You can now enjoy real money online casinos in Illinois! The state gave operators the green light back in 2019, and the first sites went live in 2020. This means you can play your favorite real money casino games for prizes from the comfort of your home.
Online gambling laws in Illinois allow for both desktop and mobile gaming. In fact, many of the top sites are fully optimized for playing on the go. We cover all the best apps a little later, so be sure to stick around.
The Illinios gambling landscape continues to grow following the launch of sports betting in 2019 and online casino gaming in 2020. With a promising outlook for the future, we think online casino gaming will become even bigger over time. Could Illinois become one of the best real money casino states? Only time will tell.
If you want to start playing at real money online casinos in Illinois right away, take a look at our recommended list of sites below.
Our Top Real Money Casino Illinois Picks
Why trust us? Because our team has been working within the US online gambling industry since 2001.
We’ve seen it all, from the good to the bad. Since online casino gambling is a newer market within the United States, we look for certain factors when determining the safety and legality of each site.
You can use the very same criteria to analyze our best real money Illinois online casinos listed above, or any other site that you come across. Your due diligence could save you from wasting your precious time or, worst case scenario, sharing your hard-earned cash with scammers.
Every operator that you see recommended on our site checks off all the following boxes, and the Illinois online casinos are no different. They are all:
- Licensed and Regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board
- Used by Thousands of Players in Illinois
- Powered by Reputable Software Providers
- Boasting High Security Standards
- Offering Fast Payments and Secure Deposits
- Supported by Responsible Gambling Organizations
There are many more factors that we consider when rating and reviewing Illinois gambling sites and this guide will show you how to spot legitimate casino operations.
Apps That Have Online Gambling in Alabama - XcaneprojectOur goal is to provide you with all the necessary information and tools to make your own decision and choose the best real money online casino in Illinois for you. We do not endorse underhanded practices such as providing misleading reviews – transparency is at the forefront of everything we do here at PokerListings.
So, feel free to use our Illinois real money casino guide to find the perfect site for you and remember: if you ever have any questions along the way, you can always reach out to us and we’ll help you out.
Overview of the Best Real Money Casino Illinois Sites
To recap, here are the five best Illinois online casinos once again, along with a brief overview of what you can expect from each one.
Each site brings something unique to the table but they all offer plenty of high-quality games, lucrative bonuses, and reputable brand names. Before making your final decision about where to play, ask yourself whether you’d prefer to receive lots of bonus dollars or participate in loads of promotions. Perhaps you’re after specific games developed by certain software providers. Maybe you simply like the main homepage to feature an eye-catching design. Whatever your preferences may be, there should be at least one option from the table below that meets your requirements. If you’re looking to play slots for real money in IL, these casinos are perfect.
When we carry out our research, we don’t just sign up as usual and spend an hour testing the water. Our team collectively has decades of experience in online gambling, but we never rest on our laxes. We treat every online casino in Illinois (and elsewhere) as if we’ve never gambled online before.
We use virtual drives with no personal data and browse from several different locations to ensure we aren’t being tracked. Why do we go to such lengths? To make sure that everyone is treated fairly when they join, irres matter their level of skill or knowledge of online gambling laws in Illinois.
What makes our reviews so valuable to you, the reader, is that we aren’t just experts in the field – we know what players want to see from a . So, rest assured that every recommendation we give you is a site that offers the best gaming experience possible.
How Do I Play at Online Casinos in Illinois for Real Money?
Ready to dive into the world of real money online gambling in Illinois? Great! Follow these simple steps to get started today.
- Time Needed: 00:10
- Tools Needed: Laptop or mobile
- Software Needed: Email
How to Play at Online Casinos in Illinois Step 1
Select One of Our Recommended Real Money Online Casinos in Illinois
Take a close look at all your options before picking the operator that suits you best.
How to Play at Online Casinos in Illinois Step 2
Click on the Casino Links That We've Provided
This takes you directly to the website, where you can create your new account.
How to Play at Online Casinos in Illinois Step 3
Start the Registration Process
Click the button that says ‘Register’, ‘Sign Up’, or similar. You may be asked to supply an offer code for an Illinois welcome bonus at this point.
