When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Illinois is one of the more gambling-friendly states in the US. But, while it offers sports betting, land-based and riverboat casino gaming, parimutuel betting, plus a state lottery, regulated Illinois online casinos are not yet offered. You can, however, still enjoy online casino gaming by visiting the best offshore online casinos.
Here we introduce you to our list of the best offshore casino sites that are accessible from Illinois. In addition to informative reviews, you’ll also learn how these sites work, what they offer, and how to sign up with them.
The Best Online Casinos in Illinois
- All
Wild Casino |
Welcome Bonus up to $5,000 + 125 Spins |
Welcome Bonus up to $5,000 + 125 Spins
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Wild Casino
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Bovada |
Get Up To $3,750 in Bonuses |
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Raging Bull |
250% Bonus Up To $2,500 + 50 Free Spins |
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Raging Bull
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SMART250
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Lucky Creek |
250% matched deposit up to $5,000 + 60 Free Spins |
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250CREEK
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| Best Crypto Poker Site |
Coinpoker Casino |
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Coinpoker Casino
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300BLACK
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Lucky Red Casino |
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BetOnline |
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Ignition Casino |
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BetUS |
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- Show Full Guide
Top 10 Illinois Online Casinos Compared
The Illinois online casinos on our list each provide similar products but with slightly different features. Check out our comparison table to see the standout features for each IL online casino, so you can find the one that ticks all of your boxes.
| Casino | Best For | Live Casino | Casino Games |
| Wild Casino | Live games and tournaments | ✅ | 1,000+ |
| Bovada | Huge hot drop jackpots | ✅ | 600+ |
| BetWhale | New slots titles | ✅ | 1,200+ |
| Lucky Creek | Regular big money prizes | ✅ | 400+ |
| CoinPoker | Anonymous casino and poker | ✅ | 1,800+ |
| Black Lotus | Win a car prize draws | ✅ | 400+ |
| Ignition Casino | Casino + poker bonuses | ✅ | 400+ |
| TG.Casino | Choice of crypto casino games | ✅ | 5,000+ |
| Lucky Red | Downloadable app for gaming | ❌ | 400+ |
| BetUS | Low buy-in weekly tournaments | ✅ | 550+ |
4 of the Best Online Casinos in Illinois
All of the Illinois online casinos on our list are offshore casinos based outside the US. These sites offer some of the most secure online gambling and deliver an exceptional selection of games and bonuses.
But picking the best is no easy task and so we’re going to give you the rundown on four of our favorites.
1. Wild Casino – The best IL Online Casino Overall
- Payout time: Instant to 7 days
- Established: 2018
- License: Panama Gaming Authority
- Available in Illinois: ✅
Our Verdict: 9.9/10
Wild Casino is not your typical gambling site. Instead of offering a casino and sportsbook, the site focuses purely on casino gaming, ensuring that casino gamers have access to the best selection of online casino games. The games provided all come from top software providers and feature high-quality themes, graphics, and audio.
Although Wild Casino doesn’t offer its games in demo mode, you can play all options for real money. Among the games provided are progressive, classic, and jackpot slots, specialty games like keno, and table games like roulette and baccarat. Wild Casino also offers a live dealer suite with tons of games, including some of the best live blackjack variations. Although there are tons of games on offer, some players will be disappointed to find that there are no bingo games available.
Another top feature of this gambling platform is the selection of bonuses and promotions provided. New players with Wild Casino promo codes can unlock a welcome package that spans your first five deposits. In contrast, repeat players can unlock free spin promos, reload bonuses, and referral rewards.
Features Overview
- Game Variety: 10/10
- Live Casino: 10/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- User Experience: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 10/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Pros 
- Great range of casino games
- Welcome package covers five deposits
- Excellent selection of specialty games
- Provides slot tournaments
Cons 
- Search filters could be introduced
- No free play offered
2. Bovada – Provides the Top Selection of Live Roulette Games
- Payout time: Instant to 10 days
- Established: 2011
- License: Curacao Gaming Authority
- Available in Illinois: ✅
Our Verdict: 9.8/10
Bovada launched in 2011 and has since gained a reputation as one of the best offshore gambling sites in the US. Although the site only offers 600+ casino games, the high-quality and unique variations of games provided make Bovada a casino to visit.
