In Illinois, online casinos are available through offshore operators. Despite having popular riverboat casinos in the state since 1991, Illinois still hasn’t legalized in-state online casinos. For this reason, the best option for online casino gambling in Illinois is through the international sites we recommend at Best US Casinos.
This guide will explain the online gambling situation in Illinois, what you can find at the best sites available, and how to sign up.
Online Casinos
Online Sportsbooks
Poker Rooms
Commercial Casinos
Racebooks
Commercial Sportsbooks
Tribal Casinos
We have carefully reviewed numerous casinos available to Wisconsin residents, and these five are by far the best in their category:
DuckyLuck — Best Online Casino for Cryptocurrency. Become part of the “Crypto Elite” and score great perks like bigger bonuses, weekly cashback and gifts.
Café Casino — Best Live Dealer Experience. Find all the classics like blackjack, baccarat and more, on over 40 tables all hosted by the popular provider, Visionary iGaming studio.
Wild Casino — Best Online Casino for Casual/Specialty Games. Try a big catalog of specialty games including scratch cards, Keno and more, all which can pay out massive jackpots, even with small wagers.
Bovada — Best Online Poker Experience. Try your luck at the $200k Guaranteed Weekly poker tournament, or play cash games for a fast, fun poker environment.
BetUS — Best Online Sportsbook. Place bets on the Chicago Bulls or the Bears with great moneylines, or try alternative bets like, financial betting or political props.
Best Online Casino for Cryptocurrency: DuckyLuck is the perfect online casino for Illinois residents who use cryptocurrency to gamble. They offer deposits with six different cryptos, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and more. On your first deposit, you can receive a 600% crypto deposit match up to $3,000. If you want additional crypto perks, you can deposit crypto at their casino and then contact their staff to sign up for their “Crypto Elite” program. If you enter this program, you will be limited to depositing only with crypto, but the list of benefits you can receive from becoming a member is extensive. First, you will have access to priority payouts, so when you win, you can get your winnings even faster than standard members do when withdrawing with crypto. With the regular rewards program, you receive 5% daily cashback on all your losses. But if you are part of the “Crypto Elite” you will also receive an additional 10% weekly cash back as well. And lastly, exclusively for crypto users, you will also collect comp points from DuckyLuck for each wager that you make. Overall, DuckyLuck’s perks are going to provide Illinois gamblers looking to use crypto with the best rewards possible.
Best Live Dealer Experience: For those who don’t want to travel to one of Illinois’ riverboat casinos, they can get the experience online. One of our favorite options is Café Casino. It has all your favorite games and is the best spot for Illinois gamblers to play live dealer games. Blackjack, a game that has been very popular in Illinois since the days of cruising riverboat casinos, is a big part of Café Casino’s game library. They have over 35 blackjack tables in total, with both standard and Early Payout variations. Early Payout blackjack lets players receive a payout before the hand ends, allowing them to cash out early and avoid possible losses based on the probability of winning. If blackjack isn’t your game, they also have roulette, in American, European, and Auto versions. And finally, Super 6 and Baccarat are also both popular options at Café Casino.
Best Online Casino for Casual/Specialty Games: Online casinos don’t typically have a broad selection of specialty games like scratch cards or keno. Wild Casino excels in this category, by having one of the most impressive catalogs of specialty games we’ve seen. There are over 20 different games available, with 14 scratch cards, two keno games and 6 other styles of games. The scratch cards at Wild Casino are special because they offer huge jackpots for small betting sizes. For example, Turkish Delight gives you the chance to win up to $200,000 by betting only $0.80. Both American Keno and Keno Megapays have an RTP of 90% (Return to Player %), which is high compared to typical specialty game RTP%. If you are looking for a specialty game library with great rewards and tons of gaming options, Wild Casino is a great option for Illinois residents.
Best Online Poker Experience: Poker rooms are popular in Illinois, but if there isn’t one near you, they can be difficult to access. Bovada Poker is easy to access and the best option for IL residents looking to take to the felt. They offer poker in the two most popular variants, Texas Hold ‘Em and Omaha. Poker tournament enthusiasts can indulge in the weekly $200k Guaranteed event, featuring a grand prize pool of $200,000 shared among winners, with a top placement earning a $20,000 prize. If cash games interest you, you can play Quick Seat, where you choose your buy-in amount and get sat at a table to start playing right away. And if you enjoy fast-paced hands, they offer the Bovada exclusive Zone Poker. In Zone Poker, once you have folded, instead of waiting for the hand to conclude, you are seated at a new table instantly and receive a new hand to play. With both fast cash games and lucrative tournaments, Bovada is the best choice for Illinois residents who want to try their luck at online poker.
