? Best Illinois Online Casinos

Legal online casino gambling in Illinois are available in the form of online sweepstakes casinos. The best online casinos offer online slot machines, live casino games, and table games, such as online roulette games. Furthermore, they award new users with online casino bonuses which can be used to win prizes that can be converted for real money. There are currently several social casino sites available in Illinois:

• ?? High 5 Casino
• ?? McLuck Casino
• ?? Pulsz Casino
• ?? WoW Vegas Casino
• ?? Gambino Slots Online Casino
• ?? BetRivers.Net Casino
• ?? Double Down Social Casino
• ?? Slotomania

Illinois is one of the states that have legalized online gaming. IL residents can place real money bets online with regulated sportsbooks.

Illinois Online Casino No Deposit Bonus

Legal online casinos in Illinois offer new players no deposit bonuses that they can use to play games for free. All you need to do is to create an online casino account on one of the Illinois gambling sites listed below. You can get up to 200 free spins and multiple other bonuses from Illinois online casino no deposit bonus listed here below:

Sweepstakes Sites

In Illinois, playing sweepstakes casino games is completely legal. Top sites like Chumba online casino offer a wide range of casino games, including online blackjack, 3-card poker, and online slot games that are based on those found in land-based casinos. These sweepstakes sites, like Chumba, provide new users with a certain number of Gold coins and sweeps coins for free, without requiring any deposits.

The sweeps coins can be used to enter tournaments or contests that offer prizes, including real money. These social casinos are considered sweepstakes rather than traditional online gambling in Illinois, which is why they are legal. They provide a fantastic way to practice and enjoy your favorite casino games without any risk. Additionally, they offer the opportunity to win actual prizes and cash.

It is advisable to stick with sweepstakes sites instead of offshore casinos, which are not legal and come with significant risks. Offshore sites can shut down abruptly without any obligation to return players’ funds or honor winnings. Moreover, the individuals behind these sites are often associated with additional criminal activities. It is not wise to provide your personal information, such as your name and Social Security number, to unlicensed vendors. Additionally, there is limited legal recourse within the US against these offshore sites.

Our list of recommended sweepstakes sites offers the same level of entertainment as your favorite casino games without any of the associated complications.

Although there are no real money online casinos in Illinois, you can play with social casinos.

Future Illinois Casino Sites

Even though Illinois online casinos are not yet legal, there is hope that a casino bill would be passed in the next few years. If it does, you can expect the following real money casinos to enter the Prairie State.

• BetMGM Casino: The excellent real money online casino offers more than 500 slots and $25 free for new players.
• DraftKings Casino: Offers a $2,000 bonus to new customers and the most exciting combined betting & casino experience.
• Golden Nugget: The biggest slot site in America offers more than 800 slots and 200 free spins on sign up.
• Caesars Palace Online Casino: The casino with the best rewards program in the US. More than 500 slots and a welcome deposit bonus up to $2,500.
• FanDuel Casino: A casino that offers the rare, risk free play offer to new customers. Excellent cross promotions with sports.

? Is There Legal Online Gambling in Illinois?

The Illinois casino industry has been strong since the 1990s, and legal forms of gambling has a strong foothold in the state. However, legal online sports betting, as well as poker sites and legal online casinos have faced severe resistance in Illinois General Assembly. Online betting was finally legalized in 2019, and in 2020, the first online sports betting could start taking bets. However, Illinois online casinos are not yet included in the gambling laws. Illinois Gaming Board is currently in charge of the licensing process for the gambling industry and provides resources for problem gambling.

Regulations

The Illinois Gaming Board are authorized to regulate gambling in the state. There are only a few standard regulations on sports bettors and Illinois casino customers. You need to be over 21 years of age to play casino games or bet on sports, and 18 years old to participate in the Illinois lottery games, such as Mega Millions. Furthermore, all gambling must happen within Illinois state lines. Out of state gambling is not allowed. Gambling apps use geolocation technology to ensure you are in Illinois.

