Over the past few years, Illinois has legalized most land-based gaming, having previously only permitted riverboat casinos and a state lottery. Unfortunately, its online gambling sector has yet to catch up.
But what does this mean for IL online gambling enthusiasts? Do they have to travel to another state to pursue their favorite hobby? Read on to find the answers to these and other related questions. Learn about the state’s gambling history and see a list of the best Illinois casinos and their reviews.
Short on time? Here are the best online casinos Illinois that you can play at.
Wild Casino |
Welcome Bonus up to $5,000 + 125 Spins |
Welcome Bonus up to $5,000 + 125 Spins
|
Wild Casino | Play Now |
Everygame Casino |
125% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 |
125% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000
|
Everygame Casino | Play Now |
Bovada |
Get Up To $3,750 in Bonuses |
Get Up To $3,750 in Bonuses
|
Bovada | Play Now |
Lucky Creek |
250% matched deposit up to $5,000 + 60 Free Spins |
250% matched deposit up to $5,000 + 60 Free Spins
|
Lucky Creek | Play Now |
Las Atlantis |
Welcome Bonus Up to $9,500 |
Welcome Bonus Up to $9,500
|
Las Atlantis | Play Now |
Red Dog |
Slots Bonus Up to $2,200 + 45 Spins on Wolf Moon Pays |
Slots Bonus Up to $2,200 + 45 Spins on Wolf Moon Pays
|
Red Dog | Play Now |
El Royale |
Welcome Bonus Up to $7,500 + $23,000 VIP Bonus |
Welcome Bonus Up to $7,500 + $23,000 VIP Bonus
|
El Royale | Play Now |
Black Lotus |
Signup Bonus Up to $7,000 + 30 Free Spins |
Signup Bonus Up to $7,000 + 30 Free Spins
|
Black Lotus | Play Now |
BetOnline |
100% Casino Welcome Bonus |
100% Casino Welcome Bonus
|
BetOnline | Play Now |
BetUS |
125% Bonus on First 3 Deposits |
125% Bonus on First 3 Deposits
|
BetUS | Play Now |
MyBookie |
First Deposit Bonus Up To $1000 + $10 Casino Chip |
First Deposit Bonus Up To $1000 + $10 Casino Chip
|
MyBookie | Play Now |
Ignition |
300% Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus |
300% Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus
|
Ignition | Play Now |
Slots.LV |
$3k Welcome Bonus With 30 Free Spins |
$3k Welcome Bonus With 30 Free Spins
|
Slots.LV | Play Now |
BetNow |
200% Welcome Bonus |
200% Welcome Bonus
|
BetNow | Play Now |
Cafe Casino |
Welcome Bonus of 350% Up to $2.5k |
Welcome Bonus of 350% Up to $2.5k
|
Cafe Casino | Play Now |
- Show Full Guide
Top online casinos in Illinois
I’ve rated and reviewed the leading online gambling sites in Illinois for 2024.
- Wild Casino — A top choice for Illinois online gambling sites with 800+ games, a $9,000 welcome bonus, and seamless crypto/fiat payments. (Rating: 9.8/10)
- Everygame — Perfect for poker fans among casinos in Illinois, offering competitive tournaments, exclusive bonuses, and a downloadable Vegas-style experience. (Rating: 9.6/10)
- Bovada — A versatile Illinois online casino with slots, horse racing, sports betting, and big crypto bonuses to match its vast game library. (Rating: 9.5/10)
- Lucky Creek — Unique among online casinos in Illinois with a VIP Club, crypto games, 400% crypto bonus, and exciting car giveaways. (Rating: 9.8/10)
- Las Atlantis — User-friendly Illinois online casino with six welcome offers, game-specific promos, and speedy VIP payouts. (Rating: 9.8/10)
1. Wild Casino — Best platform for online gambling in Illinois
- Welcome Bonus: 250% up to $1,000 + 125 Free Spins
- Wagering Requirements: 40x (deposit + bonus), 45x (deposit + bonus)
- Promo Code: WILD250, CRYPTO300
Rating: 9.8/10
Since opening in 2017, Wild Casino has been capturing the attention of players in Illinois. Though not the most established, it’s our top pick for a reason — it excels in all the vital casino categories, from gaming to payments.
