Gaming is one of the most lucrative industries in Illinois. From riverboat casinos to sports wagering, the state has various sources of gaming revenues, and the industry is poised to get better with online casinos’ potential entry.
While casinos with physical locations in Illinois are thriving, it’s a different story for their online counterparts. Unfortunately, as of the time of writing, no Illinois online casino has the permit to operate, although things may change in the future.
Are you looking for online casinos in Illinois? Read on and find out everything you need to know.
- Best Illinois online casinos in 2024
- Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?
- Potential Illinois Online Casino Operators
- A Wide Variety of Games at IL Online Casinos
- Bonuses You Can Enjoy at Online Casinos in Illinois
- Choosing the Best Illinois Online Casino
- How to Start Playing in an Illinois Online Casino
- FAQs about Illinois online casinos
Best Illinois online casinos in 2024
Online casinos are not legalized yet, but check out our other gambling offers below!
Illinois Online Casino: All sites are 100% legal & licensed by the state.
| Company | Bonus | Features | Visit |
 | DraftKings Sportsbook Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets |
| Bet now DraftKings Sportsbook IL |
 | Caesars Sportsbook Up to $1,500 in bet credits |
| Bet now Caesars Sportsbook IL |
 | BetRivers Sportsbook Get up to $500 in bonus bets |
| Bet now BetRivers Sportsbook IL |
 | BetMGM Sportsbook Up to $1,000 in bonus bets |
| Bet now BetMGM Sportsbook IL |
 | PointsBet Sportsbook Five Second Chance Bets Up To $100 Each |
| Bet now |
Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?
Unfortunately, there are no legal IL online casinos. Nonetheless, things may change quickly. In recent years, the state has been more liberal regarding gambling, so it won’t be surprising if the tides turn.
The 2019 Illinois Gambling Act made online sports betting legal in the Prairie State. Sadly, the legalization did not include online casinos, so they remain illegal. Nonetheless, there are at least 12 land and river-based casinos for those who would rather play in a physical location.
The legality of physical casinos and sports betting in Illinois makes it not impossible for online casinos to follow suit.
Among others, the House Bill 2239 is one of the potential legislations that might legalize online casinos in IL. The latter proposes the Internet Gaming Act. It also proposes a 15% privilege tax for the State Gaming Fund.
Potential Illinois Online Casino Operators
The legalization of Illinois online gambling slots and other games remains uncertain. Nonetheless, we already have an idea about the operators that may come to the state. They’re some of the biggest companies in the country. Hence, we expect them also to set foot in Illinois once the law allows.
FanDuel
One of the most popular legal platforms in the country, FanDuel is accessible among Illinois users. However, access is only for sports betting. The platform also has a casino, although it has yet to be legal in IL.
Born in a Texas backyard as the brainchild of five co-founders, FanDuel’s original focus was sportsbook. However, its expansion over the years gave birth to more services, including online casinos.
Like many online casinos, FanDuel also has a convenient mobile app. This will make it easier to enjoy playing in an Illinois online casino real money once allowed.
DraftKings
Like FanDuel, DraftKings focuses on daily fantasy sports. In addition, it’s the retail partner of Casino Queen in East St. Louis. Hence, it can operate legally in Illinois as a sportsbook.
DraftKings is currently unavailable as an Illinois online casino. Nonetheless, once laws are available, it may be among the first ones we can see in the state. In addition, its strong presence in the country suggests it will not be left behind once IL allows online casinos.
One of the biggest selling points of DraftKings is its mobile casino app. Users can play on their mobile phones anytime and anywhere.
With its user-friendly platform, we expect DraftKings to be big in the state. In addition, players will love its clean interface that can optimize their gaming experience.
PointsBet
Claiming to be the fastest-growing online sportsbook in the country, PointsBet legally operates in Illinois for sports betting. Like others on this list, it’s among the first online casinos we expect to see in Illinois once the laws change.
PointsBet launched in 2017 in Australia. From there, it grew to other countries, including the United States. While it was initially for sports betting, it now has an online casino, which we might see in Illinois soon.
Caesars
It’s almost impossible to talk about online casinos in the United States without mentioning Caesars. Currently, Caesars operates in Illinois as a partner of Grand Victoria Casino. The latter is a full-service casino and sportsbook with a physical location.
Because of the nationwide popularity of Caesars, we also expect it to set foot in Illinois once the state allows online casinos. For over 30 years, the brand has been the gold gaming standard, and it also offers amazing rewards to its members, which can contribute to its popularity in the Prairie State.
BetMGM
BetMGM operates in Illinois only as a sportsbook like the rest on this list. It has a license from the Illinois Gaming Board. Further, its presence in the state might also become one of the first legal online casinos in IL once the laws change.
Aside from the diverse library of games, players in Illinois can expect lucrative bonuses once BetMGM becomes legal in the state. The casino also hosts exciting tournaments, offering more chances to win real money.
A Wide Variety of Games at IL Online Casinos
As mentioned, online casinos aren’t legal in Illinois, but such may change soon. When it does, you can expect a diverse selection of games available to local players. These games will take your entertainment to the next level, providing opportunities to win big!
Slots
On top of the list are Illinois online gambling slots. Feel the thrill in every spin while getting lost in the colors and sounds of different slot games. It’s normal for online casinos to offer thousands of slots, so you’ll never run out of options.