Illinois Gambling Laws

• Legal gambling age is 21 years
• Illinois sports betting is legalized on premises and online
• Riverboat casinos and retail casinos are allowed
• Online poker is not legal
• Online slots are not legal for real money
• Daily fantasy sports are legal
• Sweepstakes casinos are legal
• Online lottery, including powerball is legal
• Home poker tournaments are legal if there is no rake
• Video gaming terminals are legal

When Will Illinois Legalize Online Casinos?

Unfortunately, there is currently no specific timeline for the complete legalization of online gambling in Illinois. The good news is that online sports betting is already legal and launched in June 2020 with BetRivers, followed by DraftKings and FanDuel.

Retail sportsbooks in Illinois had already started accepting legal bets and had a head start over online-only sports betting sites. The state previously required in-person registration for online sports betting, but that requirement was suspended three times due to the coronavirus pandemic. It remains in effect until at least October 17, 2020.

The legalization of online sports betting in Illinois is positive news, as it discourages individuals from using offshore sportsbooks. Offshore sportsbooks pose financial risks, as they lack regulation and can cause difficulties when withdrawing funds or disputing wagers. The same risks apply to offshore online casino sites, as their games have not been vetted like those of legal casinos to ensure fairness.

For now, it is recommended to engage in legal online betting in Illinois through sweepstakes sites and mobile sportsbooks until further options become available.

? Online Casino Bonus Types

There are several different types of Illinois casino bonus types. Here below are listed some of the most common casino bonuses in the Prairie State:

• ?? No Deposit Bonus: Illinois no deposit bonus gives new players free money to play with. For example, you can get $25 free. However, you must complete wagering requirements before you can withdraw.
• ?? Free Spins: Free Spins are a bonus on a certain slot. You can spin this game a number of rounds specified by the bonus terms and conditions. For example, Gambino slots offers new players 200 free spins.
• ?? Matched Bonus: A deposit match bonus doubles your deposit. So if you deposit $100, you will get $100 more for a total of $200. You must then wager through your bonus before you can withdraw it.

The Prairie State has legalized online betting sites, but casino gaming online is still biding it’s time.

? Online Gambling Industry Overview

Illinois online gambling sites have been able to offer casino games, real money betting, and horse racing since July 2020. Until March 2022, the state required gamblers to register in person, but that regulation has now been completely lifted. Currently, playing casino games is restricted to sweepstakes casinos, and online slots for real money are not yet available. However, sports wagering online is legal for real money.

? Legal IL Gambling Options

There are several ways to play for real money in Illinois. Some of these options are available only at land based casinos, whereas some options are exclusively available online. Betting, DFS, and social casinos are available on the internet. You can also play lottery games online, whereas casinos, slots, and poker are restricted to land based operators.

Sports Betting

Online betting is the only form of legal real money gambling online in Illinois. However, Illinois sports betting apps didn’t get off to a good start. The gambling laws in IL required an in-person registration at first at a retail casino or race track. The law also stated that operators were not allowed to enter the state without an existing contract with a land based casino partner.

However, the global health situation forced governor J.B. Pritzker’s hand in the summer of 2020. Pritzker signed off an executive order introducing legal online gambling without in person registration, allowing operators like DraftKings, FanDuel and BetRivers to start taking bets. The mandate was still re-instituted in 2021, before being completely disbanded on March 5th 2022.

Illinois Online Casino Sites

State law does not currently allow real money online casinos in Illinois. Although the Illinois Gambling Act of 2019 allowed riverboat casinos to expand on land, it failed to mention casinos online. There have been two unsuccessful pushes for legalizing online casinos in Illinois, but both have failed in the senate. At the moment, there is an online gambling bill being considered, and the success of sports betting might aid in passing it.