Wild Casino’s game library includes over 800 titles, including slots, table games, video poker, live dealers, and specialty releases. From titans like Real Time Gaming, Betsoft, and Visionary iGaming, each game offers a seamless experience and fantastic prizes.
All new players can get up to $5,000 in fiat or $9,000 in crypto after making successive deposits, while regulars get 10% rebates, 100% weekly reloads, and $200 referral bonuses. The straightforward terms make these easy to claim, regardless of your chosen payment method.
Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Binance, and many other coins are available for you to try the best crypto games in 2024. If you prefer fiat over crypto, don’t worry; good old methods like Visa, bank transfer, and money order will transfer your funds just as smoothly.
Pros
- Management with experience dating back to the 1990s
- More than 800 games from top developers
- Active tournament schedule
- Two welcome bonuses worth up to $9,000
- Diverse ongoing deals, from reloads to rebates
- Robust offer of cryptos
- Reliable payment system
Cons
- Navigation could be better
- No VIP program
2. Everygame — Top-rated casinos in Illinois for poker enthusiasts
- Welcome Bonus: 550% up to $5,555 + $55 extra free
- Wagering Requirements: 30x (dep + bonus)
- Promo Code: SIGNUP1000
Rating: 9.6/10
Everygame, founded in 1996, is the runner-up in our list of the best online casinos in Illinois. Besides its vast experience, this site’s dedicated poker client and exclusive bonuses contributed to its high ranking.
Everygame offers an easy-to-download poker client for desktop and mobile devices. It hosts hundreds of quality cash games, from the popular Texas Hold’em to the dynamic Omaha Hi-Lo. Most players, though, come for the tournaments.
Everygame’s regular Sit and Go and Freebie tournaments offer more than just prize pools that can reach up to $10,000. They also provide valuable practice opportunities, which you can take advantage of risk-free once you claim an exclusive poker bonus or loyalty reward.
If poker isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Everygame offers a variety of traditional casino games and promotions, as well as a comprehensive sportsbook. Its incredible $5,555 welcome bonus sets you on your way.
With just over 300 games to choose from, it’s not the most diverse Illinois online gambling site. Still, the quality and entertainment value of its games make it one of the best offshore casinos.
Pros
- Long track record
- Fantastic poker client
- Top-notch Hold’em and Omaha cash games
- Frequent poker tournaments
- Exclusive bonuses and loyalty program
- $5,555 welcome bonus
Cons
- Somewhat confusing layout
- Few withdrawal options
3. Bovada — Best real money online casino in Illinois
- Welcome Bonus: 375% up to $3,750 (Crypto) 300% up to $3,000 (Fiat)
- Wagering Requirements: 25x for the first and 50x for the second two deposits
- Promo Code: Crypto: BTCCWB1250, Fiat: CAWELCOME10
Rating: 9.6/10
Halfway through our top five IL gambling sites, you’ll find Bovada, one of the best online casinos for real money in the USA. Illinois players love it because it’s been around for over a decade with regular updates. Today, it stands out for its fantastic promotional offers, casino games, and horse race betting.
The Promotions page includes three welcome incentives for the casino, sportsbook, and poker room, along with loyalty rewards and bet boosters. Yet, its most enticing promotion has to be the 500,000 free spins Bonanza. This tournament-style deal rewards as many as 25,000 winners weekly, and with hundreds of popular slots on offer, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Bovada’s rich table game portfolio and sportsbook are no less impressive. The former packs thousands of live and virtual blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat games, while the latter features rare horse betting options. A fantastic selection of cryptocurrency payment methods, enhanced by exclusive bonuses, can help you make the most of either.