The platform features several slots, a host of video poker variations, and lottery-style games like keno. Bovada’s table games are as impressive and feature unique options like Teen Patti, craps, and baccarat, some of which you can test in demo mode.
But where Bovada really stands out is in its assortment of live casino games. In addition to live-streaming these in high-definition, Bovada offers varying tables with betting limits designed to suit the needs of all players. One of these tables accepts bets of up to $50,000, making it a top choice for high rollers. The selection of live roulette games is outstanding and features American and European variations.
If you have Bovada bonus codes, you can unlock a series of exciting promotions, including newcomer rewards and promos for repeat players.
Features Overview
- Game Variety: 8/10
- Live Casino: 9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 8/10
- User Experience: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Customer Support: 9/10
Pros
- Top selection of revolving bonuses
- Exceptional live roulette options
- Live tables offer high betting limits
- Offers demo play on some games
Cons
- Not many payment options
- Relatively small casino
3. Everygame – Participate in Poker Tournaments
- Payout time: Up to 2 business days
- Established: 2021
- License: Curacao Gaming Authority
- Available in Illinois: ✅
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
Everygame didn’t always go by that name. In 1996, the site launched as a sportsbook under the title “Intertops.” In 2021, the platform rebranded as Everygame and introduced several new and exciting features, including a dual casino and a top-class poker suite.
Everygame’s poker room is one of the best in the US and features several variations of the game, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hi-Lo. You can also participate in several exciting tournaments that provide more ways to win. Besides a poker room, the site also provides two online casinos.
The Classic Casino caters to the needs and budgets of all players, offering a selection of slots, video poker, and table games with low betting limits. In contrast, the Red Casino offers a slightly more high-end selection of games, including a live casino and betting limits that cater to high-stakes players. While this is impressive, we felt that Everygame could improve the number of games it provides; currently, it only has 400+ spread across both casinos.
The site also features a darker interface that can make it difficult to navigate, but it makes up for this by offering a top selection of bonuses, which you can claim using Everygame promo codes.
Features Overview
- Game Variety: 6/10
- Live Casino: 7/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- User Experience: 9/10
- Payment Methods: 9/10
- Customer Support: 9/10
Pros
- Provides exciting poker tournaments
- Features a dual casino
- Top selection of ongoing promos
- Offers high maximum bet limits
Cons
- Small selection of casino games
- Not very user-friendly
4. Lucky Block Casino – Best Illinois Casino for Games
- Payout time: Instant
- Established: 2022
- License: Curacao Gaming Authority
- Available in Illinois: ✅
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
Lucky Block launched in 2022, making it one of the newest online casinos on our list. The recent launch of the casino means that it is equipped with all the latest and most impressive features and games. This IL online casino also follows a unique model. Instead of accepting fiat and cryptocurrency payments, Lucky Block only offers crypto transactions. As a result, US players can only access the platform using a VPN, something the site encourages.
While this may seem like a hassle, it works in favor of players visiting the site. Together, the VPN and crypto transactions provide a far greater level of safety and security. Additionally, crypto transactions are anonymous and instant and incur no transaction fees.
Lucky Block features more than 5,000 casino games created by leading developers and several Lucky Block originals you won’t find anywhere else. Among the options are countless slots, lottery-style games like keno, table games, crash games, and a live dealer suite with more than 126 table and game show games.
When you sign up with Lucky Block, make sure you take advantage of the casino’s whopping welcome bonus.
Features Overview
- Game Variety: 8/10
- Live Casino: 7/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 7/10
- User Experience: 8/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Customer Support: 8/10
Pros
- Enjoy 5,000+ casino games
- Lots of live casino games
- No KYC documents required for sign-up
- Payouts are instant and anonymous
Cons
- No fiat currencies accepted
- US players can only access the site with a VPN
Current Status for Real Money Online Casinos in Illinois
Regulated real money online casinos in Illinois aren’t available yet, but you can still play at online casinos based offshore. Regulated IL online casinos are in the pipeline, with two bills progressing through the appropriate channels toward legalization. Additionally, the building of Bally’s Chicago, set to be the state’s largest casino, is underway, making this an exciting time for casino gambling in Illinois. So, let’s take a closer look.
