April 13, 2023
Illinois Online Casinos and Gambling Laws 2023
- Written by Eddie Thompson
- Last updated May 18, 2023
The legal landscape of gambling in Illinois could change dramatically in 2023. The state has a rich history of gambling, but online casinos and poker rooms can’t be licensed under current state law. Fortunately, residents can still play through offshore operators.
Read on to find the best online casinos for Illinois residents to play legally as well as expert tips on how to choose between them. We’ll teach you about Illinois’ most important gambling laws and help you stay safe playing online in the Prairie State.
Illinois Gambling – Quick Overview
Best Illinois Online Casinos
- Ducky Luck — Top Overall Casino for Illinois Bettors
- SlotsandCasino.ag — Best Online Casino for Earning Free Spins
- Bovada — Best Game Variety
- Las Atlantis — Best Selection of Welcome Bonuses
- Ignition Casino — Best Option for Illinois Poker Players
- El Royale — Best Overall Bonus Offering
- Slots.lv — Best Mobile Gaming Experience
- BetUS — Best for Illinois Players that Prefer Crypto
- Café Casino — Best Video Poker Variety
OUR RATING
4.9/5 stars.
Launched in 2020, Ducky Luck has quickly become one of our top-rated casino sites. With a huge range of slots, specialty and live casino games as well as lots of payment options and a user-focused layout that never disappoints, Ducky Luck is an excellent all-rounder.
With more than 430 games including slots, live dealer, table games, and specialty titles, Illinois-based players will always have a great experience at this casino.
Ducky Luck is all about customer experience and relationship building. Beginners will love the help page which is full of great information such as how to sign up, understanding deposits and withdrawals, notes about casino odds, and other FAQs.
New players qualify for a deposit match welcome bonus of 500% up to $7,500, plus 150 free spins. Loyal players are rewarded too! At the time of this review, Ducky Luck had an additional 11 promotions available.
500%up to $7,500
- Good Variety of Real Money Games
- Compatible on iOS and Android Devices
- Live Dealer Tables Are Available
OUR RATING
4.8/5 stars.
Slot lovers will be head-over-heels for the variety of free spin offers at SlotsandCasino. Almost every bonus comes with reel spins. The welcome bonus offers a 300% match up to $1,500 plus 100 free spins on a selection of slot games. The crypto welcome bonus gets you an even sweeter deal with a 500% match up to $2,500 plus 150 free spins.
SlotsandCasino puts “slots” first in their name for a reason. They stock the most popular slot titles from all the hottest developers like Betsoft, Fugaso and Dragon Gaming. You can find a large variety of slot types, too. We were happy to see video slots, classic three-reel slots and the latest jackpot slots like Caesar’s Victory and Cyberpunk City on site.
300%up to $4,500
- 500% Crypto Welcome Bonus, Lucrative Rewards Program, and Tons of Promotions
- Bilingual Customer Support — English, Spanish, and Portuguese
- Live Dealer Casino with Blackjack, Baccarat, and Roulette
OUR RATING
4.6/5 stars.
Since 2011, Bovada has been wowing players in Illinois with its sports betting options, but more recently they’ve expanded their casino game library. It’s actually the reason why our team feels that Bovada has the best game variety.
Their slots offering is extensive with upwards of 150 titles. Among those titles are games like Golden Buffalo that are part of a unique progressive jackpot, also known as Hot Drop Jackpots. There’s even mafia-themed games for those interested in Chicago’s infamous crime families. Beyond this, Bovada offers a plethora of table and specialty games along with a substantial live dealer offering. Combine that with their poker lobby and you can start to understand why our team really likes the game variety here.
125%up to $3,750
- Extra Bonuses for Bitcoin Users
- Well-Established Brand
- Quality VIP/Loyalty Program
![Las Atlantis — Best Selection of Welcome Bonuses](png/las-atlantis.png)
OUR RATING
3.8/5 stars.