Pros
- Well-known USA-geared gaming brand
- Three welcome bonuses up to $3,750
- 500,000 free spins Bonanza promotion
- Table games with a wide range of limits
- Unique horse betting options
- Crypto payments with bonus potential
Cons
- Poor selection of fiat payment options
- Customer support could be more helpful
4. Lucky Creek — Popular online casinos Illinois with an elaborate VIP club
- Welcome Bonus: 200% up to $7,500 + 30 Free Spins
- Wagering Requirements: 60x
- Promo Code: 200GETLUCKY
Rating: 9.8/10
Lucky Creek is a Wild West-themed online casino established in 2009. It’s not as popular as some of its predecessors, but it deserves the fourth spot in this ranking of Illinois casinos for its comprehensive loyalty program and exclusive mini-games.
Lucky Creek’s Elite VIP club is one of the best crypto-focused programs in the industry. It offers a range of perks, including a 400% crypto welcome bonus, several exclusive crypto mini-games, and help from crypto specialists. It’s the perfect way to learn about what blockchains are good for and how to use them in iGaming.
Still, Lucky Creek has plenty to offer players who aren’t interested in crypto. There are hundreds of slots, poker, and keno titles to explore, plus a fiat welcome offer and ongoing promotions. New players receive a $7,500 sign-up bonus, while regulars enjoy weekly rewards, competitive tourneys, and even car giveaways.
Pros
- Well-established brand
- Innovative crypto-oriented VIP club
- Exclusive crypto games
- Massive slot selection
- Unique ongoing promotions and tourneys
Cons
- Small selection of popular casino titles
- No Help Center
5. Las Atlantis — Enjoy user-friendly online gambling sites Illinois
- Welcome Bonus: 600% up to $9,500
- Wagering Requirements: 40x (dep + bonus)
- Promo Code: First:UNDERTOW, Second & Third: DEEPSTREAM
Rating: 9.8/10
Our mini-reviews of the best Illinois online casinos end with Las Atlantis. This gorgeous gaming platform is among the newest on the market, offering a fresh and exciting gaming experience. Nevertheless, it rivals some of the oldest US casinos thanks to its fantastic website design, long lineup of bonuses, and excellent withdrawal system.
Featuring a beautiful ocean-blue color scheme, Las Atlantis lives up to its name. Its clean layout and minimalist navigation system make it a mecca for beginners, while the numerous promotions and payment methods cater to picky veterans.
Las Atlantis offers a whopping six welcome offers, including a range of formats valued up to $9,500. It also boasts a treasure trove of recurring offers, such as free spins bundles and deposit bonuses to use on slots and card games.
Unfortunately, table games aren’t the focus of many promotions, which might disappoint fans of the classic casino experience. The good news is that you can claim winnings using crypto, card, or bank wire, while with VIP payout perks, you’ll receive your money within three days, hassle-free.
Pros
- Frequently ranked among the best new casinos in the US
- User-friendly gaming platform
- Multiple bonuses up to $9,500
- Seamless transactions with crypto and fiat methods
- VIP payouts in 3 days or less
Cons
- No table game promotions
- Game-specific bonuses
- Restricted access to games for US players
How I rate and review IL online casinos
Our reviews of IL real money online casinos are the result of thorough research and detailed analysis. We consider state-specific nuances while testing each casino based on universal criteria for offshore gambling platforms.
Aspects like security, interface, games, promotions, payments, and support give us insights into how each casino works. Assessing these areas allows us to make a shortlist and rate the brands that made the cut against Illinois players’ needs and preferences. Only the best gaming platforms make it to our top IL online casinos list.
Is online gambling legal in Illinois?
Illinois took decades to warm up to the idea of legalized gambling, but once the authorities were on board, progress was steady. IL opened its gaming scene with horse race betting, boosting its economy and tourism in the roaring 20s. It also became one of the first states to introduce state lottery play in the mid-70s.
Riverboat casinos, commercial gaming venues, and sports betting followed, propelling Illinois from strength to strength. Unfortunately, the momentum stopped there.
