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3 unusual facts about Argosy Gaming Company


Argosy Gaming Company

The company through the political connections of its chairman William F. Cellini received the first gambling license in Illinois in modern times.

Among the biggest initial investors was John Connors, brother of tennis champion Jimmy Connors, Illinois attorney and Democratic power-broker L. Thomas Lakin, as well as other influential St. Louis area businessmen.

It began operations in September, 1991 with the opening of the Alton Belle Casino.


Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg

The casino was originally named Argosy Casino, and was operated by Argosy Gaming Company, which was taken over in 2004 by Penn National Gaming, which operated casinos under the Hollywood brand.


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