Illinois high-rollers and bonus fans will love Las Atlantis Casino. New players can choose from six total welcome bonuses including a $3,000 slots and cards bonus along with an eye-popping $9,500 crypto bonus. Plus, depending on your type of deposit, you could qualify for even more. For example, if you’re playing with BTC or Neosurf, you could claim extra spins on Wild Hog Luau. We were also impressed with the comparatively low 35X wagering requirements for most bonuses.
A great set of welcome bonuses is nice, but the site has to tick the boxes in other areas too. We also rated Las Atlantis well for its safety and security features, slick graphics, easy-to-navigate menus and 24/7 responsive support.
280%up to $14,000
- Large variety of casino games
- Secure payment options
- Solid live support options
OUR RATING
4.7/5 stars.
Ignition Casino has some of the best poker options for Illinois players. It has big money poker tournaments, video poker and live dealer games too. The poker lobby is straightforward and easy to navigate. We particularly enjoyed the detailed resources, including articles on poker strategy, guides to winning tournaments and even videos explainers.
The site is full of features that serious online poker players will love. In particular, the handy Quick Seat option means you’ll never have to surf the lobby and hover until a spot opens up. You simply need to choose a game and you’ll be taken automatically to your table when it’s ready.
100%up to $1,000
- Huge selection of slots
- US players welcome
- Variety of promotions
OUR RATING
3.9/5 stars.
El Royale had us at “hello” with a whopping $12,500 welcome bonus offer. However, at El Royale, the casino bonuses don’t stop at the welcome promotion. Click on the promotions tab to browse the ever-changing bonus selection. The New Game bonus is a great way to get a bit of extra cash to try the latest featured games. At the time of this review, players can claim an additional $1900 + 70 free spins on Jungle Jack and the Magic Monkeys.
El Royale’s rotating selection of special offers will make you want to visit again and again with daily and weekly specials.
250%up to $12,500
- 50 Free Spins
- Sleek and Modern Design
- 24/7 Customer Service and Support
OUR RATING
4.4/5 stars.
The team at Slots.lv has taken great care in making sure the site delivers an exceptional mobile experience. Our team tested the casino extensively from both Android and Apple devices. We created new accounts, played games and even cashed out our winnings, all from phones and tablets. Each step of the way we were thoroughly impressed.
One of the biggest draws at Slots.lv are the mobile live dealer games. The casino has taken great care to ensure all their live games play as well on mobile as on desktop, which is why we’ve named it the best for mobile gaming. Our experts especially love the live mobile baccarat and roulette games, which Illinois players are sure to enjoy. The selection of specialty games is great, too. Look for several mobile bingo varieties, scratch cards, and online keno games.
200%up to $1,000
- Variety of Table and Jackpot Games
- Competitive Bonuses and Promotions
- Excellent Banking Options
OUR RATING
4.2/5 stars.
If you’re new to the world of cryptocurrency, BetUS has a comprehensive “How To Use Cryptocurrency” information page. It includes dedicated resources to help you navigate the ins and outs of crypto casino payments. It also has a great selection of tutorial videos for Coinbase and Cash App. Let’s not forget the step-by-step guide on how to deposit crypto into your BetUS account.
Crypto players always qualify for extra at this site, and they have a section specifically dedicated to crypto sign-up bonuses. This makes it easy to see all the crypto perks in one place.
BetUS casino is so much more than just a betting site. Features like BetUS TV provide players with tons of great content. Cubs fans will love the MLB show, while Bulls fans can keep up with the latest action on the NBA show.
125%up to $2,500
- Welcome Bonus of 125% up to $2,500
- Accepts US Players
- Fast Payouts Within 48 Hours
OUR RATING
4.5/5 stars.
Last, but not least, is Café Casino. This site places all the hottest mobile poker games at your fingertips. Their poker lobby is stacked with information about how to play online poker and what to look for in a good game.