The Prairie State has yet to launch an official online gambling market or introduce internet gaming laws. In 2023, Sen. Cristina Castro and Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. proposed online casino bills, but the House has yet to consider them. As a result, the sector remains in legislative limbo. It isn’t legal or illegal.
Given Illinois’s past gambling progress, primarily The Rebuild Illinois Law from 2019 and the Sports Wagering Act from 2020, the state is a prime candidate for online casino expansion. Nevertheless, its officials remain focused on expanding and reforming its land-based gambling scene.
Timeline of online gambling in Illinois
The following section features a timeline to give readers a better perspective on Illinois online gambling.
- 1927 — Illinois legalizes pari-mutuel horse racing and opens the first tracks.
- 1974 — IL authorities are among the first in the country to approve the establishment of an official state lottery.
- 1975 — The Horse Racing Act introduces additional regulations to streamline the growing gambling industry.
- 1990 — The Riverboat Act lets casinos open on barges near riverbanks.
- 1999 — The Video Gaming Act allows liquor-serving clubs, bars, and truck stops to install video gaming terminals (VGTs) on their premises.
- 2012 — Illinois approves online lottery play through the state lottery’s official portals.
- 2019 — Gov. JB. Pritzker signs SB0690, legalizing sports gambling in Illinois. The state passes The Rebuild Illinois Law, authorizing the construction of six commercial casinos.
- 2023 — Rep. Edgar Gonzalez and Sen. Cristina Castro file HB2239 and SB2064, internet gaming bills that would legalize online casinos.
Using offshore casinos in Illinois
As mentioned, the Illinois lawbook does not include online gambling legislation. There are no laws prohibiting online casinos or targeting those who use them. This regulatory gap has allowed numerous offshore gaming platforms to operate freely in the state.
Unfortunately, some offshore companies have taken advantage of this loophole – creating rogue websites that don’t always honor payouts or bonus wins. However, you can be assured every casino I endorse is not only properly licensed and regulated but also meets the highest standards of the modern iGaming industry.
You can find them in our list of the best online casinos in IL above.
How to choose the best online casino in Illinois
To pick the right IL gambling sites, look at their essential characteristics and consider your preferences. Here’s a guide based on our experts’ methodology.
Security and licensing
The best tip to avoid falling prey to online scammers in the iGaming world is to check for robust licensing and security measures.
The casino you choose must hold a valid gaming permit from a renowned regulatory body like the Curaçao Gambling Control Board or Panama Gaming Commission. It must also employ sophisticated security protocols, such as SSL encryption and advanced firewalls, to ensure the safety and integrity of your data.
Reputation
You can gauge a casino’s reputation from popular review sites, community forums, social media, and other platforms. Look up the operator and read the user comments and testimonials. Checking in with friends who have some experience with gambling sites in IL can’t hurt either.
Entertainment value
After you’ve ensured a casino is secure and trustworthy, it’s time to look through its game selection. Focus on game diversity – from classic slots and table games to live game shows and sports betting markets – so you’ll always find something to keep you entertained.
Likewise, you can also check the reputation of the casino’s software developers and even play certain games in demo mode to evaluate their quality first-hand.
Promotional value
Once you’re done with game tests, hop onto the Promotions page. Look through the available bonuses, concentrating on the following factors:
- Offers for new and existing players — They won’t be equal in number, but both should be well-represented.
- Incentive size — The welcome offer should be of exceptional value in terms of bonus cash and free spins.
- Bonus terms — The bonus T&Cs should be reasonable, giving you a real chance of winning real money.
Payment system
You should next analyze the banking section found at our recommended Illinois casinos. This page will provide information about the deposit and withdrawal methods available for funding your gaming activities, including any associated limits.
Your ideal IL casino will offer banking options that are simple to use, feature minimum and maximum limits that suit your budget, and offer fast processing times. Additionally, it would be great if these payment solutions come with no fees so you can save your whole bankroll for gaming.
