Top illinois online casinos for gambling in 2023

The online casinos in this state offer a variety of real money games that you can play from your desktop or mobile device. These include slots, roulette, blackjack, poker, baccarat, and more.

This IL guide introduces the best online casinos in the state, plus an insightful FAQ section with all the answers to common questions about playing at internet gaming sites in Illinois.

The following table features the top Illinois online casino sites you can trust to provide safe gameplay with excellent bonuses and promotions. All recommendations have been thoroughly vetted by our reviewers and are licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.

Our Illinois online casino reviews factor in various aspects to ensure we recommend only the safest and most reliable sites. Here’s what we check when ranking the best IL gaming platforms:

Ranking Criteria for Illinois Online Casinos

  • Licensing & Safety – We prioritize sites licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
  • Casino Games – A diverse selection of real money casino games is essential. Slots, live dealer games, poker, and more are preferred.
  • Bonuses & Promotions – Generous new player deposit match bonuses, low wagering requirements, and regular loyalty rewards are essential.
  • Reputation – We consider the reputation of each brand within the industry, focusing on trustworthy operators with a strong history of fairness.
  • Payment Methods – Safe and convenient payment options like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Neteller, and bank transfers are important to players.
  • Mobile Accessibility – Mobile-responsive design for playing in browser on smartphones and tablets, plus available real money iOS and Android apps.
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Illinois Casino Apps

Playing at brick-and-mortar venues is enjoyable, but it can get boring driving back home just to play your favorite casino games. That’s where the come into the picture, enabling you to enjoy your chosen games from anywhere within state lines.

Each of our recommended Illinois online casino apps offers a secure platform to gamble responsibly, providing top safety measures certified by IGB. You can create an account, claim welcome bonuses, make deposits/withdrawals securely, and play real money games using their dedicated smartphone apps.

For example, the Caesars Casino & Sports app allows you to bet on sports alongside playing more than 500 slot machines, while DraftKings offers daily fantasy sports contests and lottery-style Slingo games.

You can also opt for standalone Illinois mobile sports betting apps such as FanDuel, if you want to focus purely on sports betting from your phone.

While Illinois lawmakers have yet to pass legislation allowing for the development of real money online poker apps, the state does have some quality card rooms available to download and install.

Chapter 403, Section 20-1 of the Illinois Legal Code states that the IGB must license all forms of online gaming platforms, including IL casino apps. This means every app listed on this page meets those standards. It’s worth noting that these apps don’t belong to the physical venues with the same names (such as Caesars). Instead they are collaborations between well-known brands and reputable mobile app developers.

Download vs. Web-Based Illinois Casino Apps

When looking for a new place to gamble, you might notice that Illinois online casinos come in two main varieties: web-based and native apps. Understanding how they differ can help you choose the one that suits you best.

Web Applications

Web apps require no download or installation, instead running in the app section of your web browser. They work on any device with a compatible browser, which means you can simply visit their website to start playing. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access your accounts, cashier, and all their games. Since they aren’t installed on your device, there are no updates to worry about. However, you will need an updated browser to ensure stable performance and the latest security patches.

Native Apps

In contrast, a native Illinois casino app is designed for specific operating systems. For example, the iOS version only works on Apple devices, while Android apps run on products from that tech giant. Each requires a download from an app store, which undergoes its own security checks before being accepted.

Once installed, they offer a dedicated experience with faster performance and easier access from your home screen. Updates happen automatically, ensuring you have the latest features and bug fixes. Yet since each mobile casino app il needs to be approved by Apple or Google, it can take months or years to launch.

It’s worth knowing that native apps don’t rely on web technologies, so they offer more advanced features and better integration with mobile devices. Many use swipe gestures, touchscreen controls, or accelerometer data to enhance gameplay. Since they have offline modes or partial offline support, you can keep playing even without network coverage.

Some popular IL casino apps include DraftKings, which has both a web and iOS/Android option. Meanwhile, BetMGM has a web app and a native Android app.

