiences that continue attracting a broad player base. The market is full of opportunities, especially with tournaments held in the Western Illinois University Quad Cities, which are helping the game become more popular among young adults. The casino has a lot of potential for hosting more exciting poker events in the future.
Visit QuadCities.com for the latest updates and best spots in the Quad Cities area.
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