Sweepstakes Casinos

Even though real money casinos are not legal, there are rules in place that make some online casinos in Illinois legal. Sweepstakes or social casinos can operate in the Great Prairie state without the need for a license, and even though you can’t play real money games, you can still win prizes that you can exchange for cash. Accumulating rewards is slower than on a regulated online casino site, but you can still win real cash. The tentative list of sweepstakes casinos includes:

• ?? Pulsz Casino
• ?? Wow Vegas Online Casino Site
• ?? Fortune Coins Casino
• ?? SweepSlots Online Casino
• ?? Chumba Casino
• ?? High 5 Casino
• ?? Chanced Casino
• ?? McLuck
• ?? Scratchful Casino
• ? Gambino Slots
• ?? BetRivers.net
• ?? DoubleDown Social Casino
• ? Slotomania
• ?? Funzpoints
• ? NolimitCoins Social Casino

Illinois Online Poker

Online Poker for real money is not legal in IL. There is hope that sites like WSOP could open in the state in the next few years, but there is currently no law legalizing them on the table. You can still play poker for sweepstakes prizes on sites like Global Poker.

Retail Poker

Several Illinois casinos offer poker rooms. You can participate in both cash games and tournaments for real money. Poker games at your home are also legal, as long as no one is taking a rake (all the money is divided between the players).

Daily Fantasy Sports

DFS is not illegal or legal in Illinois, as the laws regarding Illinois gambling sites do not address it. In 2015, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan issued an opinion about daily fantasy sports contests being a form of illegal gambling. However, DraftKings and FanDuel took the risk and continued their operations. So far, no law has been passed to regulate either, and now that betting online is legal, there is a relatively small chance of DFS ever being banned in the state.

Real money online gambling sites are available in Illinois! Check out our BonusFinder reviews and find the best bonus codes for online gambling in the Prairie State.

Horse Race Betting

Horse race betting is available at more than 30 off track horse betting locations and horse racing tracks in Illinois. Furthermore, with the legalization of online gambling options, several horse racing sites like TVG, Twin Spires, and BetAmerica can now offer legal online betting on horse racing. Pari-mutuel horse race betting is allowed in IL.

Illinois Lottery

Although none of the leading online casinos are not allowed as per Illinois state law, residents can still play real money games online via the Online Lottery Ticket Sales. Although these games don’t include online casino games, you can enjoy online draw games like Mega Millions and PowerBall lottery, and of course buy online lottery tickets.

Video Gaming Terminals

Slots machines are also available at gaming terminals in the Prairie State. With the 2009, Illinois Video Gaming Act, the state legalized up to six slot machines for truck stops, bars with liquor licenses and fraternal organizations. Race tracks like Arlington Park have also requested to be allowed to have gaming machines on their premises, but have thus far been denied.

What Are VGTs?

VGTs are computer’s with external consoles. You can wager real money, and you either win or lose based on what happens on the screen. They are more simple than slots, but work in a similar way, with a random number generator producing the end result. On some consoles, you can choose from multiple games, but usually you are just restricted to one. Both slots reels and card games may be available on VGTs.

Are Slots Open in Illinois?

Yes, you can play slots at video gaming terminals (VGTs). With the 2019 Sports Wagering Act, you now have some advantages compared to the past, as VGTs are more freely available. This means that land based slots are open in IL throughout the state.

• You can now have terminals at the DuQuoin and state fairs
• The maximum wager was increased
• Bars and Restaurants can now have multiple terminals on premises

? Casino Games

Legal gambling sites offer many ways to play casino games online. The most popular games are slots, blackjack, and roulette. Other games like baccarat, poker games, craps, and many card games are also available for online play.

Online Slots Illinois

There are hundreds of online slot machines available in Illinois. For example, Pulsz casino alone advertises more than 300+ Vegas style slots on their site. There are several different types of options when you want to play slots online:

• ?? Classic Slots: The one armed bandit we all remember and love, with only a few win lines and no extra animations.
• ?? Megaways Slots: A new type of slots with hundreds, sometimes thousands of win lines.
• ?? Progressive Jackpot Slots: Progressive Jackpots increase their payout until it’s triggered and they give out massive wins.
• ?? Video Slots: An exciting slot type with special effects, special games, music, and often some type of storyline.
• ?? Online Slots Real Money Illinois: Currently unavailable, but you can redeem sweepstakes prizes for real money.

