Illinois Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
Illinois has legalized most forms of gambling, including online sports betting, which was approved in 2019.
But, online casinos can only be accessed through sites licensed out-of-state. This guide to Illinois gambling points out the advantages of these sites.
We’ve assembled the best IL online casinos, finding our choices based on our experience in the industry and knowledge of what gamblers look for.
Read on to learn about all types of gambling available in Illinois and the legal background of each type.
Highlights
Want to gamble in Illinois? The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state, from online to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
18-21
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Gray Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
Everything You Need to Start Playing at IL Online Casinos
Is Online Gambling Legal in Illinois?
Key Takeaways
- Online casinos are accessible via offshore gaming sites.
- Online sports betting and retail wagering are readily available.
- There are no known attempts to prosecute players for online gambling.
- Horse race betting, the lottery, and charitable gaming are legal activities.
The state of Illinois offers gambling in several formats, with legislation in 2019 expanding the ability for players to access a wide variety of gaming options.
Illinois is the 6th largest state in the US, with the population able to access full-service retail casinos, horse race betting, and sports betting.
The sports betting industry is featured on and offline, but as far as online casinos are concerned, the state does not include any such legislation.
No laws on the books outright ban online gambling, so players can take advantage of the gray area by playing via offshore sites.
There are casino gaming and poker options, making it easy for players to find a top-rated provider that offers services.
Best Online Casinos in Illinois 2024
You can start playing real-money online casino games in Illinois using our list of suggested providers. We have evaluated offshore gaming sites and only included the greatest recommendations to give our readers a clear understanding of what each operator offers.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Bovada Casino |
BONUS 125% up to $3,750 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 549 | SLOTS 435 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
BetUS |
BONUS 150% up to $3,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 491 | SLOTS 367 | OUR RATING 4.5 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Cafe Casino |
BONUS 350% up to $2,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 547 | SLOTS 384 | OUR RATING 3.5 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November, 2024
Our Recommended Online Casinos Reviewed
When considering an online casino for our list, we look at the main features, such as game selection, bonuses, banking options, etc. Read on to discover which sites offer the best slots, table games, and live dealers for Illinois players.
DuckyLuck – Best Site for Casino Games
When it comes to slots, DuckyLuck Casino is our go-to. The online casino offers a solid collection of games with classic favorites and new, trending titles. You can easily find a game that suits your playing style and budget.
If you are a fan of multiple casino games, including live dealers, then DuckyLuck has you covered.
This site features a nice array of table games, video poker, casual games, live dealers, and over 500 online slots. You can access several titles in the live gaming section, including blackjack and roulette.
Explore the collection with low to high buy-ins for every player.
Top Features
- Fresh Deck Studios provides live games.
- Buy-ins can reach $5,000 or higher per hand.
- Slots games with high RTP.
- Easily play from a desktop or mobile device.
Bovada – Top Site for Sports Betting
Looking for the premier choice in sports betting in Illinois? Bovada stands tall as our top pick, boasting a history of over two decades catering to players all over the United States.
Bet on many sports, ranging from NFL and NBA to MMA and global sports. With a diverse array of banking options, reliable fast payouts, and exceptional software, Bovada offers a seamless experience.
Dive into live betting, entertainment gambling, and an array of casino games, including slots, blackjack, and live dealer options.
Top Features
- Top-notch software selection.
- Fast payouts.
- 24-hour, 365-day online assistance.
- A whole range of sportsbook and casino services.
How We Choose Online Casinos
We look at several key pieces of criteria when evaluating gaming sites. You can see our main focuses when determining the top Illinois online casinos below.
Reputation
It’s crucial that the casino holds a valid license from a reputable jurisdiction and is renowned for providing a top-quality platform and services to its members.Fast & Reliable Payments
Online casinos should provide fast and reliable payment systems for your gaming convenience. We assess deposit and withdrawal methods to ensure swift transactions, allowing you to add or withdraw funds promptly.Security & Safety
Players’ top priority should be security and safety. You want to ensure a site is legit and will provide you with payouts for wins and protect your personal information.Game Variety
We analyze the game selection for diversity. Does the site feature a variety of slots, table games, and live dealers? What about niche games like Slingo or Bingo? Make sure the casino has the games you’re interested in before playing.Quality Bonuses
Always check the online casino bonuses. Do they offer good terms and conditions? How high are the wagering requirements? These details determine how quickly you can claim and clear a bonus deal.
Top Online Casino Games in IL
Offshore casino sites provide players in Illinois access to quality games like slots, blackjack, poker, and more. Review the game categories below to learn more about the game types and how you can play.
Online Slots
If you search for online slot games, you will find hundreds of options via offshore casino sites. Operators feature classic titles, jackpot games, themed titles, and more.
Commercial casinos in Illinois also offer slots, with options for land-based play in 15 different venues. Slots in the casinos can be quite exciting due to the crowd, sights, and sounds of the casino as you play.
Online Poker
Poker fans in Illinois have options to play both online and offline.
The state includes five poker rooms hosting tournaments and cash games for players to enjoy in person.