User experience and support
Last but not least, consider the user experience of your chosen Illinois online casino. Make sure the platform you select has a simple layout and navigation, allowing you to quickly access your favorite games.
Moreover, prioritize casinos that offer a reliable customer service team you can reach 24/7 through multiple communication channels. A comprehensive Help Center and detailed FAQ section are another plus.
What games can you play at Illinois online casinos?
Online casinos in Illinois carry a variety of popular games. The sections below discuss the most common game categories in more detail.
Slots
Slots are the most numerous and diverse games on gambling sites in Illinois. They’re popular for their straightforward approach, fast-paced gameplay, and engaging themes while also offering high win potential from a relatively small stake.
From classic 3×3 and 5×3 grids to epic video slots with a huge number of paylines, there’s a wide variety to explore at any online casino. Check out our list of the best slot sites that pay real money, and you’re sure to find a few that pique your interest. Demo mode can help you test the games and find your favorites for free.
Poker
Poker is highly popular among casino games in the US. Brands like Everygame and Bovada offer entire sections dedicated to poker, complete with exclusive bonuses and tournaments. These sites are a paradise for players who enjoy challenging and competitive play.
The most attractive versions include live dealer Texas Hold’em and Omaha, though many also enjoy the virtual Three Card Poker and Caribbean Stud formats.
Those who like the sound of poker but aren’t up for mind games can try video poker. This variation blends poker hand rankings with the simplicity of slots, making it perfect for casual players and newbies alike.
Roulette
Roulette is also widely available on IL real money gambling sites. It primarily comes in the traditional European, French, and American variants, but you can find plenty of titles with innovative twists like Lightning Roulette or Multi-Wheel Roulette.
Unlike poker, roulette is entirely luck-based. It offers a wide range of betting options with diverse win probabilities and payout potentials, accommodating different gaming styles and budgets.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a staple on most online casino sites in Illinois. It’s simple to play but a bit more strategy-based than roulette, appealing to fans of tactical gameplay. Using a basic strategy guide can reduce the house edge to 0.5%, creating a fantastic winning potential.
If this seems up your alley, you should check out classic American and European blackjack tables at IL online casinos. Once you’ve got to grips with the basic gameplay, variants like Free Bet Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, and Multi-Hand Blackjack provide a more innovative approach.
Baccarat
Baccarat is less widespread but still prominent in Illinois casinos and is especially popular with high-roller players from Asia. Its simple, card-based gameplay involves guessing which hand will have a value closest to nine.
Baccarat is less commonly played than its classic casino cousins because of its relatively high minimum bet limits. These help operators offset baccarat’s natural low house edge but don’t suit players with tight bankrolls.
Specialty games
Specialty games are another frequent feature in Illinois casinos. They come in many variations, from the traditional lotto, bingo, and keno to the exciting scratchcards and crash games. Depending on the platform, you’ll find them in a dedicated section or mixed with slots.
Their luck-based, arcade-style gameplays are easy to get into and perfect when playing on the go.
Depositing & withdrawing at Illinois gambling sites
When choosing from real money online casinos in IL, make sure you review the payment options. This step helps you determine if the site caters to your needs and allows you to plan how you’ll fund your gaming activities.
Below, we list and discuss some of the most common methods.
Credit and debit cards
Cards are among the most popular and widespread payment processors in the iGaming sector. You’ll find them at most online casinos in IL, especially within the Deposit section. Players favor cards because they’re easy and safe to use.
Unfortunately, many Illinois casinos, including our two top-rated operators, don’t offer credit and debit card withdrawals. While this may dissuade some players, it’s not the fault of the gaming sites. The issue stems from the US banks’ tendency to block gambling cashouts, so it’s sensible to explore substitute payment methods.
Bank wire and checks
If you prefer traditional methods, bank wire and checks are excellent card alternatives. They don’t involve opening additional payment accounts or sharing sensitive information with unknown third parties. Plus, they’re widely accepted for withdrawals and known for their security.