While this site doesn’t have a live poker section, poker fans will still love the variety of available games. This includes titles that you can’t play at land-based casinos in Illinois, including Pai Gow and Caribbean Stud poker. Our reviewers were happy to see the Double Double Bonus Poker game with a high RTP rate of 98.98%. This game is rare at online casino sites.
Compared to a lot of the other casinos on our list, the game selection is a bit smaller, but it still stocks a respectable selection of slots, live dealer games, and Illinois’ favorite, blackjack.
350%up to $2,500
- A large assortment of games
- Fast payout speeds
- Great bonuses and promotions
Comparing the Top Casinos in Illinois
Online Casino | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Number of games | live casino | free play | Number of payment options | read review | sign up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DuckyLuck | 500% up to $2,500 | N/A | 500+ | Yes | Yes | 12 | DuckyLuck review | Sign up |
Slots and Casino | 300% up to $1,500 | N/A | 500+ | Yes | Yes | 5+ | Slots and Casino review | Sign up |
Bovada | 100% up to $3,000 | CAWELCOME100 BV2NDCWB | 180+ | Yes | No | 10 | Bovada review | Sign up |
Las Atlantis | 280% up to $14,000 | N/A | 180+ | Yes | Yes | 5+ | Las Atlantis review | Sign up |
Ignition Casino | 300% up to $3,000 | N/A | 200+ | Yes | Yes | 10 | Ignition Casino review | Sign up |
El Royale | 250% up to $12,500 | N/A | 180+ | Yes | Yes | 5+ | El Royale Casino review | Sign up |
Slots.lv | 200% up to $1,000 | HELLOSLOTS200 | 200+ | Yes | Yes | 7+ | Slots.lv review | Sign up |
BetUS | 200% up to $5,000 | TSG200 | 350+ | Yes | Yes | 8 | BetUS review | Sign up |
Café Casino | 250% up to $2,500 | CAFE10 | 200+ | Yes | Yes | 9+ | Café Casino review | Sign up |
How We Choose the Best Online Casinos for Illinois
Here are the criteria we look at when choosing the best online casino sites for Illinois players:
Availability in Illinois
Online casinos aren’t allowed to be based within the state, but Illinois residents can still access plenty of offshore sites. In order for a casino to make the list of sites we recommend for Illinois, they need to be accessible from within the state without geo-restrictions.
Safety & Security
Our team only recommends safe online casino sites that demonstrate a prioritization of player safety. Almost all the sites we recommend are internationally licensed and regulated, a prerequisite of which is proper safety protocols. This typically covers the safety of people’s personal and financial information. We also look to see if sites have protections in place for problem gambling.
Payment Options
Our team looks for deposit and withdrawal methods that are both convenient and protected. Prairie State residents should expect to see a number of different banking options like credit cards, e-wallets and cryptocurrencies.
Game Variety
We check to make sure the site has a mix of online casino games including slots, table games, specialty games and live dealer games. Our favorite sites for Illinois-based players have hot-drop jackpots (like Golden Buffalo), along with other progressive jackpot games.
Customer Support
Our reviewers take the time to test each casino’s support channels, examine turnaround times, and check to see how the casino’s team addresses game problems and other issues. Illinois players should be able to access customer support 24/7.
Mobile Compatibility
It is imperative that sites and games are 100% compatible with the latest tablets and phones. The majority of casino games in Illinois are now played on mobile devices. In fact, from 2020-2021, consumer spending on mobile games grew by 16.4% making it a $4.8 billion industry in the US.
Legality of Gambling in Illinois
The Illinois Gambling Act, which was enacted on June 28, 2019, led to several changes to gambling legislation in the state. This act officially legalized sports wagering, and expanded land-based casino gambling and video gaming. This was the first major change to gambling laws since 2009. Gambling activities that were legal prior to the Gambling Act (and remain legal) are horse racing, riverboat casinos and poker (provided it’s played at a licensed gaming establishment).