- March 2023: The two bills, HB2239 and SB1656, set to create the Illinois Internet Gaming Act are facing difficulties and could both die because of inactivity. However, if these bills proceed, they would need to be passed before the session closes on May 19.
- February 2023: Two bills, SB 1656, introduced by Senator Cristina Castro, and HB2239, submitted by Representative Edgar Rodriguez, to create the Illinois Internet Gaming Act and introduce legal IL online casinos are seeing progress and put Illinois on the map as one of three states that could potentially introduce regulated online casino gaming this year.
- December 2022: Bally’s received approval from the Chicago City Council to go ahead with plans to build the largest casino in Illinois. Bally’s Chicago is set to open in 2026, although it is still waiting on a gaming license from the Illinois Gaming Board.
Illinois Casino Apps on Mobile
Illinois online casinos are easily accessible using a desktop or laptop computer by searching for them in your web browser (or by using one of our helpful links.) Some casino sites also provide downloadable casino apps, which allow you to play your favorite games on your mobile devices.
However, most offshore online casinos opt to provide mobile-optimized websites. These are more favorable for several reasons. Firstly, you use your mobile device’s web browser to access the casino on your device, so the platform is available to you irrespective of the device you own. Additionally, you are accessing the same website as you would when using a computer so that you can enjoy all your favorite games and features on the go.
Lastly, because you are using a website, you won’t need to worry whether the platform is compatible with your device’s operating system, as these sites work with them all, including iOS and Android.
While playing casino games on desktop offers a clearer view thanks to the larger screen, mobile casino gaming allows you to play from anywhere. Below, we consider the pros and cons of both options.
Mobile Casinos vs Desktop
| 🌐 MOBILE CASINOS | DESKTOP |
| ✔️ Enjoy all the best features | ✔️ Larger screen for simple navigation |
| ✔️ No downloads | ❌ Use from home only |
| ✔️ Applies to all operating systems | ❌ Slow payments |
| ❌ No instant access | ❌ No biometric sign-in |
Are Illinois Online Casino Apps Safe?
Yes. Offshore Illinois online casinos are safe. Although based outside the US, these casinos are all regulated and licensed by international gaming authorities. Like US-regulated gambling platforms, these online casinos must uphold a high standard of gaming and fair play and offer consistent payouts to retain their licenses. Additionally, these casinos regularly undergo audits to ensure they are upholding the regulations that apply.
These offshore casinos also utilize safety measures like SSL encryption that safeguards any data you input from hackers and provide secure payment methods.
How Can I Claim Promos on Illinois Casino Apps?
Claiming a bonus at an IL online casino using your mobile device is quick and straightforward. Since you are accessing the same casino website you would when using a computer, the steps are the same. Typically, you would unlock a bonus from an online casino when depositing funds by inputting your casino promo code.
How to Play at Illinois Online Casinos
Illinois players wanting to play their favorite casino games at IL online casinos must first sign up, claim a bonus, and fund their accounts before they can begin playing. Luckily this process is quick and easy, and pretty much the same at all of the best offshore gambling sites. We take you through the steps using our short guide below.
1. Register an Account
Visit Wild Casino from this page by following one of our links. Once the page has loaded, click the orange ‘Join Now’ button. Once the registration page has loaded, fill in your details and create a username and password.
2. Deposit Funds and Claim Your Bonus
You won’t need to verify your account straight away so you can move on to the next step which is funding your accounts. To do this, click the blue ‘Banking’ button. On the banking page, select your payment method and fill in the amount you wish to deposit. Next, add your Wild Casino bonus code (WILD250), then hit ‘Deposit’.
3. Play Your Favorite Casino Game
Once your funds and bonus have loaded, you can begin playing. Browse the casino lobby and double-click the game you want to play. Select your bet value or type it in and press ‘Deal’ or ‘Spin’.