For online poker, seek out casinos offering poker games or look for dedicated online poker platforms to access tournaments and exciting five-card action.
Online Blackjack
You can play online blackjack in Illinois by signing up with a reputable offshore online casino provider.
Look for the table games section to find blackjack in several forms with multiple options for betting.
Online casinos also offer blackjack games with options for beginners and high rollers. Easily find a table no matter which gaming venue you select in the state.
Live Dealer Games
Live table games are a popular choice in Illinois, available at various land-based casinos featuring friendly dealers.
Online gaming is also an option, with developers like Fresh Deck Studios providing live games through various websites.
When playing online, live dealer games occur within a casino or studio setting. The game footage is streamed to your device in real-time, allowing you to watch and participate actively.
Other Games Available
Other gambling games are legal in Illinois, including bingo. Fans of the lottery-style game can find options for gaming at local bingo halls. A lottery is also an option, with Illinois providing online ticket sales and retail options.
You can find scratch card games, bingo, keno, and other types of casino offerings at offshore sites online. Look in the specialty or variety game section to find these titles.
Illinois Online Casino Bonuses
When joining an online casino site in Illinois, you want to know the bonuses and promotions available. Most sites offer a welcome deal to help boost your overall bankroll, but there are other options.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Casino Bonuses at IL Sites
These two welcome bonuses are our top picks for IL players. Check them out!
$8,000 Welcome Bonus
RedDog Casino is offering a massive welcome bonus worth up to $8,000. You can earn a 225% match on your deposits, giving you plenty of bonus cash to explore.
The minimum deposit will vary based on your selected banking method, but options start at $10. You can deposit with Bitcoin or Neosurf and add 20% more to your overall bonus.
The promotion has a 40x wagering requirement on the bonus and deposit amount.
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Bonus
DuckyLuck Casino offers its members a 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Welcome Bonus with 150 Free Spins upon signup.
Create a new account and earn a 500% deposit match up to $2,500 for the first three deposits. You are given 50 spins per day for the first three days with the free spins portion of the deal.
You must deposit $25 or more to qualify. This bonus has a 30x wagering requirement on the deposit amount plus bonus.
Are There Any Casino Apps Available in Illinois?
The only online casino apps you can access in Illinois are from offshore casino sites.
Most of these providers like to stick with mobile web browsers to make it easy for players to access gaming options.
If you can locate an app from an offshore provider, you can easily download it to iOS or Android devices to start playing.
Facts About IL Online Casinos
Here are some facts about Illinois’s online casino industry and overall gambling options.
- Online casinos are not regulated and can be accessed via offshore providers.
- Play online slots and table games similar to what is offered at land-based casinos.
- Access quality welcome bonuses from online casino providers.
- Some sites offer live dealer games, which are similar to table games at local casinos.
- Cryptocurrency banking is offered to streamline transactions to US-based players.
Gambling Laws Summary
Illinois offers several forms of gambling in the state, including casinos, horse racing, sports betting, and the lottery. The state gambling laws do not include regulated online casino gaming, so players utilize offshore sites to access services.
| Illinois Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in Illinois | Regulators authorize 15 land-based casinos to offer services in Illinois. |
| Online Gambling | The state does not have online gambling laws in place. This gray area allows players to access offshore sites for casino and poker betting. |
| Sports Betting | Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019 and now offers retail and online wagering options. Players can find all major providers in the state. |
| State Lottery | Players can enjoy the lottery via retail or online ticket sales. Various games are on offer, including Mega Millions and Powerball. |
| Charitable Gambling | Organizations can receive a license for charitable gaming at $400 each, valid for two years. |
| Poker | Poker is only legal in Illinois within casino venues. You can find poker rooms in major casinos throughout the state with cash games and tournament action. Players can play games online, too, but it must be done via offshore sites. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Horse racing is a big industry in Illinois, with several tracks dotted across the state. Gamblers can visit and enjoy live races and place wagers on big events. |
| Fantasy Sports | In 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that daily fantasy sports are games of skill, exempting them from state gambling laws. While this decision allowed DFS sites to operate legally in Illinois, they remain unregulated, and the legislature has yet to pass any specific laws addressing the matter. |
| Social Gambling | The only acceptable form of social gambling in Illinois is via charitable organizations. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | Players must pay a 4.95% tax on gambling winnings. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Illinois Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
Gambling is alive and well in Illinois, with the state having expanded its services in 2019 to include sports betting, both online and in retail format.
Players can access land-based casinos with full-service gaming, pari-mutuel horse racing, lottery games, and sports betting while living in or visiting the state.
Online casino gaming was not included in the legislative expansion, though discussions are ongoing involving legislators and the iGaming industry. Players must now settle on accessing online slots and table games via offshore providers in regulated markets.
Land-Based Casinos
There are currently 15 land-based casinos in operation in Illinois. A new one is expected to open in the future.
The new law from 2019 allows riverboat casinos to move to land, and this process has been time-consuming and led to a delay in launching updated services.
Riverboat casinos can expand from 1,200 gaming positions to 2,000 when moving to land, offering players much more to explore.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Illinois has two operational horse racing tracks, with events scheduled every year. Fans can visit Hawthorne Race Center and Fairmount Park to bet on horse races.