The main downside of withdrawing via a check or bank wire is their slow speed. Due to various financial regulations, these payment processors usually take 5 to 15 business days to deliver your winnings.
Cryptocurrencies
Crypto dominates the banking sections of the best online casinos in Illinois. This payment option is a bit more challenging to use than cards and direct bank transfers, so newbies often shy away.
That’s understandable, considering you must open a crypto wallet account, register with an exchange platform, decide on the best crypto to buy, and purchase your first coins, all before you try to make a deposit.
However, if you’re willing to stick it out, crypto payments provide a multitude of benefits:
- Fast transactions — Your deposits and withdrawals will clear within 24 hours, but often much sooner.
- Enhanced privacy — Blockchain’s decentralization helps keep your gaming activity private.
- Broader limits — Your deposits will have low or no minimum limits, and your withdrawals will have high maximums.
- Lower fees — Blockchain’s efficiency and lack of intermediaries will reduce your trading fees.
E-wallets
IL casino players who value fast transactions but aren’t into crypto should consider e-wallets, which act as intermediaries between your casino and bank account. They require you to register and transfer money to and from them, which may deter some players, but they’re pretty easy to use and cost-effective.
E-wallets aren’t as widespread in IL online casinos as you work with renowned brands like Skrill, Neteller, Payz, eZeeWallet, and so on.
Minimum deposits
There are no universal minimum limits on gambling sites in Illinois. Most set their deposit limits at $20 or $30, both for general deposits and to unlock bonuses. Still, you may come across $10 minimum deposit US casinos, like Las Atlantis, that let you claim a bonus from just $10.
Whatever the case, deposit limits are something you must consider before you join a casino. Look out for them on the Payments or Promotions page, or delve into the main Terms and Conditions to ensure these limits suit your budget and style.
Payout times
The best Illinois casinos process their users’ withdrawal requests within 24 hours. That said, the overall pending time of your withdrawal will depend on your payment processor. As mentioned earlier, cryptos are the fastest, followed by e-wallets, while traditional solutions may take a couple of business days to transfer your winnings.
Illinois online casino bonuses
Illinois’ top real-money gambling sites abound with bonuses and promotions, from sign-up offers to friend referrals. Look at the list below to familiarize yourself with the promotions you’ll encounter most often.
Welcome bonuses
Welcome promotions are some of the best casino bonuses on the US gaming market. Most are formatted into match deals that reward a percentage of your first few deposits in extra bonus cash. That said, you may find an odd no-deposit sign-up offer on certain websites.
Both types of deals target new players, helping them adjust and explore a casino’s offerings, though they vary in size. Match deposit welcome bonuses are usually hefty, reaching four to five figures. No-deposit intro promotions are more modest and come with harsher terms, which isn’t surprising considering their free nature.
Reloads
Reloads work much like match deposit deals, offering a percentage of your deposit. However, they cater to returning players and offer smaller rewards than sign-up deals. Regardless, reloads are a great crutch when you run into a dry spell. They’ll sustain your gaming for a bit longer, giving you more chances to win.
Cashback
Cashbacks refund a portion of the money you lost within a specific period. The rewards they offer aren’t huge, hovering around 10% and 20% of your losses. However, they are usually recurring, meaning you can count on them to back you up every week or month.
Rebates
Like cashback deals, rebates reward players based on their past gaming activity. That said, they don’t focus on your losses but calculate bonuses based on all the funds you played through over a fixed amount of time. This aspect makes them quite rewarding if you’re an avid player.
Referrals
Players who recommend IL online casinos to their friends and family may receive referral bonuses. These typically unlock a fixed sum of bonus cash once the recipient has used your link or promo code to register and deposit. Referral rewards are typically valid for three or four uses, making it easy to accumulate a nice reward with little effort.
Loyalty rewards
Loyalty programs or VIP clubs are schemes the best Illinois online casinos run to incentivize active players. Typically, they comprise several levels that members climb based on their gaming and depositing activity. The most common perks include bonuses, lower wagering requirements, increased gaming limits, personal manager services, and so on.