Types of Casino Bonuses Available
Top IL casinos for online gambling offer an assortment of bonuses and promotions for you to enjoy. Most online casinos offer a welcome bonus used to encourage new players to join the platform, while repeat players are rewarded for their loyalty with several ongoing promotions. Below, we look at the most popular types of promos online casinos in Illinois provide.
Welcome Bonuses
IL casinos online offer generous promotions designed to encourage new players to sign up with the site. Typically, these come as free spins or deposit matches and are usually the most generous bonus in the casino’s collection.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Offshore online casinos reward IL players for funding their accounts by matching their deposits up to a specific value. For example, a casino offering a 50% deposit match of up to $1,000 will give a player depositing $1,000 an additional $500 to play with.
No Deposit Bonuses
Although rare, no deposit rewards are popular among players. Casinos typically offer these promos to players who have signed up but haven’t yet funded their accounts. Here, the casino gives them bonus credits to use to explore the casino and play the games. Players typically end up depositing funds to continue playing once the promo funds run out.
Ongoing Promotions
Online casinos also reward their repeat players for their loyalty by providing several ongoing promotions. While these typically aren’t as generous as the welcome promo, they are more varied and come as reload match deposits, casino rebates, drop-and-win bonuses, and cash-back promos.
Loyalty Program Bonuses
Some online casinos provide a loyalty or VIP program that you can join. You’ll then receive points for playing specific games or wagering particular bets. The more points you earn the higher up the program you advance, unlocking perks and bonuses along the way.
Payment Methods Available at IL Casinos
Illinois social casinos offer players a selection of payment methods to choose from when funding their accounts. Below, we look at the more common payment methods that real money Illinois online casinos in provide.
- Online Banking – Players can fund their gaming accounts by connecting their bank account to their social casino account. This method works much the same as paying a bill or making a purchase online.
- Credit and Debit Cards – Many IL casinos allow players to fund their accounts using credit and debit cards like Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. Here, players input their credit card details on a form on the casino site, and the website deducts the relevant amount.
- Ewallets – Many online casinos use ewallets like Skrill and Neteller as a way for players to deposit funds. In addition to being one of the safest payment options, this is also one of the fastest, especially for withdrawing winnings.
- Prepaid Cards and Vouchers – Play+ is an example of this method. Here, players use prepaid cards to add funds to their accounts, much like they would use a debit card. But instead of depositing funds into these cards at the bank, they purchase credit by visiting their nearest supermarket.
- Bank Wire Transfers – Several online casinos accept bank wire transfers. When using this method, players wire money to their accounts, but these usually take a number of days to process and aren’t the best choice for those who want to play instantly.
- Mobile Payment Services – Players accessing an Illinois online casino from their mobile devices can often use options like Apple Pay and Google Pay to purchase coins and fund their accounts.
- Cryptocurrencies – Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Dogecoin are among some of the many cryptocurrencies that offshore online casinos in IL accept as a means of depositing and withdrawing funds. Cryptocurrencies are decentralized and run independently of financial institutions. As a result, all transactions are anonymous and instant and they have zero transaction fees.
Games Available to Play at Illinois Online Casinos
Players visiting IL online casinos will find a broad selection of casino games to play, from keno and bingo to slots, table games, and live dealer options. Below, we look at the most popular games these sites provide and what they entail.
Slots
These games see players spin the reels hoping to match up icons along several paylines to win more gold coins. Generally, slots come with unique icons and storylines that add to the excitement.
Blackjack
This banked card game sees players attempt to get their hand to reach 21 or as close as possible before the computer-generated dealer does. Players who go over 21, or have a lower number than the dealer, lose the round.
Roulette
A different style of table game, roulette doesn’t use cards but sees players wagering on the numbered pocket (0-36/37) they predict a white ball will land on when the roulette wheel finally comes to a stop.
Baccarat
Another card game, baccarat sees a player and a bank hand being dealt. The aim here is for the player to correctly predict whether the next round will go to the player, the banker, or end in a tie.