Online Blackjack Illinois

Blackjack is among the best options in the dozen table games offered in IL. The classical game is available on all social casino sites, and sometimes even found among live dealer games. The best option for playing blackjack in Illinois is WoW Vegas, which offers 4 different types of blackjack games.

Illinois Online Roulette

Online roulette is also available on several IL online casinos. BetRivers.net is one of the best options for playing online roulette in Illinois, as they are powered by the same motor as the BetRivers real money casino. Therefore, they have the best Illinois roulette games online.

? Land-Based Casino Gaming in Illinois

Illinois has a strong riverboat casino tradition. Riverboat casinos became legal with the Riverboat Gambling Act in 1990. In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker singed the Illinois Gambling Act, making land based casinos legal. The bill also allowed for legal sports betting. Unfortunately, legal online casino gaming was not a part of the bill and therefore not included in the Illinois law.

There are a handful of brick-and-mortar casinos in Illinois that players can visit. Rivers Des Plaines is one the most iconic Illinois Casinos.

Casinos in Illinois

Although online games in Illinois are not legal, you can still play casino games at the several riverboat casinos in the state. Illinois casinos offer legal gambling options such as slot machines, table games, and video poker. Some of the land based casinos even offer poker rooms. Residents and visitors to the Prairie State can enjoy one of the following legal retail casinos:

1. Argosy Casino Alton
   Argosy Casino is a smoke-free casino located in Alton. The drive is just 25 minutes from St. Louis and you can find free parking on premise. There is also a designated smoking area for customers.
2. Casino Queen, East St Louis
   Nowadays known as DraftKings at Casino Queen, this excellent casino is located in East St. Louis. They host a number of events, including UFC Fight Night watching parties and have one of the most extensive loyalty programs among Illinois casinos.
3. Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
   The Caesars Casino property sits on the Fox River and hosts more than 700 slot machines. In addition, they are part of the Caesars Rewards program, where you accrue rewards ponts every time you place bets or play table games and slots.
4. Harrah’s Casino & Hotel Joliet
   The Harrah’s at Joliet is a slightly smaller casino. However, they still have a Caesars Sportsbook and an extensive casino floor. With roughly 200 rooms, the casino can get quite full at times.
5. Harrah’s Metropolis Casino & Hotel
   Harrah’s Metropolis is open daily from 8am to 6am, so you can find a slot or table game to play at almost every hour. The Casino is also part of Caesars Entertainment and hosts dozens of games for casino lovers.
6. Hollywood Casino Aurora
   With more than 1,000 slots, Hollywood Aurora is one of the biggest casinos in IL. They offer sweet titles like mini-baccarat. Furthermore, it’s one of the best places in Illinois to play craps.
7. Hollywood Casino & Hotel Joliet
   Hollywood Casino Joliet sits on the Des Pleines river. The casino has great views and is located just 35 minutes drive from downton Chicago. Furthermore, they offer new players a chance of a $1,000 risk free bet at their sportsbook.
8. Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
   Previously known as Jumer’s Casino & Hotel, Rock Island, Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel is an upscale dining environment attached to a casino. However, they still have a fair amount of games to play.
9. Par-A-Dice Casino & Hotel, East Peoria
   Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino has more than 550 slot machines and casino games. The casino is docked on the Illinois River and has extremely nice views, not to mention a five star restaurant. If you want to visit East Peoria, Par-A-Dice is the place to go.
10. Rivers Casino Des Plaines
    Rivers Casino at Des Plaines is one of the most legendary Illinois casinos. They are known as the Chicago casino with most jackpots in the state, meaning that most big wins in Illinois come from Rivers Casino.

? Sports Betting Sites & Promo Codes

Illinois gambling laws restrict gambling online to sportsbooks. All Illinois online sportsbooks need to secure a land based casino partner in order to operate in the state, and a sports betting license. Currently, a handful of sportsbooks have entered the sports betting market, and there’s still room for more online sportsbook platforms. Online sports betting bonuses in Illinois range from deposit bonus matches to risk free bets.

