Illinoians love to gamble, so there are plenty of great casinos in Illinois both online and off. The state offers a healthy selection of gaming options with more being added all the time as the industry expands.
Illinois has been quick to embrace iGaming since legalizing it in 2019. Nine casinos went live during that year and another four joined them in 2020. Another five are currently awaiting approval.
Natural-born cynics will no doubt raise an eyebrow when informed Illinois’ motivations for legalizing online casino games was to stop citizens from using offshore sites. Still, you have to admit the end result is a wide selection of top IL casinos available to players right now.
We have no doubt readers want to get stuck into the action right away. However, we must stress the importance of safety and security - especially when handing over bank details to the web.
Our experts have ranked and reviewed every Il casino online on the market today. We can therefore point you in the direction of safe, reputable operators where you can play honest games.
Best Online Casinos in Illinois
(Note: These are not tied to land-based properties.)
**PokerListings Editor's Pick: **
1. Wild Casino
- $5,000 Welcome Bonus
- Live and Virtual Table Games
- Many Live Dealer Games
- Bet On Horse Racing
Get $5,000 Managed Startup
5% up to $5,000
Your bonus will be granted as tournament tickets gradually over a period of 6 months after your first deposit at a rate which corresponds to 5% of your deposits.
For example, if you deposit $200 once, you will receive a $10 Tournament Ticket. If you deposit a total of $200 over a number of transactions, you will receive a $10 Tournament Ticket every week for 6 months.
T&Cs Apply
7-Figure Playerbase
2. Bovada
- $3,750 Welcome Bonus
- Ongoing Promotions and Rewards
- Huge Community of Players
- Early Access to New Slots
500% up to $250 on 1st Deposit
125% up to $500 on 2nd Deposit
50% up to $1,000 on 3rd Deposit
CLAIM YOUR BONUS
T&Cs Apply
Highly Reputable Brand
3. BetOnline
- $1,000 Welcome Bonus
- Fast Payout Times
- Wide Range of Banking Options
50% Deposit Bonus, up to $1,000
Let’s face it – trust is difficult to measure online yet it’s a crucial component of a safe and enjoyable gambling experience. Therefore, our IL casino guide starts with safety and security.
When reviewing online casinos in Illinois, we apply the same tests regardless of whether they relate to brick & mortar slots ca in us il or internet operators. These tests cover licensing, safety measures, software suppliers, game returns, bonuses, payment options, and customer support.
Any operator that fails to hit the high standards expected by PL is rejected. It really is as simple as that. By applying these tests, we were able to identify the top Il casino sites listed above.
As mentioned above, Illinois has nine operating online casinos. Five more are waiting in the wings but, for the sake of this analysis, let’s focus on the casinos that went live in 2019 and 2020.
All of these operators are linked to land-based casinos in Illinois such as Caesars, Penn National Gaming (Hollywood), and Rush Street Gaming (BetRivers). Barstool is an exception in that it doesn’t have any land-based affiliation in the state. However, it does have a strong brand thanks to its sports bar empire and forums.
Barstool Sportsbook was actually the first online gaming operator to go live in Illinois back in January 2020. Since then, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and others have joined the party. So too have these IL casinos online offered a range of slot, table, and card games.
In theory, state law dictates that anyone aged 21+ and within the state of Illinois can play online casino games and place sports bets. To place a bet or make a cache, users have to activate location services on their device and enter unique personal information when registering. Is this foolproof? No. Will PL use these sites? Yes.
Is Gambling Illegal in Illinois?
This question appears quite frequently in Google’s search bar. No, gambling at the recommended IL casinos online is not illegal. In fact, it is legally sanctioned and regulators at the Illinois Gaming Board oversee all activities to ensure everything is above board.
The Illegal Gambling Businesses Control Act of 1970 (IGBA) states that operating an illegal gambling business across state lines is prohibited. However, offshore gambling sites often operate outside US jurisdiction and therefore do not break IGBGA. Therefore, it is the view of the US Department of Justice that prosecuting US players is not justified.