The following table features information about the welcome bonuses, promo codes, and wagering requirements of our top 5 operators.
Casino | Welcome Bonus | Wagering Requirements |
Wild Casino | Fiat: 650% up to $5,000 + 125 Free Spins Crypto: 900% up to $9,000 | Fiat: 40x (deposit + bonus) Crypto: 45x (deposit + bonus) |
Everygame | Poker: 200% up to $1,000 + 25 Free Spins Casino: 550% up to $5,555 + $55 | Poker: $5 for every 83,335 Frequent Player Points collected Casino: 30x |
Bovada | Casino: 375% up to $3,750 (Crypto) and 300% up to $3,000 (Fiat) Poker: 100% up to $500 Sports: 75% up to $750 or 50% up to $250 | Crypto: 25x for the first and 50x for the second two deposits Poker: $5 increments for every 150 Rewards Points Sports: 5x for sports and horses |
Lucky Creek | 200% up to $7,500 + 30 Free Spins | 60x |
Las Atlantis | 600% up to $9,500 | 40x (deposit + bonus) |
How to stay safe at gambling site in Illinois
Since Illinois doesn’t regulate its online gambling market, you’ll have to work twice as hard to keep yourself safe online. As explained earlier, you must vet every casino you plan to join for licensing, security, and reputation.
In the same measure, you must ensure the casino operates fairly by examining its game policy, audit certifications, and terms. Finally, you should learn about its self-exclusion programs and responsible gaming resources.
Because this much research can overwhelm inexperienced players, we’ve created a list of the top 10 best IL online casinos. Thanks to our experts’ thorough analysis and detailed tests, you can rest assured all these sites are safe and reliable. Pick your favorite and see for yourself.
While it has no state-sanctioned real money gambling sites, Illinois does boast a few popular sweepstakes and social casinos. Because these platforms don’t constitute gambling, they’re exempt from the Prairie State’s no-online-gambling laws. Their no-purchase-necessary business model makes them legal under the Illinois Prize and Gifts Act.
At first glance, IL social and sweepstakes casinos look like any other modern gaming platform. However, their games don’t involve real money. Instead, they work with site-specific virtual currencies that have no value outside their platforms. The primary purpose of these coins is to allow players to bet and collect winnings from gameplay.
Sweepstakes and social virtual currencies are gifted through promotions and giveaways or by winning games. This setup allows players to participate without spending their own money. Nonetheless, other lesser-known features keep these sites inferior to traditional online casinos in IL.
For insurance, Illinois sweepstakes and social gaming sites have smaller and less diverse game libraries than real-money casinos, often with modified games that don’t meet players’ expectations. Finally, social and sweepstakes casinos have smaller prizes, which aren’t always redeemable as real cash winnings.
Land-based casinos in Illinois
Illinois authorized the construction of six commercial land-based casinos in 2019. So far, only the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama have opened permanent facilities.
IL’s riverboat casinos remain the most popular gaming venues in the state. If you’re interested in visiting, the following sections show what they have to offer:
Rivers casino des plaines
Rivers Casino Des Plaines is part of a chain of well-known gaming venues operated by the renowned Rush Street Interactive. On the premises, there are over 1,500 slot machines and 95 table games, as well as solid sports betting options. You can find the casino near the O’Hare International Airport in the northern suburb of Chicago.
- Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Grand victoria casino
Grand Victoria is the second most popular riverboat casino in Illinois. Managed by the famous Caesars Entertainment, it offers a fantastic array of games, including blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, and baccarat. On top of those, it’s home to 1,100 slot machines and an exciting sportsbook.
- Address: 250 S. Grove Ave. Elgin, IL 60120
DraftKings at casino queen
Opened in 1993, this Gaming and Leisure facility is among the oldest riverboat casinos still operating in Illinois. Located on the bank of the Mississippi River, it offers plenty of modern amenities to complement its old-fashioned charm. DraftKings offers around 950 slots, 29 table games, several restaurants, and a hotel.
