Illinois

Illinois' Online Casino Update
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While online casinos are still illegal in the state, online sportsbooks operates on mobile and desktop devices. Could online casinos be next? Read our article as we unfold the latest developments of Illinois' gambling scene.

Best online casinos in Illinois

BetRivers.NET
93 score
10 - 1000 VC$ Bonus
- Freespins
Review Play here

21+ | Not a real money site. No gambling is involved or real money wins. Games are not intended for minors under the age of 18. | Terms and conditions apply

Pulsz
93 score
2.3 SCs + 5,000 GCs Bonus
- Freespins
Review Play here

21+ | There's no real money gaming offered at Pulsz.com and is intended solely for entertainment purposes. No purchase is necessary. Users must be 18 or over. | Terms and conditions apply

McLuck
89 score
50,000 Gold Coins
25 Sweepstakes
Review Play here

21+ | Not a Real Money Site. Players must be at least 18 and not in Washington, Alabama, Idaho, Michigan, Kentucky, Georgia, or Nevada to play. | Terms and conditions apply

High 5 Casino
88 score
250 Game Coins
5 Sweeps
Review Play here

21+ | 600 Diamonds also available upon sign up. Not a real money site. No gambling is involved or real money wins. Games are not intended for minors under the age of 18 | Terms and conditions apply

Funrize
87 score
75,000 Coins Bonus
- Freespins
Review Play here

21+ | Not a real money site. Funrize is a social casino that does not provide any real money gambling. Players much be 18 years or older to join. | Terms and conditions apply

Gambino Slots
86 score
100,000 G-Coins Bonus
200 Freespins
Review Play here

21+ | Not a real money site. No gambling is involved or real money wins. Games are not intended for minors under the age of 18. | Terms and conditions apply

WOW Vegas
85 score
5000 WOW Coins Bonus
- Freespins
Review Play here

21+ | Not a real money site. No gambling is involved or real money wins. Games are not intended for minors under the age of 18. | Terms and conditions apply

Stake.us
84 score
$25 Stake Cash
250000 Gold Coins
Review Play here

21+ | Not a Real Money Casino Site. Intended for gaming entertainment. Players must be 18+ to join and play. | Terms and conditions apply

RushGames
81 score
VC$500 Bonus
- Freespins
Review Play here

21+ | Terms and conditions apply

Sweeptastic
76 score
27,777 Lucky Coins
30 Sweep Coins
Review Play here

21+ | Not a real money online casino. Players must not be in Washington, Idaho, or Nevada to play. | Terms and conditions apply

Popular slots in Illinois

Illinois news

Top Guide to Illinois Online Casinos

The Land of Lincoln is known for its rich history of gambling. It offers its residents various betting options, from horse racing to land-based casinos and online sports betting in recent years. But will they ever live the thrill of playing at the best online casinos? Read on to find out as we answer your doubts about the legal status of online casinos in the state.

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Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?

Real-money online casinos in Illinois remain off-bounds under current state laws. The potential exists, but for now, it’s best to stick with the legal alternatives available.

What is Legal in Illinois Casinos?

While Illinois online casino gambling is on hold, the state allows sweepstakes casinos. These sites offer free sweep coins that can be used to play and win prizes and comply with state and federal laws. Offshore casinos, on the other hand, are illegal and come with significant risks.

When will Illinois legalize online casinos?

The future of online casinos in Illinois remains uncertain. While land-based casinos can partner with gaming operators for licenses, online operations may take time to gain approval. In the meantime, sweepstakes sites offer an excellent alternative for Illinois residents to enjoy casino games without the need for deposits.

Brief Gambling History in Illinois

The history of gambling in Illinois started in the 1800s when riverboats and racetracks first appeared. Then, in the 1900s, a new dawn broke for gambling enthusiasts with the introduction of legal gaming venues, the legalization of horse racing in the 1830s, and the State Lottery in 1975.

The 1990s marked a pivotal moment with the Riverboat Gambling Act. The legislation allowed casino gambling, with the condition that it could only occur on boats that set sail periodically. That’s until 1999, when they were allowed to remain docked.

Illinois’ gaming landscape continued to evolve as the years went on. In 2009, the state legalized video poker and slots, and ten years later, online sports betting became legal. That same year, a new bill enabled river casino boats to transition operations onto land. Through a rich and dynamic history, Illinois offers residents many ways to try their luck and enjoy the thrill of gaming.

Best Sweepstakes Casinos to Play in Illinois

Sweepstakes casinos (also known as social casinos) offer games like blackjack, poker, and online slots, similar to those found in land-based casinos. New users often get free Gold coins and sweep coins at these Illinois casino sites, providing risk-free gaming with the potential for real cash prizes.

RankCasinoBest Bonus
1.High 5 Casino5 Sweepstake Coins, 250 Game Coins, and 600 Diamonds — No Deposit Bonus
2.Rush GamesVC$500 — No Deposit Bonus
3.WOW Vegas5,000 WOW coins + 1 Sweepstake Coin — No Deposit Bonus
4.Pulsz5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Sweepstake Coins — No Deposit Bonus
5.BetRivers.NET20 to 1000 VC$ — No Deposit Bonus
Play on a desktop or from the best Illinois casino apps!

In Which States Is Online Casino Legal?

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Right now, six states in America let you play on online casinos without any problems. Some other states are waiting for new rules to allow it, too. But for now, here are the states where you can have fun and play online casino games:

Closes Legal States to Illinois

Michigan is the closest state to Illinois, offering online casino gambling. Other options are West Virginia and Pennsylvania if you want to relocate further to the East.

Land-Based Casinos in Illinois

State laws in Illinois limit the number of gaming licenses to just 10. Until 2019, all casinos in Illinois had to be riverboat casinos. However, things are changing as they work on getting licenses to operate on land.

Illinois also used to have pari-mutuel casinos, which were popular for horse racing. However, the horse racing industry has declined recently, becoming less common. In any case, the Illinois casino scene continues to evolve, providing entertainment options for locals and tourists alike.

There are five casinos near Chicago: two in the central part of the state and three in southern Illinois. All of them are non-smoking and offer a variety of games, including slots, video poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, and three-card poker.

Final Words

Navigating online gambling in Illinois requires understanding the current laws and available options. While online casinos are not legal, social casinos provide an exciting alternative for players. Keep an eye on potential future developments, and in the meantime, enjoy the diverse array of gaming options Illinois offers.

Frequently asked questions

No, real-money online casinos are currently illegal in Illinois. We recommend using legal alternatives like sweepstakes casinos.
To play online casinos in a different state, ensure you're physically located in a jurisdiction where online casinos are legal, and your online casino account complies with your current location.
Absolutely! Sweepstakes casinos are a great standy option to play your favourite casino games.
Currently, six states in the United States allow online casino gambling. These are New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia, and Nevada.