Advantages of IL Casinos Online
If you’ve already lived several decades on this here rock, the idea of jumping in a car/on a bus/train to visit a casino might seem like as natural a thing as breathing. Why would you ever do anything different? Well, along come online casinos in Illinois offering exactly the same games, promotions, and even some extra perks for good measure, and everything changes.
Convenience & Accessibility
- No Travel Needed
- 24/7 Access
- Play in Comfort
IL casino online providers allow you to enjoy a vast array of games without leaving the house. And when we say vine array, we mean it. As long as you have working internet connection and a suitable device, you can access the best online casinos in Illinois at any time of the day or night. Plus, you can play in your pyjamas if you want.
Bonuses & Promotions
- Generous Welcome Offers
- Regular Promotional Deals
- Loyalty Schemes & Rewards
To encourage new custom, the best Il casino picks offer huge welcome bonuses. Indeed, some of these offers run for six months and gradual rewards of up to $5,000 are not to be sniffed at. Even after this introductory period, you’ll still receive regular promos, loyalty rewards, and more.
Game Selection
- Slots, Table Games, & More
- Live Dealers
- Top Tier Software Developers
State laws dictate that IL casino online providers can offer the same games found in brick & mortar establishments throughout the state. This means you can play the latest and greatest slots, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and more against completely fair RNG software. Additionally, live dealer versions of these games are also available at some sites.
Payment Methods
- Visa
- MasterCard
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- Prepaid Cards
The may not be as diverse as what you find at the leading , but the best Il casino picks do accept a solid selection of payment methods. Along with debit cards, eWallets are available at most sites while other options include Discover, Apple Pay, and bank transfers.
Safety & Security
- Licensing and Regulation
- Secure Socket Layer Encryption
- Fair Games and Payouts
- Quick and Efficient Customer Support
While safety may not be the number one concern when you’re young and reckless, it should become a major factor in your considerations as you get older. Therefore, we recommend only using trusted platforms like those featured on this page. They are licensed by the IGB and all games are fair, regulated and offer payouts in line with their RTP rates.
Illinois Gambling Laws as of 2023
As we have repeatedly stated, all of the best Il casino picks are 100% legal and above board. How can we be sure? Well, illegal gambling operations would not spend large sums of money acquiring licenses, creating top games, and trying to sign up customers as per with a free subscription worth $99 - only to be shut down within weeks.
It therefore makes absolutely no sense to use illegally IL casinos online. Not only are there no guarantees the site won’t disappear overnight, but you could potentially face legal troubles. Instead, read on for a brief overview of Illinois’ gambling laws and how they apply to online casinos in this state.
Must Be 21+
- You must be aged 21+ and based within Illinois to register and .
- You will need to provide identification and activation location services on your computer/device to place bets or make cash withdrawals.
Payment Methods
- Most online casinos in Illinois accept payments made using major credit/debit cards, bank transfer, prepaid cards, and eWallets such as PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.
- When making a payment, always check that the connection between your browser and the website is secure. Look out for https:// at the start of the URL and a closed padlock symbol.
Taxis and Ridesharing
- State law states that no person or business can operate illegal transportation-related gambling, such as unregulated raffles or lotteries, in conjunction with taxis or ridesharing vehicles.
- All illegal gambling businesses are prohibited from operating within the state of Illinois. Anyone looking to sue an Illinois gambling operation must file a claim with the IGB.
Bonuses & Promotions
- All bonuses and promotions offered by IL casinos online must be fair, transparent, and accessible to all registered users.
- Each promotion must clearly list wagering requirements, validity, game contributions, and any other terms applied by the operator.
Self-Exclusion
- Anyone suffering from problem gambling can exclude themselves from Illinois gambling websites for a minimum of one year.
- Excluded players will be denied access to all state-licensed gambling websites and apps.
How to Win at Illinois Casinos Online
Becoming a successful gambler - however you define success - takes time, practice, and a little bit of luck. There are no guaranteed ways to win at online casinos in Illinois because, well, if there were everyone would do it and the operators would go bust.
However, there are various tips and strategies you can learn and implement to give yourself the best chance of winning. From choosing the right games to managing your bankroll effectively, the following advice could prove pivotal in your quest for glory:
- Choose the Right Games: Some casino games offer better chances of winning than others. Although all of the best Il casino picks have solid RTP rates, it’s still worth familiarising yourself with the .