Craps
A highly popular casino table game is craps. This game involves a craps table that offers several exciting betting options. The aim of the game is for you to roll the dice and establish the point number. You’ll then need to keep rolling the dice in the hopes that you roll this number again (a win) before you roll a seven (this is a loss.)
Poker
This encompasses several variations of a non-banked card game where players play against each other rather than the house. In this game, they wager that their hand is greater than that of any other player at the table. Read our guide on online poker in Illinois if you’re looking for casinos that offer poker games.
Video Poker
A combination of five-card poker and video slots, this game blends the best of both and has several exciting variations.
Bingo
Online bingo is much like traditional bingo, except that it all players out virtually. A player checks off numbers from their virtual board if the computer generates that specific number. The first player to check off all their numbers is the winner.
Lottery-Style Games
Keno and scratchcards offer lottery-style gaming, where players select numbers much like they do when taking a lottery ticket and see if their chosen numbers match the ones randomly drawn by the computer.
Live Dealer Games
Here, players can enjoy table games as they play out in real-time. Players can place wagers using live chat with the croupier while taking in an authentic casino experience from home.
Demo vs Real Money Games in Illinois
The offshore Illinois online casinos on our list offer online gaming for real money. In this case, you deposit real money funds, which you use to place your bets. If you win your bet, the casino pays out your winnings in real money.
But some online casinos also offer their games in demo mode for free play. In this case, the casino gives you complimentary credits, which you can use to play the games featured on the site. However, since you are playing with virtual credits provided by the casino, you cannot access any of the winnings made while playing these games.
Although playing in demo mode sounds pointless, it has many benefits. New players who are learning the ropes can try the games and learn how they work. Seasoned players can implement and test out strategies and new bets to see if they work before risking their deposited funds.
Another way to play casino games online for free and still win is by using the best sweepstakes casinos, which we review below.
Sweepstakes
Illinois sweepstakes casinos offer a broad selection of games for players to enjoy, including slots, lottery-style games like keno, bingo, live dealer games, table games like blackjack, poker, and video poker. In this way, these sites are similar to regular online casinos.
However, sweeps casinos differ from traditional online casinos because they offer free play and don’t accept real money game bets. Instead, these sweeps or social casinos allow players to purchase and play with virtual coins, like gold coins, which players then use to place bets. As a result, the focus at sweepstakes casinos is on having fun, not on winning money and making a profit.
Additionally, many sweepstakes casinos allow players to accumulate sweeps coins, and when they have collected a certain number, they can withdraw them for cash prizes.
Best Sweepstakes site/app in Illinois
According to our experts, the best sweepstakes casino in Illinois is Stake.us, which has been around since 2017. Since the site follows a sweepstakes gaming format, it offers Stakes Cash (sweeps coins) that players can exchange for crypto prizes of their choosing.
Players visiting Stake.us have more than 600 casino games to discover. Included in these options are various slots, scratchcards, Stake Originals (which players can’t find anywhere else), live dealer games, table games like roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and feature spins games.
How Does Illinois Compare to Neighboring States?
While Illinois casinos offers players exciting gambling options, residents may be interested to see what other states provide. IL shares borders with four other states, making it easy for players to try their options.
Players can try their luck at the best Indiana casinos or try out the top Iowa online casinos. These two states and Missouri all offer exciting land-based casinos for players to explore and enjoy.
Top Land-Based Illinois Casinos
There are currently 11 casinos in Illinois, 10 riverboat casinos, and one land-based casino. However, the state has given the go-ahead for several new casinos to be built as part of its 2019 gaming expansion law. Below, we look at the top five casinos and what these establishments offer.
Argosy Casino Alton
- Address: 1 Piasa St, Alton, IL
- Website: argosyalton.com
- Phone Number: +1 800-711-4263
- Operator: Penn Entertainment
The Argosy Casino in Alton is a riverboat casino and was the first to launch in Illinois in 1991. Although it is small, the site is steeped in history and offers players five table games, 1,000 slots, a sportsbook, and several fantastic restaurants.