Tips for Playing at IL Casino Apps

Here are a few final tips for finding the right casino apps in Illinois.

  • Check Compatibility – Make sure the casino app IL you choose is compatible with your device. Some only work on iPhios or high-end Android phones.
  • Compare Bonuses – Most apps offer welcome bonuses, but the value and terms vary. Compare them to find the best deals, paying close attention to wagering requirements.
  • Look for Popular Titles – Not all IL mobile casino games are included in every app. See what titles are available with demos where possible, to ensure there are enough games to keep you interested.
  • Demo First – If the option is available, try demo versions before playing for real money. This lets you see whether the IL mobile casinos feel fast and fluid on your device.
  • Consider Your Needs – Think about what you want from your app. Do you want the largest selection of games? The lowest fees? The simplest interface? Everyone will prioritize different features when seeking the best casino apps in Illinois.

Overview of the Illinois Gaming Industry

Illinois was ahead of many US states, legalizing most forms of gambling sooner rather than later. In fact, illinois riverboat casinos were among the first gaming options outside of Vegas and Atlantic City.

Since then, lawmakers have slowly expanded the available options, beginning with online sports betting in 2023. One of the key figures behind this move was former Illinios Governor J.B. Pritzker, who signed several bills to modernize the marketplace.

While the first retail casinos were small and limited in scope, recent years have seen larger venues open their doors. Today, you can visit ten major casinos around the state, with more expected to arrive soon. Let’s look at the current landscape.

Today, the Illinois Gaming Board (previously known as the Illinois Gaming Authority) licenses multiple types of establishments:

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  • Riverboats must not travel more than 1.5 nautical miles from their dock and may not return to that dock for 20 hours. An exception was created for the Casino at Paris Las Vegas in East Dubuque, as it was grandfathered in due to existing when riverboat gaming began.
  • The racetrack casinos must be located on property used primarily for pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. No other type of racetrack is eligible.
  • The downtown Chicago casinos must contribute $10 million towards the city’s tourism district.

All casinos pay $10 million application fee, except Rivers Casino Des Plaines, which paid $7.5m because it was granted a management change license. In addition to this, casinos are required to pay an annual renewal fee based on the amount of gross receipts from the previous year.

Aside from casinos, the Illinois Gaming Board oversees video gaming terminages (VGTS), racetracks, and sport betting facilities, along with online betting sites. In total, there are more than 40k VGT machines spread across bars, taverns, restaurants, and truck stops throughout the Prairie State. There are nine retail sportsbooks and numerous IL mobile betting apps.

Let’s look in more detail at the revenue generated by each type of establishment.

Casino Revenue in Illinois

How much money do casinos in Illinois make? Our table below shows the monthly adjusted gross receipts going back half a decade. AGR is defined as the net win for casinos after paying out winnings to players. This represents the revenue for the state, as a portion of it is paid in taxes.

If we add up the totals for each month, you can see that IL casinos earned over $1.92 billion in 2022, with most of it coming from riverboat gaming. This figure dropped significantly during 2020 thanks to COVID-19 restrictions, but rebounded strongly once things returned to normal.

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Ilinois casinos compare favorably against other Midwestern states, rivalling Indiana ($2.26b) and outperforming Iowa ($1.38b). Only Ohio ($2.62b) earns more from land-based casinos, highlight the great potential for casino apps IL and websites.

History of Illinois Gaming

What is the history of gambling in Illinois? Let’s take a trip through time to learn about the milestones that shaped the laws and regulations. We’ll begin with the Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act of 1990.