- Address: 200 Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201
Hollywood casino joliet
Hollywood Casino Joliet is another famous IL gambling location. The site stands up to par with its competitors, featuring 50,000 sq. ft. of gaming space with 1,100 slots and 18 table games. However, one of its most popular attractions has to be the video poker area, filled with games offering great winning odds.
- Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436
Harrah’s metropolis hotel & casino
Harrah’s Metropolis shines in the Southern Illinois gambling arena. With 24,000 sq. ft. of gaming room, it’s not the biggest land-based casino. However, it packs 600+ quality slot machines and 17 exciting table games. Players particularly adore its niche live poker tables, including Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, and High Card Flush.
- Address: 100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960
Par-A-Dice hotel casino
This unusually named IL gaming spot is among the best-rated brick-and-mortar casinos in the Land of Lincoln. Its four decks of gaming space host slots, keno, and bingo, as well as a variety of casino classics. Competitive Illinoisans who love music will appreciate its regular bingo nights and diverse music events.
- Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611
Hollywood casino aurora
Another in the line of Penn Entertainment-owned casinos, Hollywood in Aurora, shares many traits with its sister venues. However, it stands out from the crowd thanks to a fantastic live dealer poker room. The tables host thrilling Limit and No-Limit Hold ’em games with opportunities for a Bad Beat Jackpot.
- Address: 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506
Bally’s quad cities casino & hotel
Bally’s is another well-known Illinois gaming destination with high visitor volumes. Its 42,000 sq. ft. gaming space includes 13 roulette and craps tables alongside hundreds of slots, complete with high-stakes games. Yet, the live poker room, with six tables and regular tournaments, remains the most crowded.
- Address: 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201
Harrah’s joliet casino
Harrah’s Joliet is one of Illinois’ smaller land-based gambling venues, but it’s one of the few that are open around the clock. You can visit any day of the week, at any time, and enjoy playing 800 slot machines and 20 table games. As part of the Caesars Entertainment group, it also offers access to exclusive promotions and loyalty rewards.
- Address: 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432
Argosy casino alton
Argosy in Alton is a great place to visit if you’re after a smaller gaming location on the Mississippi River. With an incredible waterfront, you can enjoy 500 slots and various blackjack, poker, and craps games in a unique gaming atmosphere. The venue also includes a sportsbook with a range of collegiate and professional betting opportunities.
- Address: 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002-6232
Illinois gambling resources
There’s no doubt online gambling is a fun activity. However, the very enjoyment it provides can pose a risk to your well-being if you’re not cautious. You must take regular breaks, follow a fixed spending plan, and avoid playing when you’re not in the right state of mind.
The best online casinos in Illinois offer native responsible gaming and self-exclusion programs. These tools allow you to step away from gaming for a set amount of time, limit your deposit and betting activity, and keep your habits in check.
The US and the state of Illinois also offer resources for those who may need professional help. You can find their links and contact numbers below.
- Illinois Council on Problem Gambling — 833-937-4274
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Call 1-800-GAMBLER or Text “GAMB” to 833234
Conclusion – What is the best online casino in Illinois?
Illinois might not be the most prominent online gambling hub in the US, but it has its fair share of quality sites. Because there aren’t regulations surrounding iGaming, all these platforms operate from offshore locations. If you’re having issues choosing the right ones, don’t hesitate to use our top 10 Illinois casinos list for guidance.
I compiled this list based on thorough research and analysis, drawing on years of industry experience. After examining numerous operators’ licensing, security, games, promotions, payments, and support, I shortlisted the best ones for your convenience. Check out our reviews and pick your favorite, knowing you’re making a great choice.
References
- https://www.igb.illinois.gov/
- https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1399&ChapterID=25
- https://www.igb.illinois.gov/CasinoLaw.aspx
- https://www.americangaming.org/state/illinois/