Each track offers live races as well as simulcasted off-track betting.
The state is also home to more off-track betting sites, where gamblers can wager on races that take place in the state.
Bingo, Lottery and Charitable Gambling
The state has four statutes in place that allow charitable gaming; these include the Raffles Act, Charitable Games Act, Bingo Act, and Pull Tab and Jar Game Act.
Organizations must be categorized as religious, charitable, educational, labor, fraternal, or veterans to offer games and have been in operation for five years or more. An annual license fee of $200 is required for organizers.
Lottery players have access to tickets online as well as in retail format. Players can purchase lottery tickets for a number of games, including Powerball, Mega Millions, Lucky Day Lotto, and Lotto.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming involving the exchanging of funds is prohibited. Players can enjoy a social game with friends, such as poker or blackjack, but no monetary gain must be involved.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is readily available in Illinois via charitable organizations and casinos. You can easily find a cash game or tournament based on your skill level.
World Series of Poker circuit events regularly take place in the state along with other major poker tournament action.
Sports Betting
Sports betting was legalized in 2019 with the expansion of gambling legislation in the state.
Operators worked quickly to obtain licensing, and all the major players can be found with online and offline services.
Visit casinos to post a bet in a retail sportsbook, or log online via an app or web browser to explore odds by providers such as DraftKings and FanDuel.
Land-Based Gambling Venues in Illinois
There are currently almost a dozen commercial casinos operating in Illinois today. Legislative changes in 2019 allow riverboat casinos to move to land, with an additional six licenses on offer for new casinos to launch in the state.
Tribal casinos do not currently exist in the state. However, future legislative changes will allow tribes to operate commercial casinos, but these will not be located on reservation land. However, they will be owned and operated by the tribes.
The Hard Rock Casino coming to Rockford will be owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino will be owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians from Alabama.
Casino List
- Harrah’s Metropolis
- Hollywood Casino Joliet
- Par-a-Dice Hotel & Casino
- Grand Victoria Casino
- Rivers Casino
Summary
- Total Casinos: 15
- Poker Rooms: 5
Illinois Gambling vs. Neighboring States
Illinois is in the Midwest and offers a wide range of gambling options. There are several neighboring states where players can access gaming as well. Use our guide below to compare what each neighboring state has to offer.
| State | Is Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | Yes | 18 – 21 | Yes | Gray Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin | Yes | 18 – 21 | Yes | Gray Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | Yes | 18 – 21 | Yes | Gray Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Missouri | Yes | 18 – 21 | Yes | Gray Area | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | Yes | 18 | Yes | Gray Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana | Yes | 18 – 21 | Yes | Gray Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan | Yes | 18 – 21 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Illinois and its neighbors offer similar gambling options, allowing players to easily travel nearby to visit casinos, place sports bets, and explore charitable gambling events. The Midwest region is synced with what they offer and how services are provided.
A Brief History of Illinois Gambling
Gambling was first legalized in 1990 with the Riverboat Gambling Act. This measure allowed casinos to offer services on the waterways. Over the years, the lottery was added along with sports betting.
In 2019, a major overhaul of Illinois gambling legislation took place, opening the door for riverboat casinos to move to land. It also approved six additional casino licenses so the industry can grow further.
Online gambling was not included in the package, but players can access offshore sites in other jurisdictions. It would not be surprising to see Illinois lawmakers consider iGaming in the future as more states start to pass legislation.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The Illinois Gaming Board offers responsible gambling assistance for players who need help due to a possible gambling addiction. The state offers self-exclusion for sports betting, casino gaming, and video gaming machines.
Individuals, family members, or friends of a gambler can reach out for help by visiting the Illinois Gambling Helpline or calling 1-800-GAMBLER and asking for more information on services and programs.
Play Safely, Stay Informed, and Have Fun!
Illinois passed legal changes to its gambling industry in 2019, with a major overhaul by legislators. We don’t expect any additional changes over the next few years as regulators tend to the licensing process in new areas of the state and additions are made to the land-based casino industry.
Illinois may consider iGaming in the online casino realm, especially since the state offers online lottery and sports betting services. We could see legislation in the future to add online casino gaming to the state’s regulated operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are a few frequently asked questions in Illinois with information regarding the entire gambling industry.
What are the most popular casino games in Illinois?
Players enjoy many gaming options in Illinois, including slots and table games. We suggest trying several game types to figure out what you enjoy best.
Are there real money online casinos in Illinois with no deposit bonuses?
Not really. Most offshore casino sites offer a welcome bonus with a deposit offer. You add funds to your account, and the casino matches the amount based on a percentage.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of Illinois?
Playing with a regulated offshore casino is less risky than playing at just any site. The iGaming industry is a gray market in Illinois, and no player has been prosecuted for accessing services.
Who regulates online casinos in Illinois?
Online gaming is not regulated in Illinois. You will find offshore sites are regulated in various areas like Curacao and Costa Rica. The Gaming Board regulates land-based casinos in the state.