1920s to 1990s

While the history of Illinois casinos begins in the 20th century, early gambling efforts focused on charitable raffles and bingo. Here are some key moments in Illinois gambling history:

  • 1927 – The Illinois Lottery Act is signed into law, creating one of the nation’s first state lotteries. It isn’t until 1974 that tickets can be sold elsewhere than Chicago, and 1984 before the first instant win tickets appear.
  • 1973 – The Race Horse and Harness Horse Development Act creates the Illinois Racing Board and the Illinois Racing Commission. This paves the way for advance deposit wagering (ADW) networks like NYRA Bets and off-track betting (OTB) parlors.
  • 1977 – The Illinois Video Gaming Act is enacted to allow certain establishments to install up to five pinball machines for public play. This remains legal today, although operators must apply for a video gaming license.
  • 1990 – The Illinois Riverboat Gambling Act allows up to 12 riverboat gambling vessels. The Illinois Gaming Board is established to regulate casinos.

From 1991 to Today

After the initial casinos passed their first anniversaries, legislators began considering expansions to other types of establishments. Check out some noteworthy developments leading up to the present day:

  • 1997 – The Illinois Casino Gaming Act amends the previous law to allow casinos to operate slot machines when passengers are disembarked for meals. This enables them to remain docked and expand their gaming floors.
  • 1999 – The Race Tribes-State Gaming Compact authorizes the creation of six new casinos, three of which must be outside the Chicago metropolitan area. It also establishes the Illinois Gaming Board.
  • 2009 – The Illinois Video Gaming Act expands the types of establishments that can host up to five video gaming terminals. This can include bars, taverns, veterans organizations, fraternal organizations, and truck stops.
  • 2012 – The Illinois Gambling Act extends the definition of gambling to include contests “that involve both element of chance AND a material prize.” This outlaws many fantasy sports sites, prompting lawmakers to pass the Fantasy Sports Act in 2017.
  • 2019 – The Gambling Expansion Act brings significant changes to the Illinois gambling scene. It legalizes sports betting, online lotto sales, and Swipelottery; lowers the age limit to 18 for gambling; and allows casino operators to buy a third gaming position.
  • 2023 – The Laws to Allow Persons Twenty-One Years of Age to Engage in Gambling opens the state to . It takes effect January 1, 2022, but the first operators didn’t go live until March 2023.

Available Casino Games in Illinois

Online and retail casinos in Illinois offer plenty of opportunities to spend money and perhaps win big. While the availability of games depends on the operator, most feature a diverse selection. Here are some of the most popular casino games available in the state.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games combine the convenience of online gambling with the thrills of a real dealer. At the best casinos like Wild Casino and BetUS, you can play games such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Sic Bo, and Super 6.

How do live casino games in Illinois work? You register for an account, claim a bonus, deposit some funds, and head to the lobby. Each game is broadcast from a studio with professional dealers, giving you a HD streaming window into the action.

You can interact with the dealer and other players through chat, choosing your bets and strategizing just as you would at an in-person table. When the round ends, the dealer reveals the results and distributes winnings to your account instantly.

Online Slots in Illinois

Slots are always popular at land-based casinos and websites/apps, offering quick and easy gameplay. Spin to Line to Win is the exclusive provider for the Illinois Lottery, meaning its draw games and instant tickets are packed with slot machine mechanics.

Let’s look at some of the best slot games available in Illinois.

  • Cleopatra – This classic slot from IGT has 20 paylines, wild symbols, scatter pays, and a multiplier during free spins.
  • Buffalo Gold – A high volatility slot with stacked wilds, progressive jackpots, and a free spin multiplier that can reach x3125.
  • 88 Fortunes – Based on the Aristocrat GameChanger mechanic, it has sleek graphics, stacked recon wilds, and a bonus round with infinity spin feature.
  • Quick Hit Platinum – A Microgaming slot with 5 reels, 3 rows, and 30 paylines. Match three or more plane symbol to win progressive jackpot.
  • Jeopardy! – Based on the TV show, it includes clips from the program, four different board power-ups, and five different free spin rounds.
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Many IL online casinos also offer , which retain all the thrills of traditional slots while having reels that spin when you pull a lever. Some popular examples include Triple Diamond, Blazing 7s, and Double Diamond.