How to Play at Online Casinos in Illinois Step 4
Enter All the Necessary Details
Real Money Casinos Where You Can Play for FreeThis usually includes your name, full date of birth, mailing address, phone number, email address, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
How to Play at Online Casinos in Illinois Step 5
Agree to the Terms & Conditions and Complete Account Set-up
Before you arrive at this point, you’ll typically be asked to choose a password and supply additional information such as the remainder of your SSN plus some security questions and answers.
How to Play at Online Casinos in Illinois Step 6
Log in to Your New Account and Make Your First Deposit
You’ll need to choose a payment method, select the amount you wish to deposit, and wait for the funds to appear in your online casino account.
Illinois Real Money Casino Apps and Mobile Compatibility
Mobile gaming has become the norm rather than the exception in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when people are staying home more often than going out.
The top Illinois online casinos understand this which is why they’re fully functional on iPhones and Android devices. Although some apps are considered “exclusive” in that you must install them via an app store, others are considered “web apps,” meaning you visit users play directly through their mobile browsers.
Exclusive mobile apps aren’t bad per se; sometimes they offer extra features and functionality. But we usually recommend web apps because they work with any mobile browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, etc), and installing an app isn’t necessary. You’ll find both types of apps among our recommended Illinois casinos online below.
Illinois Real Money Casino Bonuses Compared
Bonuses are a big part of joining a new casino. Sometimes they can seem too good to be true and that’s where we come in. We break down the terms and conditions associated with each deal and present to you in an easy to read format.
For example, the offer might be a 100% matched bonus worth up to $1,000, but what does that really mean?
Well, it means if you deposit $1,000, the casino will give you another $1,000 to play with. However, you’ll typically have to play through the bonus 20-50 times before you can withdraw the funds as actual cash.
Additionally, most Illinois online casino real money bonuses will have maximum bets while the wagering requirement is active. For instance, you might only be able to bet $10 per game towards clearing your bonus. Failing to acknowledge these details can lead to frustration further down the line.
It’s also important to note that some bonuses are only valid for slot machine play, while others can be used on a variety of games. Another thing to watch out for are time restrictions. You’ll usually have between seven and 90 days to clear your bonus before it expires.
Studying the table above, you can quickly compare the leading real money casino Illinois bonuses. If you’re a new player, then any of these deals would be a great choice. However, remember to refer to the site for the latest details and to pick the promotion that best complements your playing style.
Games You Can Play at IL Casinos Online for Real Money
Illinois online casinos might be fresh out the box, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited for choice when it comes to games. Some of the world’s biggest software providers power the top sites, meaning you get access to hundreds of slots, table games, video poker, and more.
Illinois Online Slots
Slot machines are popular for a reason - they’re fun! Whether it’s progressive jackpots you’re chasing or a particular theme that tickles your fancy, you’ll find plenty of choices at the .
All the software providers featured below boast top slots collections. However, depending on which site you pick, you might gain exclusive access to games from a specific developer. For example, only customers of will enjoy NetEnt slots in Pennsylvania.
Here are some of the best online slots in IL you can play and a few recommendations for where to find them:
- Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt)
- Starburst (Net Ent)
- Divine Fortune (Quickspin)
- Cleopatra (IGT)
- Quick Hit Platinum (SG Digital)
- Mercy of the Gods (RG Core Gaming)
Want to play these slots?
Blackjack
Many of the top casino games in Illinois are ones that you already know. has long been a popular card game that almost everyone recognizes.
Though there are many variations, most follow the same rules: you must guess the value of the cards in a dealer’s hand without going over 21.
Draw more cards if you think their combined value will put you closer to that magic number. If you exceed 21, you lose (this is known as a ‘bust’). If your guess is correct, you win. It’s a simple yet effective game that is entertaining at all stakes.
Most Illinois online casinos real money offer blackjack but are they worthy of your time? Well, might have the best collection in the state with 18 different variants.
Roulette
Roulette is another classic casino game in Illinois that you can play for real money online. Its simplicity is part of its appeal - all you need to do is predict where a ball will land on a spinning wheel.
The wheel is sectioned into different colors and numbers and if your guess matches the destination of the ball, you win. Bets can focus on a single number or you can group multiple possibilities together for lower, but more likely, wins.
