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.
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.
| Rank | Casino | Best Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | High 5 Casino | 5 Sweepstake Coins, 250 Game Coins, and 600 Diamonds — No Deposit Bonus |
| 2. | Rush Games | VC$500 — No Deposit Bonus |
| 3. | WOW Vegas | 5,000 WOW coins + 1 Sweepstake Coin — No Deposit Bonus |
| 4. | Pulsz | 5,000 Gold Coins + 2.3 Sweepstake Coins — No Deposit Bonus |
| 5. | BetRivers.NET | 20 to 1000 VC$ — No Deposit Bonus |
In Which States Is Online Casino Legal?
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.