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino
- Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria
- Website: paradice.boydgaming.com
- Phone Number: +1 309-699-7711
- Operator: Boyd Gaming
Par-A-Dice Casino and Hotel is one of Illinois’ luxury casinos. Here, players will discover a 5-star restaurant, 200 high-style rooms, and a casino with over 550 slots and 18 table games.
Hollywood Casino & Hotel Joliet
- Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL
- Website: hollywoodcasinojoliet.com
- Phone Number: +1 888-436-7737
- Operator: Penn Entertainment
One of Illinois’ most contemporary and well-known casinos, the Hollywood Casino in Joliet, overlooks the Des Plaines River. Here, players can visit the casino and enjoy over 1,100 slots, 18 table games, a sportsbook, and a 100-room luxury casino. Additionally, there are 80 RV sites too.
Bally’s Quad City (formerly Jumer’s Casino)
- Address: 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL
- Website: casinos.ballys.com/quad-cities
- Phone Number: +1 309-756-4600
- Operator: Bally’s Corporation
In addition to a sleek and stylish hotel, Ballys Quad Cities offers players a stylish casino with over 900 slots, 16 table games, including craps and roulette, six poker tables, and a high-limits slots room. Players can also visit several restaurants.
Harrah’s Casino Joliet
- Address: 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL
- Website: caesars.com/harrahs-joliet
- Phone Number: +1 815-740-7800
- Operator: Caesars Entertainment
Players looking for a large selection of table games will find them at Harrah’s Joliet. In addition to 600 slots, the casino offers 31 table games, including baccarat, roulette, blackjack, and craps. Additionally, the establishment provides a 200-room hotel and several top restaurants.
Why Play at Illinois Online Casinos vs Land-Based?
Illinois has plenty of brick-and-mortar casinos that provide a range of exciting casino games. But to enjoy these offerings, you’ll need to hop in your car to get there, and you’ll need to ensure the establishment is open when you want to play.
IL online casinos offer 24-hour casino gaming from the comfort of home, but they don’t provide instant cash payouts, and you’ll need an internet connection to access them. While both options come with several pros, there are cons to them as well, which we look at closely below:
| Online casinos | Retail Casinos |
| ✔️ Play from home | ✔️ Instant cash payouts |
| ✔️ Enjoy 24-hour gaming | ✔️ Offers a social environment |
| ❌ Limited social interaction | ❌ Requires you to drive to the casino |
| ❌ No cash payouts | ❌ May not operate 24/7 |
Is it Legal to Play at Illinois Online Casinos?
Since the state has yet to introduce regulated real money online casinos in Illinois, the only way to play casino games online is by visiting offshore online casinos like those highlighted in this guide.
IL residents can also visit one of the state’s 11 riverboat and commercial casinos to wager on sports, place parimutuel bets on horses, and take a lottery ticket for the state lottery. Daily fantasy sports betting (DFS) is also legal in IL.
Illinois Online Casino Laws and Gambling Status
Although Illinois lawmakers recently introduced two bills that could see the state becoming one of three to offer regulated online casino gaming in 2023, these sites are presently unavailable. However, players in the state have 11 riverboat casinos to enjoy and another, Bally’s Chicago, on the way. These provide a good range of games, and even beginners can quickly learn how to play blackjack in a casino within a few visits.
While the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is in play and IL offers legal land-based and riverboat casinos, there are no tribal casinos in the state.
IL players can also access offshore online casinos like those on our list. These sites base themselves outside the US, which means the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) does not regulate them, and state and federal gambling laws do not apply to these casinos. This and the fact that IL state laws contain no language prohibiting the use of online casinos operating outside the country makes offshore casinos safe and easy to use without breaking the law.
Who Can Legally Play at Online Casino in IL?
Players 18 and above can purchase lottery tickets, enjoy social gambling, place parimutuel wagers on the horses, and buy scratch cards. However, those wanting to wager on sports or visit one of the state’s casinos must be 21 or older.
In contrast, those who want to play at offshore online casinos like those highlighted in this guide should only be 18 years or older. This is because state gambling laws do not regulate these sites, allowing them to set their own age restrictions and limits. Additionally, IL offshore casinos do not use geofencing, so you can access them from anywhere within the US.