There’s a variety of regulated online sportsbooks available for IL bettors.

Retail Sportsbooks in Illinois

While it’s not yet possible to play online casino games in the Land of Lincoln, the state is home to several riverboat casinos, some of which carry retail sportsbooks as well. Furthermore, sports betting in Illinois is allowed near sports venues. All retail sportsbooks and venues are eligible for obtaining a sports betting partner for online. So far, all the land based sports betting locations have done so, but nothing prevents Illinois operators from only having retail sports betting.

Registering for a Sportsbook

Before you can participate in sports wagering and bet on your favorite sports teams, you need to register for at least one of the legal online sportsbooks in Illinois. The most convenient method is to download a sports betting app on your mobile device, and sign up there. Sportsbooks are required to verify your identity for security, so you need to provide information like phone number, email address, and social security number.

You must then make your first deposit using approved payment options. Deposit options on a gambling site most often include credit cards, debit cards, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. All banking options can’t be used for a withdrawal, so you should always check the gambling site for the approved methods. Now you’re ready to bet on the White Sox!

? Online Gambling History of Illinois

The legalization of gambling in Illinois has a long history. In 1927, the Illinois General Assembly legalized pari-mutuel horse racing, which contributed to the thriving horse racing scene at renowned tracks like Arlington Park, currently owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated.

In 1974, Illinois became one of the first states to introduce a state-run lottery game, which now generates approximately $3 billion in annual revenue. The Horse Racing Act of 1975 was implemented shortly after to enhance regulation and oversight in the horse racing industry.

Illinois was also at the forefront of riverboat gambling. In 1990, the state approved the operation of riverboat casinos, with the condition that the boats had to be in motion. However, in 1999, a provision allowed these riverboat casinos to operate while stationary, leading to a thriving casino industry in Illinois.

In 1999, the Video Gaming Act permitted the installation of gaming machines at specific locations such as clubs, truck stops, and bars with liquor licenses. Additionally, in 2012, Illinois introduced legal online lottery play, expanding the options for gambling enthusiasts.

Governor JB Pritzker signed a bill in 2019 to legalize sports betting in Illinois, both online and at licensed land-based sportsbooks. Although the bill did not include provisions for Illinois online casinos, the state remains well-positioned with nearly a dozen land-based casinos and fully legalized sports betting.

• 1927: Approval is granted for pari-mutuel horse race betting, which leads to the development of a thriving horse racing market in Illinois.
• 1974: IL becomes an early adopter of state-sanctioned lotteries as lawmakers give their approval.
• 1975: The Horse Racing Act of 1975 is enacted to enhance regulation and promotion of the horse racing industry in Illinois.
• 1990: Illinois joins the ranks of states allowing gambling on modern riverboat casinos, requiring them to be in motion. This kickstarts the riverboat casino boom and contributes to the overall expansion of gambling nationwide.
• 1999: A change in the law removes the requirement for riverboats to be in motion, allowing licensed casinos to remain docked. This change improves accessibility for customers and boosts revenue.
• 2009: Lawmakers pass the Video Gaming Act, which significantly expands gambling options by permitting the installation of video gaming terminals in nightclubs, truck stops, and bars with liquor licenses.
• 2012: Illinois ventures into online lottery ticket sales, offering Mega Millions and Lotto tickets through a state-run website. The online platform experiences substantial growth, generating millions of dollars in annual ticket sales.
• 2019: Lawmakers approve sports betting at casinos and online platforms as part of a comprehensive gambling expansion bill. This legislation allows for an unprecedented number of new gaming stations and authorizes the construction of a mega-casino near Chicago, solidifying Illinois’ reputation as a well-rounded gaming state.
• March 2020: The first sportsbooks in Illinois open, marking the beginning of a new era for sports betting in the state.
• February 2023: Illinois State Sen. Christina Castro sponsors a bill seeking to legalize online casinos, positioning Illinois as the fifth state exploring the expansion of online casino-poker offerings in 2023.

Last updated: 09/13/2024