Gambling activities that are currently not legal in Illinois include private, social gambling activities (like at-home poker games) and online gambling. State law prohibits online gambling sites from operating within state borders and from being licensed in the state, but Illinois residents can still gamble online at offshore casinos. We only recommend top-quality offshore casino sites that are licensed and regulated internationally.
Who Regulates Gambling in Illinois?
All gambling activity in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). It was established in 1990 and is made up of five governor-appointed members who are responsible for regulating and overseeing all forms of gambling. This includes land-based casinos, sports betting, horse racing, video gaming and charitable gambling activities.
Poker
Any licensed land-based gaming establishment allows Illinois residents and visitors to play poker. That means you can find legal poker rooms at every casino, from Alton to Aurora. Poker, however, comes in many varieties. Depending on your choice of game, you may have to travel to find it.
According to the latest IGB annual report, not all poker tables are offered at every casino in the state. For example, you can find Three Card Poker at all ten land-based casinos but Texas Hold ‘Em is only available to play at seven of the ten. Caribbean Stud is available at just one — the Hollywood Casino Joliet.
If you don’t want to miss out on your preferred poker game, we suggest you look at the online casinos on our list. You can play endless varieties of poker online. And, if you’re looking for a live casino poker experience, you can always opt for one of the poker rooms at our recommended sites.
Charitable Gaming
Registered charities in Illinois are permitted to host bingo games, raffles and other types of gambling activities. According to the Charitable Games Act, proceeds must be exclusively used for charitable purposes.
Illinois State Lottery
The Illinois Lottery was established in 1974 and offers a variety of chance-based games, including scratch cards, instant tickets, and lottery draws. Under the Illinois Lottery Law, the proceeds of the lottery are diverted to the Illinois’ Common School Fund, with a few exceptions.
Key Facts About Online Gambling in IL
- Online casinos are not permitted to operate in Illinois, but residents and visitors can still access reputable offshore sites.
- Online poker rooms are not permitted to operate in Illinois, but residents and visitors can access reputable offshore poker sites and live-dealer poker rooms.
- The future of online gambling in Illinois is still uncertain, but other states have made online casinos and poker rooms legal.It’s possible that Illinois will make a similar move in time.
Future of Online Casinos in Illinois
Illinois has shown some progress towards legalized sports betting and expanded land-based casino gambling. Online casinos, however, remain illegal.
The latest update to Illinois gambling legislation came with the Illinois Gambling Act of 2019, which legalized retail and online sportsbooks and expanded retail casino and video gaming activities. To date, there have been no further updates. Keep an eye on our site for more information as it becomes available.
Illinois Gambling Timeline
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While state-based online casinos and poker rooms are not legal, Illinois residents are allowed to gamble at offshore sites.
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The Illinois Gambling Act comes into effect. This law authorizes the construction of six new land-based casinos to be built throughout the state, bringing the total number of state casinos to 16.
The Sports Wagering Act also passes. This act legalizes sports betting in Illinois which officially begin in March 2020.
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The Video Gaming Act is passed. This act legalizes video gaming terminals in bars and restaurants, the first of which are installed in 2012.
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The Riverboat Gambling Act is passed. This act allows riverboat casinos to operate on the Illinois River — the first being the Alton Belle, which opens in 1991.
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The Illinois Lottery is established. This becomes the first legal gambling organization in the state. Before this, most forms of gambling were a criminal offense.
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Organized crime syndicates run most gambling operations. These activities involve illegal betting on horse racing, cards, and dice games.
Payment Options for Online Casinos in Illinois
Gamblers from Illinois are spoiled for choice when it comes to banking options at online casinos. Each option has its benefits and disadvantages, and which payment method is right for you comes down to personal preference. Here is how they stack up:
![Neosurf Logo](jpg/neosurf-icon.jpg)
![MatchPay Logo](jpg/matchpay-icon.jpg)
It’s worth noting that casino and poker sites can charge fees on transactions at their own discretion. We recommend always checking the banking processes of each site prior to signing up.