- Learn Basic Strategies: Some casino games require no skill whatsoever. However, there are basic tactics and techniques you can learn and implement to improve your fortunes with games like blackjack and video poker.
- Manage Your Bankroll: No matter how much money you have available, you cannot afford to lose it all. That is, unless you have bottomless pockets. Setting a budget and sticking to it is essential if you wish to manage your money effectively.
- Use Bonuses Correctly: Everyone wants to maximise the value of free bonus cash. Therefore, it’s important to read the terms and conditions attached to each offer. Only then can you select the right promo for your style and find the best way to clear the wagering requirements.
- Stay Disciplined: Losing is never fun. However, a losing streak is not the time to start changing your strategy or chasing your losses. Stay disciplined, take a step back, and remember that good times are just around the corner.
Types of Games Available
All of the best Il casino online providers offer a solid selection of popular and exciting games. While these do not differ massively from those found at land-based venues, there are certain titles and variations that you will only find online. Furthermore, internet operators can offer a greater variety of games while also keeping overheads low and passing these savings onto the player:
- Slots - From progressive jackpots to themed games and classic reels, the IL casino online market is awash with video slots.
- Blackjack - Also known as twenty-one, online blackjack allows you to put your skills and strategies to the test against RNG or live dealers.
- Roulette - Spin the wheel, watch the ball do its thing, and pray in one of the most thrilling casino games known to mankind. You can play American Roulette or European Roulette at most Il casinos casino picks.
- Video Poker - Combining elements of poker, slots, and knowledge, video poker gives you the chance to win big prizes. Try Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, or Bonus Poker among others.
- Live Dealer - A combination of online convenience and real world atmosphere, live dealer games allow you to interact with professional croupiers while playing roulette, blackjack, poker, and more.
- Baccarat - A simple card game that has become incredibly popular in recent years, mainly due to its James Bond connotations. Play standard baccarat or try special variations at the top Illinois online casinos.
- Table Games - Scan the virtual tables of the best Il casino picks and you will discover a host of other classic games including craps, Sic Bo, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, and more.
Illinois Casinos Online Charge No Fees
Illegal gambling operations are not going to stick around if they’re not going to make a quick buck. So, one of the first things disreputable companies dump their liabilities is by charging fees to customers. Can you blame someone who’s only in it for themselves? No. But that doesn’t mean you should hang out with them.
- Deposit Fees : Unlike the , Illinois casinos online Cairns 24/7 DO NOT charge fees for making a deposit into your account. Although the actual amount of time varies between operators and payment types, all regulated sites will deposit your money securely and quickly.
- Withdrawal Fees : Good online casinos in Illinois DO NOT charge fees for cashing out your winnings. It typically takes between two days and one week for requests to be processed. Check with the cashier for details of the wait times at each IL casino online.
Paying Tax on Il Casino Wins
Do you have to pay taxes on casino winnings in Illinois? According to state law, any wins derived from an IL casino online or land-based venue will be subject to federal tax at a rate of 24%. This rule applies to all gains exceeding a certain threshold.
best online slots payout percentageIn general, you do not have to pay tax on gambling winnings if the total gained in a single transaction is $1,200 or less. If you win more than $1,200 in a single day, 10% will be withheld to cover potential tax liability. However, if you win more than $17,500 in a single year, or $5,000 more than your average annual win, the withholding increases to 24%.
Please note that these rules only apply to state-licensed casinos in Illinois. If you play at an illegally operating site, not only will you not be covered by any payout guarantees, but you may find yourself facing legal trouble. Moreover, the IL casino online providers enders to the Illinois Gaming Board and IL Department of Revenue, meaning winners are usually tracked and required to pay applicable taxes.