American Roulette is the main variant available in Illinois. However, you may also find some European versions and special variants such as 100/1 Roulette, which offers payouts of 100/1 for every winning bet.
Live Dealer Games
Playing against a computer is fun, but there’s nothing quite like facing a human opponent - cue the rise of live dealer tables. As Illinois’ first foray into online gambling, the regulator and operators have made sure to give players plenty of ways to interact.
Live dealer tables use a combination of a real croupier and webcam technology to stream games direct to your PC or mobile. You’ll need a steady internet connection, but if you have that, you can chat with the dealer, other players, and clearly see the outcome of each spin or hand.
are available for roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, with each table operated by a different professional. Dressed in smart clothing and stationed in a TV-style studio, these friendly faces add personality to each game.
Video Poker
Poker doesn’t get the respect it deserves in Illinois’ online casinos. Yes, you can play the game - but the selection is limited compared to .
Still, there are some nice variants available including Jacks or Better, Bonus Poker, and Deuces Wild. You can also play multi-hand games where you face up to 100 hands at once - great if you like lots of action.
Another positive to note is the clarity of the games. has some of the best graphics in the state, with each animation and instruction point explained in detail.
Other Real Money Games Available Online
So far, we’ve covered blackjack, roulette, online slots in IL and live dealer tables. What else can you play? Here are some more ideas to get excited about:
- 100 Bit Dice
- Buffalo Bounty
- Ultimate Texas Hold’em
- Hi-Lo
- Mississippi Stud
- Pai Gow Poker
- Spanish 21
Will I Be Able to Play Free Casino Games in Illinois?
Yes! Even if you don’t want to risk your own cash, our recommended Illinois online casinos let you play for free. In fact, demo modes are a great way to practice new skills or learn a variant you’ve never seen before.
To play free casino games in Illinois, create an account and browse the lobby. Most titles will have both real money and free play options. Click the second one to get started.
If you hit a run of bad luck when gambling for real money in IL and need to refresh your memory on the , playing for free is a nice way to boost your confidence. It goes to show that you don’t have to gamble money to get something valuable from an online casino.
Payment Methods At IL Casinos
Banking is an essential aspect of online gambling that is often overlooked. When you’re losing, it’s easy to criticize a site for processing delays or high transaction fees - but have you checked the payment method you’re using?
Some eWallets and bank transfer services were just never meant for gambling sites and come with all kinds of restrictions. To avoid problems, we always advise using one of the official payment partners featured on each casino. Not only have these companies been vetted by the operator and regulator, but they’re often exclusive payment methods that come with unique bonuses and promotions.
Although each Illinois online casino will have its own payment partners, the list below details some of the most common that you’re likely to find.
Deposit methods
- VIP Preferred
- Discover
- Visa
- MasterCard
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Eighteenth Street Financing
- VISA Gift Cards
- Mastercard Gift Cards
- CashToCode
- Paysafecard
Withdrawal methods
- Paper check
- ACH Bank Transfer
- VIP Preferred
- Discover
- Visa
- MasterCard
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Neteller
- Eighteenth Street Financing
As you can see, there are many ways to fund your account at IL casinos online. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and, although, it is one of the younger payment methods, we rate highly thanks to its high levels of security, privacy, and ease of use.
island is one of our favorites when it comes to depositing - it’s accepted at most casinos online in Illinois and you can pick up a 10% bonus on all transactions. There are no withdrawal options, meaning you can only use it to deposit funds into your account.
is offered as a deposit and withdrawal method by various sites. While it doesn’t come with any bonuses or unique offers, it’s fast and simple to move money in and out of your casino account via this eWallet.
Checks are available for withdrawals only and will arrive in one to three weeks depending on whether you choose an express or standard option. We recommend using express checks as they should arrive within ten business days. Standard checks can take up to three weeks which is one of the slowest turnaround times among US online casinos.
ACH bank transfers and wire transfers are faster, reaching your account in two to five business days. Bear in mind there may be charges for using some payment methods, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before committing to a deposit or withdrawal amount.