Roulette

Roulette is a classic casino game, dating back centuries and featured prominently in casinos around the world. American Roulette is the main variant in Illinois, featuring 38 pockets numbered 0, 00, and 1 to 36.

High rollers often receive special tables with higher betting limits, such as the $7,500 minimum bet at French Roulette in Hollywood Casino. Meanwhile, American Roulette has a maximum bet of $3,000 at Caesars Palace, while the online version at Wild Casino only goes up to $1,000.

If you prefer video roulette, many casinos have electronic machines where you can place bets and watch a wheel spin dozens of times per hour. You can even find automated versions online in Illinois, such as at BetUS.

Blackjack & Other Table Games

Blackjack is another game that translates well to online casinos in Illinois. Several variants are available, such as Vege Blackjack at Wild Casino and Blackjack Suit ‘Em Up at BetOnline. Both use virtual decks, complete with animated cards that deal and flip over on cue.

If you prefer human dealers, try the 21+3 Side Bet blackjack table at Sloto Cash Casino. No matter which option you choose, remember basic strategy to give yourself the best odds of beating the house.

Other common table games in IL include Caribbean Stud, Craps, European Roulette, Let It Ride, Pai Gow, Texas Hold’em Bonus, and Three Card Poker.

Video Poker

Video poker combines elements of slots and table games, letting you build a winning hand according to poker rules. Since it first appeared in Las Vegas in the 1970s, dozens of variations have emerged.

Here are some of the best video poker games in Illinois:

  • Jacks or Better – The earliest video poker variation, it requires a pair of Jacks to be the lowest winning hand. Subsequent versions start with pairs of Two’s or better.
  • Deuces Wild – Created in 1992 by Microgame, it uses 52 or 54 card decks with twos being wild for all paying hands.
  • All American Poker – A popular Bally mid-range game from the late 20th century. It uses a standard deck of 52 cards and pays out for any pair of aces.
  • Loose Deuces – Similar to Deuces Wild but with a higher payout rate (over 100%). However, it’s considered a negative expectation game (-0.43%) and thus hard to find nowadays.
  • Double Bonus – An improved version of Ten or Better that offers higher payouts for Four of a Kind hands containing Aces.

Several Illinois online casinos have video poker machines, particularly those accepting players from other states without local retail partners. For example, Bovada has more than 15 single-play and multi-strike games.

Illinois Poker Sites & Apps

Is online poker in Illinois legal? Yes, but there are some caveats. Current laws only cover intra-state sites, meaning they can only offer games to users physically located within the state.

Additionally, there are no licenses currently issued for online poker sites. This could change in the future, but for now, Illinois residents must turn to offshore poker networks. Examples include Bovada, Tigress Poker, XLicks, BlackChip Poker, America’s Cardroom, and NJI Poker.

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These unlicensed Illinois poker apps function similarly to ones in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. You can create a new account, make deposits and withdrawals, and play in tournaments and ring games. However, there’s always some risk involved with unregulated platforms, so we can’t recommend any specific ones.

Stake, the official stake.com doesn’t offer real money games in Illinois either. Instead, you can sign up for free and compete in gold coins tournaments.

Illinois Bingo Sites

Bingo games are categorized under the Video Gaming Act, which allows establishments with a Class B or Class X liquor license to host up to five machines. These typically cost no more than 50c per play and offer top prizes worth no more than $1,200.

There are also online bingo halls and IL bingo apps that let you purchase digital cards and wait for patterns to form. This is legally gray area, but no one has been prosecuted for playing at these sites. In fact, the Illinois Lottery offers eBingo draw games with top prizes ranging from $1,500 to $250,000 depending on the ticket price.

Palmers gives away bingo sets as promotional prizes, and some casinos have linked bingo games to big jackpots. However, we cannot recommend any particular online bingo site in Illinois, as the legal status is still being tested in court.

Illinois Lottery & Draw Games

The Illinois Lottery acts as a statewide bingo game, with millions of residents buying tickets each week. In fact, it makes around $3.5billion in sales annually, contributing significant funds to the state budget.