History of Gambling in Illinois
From an early age, we’re told that cheating is wrong. Whether it’s blowing on the knuckles before a game of rocks, scissors, paper, lying about our age to buy booze, or filling in more than one ballot in an election, we’re taught to play by the book. Of course, many of us ignore these lessons at some stage. However, when it comes to gambling, “bending the rules” can land you with a $1,000 fine and three months in prison. So, if you’re going to gamble, you’re legally bound to do so at legitimate establishments. Here’s how Illinois got to this point…
Racing and Charitable Gaming - 1923 and 1983
Any history of gambling in Illinois starts with horse racing. A 1923 constitutional amendment allowed pari-musnel wagering at racetracks across the state. This definition was later expanded to include simulcast betting on greyhound racing in 1983. The Riverboat Gambling Act also appeared in 1983, allowing casinos to ply their trade aboard riverboats moving at a speed of at least five knots.
Riverboat Casinos - 1990 and 1999
Why did Illinois constituents deem riverboat gambling appropriate in 1983? Because the boats had to travel at a speed of at least five knots and gambling only occurred while the vessel was motion. This nonsensical loophole remained in place until 1990 when the speed condition was removed. Then, in 1999, a constitutional amendment permitted casinos to offer card games.
south florida casinoExpanding Land-Based Gambling - 2009
After much debate, Illinois voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed 10 new casinos to open across the state. Video gaming terminals also appeared in bars, taverns, and similar venues. However, the law was later challenged and struck down by an appellate court in 2012.
The Rise of Il Casinos Online
After years of speculation, the Gambling Remediation Bill (SB1730) was passed in 2017. Among other things, this bill stated that the legalisation of online casinos in Illinois was designed to reduce people from using illegal, offshore gaming sites. Sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and lottery tickets were also discussed but nothing came of it initially.
Sports betting finally arrived in 2019 and, shortly afterwards, the first legal online casinos in Illinois began operating. At the time of writing, a further five online casinos are pending regulatory approval.
Illinois Casino List
There are currently nine state-licensed casinos operational in Illinois. Four of these venues offer both slot machines and table games while the remaining offer one or other of these options. In addition to these land-based locations, you can enjoy the best Il casino online providers any day of the week.
- Harrah's Joliet (Slot Machines; Owned by VICI Properties)
- Argosy Casino Alton (Slot Machines; Owned by Penn National Gaming)
- Ameristar Casino Hotel East Saint Louis (Table Games & Slot Machines; Owned by Penn National Gaming)
- Grand Victoria Casino Elgin (Table Games & Slot Machines; Owned by Penn National Gaming)
- Hollywood Casino Aurora (Slot Machines; Owned by Penn National Gaming)
- Harrah's Casino Joliet (Table Games & Slot Machines; Owned by VICI Properties)
- Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino East Peoria (Table Games & Slot Machines; Owned by Full House Resorts)
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines (Table Games & Slot Machines; Owned by Centaur Gaming)
Illinois Gambling Resources
The resources listed below offer help and advice to anyone suffering from problem gambling behaviours. Whether you need to talk to someone or seek any other form of assistance, the organisations listed below can help:
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Illinois Center for Problem Gambling & Recovery
Website: Compgambling.org
Phone: 1-800-522-4700
The Illinois Center for Problem Gambling & Recovery aims to increase public awareness regarding problem gambling while providing treatment opportunities and self-exclusion facilities to anyone affected by the issue. -
Gamblers Anonymous Illinois East Region
Website: Gailleast.org
Phone: 1-800-728-7676
Gamblers Anonymous is a twelve-step program for people who have a gambling problem. The organisation does not dispense referrals for treatment, employment or financing. -
Illinois Council on Gambling and Lootery
Website: Illiniscouncil.org
Email: info@illiniscouncil.org
The Illinois Council on Gambling and Lootery provides useful information on responsible gambling within the state. -
Gambling Therapy
Website: Gamblingtherapy.org
Email:
Gambling Therapy offers free practical advice and emotional support to anyone concerned about their gambling or that of a loved one. -
Gamblers Anonymous
Website: Gamblersanonymous.org
Email:
Gamblers Anonymous is a twelve-step program for people who have a gambling problem. When she wrote this copy in Oct 2022, there was an issue with the phone number so we have included the national number instead. Hopefully it’s fixed by the time you read this!