Illinois Gambling Laws and Regulations
Online gaming became legal in Illinois in June 2019, when Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 690. The bill amended the Riverboat Gambling Act and the Illinois Gaming Bureau Act to allow for remote internet gaming.
Several amendments were added to the original bill. These included retaining a portion of taxes generated for the balancing of the General Revenue Fund and adding language to allow online sports betting. You can view the final bill .
Gamblers in Illinois must be aged 21+ and situated within the state’s borders at the time of logging in to an online casino or placing a sports bet. Betting firms use geolocation technology to confirm your location so attempting to VPN or proxy your way onto one of Illinois’ real money casino websites will be futile.
If found out, your account could be suspended or closed, and any winnings forfeited - besides ruining your fun, breaking these Illinois online casino real money rules could land you in trouble with the authorities, as undergraduate college students discovered in .
One other thing to understand is that SB 690 allows casinos in Illinois to partner with one online operator. This differs from states such as where casinos can partner with multiple brands.
History of Gambling in Illinois
The Land of Lincoln hasn’t always been a hub of legal gambling. Sure, horse racing had roots dating back to the mid-1800s, but it wasn’t until the Rivers Game Act was passed in 1989 that things began to change.
This legislation allowed riverboats moored outside state boundaries to offer gambling cruises. However, a 1995 amendment to the law allowed boats to dock elsewhere if they were operating gaming facilities. This interpretation led to boats being moored in shallow water and basically functioning as regular buildings.
Between 1995 and 2019, gambling expanded to include video gaming terminals (2009), daily and weekly fantasy sports contests (2017), and sports betting (2019). Poker players also had something to smile about in 2012 when lawmakers legalized licensed establishments to hold live cash games.
SB 690 marked another pivotal moment in the history of gambling in Illinois. Not only did it bring desktop and mobile sports betting to licensed casinos and racetracks, but it also created a framework for online casino gambling.
Between them, these two forms of gambling are expected to raise tens of millions of dollars for the state of Illinois - and that’s why lawmakers acted quickly to pass HB 3131. Signed by the governor in June 2021, this bill finally gave the Illinois Gaming Board the authority to oversee online casino gaming and work with operators to develop a thriving industry.
Illinois Gambling Revenues
Illinois lawmakers hoped to generate $200 million annually from casino gambling - and they weren’t far off the mark in 2021.
According to figures released by the Illinois Gaming Board, desktop and mobile sports betting generated $492.7 million in revenue between March 2021 and March 2022. Online casino gaming was less lucrative in its debut season - but only just.
Data published by the IGB shows that the state’s eight online casinos generated $468.9 million in gross games revenue (GGR) between September 2022 and September 2022. This figure represents a healthy win percentage of 22.58%.
DraftKis was the leading sportsbook during Q1 2022, generating $118.5 million in revenue, followed by FanDuel ($89.3m) and BetMGM ($56.5m). Among the state’s online casinos, Argosy Casino Alton was the highest earner during Q4 2021, bringing in $11.2 million in gaming revenues.
These figures highlight the success of Illinois’ gambling industry and suggest that the state’s operators and regulators understand what players want from online platforms. Of course, revenues can fluctuate from month-to-month based on sporting events, popular culture, and other external factors.
Customer Support Options
No matter how experienced you are, there may come a time when you need a helping hand at an online casino. Thankfully, the state’s regulator insists that all licensees provide comprehensive customer support services. You can get in touch with a casino’s customer service agents using the following methods:
Best PayPal Casinos in the UK for 2023Live Chat - Found on all sites
Phone - Found on all sites
Email - Found on all sites
While it’s reassuring to know that help is on hand whenever you need it, we’d like to see more online casinos in Illinois offer 24/7 support. Right now, waiting times vary between working hours (typically 8am to 9pm).
If you don’t need to speak to someone straightaway, we suggest checking out an online casino’s FAQ section. These pages outline the key questions players have about payments, accounts, bonuses, and technical issues. By answering these queries, you may be able to resolve your issue without contacting customer support at all.
Overview of Responsible Gambling in Illinois
Like all reputable operators, Illinois’ regulated casinos take responsible gambling seriously. On signing into any site, underage gambling prevention, self-exclusion and responsible gaming resources are highlighted to ensure adults make informed decisions about how they play.