Draw games are available in person at retailers and online via the Illinois Lottery website and official app (for purchase of tickets). Players must be aged 18 or above, though winners of more than $600 must reveal their identity.

Instantly played scratch cards are also very popular in Illinois. You can buy tickets for $1 to $30 and scan them with your smartphone to see if you’ve won anything. The Illinois Lottery offers many in-house games, but private companies are allowed to sell their own scratch offs. For instance, Harrah’s has $50 all-inclusive packages that come with a $10 scratch card.

Trusted Brands Operating in Illinois

Which casinos can you trust in Illinois? Our list of the best Illinois online casinos in 2023 focuses exclusively on reputable providers holding valid licenses. Here are some well-known brands with local venues:

  • Caesars – Has a large casino in Elgin with 1,040 slot machines and 47 table games, plus a Pittsburgh location that closed in 2020.
  • DraftKings – Known for its daily fantasy sports contests, this company received a license in December 2020. Its mobile sportsbook officially launched online in August 2022, followed by a retail lounge at Fairmount Park in September.
  • FanDuel – Another DFS giant that went live with a mobile sportsbook on July 29, 023, at Hawthorne Race Course.
  • BetMGM – Owned by MGM Resorts International, it operates the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin and the TopGolf Swing Suite at The Shops at Northbridge in Chicago.
  • PointsBet – Partnered with Hawthorne Race Course for online betting and the construction of a retail sportsbook in Cicero.
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Most of the are foreign companies without any US operations, as none of the major casino chains have entered the online space yet. For instance, Penn National Gaming (Hollywood Casino) uses HollywoodCasino.com for its Pennsylvania site, but that domain points to SlotsandCasino.com in Illinois.

Similarly, Churchill Downs Incorporated (Racing’s Presents) hasn’t announced any local plans for TwinSpires. Instead, you can visit BetMonarch in Illinois, which uses a different domain than TwinSpires.com in other states.

Illinois Gambling Revenue

How much money do Illinois casinos make? The following graph illustrates the gross revenues from riverboat casinos and racetracks between 2003 and 2022, highlighting how the industry grew steadily until the pandemic arrived.

From record highs in 2019, the market took a hit during 2020 as lockdowns and social distancing measures were put in place. Adjusted gross receipts declined by more than $686.6m that year, but started recovering in 2021.

Even so, the total revenue was down almost $247m compared to 2019. However, IL mobile betting launched in March 2022 and had a huge impact on the numbers.

In fact, sportsbooks generated $602.7m in June alone, making it the highest-earning month since the market opened. For the full-year 2022, aggregated casino revenue was $1.92billion, easily surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Can it break the $2.26b record set in 2019? Time will tell.

Timeline of Gambling Establishments in Illinois

1983 – Governor James Thompson signs the Illinois Riverboat Gambling Law, allowing casinos on boat structures that are tied to a dock.

1990 – The Illinois Riverboat Gambling Law is amended to allow passengers to leave the boat while it is docked for up to eight hours. The Illinois Gaming Board is established to regulate casinos.

1995 – The Illinois Legislature approves a new racetrack casino in Danville. Governor Jim Edgar vetoes the bill, but the House overrides his decision. Harrah’s opens in 1995 and is now known as Caesars Southern Illinois.

1999 – Governor George Ryan signs the Illinois Casino Gaming Act, which authorizes up to twelve new riverboat casinos. Six new casinos are built, bringing the total number to seventeen. Of these, three must be located outside the Chicago metropolitan area.

2009 – The Illinois Video Gaming Act is enacted. It allows bars, taverns, veteran organizations, fraternal organizations, and truck stops to install up to five video gaming terminals.

2019 – The Gambling Expansion Act is signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker. It permits sports betting starting March 9, 2022, as well as online lottery sales and the Spin to Go interactive game.

2023 – The Laws to Allow Persons Twenty-One Years of Age to Engage in Gambling takes effect on March 9, opening the state to online sports betting and websites/apps.