Table Games
Like slots, card games need no introduction. These are the same games you can play in a physical casino. The only difference is that you’ll be playing them online.
Below are the most popular table games you might be able to play in Illinois online casinos once they’re legal.
- Poker
- Baccarat
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer games are for you if you want to feel the thrill of playing in an in-person casino. Even at home, you can access games with live dealers. Hence, the experience is more exciting! You can play various table games with a live dealer.
Bonuses You Can Enjoy at Online Casinos in Illinois
Once they are legal, you can expect a variety of bonuses from some of the casinos in the Prairie State. Below is a quick rundown of rewards you can look forward to.
Deposit Bonus
Almost every online casino will offer this type of bonus, so you can also expect to see it in Illinois. As the name implies, the bonus is a way to entice new players to deposit real money. It can give you enough reason to sign up.
In most cases, you’ll receive a percentage back. For instance, a casino can offer a 100% first deposit bonus. Meaning you can get the same amount back as your first deposit, so you won’t technically lose anything. Casinos can also offer a second deposit bonus, a third deposit bonus, and so on.
No Deposit Bonus
While it isn’t as common, online casinos can also offer no-deposit bonuses. So you don’t need to deposit anything to qualify for this promo. This way, you can gain bonus credits that you can use to try the casino before funding using real money.
Free Spins
Many casinos will also offer free spins. In most cases, they’re part of the deposit bonus to welcome new players. In addition, you can get free spin credits, which you can use on certain games.
Reload Bonus
The more you reload credits in your account, the more bonuses you can claim. Some casinos will offer it as a percentage on different days of the week. For instance, you might find some offering a 50% reload bonus every Tuesday.
Loyalty Bonus
Once they’re legal in Illinois, online casinos may also have VIP programs to reward loyal players. The more you play, the more you can progress in a membership tier. Consequently, it can also mean more perks.
High Roller Reward
Keep on playing, and you won’t just advance to the VIP tier. You can also get bonuses that are exclusive to high rollers. For example, you might be able to access exclusive tournaments with huge pot of money.
Referral Bonus
Are you happy with your experience playing in a casino? Then, don’t hesitate to spread the word. Invite your family and friends, and you can get a reward.
In most instances, you will need a link or code to give to others when they sign up.
Choosing the Best Illinois Online Casino
As soon as the state allows the operation of online casinos, you will find several options in the market. However, they’re not all the same. So read on, and we’ll share the crucial considerations to help you narrow down the alternatives.
Game Selection
One of the most important things is for the casino to offer a diverse portfolio of games. This can elevate your gaming experience and entertainment. In addition, the casino must have titles from the most popular software developers.
User Experience
The casino must have a user-friendly interface, which can affect your overall experience. Whether you are using a desktop website or mobile app, find an online casino that won’t be a hassle to use. You might also want to read online reviews and learn from the real-life experiences of other people.
Payment Methods
Consider the available deposit and withdrawal methods, making sure they offer convenience. Credit and debit cards, e-wallets, wire transfers, and bank payments are among the most popular. You might even be able to use cryptocurrencies.
Aside from the payment, you must also consider the speed of the transaction. Plus, you should look at the minimum and maximum limits.
Safety and Security
Research online casinos to be confident of your safety and security. Look only for those with licenses to operate in the state. Consider the encryption technologies and other features that can prevent hacking.
How to Start Playing in an Illinois Online Casino
Once they are legal, it will take only a few minutes before you can try your luck and play in IL online casinos. Of course, the process can differ from platform to platform. In most cases, however, here are the things to do:
- Start by choosing your preferred casino.
- Visit the website or download a mobile app, when available. Before doing so, ensure it’s secure to avoid compromising personal data.
- Hit the sign-up button and provide the necessary details. This can include your name, email address, and age.
- Input a promo or bonus code. The failure to do so will make you ineligible for some rewards, such as the welcome bonus.
- Verify your account with the email address provided.
After verification, you can now start playing. Further, you can already claim the bonus. First, however, take note of the conditions. These can differ from platform to platform, but below are some examples.
- Wagering Requirement refers to the number of times you have to bet before claiming the bonus.
- Expiration: In most instances, the online casino will specify the number of days you have to use the bonus before they are unavailable on your account.
- Game Restrictions: Especially for free spins, you might be able to use the bonus only on specific games.
FAQs about Illinois online casinos
When will Illinois legalize online casinos?
There is no word yet on when online casinos in Illinois will become legal. However, new bills were recently filed, raising hopes that the state will finally legalize online casinos in 2023.
Who regulates the gaming industry in Illinois?
The Illinois Gaming Board is the agency responsible for regulating gaming in the state. It issues licenses to land and river-based casinos, sports betting platforms, and other forms of legal gambling.
What is the legal age for casino gambling in Illinois?
Like in most states, players must be at least 21 to play in Illinois casinos.
What land-based casinos are in Illinois?
Because online casinos are not yet legal in Illinois, their land-based counterparts offer the perfect alternatives. Below are some physical gambling venues in the state:
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Bally’s Quad Cities Casino and Hotel
Par-a-Dice Casino
Rivers Des Plaines
Argosy Casino Alton
Casino Queen
Grand Victoria Casino
Harrah’s Joliet
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Jumer’s Casino and Hotel
What forms of gambling are legal in Illinois?
Land and river-based casinos, retail and online sports betting, horse racing, state lottery, and charitable bingo are currently legal in Illinois.