Any player showing signs of compulsive behavior is suspended from being able to place bets for a minimum six months. During this time, they will be unable to log into their account. Furthermore, the Illinois Gaming Board works closely with the following organizations to provide help to anyone affected by problem gambling:
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IL Problem Gambling Helpline
Telephone: 1-800-252-8623 -
Gamblers Anonymous Illinois East
Website: -
Gamblers Anonymous Illinois Central
Website: -
Gamblers Anonymous Illinois West
Website: -
Illinois Institute for Addiction Recovery
Website:
If you feel like you’re losing control, please seek help before the situation gets worse. Whether you contact the Illinois Problem Gambling Helpline or one of the local chapters of Gamblers Anonymous, there are people who can help you get your life back on track.
Our Final Verdict on Illinois Real Money Casinos Online
Since going live in March 2022, Illinois’ online casino industry has gone from strength-to-strength. The state currently has eight real money online casinos in the US offering dozens of games from leading developers plus tempting bonuses and handy mobile apps.
We anticipate this market will continue to grow in the coming years, as existing casinos expand their offering and new brands apply for licenses. If you want to play games for real money online in Illinois right now, we recommend choosing one of our top sites above. Not only is this a legally compliant way to gamble online, but it guarantees a safe, secure and enjoyable experience.
We will regularly update this page to reflect changes within the industry. So, if there are nine online casinos in Illinois next week and we haven’t mentioned them, that’s why. Our recommendations will also change over time depending on our ongoing tests and audits.
In summary, online casinos in Illinois are here to stay and, if they continue to build on their early foundations, could rival other big US gambling states like and .
no bonus deposit casino codesExpansion of Gambling in Illinois
The Illinois gambling industry is growing all the time, with officials mulling over the possibility of introducing new forms of gambling.
Below, we’ve outlined some of the products being considered for regulation. If the industry continues to flourish and revenue targets are met, don’t be surprised to see the following introduced in the coming years:
Illinois Online Poker
Online poker was discussed during SB 690 but the bill didn’t contain any language authorizing poker sites. This means individual casinos can’t partner with more than one online operator, but there is no law preventing the regulator from licensing multiple online poker sites.
We know that the Illinois Gaming Board is planning to introduce online poker at a later date, so the industry can support the liabilities. Once protocols are in place, we expect at least three online poker sites to launch in the state.
Illinois Online Lottery
Lawmakers have discussed the possibility of moving lottery sales online for a number of years, but nothing has happened yet. In fact, trying to buy lottery tickets online could land you in trouble.
The Illinois Lottery website states that it’s “unlawful to purchase tickets online at this time.” This is because the federal Wire Act prevents such transfers - however, in 2018, the repealed provisions of this act that banned online gambling.
This opened the door for intrastate online lotteries. Rhode Island, Georgia, and Kuwait have already launched online ticket sales - we don’t see why Illinois’ online lottery can’t happen.
Illinois Online Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing fans have a large selection of retail bookmakers in Illinois, but none can be found online. As it stands, the only way to bet on the horses digitally is to use an offshore betting site - something we’ve always advised against.
Offshore operators are unregulated and, therefore, unlicensed. This means your banking details and personal data won’t be protected, and the odds and prices offered may not be accurate or fair.
If horse racing betting was moved online, the state would generate more revenue, punters would benefit from a safer product, and the industry as a whole would thrive thanks to increased participation.
More Legal Gambling Options in Illinois State
The Prairie State offers plenty of opportunities to gamble. If you’ve exhausted the options at our recommended online casinos in Illinois, you can try the following above method approved by the state.
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Is online gambling legal in Illinois?
Yes, online gambling became legal in Illinois in June 2019. Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 690, which amended the Riverboat Gambling Act and the Illinois Gaming Board Act to allow remote internet gaming. This legislation paved the way for desktop and mobile sports betting, as well as online casino gambling.
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Can you gamble online in Illinois?
You can if you're aged 21+ and within the state's borders. Illinois casinos online use geolocation technology to confirm your location, so attempting to VPN or proxy your way onto one of their sites will be futile - and may land you in trouble.
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What is the best online casino in Illinois?
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