Proposed Gambling Bills in Illinois

Legislation is constantly changing in Springfield, and we’re seeing more bills proposed each year regarding gambling. Below is a timeline of crucial proposals, from failed attempts at expanding riverboats to recent bills that made it into law.

  • 1997 – Senate Bill 516 would have permitted three land-based casinos outside Chicago and one in the Downtown East area. It also called for electronic position machine (EPMs) and video lottery terminals (VLTs) in bars and taverns. The measure stalled in the Senate Executive Committee.
  • 2001 – Senator Terry L. Link introduced Senate Bill 1272 to authorize keno statewide and VLTs in counties with a population density of at least 120 people per square mile. It died in the Assignments committee.
  • 2009 – SB 1730 aimed to increase video gaming terminal taxes from 10% to 12%, with proceeds going toward the Illinois Jobs Now! capital program. It passed and was signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn on August 20.
  • 2012 – This year saw several proposals fail to progress far. For instance, SB 1840 called for EPMs at the Argosy Casino Alton and Majestic Star Casino, plus VLTs in Madison and St. Clair Counties. SB 6285 would have brought VLTs to Champaign County and increased taxes to fund education.
  • 2013 – The Illinois Casino Gaming Assembly Act sought to replace video gaming with six new land-based casinos. It also stated that anyone with a felony conviction for cheating at gambling cannot work in the industry for at least five years after their release. This bill never left the Executive Committee.
  • 2019 – The Gambling Expansion Act (SB 690) was signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 28. It was met with legal challenges from the horse racing industry, but rulings in November and February 2022 deemed it constitutional.
  • 2023 – An act to legalize in-person and online fantasy sports contests (HB 3413) passes the House on April 5 and the Senate on May 12. Governor J.B. Pritzker signs it into law on May 26.
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Why Choose a Regulated Online Casino?

Is gambling illegal in Illinois? No, but operating an unlicensed site is certainly walking a fine line. Not only are you putting yourself at risk of hefty fines and imprisonment, but you’re also jeopardizing your own money.

Unregulated IL casino apps and may contain viruses or bugs that steal your personal and financial details. Even if they don’t, unlicensed operators have shady terms pages that excuse them from taking responsibility for your losses.

Here are some reasons to choose regulated casinos in Illinois:

  • Licensed platforms have gone through rigorous technical tests to ensure their software is fair.
  • The games have been assessed to determine their returns to player (RTP) are above a certain level, usually 85%.
  • Every operator must hold all the necessary licences, such as for parent company, individual directors, and premises (if applicable).
  • The casino must have secure payment methods for deposits and withdrawals. Encryption certificates are checked to ensure data is protected.
  • Clear terms pages outline the bonuses, fees, exchange rates, and other key info. Everything complies with consumer protection laws.
  • Technical teams test the customer support channels to ensure they work and provide helpful advice.
  • The privacy policy describes how the casino handles your personal data. It must adhere to strict regulations in Illinois and the US.

Advantages of Illinois Online Casinos

Playing at the best online casinos in Illinois has many benefits, especially compared to visiting local retailers. The main advantages are convenience and diversity.

Firstly, you can log in or join from the comfort of your home and start playing immediately. Secondly, websites and apps offer many more games than any single land-based venue in the state. Plus, you can switch between multiple operators to access thousands of titles.

Another advantage of Illinois online gambling is the bonuses. Retail casinos sometimes have good loyalty programs, but they can’t compete with the welcome offers online. You can claim hundreds of dollars in free plays and get more value from your bankroll.

Is Gambling Addictive?

Yes, gambling can be addictive, and problem gambling affects many people in Illinois. Anyone can become vulnerable to a gambling disorder, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or income level.

Fortunately, help is available. The Illinois Gambling Helpline offers free and confidential services, including phone and chat consultations, self-exclusion assistance, and referrals to local support groups and therapists. Call 1 (800) 522-4700 or visit the for more information.