Popular Casino Games in Illinois
Given Chicago’s history with the mafia, it should be no surprise that mob-themed casino games are popular among Illinois residents. Other popular casino games include poker, blackjack and slots.
Slots
Slots are simple to learn and exciting to play. It’s no wonder both beginners and seasoned gamblers seek out online slots for real money fun. In Illinois, mafia-themed slots are particularly popular. Take Scarface, for example. This title from NetEnt is based on the 1983 film and features images and music from the movie. Players spin reels and try to trigger the lucrative bonus feature. Another popular game is The Slotfather. This Betsoft slot lets players win big while rubbing elbows with the fictional Slotfather and his gang of goons.
Blackjack
Illinois residents love to play blackjack online as one of the most popular games in the state. This classic game is a blend of chance and skill. It also has straightforward rules which make it easy to learn. Pop into any land-based casino in Illinois and you’re sure to find some form of blackjack to play. There are 51 Blackjack 21 Plus tables and 49 Blackjack 21 Plus 3 tables located in the state.
Blackjack is so popular because it has the lowest house edge of any casino game. If you enjoy playing online, The New Blackjack-Pandora is the most popular blackjack variety for Illinois players according to the latest stats from Bovada Casino.
Roulette
As of 2021, there were 34 roulette tables located at various land-based casinos in Illinois with bets placed totaling more than $48 million. This makes roulette the third-most popular game in Illinois, behind blackjack and poker.
Roulette is an engaging, social game. Suspense builds while you wait for the ball to land which adds to the excitement. Depending on your betting strategy, roulette also has some of the best odds of any casino game. If you want to try your luck but don’t have time to visit a land-based casino, the casino sites featured on this page all have a great selection of online roulette games.
Poker
Illinois card sharks will be happy to know that they can play in any number of poker rooms across the state. Poker is legal at any licensed land-based casino or riverboat. At last count, the IGB indicated in their annual report that there were more than 62 poker tables at casinos across the state.
If you’d rather play on your mobile device, the online casinos we recommend have a number of options to choose from. Instant-play games such as Caribbean Stud and Tri-Card can be found at Cafe Casino, while Ignition’s poker room is our top choice for cash games and playing in online poker tournaments.
Live Dealer Games
In order to make our list of top-rated online casinos, a site has to have a good selection of live dealer casino games. In recent years, live dealer casino games have become incredibly popular among Illinois residents. They offer players a realistic casino experience with professionally trained dealers and a variety of games. They also provide players with social interaction in a convenient and easy-to-access digital format. We look for friendly dealers and a lag-free video stream.
![other](jpg/wagerweb-live-dealer-1-e1673042634112.jpg)
Bingo
Bingo is a beloved pastime for Illinois residents, especially with charitable organizations. Many non-profits host bingo games as a fundraising activity, and there are dozens of commercial bingo halls that operate throughout the state.
Overall, bingo many not be as popular in Illinois as other forms of gambling, but it’s still a fun activity. If you’re looking for a bingo fix, you can also play online bingo at many offshore casinos.
Craps
In the latest report, the IGB indicated that there were 25 craps tables at the various casinos in Illinois. Even though it has fewer tables than some other games, it was one of the games residents spent the most money betting on in 2021 — $52.8 million — second only to blackjack wagers.
Craps is popular due to its social and energetic nature. At a land-based casino, many people can play at one game, so tables are often crowded and lively. Even though the game is straightforward, it may seem intimidating. If you’re more introverted but still want to take part, our recommended casinos often have live and instant-play online craps games.
How to Gamble Online in Illinois
In a few simple steps, you can be on your way to gambling online from anywhere in Illinois. Before you settle on a site to play at, make sure you do your research, read our reviews, and get a feel for what’s available by playing a few free games before you make your first deposit. Here is our step-by-step guide for getting started:
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Research and find a trustworthy site that accepts players from Illinois. Our expert reviewers have done the heavy lifting to ensure you are presented with the best sites available to you.