Tax on Online Casino Winnings in Illinois
Illinois taxes gambling winnings at a flat rate of 4.95% as part of an annual income tax. However, it is essential to note that because offshore casinos are based outside the US, they do not have the authority to tax your earnings. As a result, you’ll need to keep a ledger of your winnings and losses and submit them as part of your annual return.
Timeline for Online Casinos in Illinois
Illinois has always been a progressive state, with gambling first launching in the state as far back as 1927. As a result, it has an exciting gambling timeline peppered with new introductions and advancements. So, to learn more about the history of Illinois casinos and gambling, check out the timeline below:
- 2023: Two bills are introduced in the hopes of creating the Illinois Internet Gaming Act, which would legalize online casino gaming in the state.
- 2020: Illinois’ first sportsbooks launch.
- 2019: Legal in-person and online sports betting is authorized in IL.
- 2012: Illinois begins selling its lottery tickets online.
- 2009: IL introduces the Video Gaming Act, which allows bars, truck stops, and nightclubs with liquor licenses to operate video gaming terminals.
- 1999: State lawmakers introduce amendments to the Riverboat Gambling Act, which allows riverboat casinos to operate while the vessel is docked.
- 1991: Riverboat casinos in Illinois launch, with the first being the Alton Belle.
- 1990: Illinois passes the Riverboat Gambling Act, which allows riverboat casinos to operate while cruising.
- 1975: The state introduces legal parimutuel wagering on horse racing.
- 1974: The Illinois State Lottery is established.
- 1971: Illinois authorizes legal Bingo games.
- 1927: The state introduced Illinois gambling legislation.
Gambling Responsibly in Illinois
Although casino gaming is provided as a fun pastime, for some, it can stretch into a gambling addiction if not practiced responsibly. While Illinois online casinos offer a lot of fun, they understand how quickly this can turn into something more.
As a result, these online casino sites offer several ways for players to ensure they enjoy safe, responsible gambling. Many online sites allow players to set deposit limits, while others impose withdrawal caps. Most sites also offer a gambling help section, highlighting external resources like those listed below:
Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG)
- Website: illinoisproblemgambling.org
- Phone Number: +1 217-652-9611
Gamblers Anonymous
- Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
- Phone Number: 909-931-9056
National Council on Problem Gambling Helpline
- Website: www.ncpgambling.org
- Phone Number: 1-800-522-4700
Our Best Online Casino in Illinois for October 2024
Although regulated real money online casinos in Illinois are yet to find their place in the state, IL players have access to several of the best offshore online casinos. By visiting these sites, players can enjoy a selection of their favorite casino games safely and securely.
While all 17 Illinois online casinos on our list offer exciting gaming options, our top pick for the best online casino in IL is Wild Casino. In addition to various slots and table games, the casino features exciting live dealer games and generous bonuses. The site also provides players with varied payment options, making online gambling at this casino an enjoyable experience.
| Wild Casino | |
| Our rating/verdict: | 10/10 |
| Accessible via: | iOS, Android, Desktop App |
| Casino Games | 350+ |
| Welcome Offer: | Up to $5,000 in bonus funds |
| Top Pros: | ✔️ 73 High-quality live casino games
✔️ Generous welcome package ✔️ Offers slot tournaments ✔️ Games created by top software providers |
| Cons: | ❌ No games in demo mode
❌ Could offer a search filter |
How We Test and Review Online Casinos
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- Games and variety
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…and more.
Learn more about our process and see how we rate casinos on Techopedia.
FAQs
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Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be of legal gambling age.
Resources
- https://www.nigc.gov/general-counsel/indian-gaming-regulatory-act
- https://www.igb.illinois.gov/#:~:text=The%20Illinois%20Gaming%20Board%20is,and%20sports%20wagering%20in%20Illinois.
- https://www.igb.illinois.gov/
- https://ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=112&GA=103&DocTypeId=SB&DocNum=1656&GAID=17&LegID=146433&SpecSess=&Session=
- https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/fulltext.asp?DocName=&SessionId=112&GA=103&DocTypeId=HB&DocNum=2239&GAID=17&LegID=146644&SpecSess=&Session=