If you recognize any of the following symptoms in yourself, please seek help:

  • Being preoccupied with past irritating incidents related to gambling.
  • A failure to control or limit participation in gambling activities.
  • Efforts to cut down or stop gambling being unsuccessful despite sincere desires and efforts.
  • Irritability, guilt, anxiety, depression, or restlessness when attempting to cut down or stop gambling.
  • “Chasing” losses by participating in increasingly risky gambling activities as a way of recovery.
  • Committing illegal acts or becoming less scrupulous for the purpose of getting money with which to gamble.
  • Significant amounts of time being spent on gambling activities.
  • Neglecting or neglecting other interests or activities because of preoccupation with gambling.
  • Continuing involvement in supervised or voluntary self-exclusion programs despite knowledge of the consequences.
  • Breaking promises made to family members or friends about cutting down or stopping gambling participation.
  • Acting dishonestly to cover up gambling activity.
  • The “Winning it Back” Mentality: When outspending one’s income to attempt to recoup losses or win back what was lost by taking a risk at higher stakes or moving to another gaming facility or game.

How Does Illinois Prevent Problem Gambling?

Problem gambling is a sensitive issue, but Illinois is working hard to address it. The Illinois Gambling Helpline provides a critical service with kind, non-judgmental advisors ready to listen and assist callers however they can.

Every casino in Illinois must post informational materials provided by the Department of Human Services regarding gambling disorders and the helpline number. Additionally, the Illinois Compiled Statutes (chapter 230, section 5/) enable temporary and permanent exclusion orders.

Anyone can request to exclude themselves from all casinos in the state for a period of at least one year. They must attend an exclusion voluntaire interview at the Illinois Gaming Board offices in Springfield or Chicago to verify their identity and explain the process.

If the applicant lives more than 100 miles away from either office, they can submit a notarized affidavit instead. After that, IGB staff will provide them with a voluntary exclusion agreement to sign. It contains details of their ID and a photo.

Within seven days, IGB sends an electronic copy of the agreement to all casinos. If the applicant requests a permanent order, the paperwork is sent to the Attorney General’s Office for safekeeping. Otherwise, they must attend another interview at least one year later to renew their exclusion.

Anyone who knows someone with a gambling problem can report their concerns to the Attorney General’s Office. If the alleged excluder enters a casino, this is a class A misdemeanor and they could face a year in jail and a $2,500 fine. Any employee knowingly allowing entry to an excluded person faces a class 4 felony charge.

Questions About Legal Gambling Sites in Illinois

If you still have questions about online gambling in Illinois, read the following section for answers. Hopefully, it will clear up any confusion and direct you to the right resources.

Are online casinos in Illinois legal?

Yes, the first licensed offshore casinos and sportsbooks started operating in March 2022. You can play real money games online as long as you’re aged 21 years or older and located within the state borders.

What is the best online casino in Illinois?

The best IL online casinos in 2023 are ranked by our experts based on safety, bonuses, games, and other key factors. Visit our tops list to find trusted sites with the most exciting games.

Is Bovada available in Illinois?

Yes, Bovada is available to Illinois residents. We review this popular offshore gambling site and found that it holds an active license number (0051587) from Kahnawake Gaming Commission. It features casino games, live dealers, a sportsbook, and more.

Where can I play online poker in Illinois?

World Poker Tour is the best online poker IL site as it holds an license and offers tournaments with big guarantees. It also has generous bonuses, satellite tournaments to WPT events, and a smooth interface for Mac and Windows devices.

Can I play online slots in Illinois?

Yes, online slots in Illinois are legal and widely available. In fact, they are the most popular gaming option online, with titles from top developers like Betsoft and RealTime Gaming. You can claim free spins and bonus credits to play them at many casinos.

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More Guides to US Casinos

Complementing our Illinois casino guide is a wealth of information about other states. If you plan to travel elsewhere in the USA, check out the following **guides to online casinos and land-based res