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Explore the site to familiarize yourself with how it’s laid out and to determine how it works on your preferred device. Make sure you can easily access customer service.
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Find the ‘Sign-Up’ button and create an account with a username and password. You’ll be asked for some basic personal information like your name, email, birthdate, address, and phone number.
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Next up, you’ll have to make a cash deposit. Choose your preferred deposit method and follow the on-screen instructions. You can also claim a welcome bonus if you wish. The instructions should be clear, but you may need to enter a bonus code.
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Most online casinos have endless game options. Ensure that the games you pick fit your skill level and budget. It’s always advisable to play a few rounds for free first.
Land-Based Casinos in Illinois
There are ten commercial casinos located in Illinois that are regulated and licensed to operate in the state:
Casino | Address |
---|---|
Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa St, Alton, IL 62002 |
Casino Queen | 200 Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201 |
Grand Victoria Casino | 50 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120 |
Harrah’s Joliet Casino | 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432 |
Harrah’s Metropolis Casino | 100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960 |
Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506 |
Hollywood Casino Joliet | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436 |
Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel | 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201 |
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611 |
Rivers Casino | 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018 |
On April 27, 2023, the IGB approved Penn Entertainment’s plans for new Hollywood casinos in Aurora and Joliet, with opening dates to be determined.
Tribal Casinos in Illinois
Currently there are no Native American tribal casinos in Illinois as none of the federally recognized tribes in the state have Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA)-recognized compacts in place. However, the current legal landscape of Illinois could allow for tribal casinos in the future.
The Rebuild Illinois Act of 2019 committed to investing more than $45 billion in Illinois’ infrastructure, educational centers and state facilities. In conjunction with this Act, six new casinos have been authorized. Two of these will be owned by Native American tribes: the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford will be owned by the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida while the Wind Creek Chicago Southland will be owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama.
Hard Rock is expected to open in fall of 2023 and Wind Creek is expected to open in early 2024.
Illinois Online Gambling News
December 13, 2022
Illinois Goes Over $1 Billion Mark in Sports Betting Handle During October
Read more…December 13, 2022
Illinois Goes Over $1 Billion Mark in Sports Betting Handle During October
Read more…Responsible Gambling in Illinois
In Illinois, there are several organizations that provide resources and information regarding problem gambling and gambling addiction:
Illinois Department of Human Services
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) provides funding for gambling prevention initiatives, and treatment & recovery services in the state of Illinois.
National Council on Problem Gambling Illinois
The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) Illinois provides problem gambling resources to residents of Illinois.
Gamblers Anonymous
From their website: Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from a gambling problem.
Additional Illinois Resources
Gam-Anon: this is a self-help organization for family and friends of compulsive gamblers
GamTalk: this is a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum.
Illinois Gambling Sources
Online Gambling in Illinois FAQs
Land-based casinos, riverboat casinos, retail sportsbooks, state-licensed online sportsbooks, video gambling, horse racing, charitable gaming and the state lottery are all legal and governed by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Yes. You can play at an online casino in Illinois so long as it is based offshore. Make sure it is licensed by international gaming commissions. Online casinos that operate within the state are not legal under Illinois state law, and thus there are no licensed online casinos in Illinois.
Ducky Luck is the top-rated online casino for Prairie State players. The site has hundreds of games and 24/7 customer support.
No, mobile casinos are not currently legal in Illinois. Residents can access mobile offshore casinos that are licensed and regulated out-of-state.
Yes. All the sites we recommend have browser-based web apps. Downloadable apps in the App Store and Google Play Store are mainly for free play, while real money casino apps are generally browser-based.
It’s easy to gamble online in Illinois. First, do your research and find trusted casino reviews to find the perfect site. After that, you can start playing as soon as you’ve signed up and made your first deposit.