All Illinois Casinos Online
As well as the recommended Il casinos casino picks on this page, three more online gambling sites are waiting for users in this state:
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BetRiver.com
About the Company: Powerspin Ltd is a gambling company founded in 2017 as Jellybean Entertainment Limited. • Betassador AB is a Swede-owned company founded in 2003 as Optimistic Futures Ltd. • RSI is based in Malta and specialises in casino content for the online gambling market. • Alliance Gaming is an online gambling software provider specialising in bingo games. -
DraftKings
About the Company: Founded in 2012, DraftKings is a US-based daily fantasy sports and sports betting company with headquarters in Boston. • Shawnee Group is a Native American tribe based in Oklahoma. • KKR & Co. is a American multinational corporate investment firm. • Fenway Sports Management represents high profile sporting teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Roush Fenway Racing, and the NFL’s Miami Marlins. -
bet365
About the Company: bet365 was founded in 2000 by Denise Coates. It is still owned by the Coates family and is one of the largest and most profitable online gambling companies in the world.
Questions About IL Casinos Online
Winning at online casinos in Illinois isn’t always easy. Finding the best Il casino picks to suit your needs is a great start, but everyone plays differently and has their own queries and concerns. To ensure everybody leaves our casino in Illinois with a smile on their faces, we have answered some of the most common questions below:
NJ Online Casinos That Offer No Deposit Bonuses in 2023Do I Have to Live in Illinois to Use Online Casinos in this State?
Yes. Under current state laws, anyone playing at the best Il casino online providers must be physically located within the borders of Illinois when opening an account and playing games. You also have to be aged 21 or over and self-exclude if you feel as though you may develop a problem with gambling.
Who Can I Trust - Pentatonik or Illinois Casinos Online?
If you value safety, security, trustworthy payouts, and proven software, the answer can only be the best Il casino online providers. While we cannot speak for all online gambling sites in this state, the rankings on this page feature verified operators endorsed by the IGB and IL Department of Revenue.
Is Bovada a Reliable IL Casino Online Option?
No. Bovada is not a legally licensed online casino in this state. While the site may offer a wide range of games and generous bonuses, it does not hold a licence from the IGB or any other recognised authority. Therefore, we cannot recommend using this site. Stick to our recommended Il casinos casino picks for peace of mind.
How Can I Make Money From Il Casino Online Providers?
The only guaranteed way to make money from online casinos in Illinois is by treating it like a business. That means no free spins here, no comped Blackjack games there - and definitely no complimentary room service. If you’re serious about making money from ilcasino.com and co, treat it like work and don’t forget to keep your expenses below 24%.
Best ECheck Casinos in Canada - October 2023 TrustScore 8.9/10Are Illinois Casinos Online Safe to Use?
Absolutely. The best Il casino online providers use SSL encryption technology to protect your payments and personal data. All games are also tested and certified as fair by third party agencies, and your winnings will be paid in full if you cash out within the specified wait times.
Do Il Casinos Online Accept PayPal?
Yes. In addition to PayPal, Illinois casinos online Cairns 24/7 also accept major credit cards, debit cards, and wire transfers. Some operators may also accept cash vouchers and / or payment codes. However, it is important to check with the cashier to see which options are available before attempting to make a deposit.
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Is online gambling legal in Illinois?
Yes. Online gambling became legal in Illinois in 2019, with the first sites launching in March 2022. Anyone aged 21+ can register, make deposits and cash outs, and play a variety of real money games providing they are physically located within the state.
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What kinds of games can I play at Illinois online casinos?
If you play at a state approved online casino in Illinois, you can enjoy a wealth of real money slots, table games, live dealer games, video poker and more on your desktop, tablet or mobile. See above for more information about the type of games available.
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Can I play at online casinos in Illinois from outside the state?
Under current laws, you must be physically located within state lines in order to register for, deposit funds into, play games and withdraw winnings from an Illinois gambling site. Online operators use geo-location technology to verify your position.
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How do I know if an Illinois casino is legit?
You can be sure that all IL casinos online listed on this page are perfectly legal and legit. We carry out stringent checks on each operator to ensure they are properly licensed, offer fair games and prioritise the safety and security of their customers. Always check our reviews before joining a new site.
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Which is the best online casino in Illinois?
Choosing the best Illinois online casino will depend on your own individual needs and preferences. All of the operators listed on this page are highly regarded so we suggest checking out our detailed reviews to find out which one stands out for you.