Best Online Sportsbook: Chicago boasts a rich sports history with storied franchises, iconic athletes, and passionate fan bases. At BetUS, you can bet on Illinois’s best teams, from the iconic Chicago Bears and Bulls to the White Sox and Blackhawks. BetUS is the best option for Illinois sports bettors for numerous reasons. For starters, with a minimum deposit of $100, you can receive a 100% welcome sports bonus up to $2,500, with a 10x rollover requirement. And if you deposit with crypto, you can receive a 150% sports bonus up to $3,750 with a 15x rollover requirement. Second, they have all the most popular betting options, like point spread, moneylines and parlays, just to name a few. Third, BetUS offers excellent media resources like BetUS TV and the Locker Room. BetUS TV is a YouTube channel that covers picks and predictions on sports betting across all the most popular sports like NBA, Premier League, and much more. The Locker Room is a full sports news section of the BetUS website that has content on all the major sports and entertainment. BetUS really has all a sports betting enthusiast could ask for, making it the best online sportsbook for Illinois residents.
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| Rating | 4.6 (Review) | 4.0 (Review) | 4.2 (Review) | 4.7 (Review) |
| Established | 2020 | 2016 | 1994 | 2011 |
| Restricted States | KY, NJ, WA | DE, MA, NV, NJ, NY | None | DE, MA, NV, NJ, NY |
| Specialty | Site Graphics | Live Dealer & Hot Drops Progressive Jackpot | Betting Interface | Offers casino, sports and poker |
| Bonus | $7,500 | $2,500 | $2,500 | $3,750 |
| Payout Speed | 1-2 Days Max | 1-2 Days Max | 1-2 Days Max | 1-2 Days Max |
| Website | Visit DuckyLuck Casino | Visit Café Casino | Visit BetUS | Visit Bovada Casino |
We conduct a comprehensive review by signing up and analyzing each site. This involves looking at six key factors when selecting an online casino that best suits our users.
We evaluate an online casinos’ security, data protection, and dedication to fair gaming practices. We also check to make sure the site is available to Illinois residents.
We review online casinos by comparing the games they offer to their competitors and checking for popular games that Illinois players enjoy.
We assess the overall value of a site’s welcome bonuses, free spins and other promotions.
We evaluate how easy to use and secure the payment methods are for Illinois players, including credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.
We review customer support based on accessibility, communication channels (live chat, email, phone), response times, and issue resolution.
We look for sites that provide customers with a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience on both desktop and mobile devices. We also ensure mobile sites are HTML5 responsive and scale to all mobile devices.
Yes. In Illinois, there are currently 10 riverboat casinos, two horse tracks, a state lottery, and many bingo halls. There are also many establishments that have VGTs (Video Gaming Terminals). These VGTs are mostly found in restaurants and bars. Sports betting is also legal in Illinois. It is available online at in-state sites and in-person at multiple casinos.
As for online gambling, Online casinos are not allowed to operate within Illinois. However, offshore casinos are available to Illinois residents. These platforms fall outside US regulations, ensuring a secure and entertaining gaming environment for all players. Offshore sportsbooks are also available through offshore operators and provide bettors with an alternative to in-state options.
The following is a breakdown of the major laws and regulations governing gambling in Illinois:
Yes, you can access online casinos through offshore operators. Sites like DuckyLuck, BetUS and Bovada are all available for Illinois residents. Since these casinos are based offshore, they are not subject to US jurisdiction and are available in Illinois.
At Best US Casinos, our experts carefully review and check all the online casinos we recommend. This way, we make sure these sites are safe and reliable to guarantee an enjoyable experience.
Best Offshore Casino for Illinois Residents
Just like with online casinos, online poker is accessible in Illinois through the offshore online casinos we recommend. Many of these great casinos offer poker in popular variations like Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi/Lo for your enjoyment.
Best Casino for Online Poker
Sports betting was legalized in Illinois in 2019, when the Sports Wagering Act became law. This act allowed for the expansion of legal sports betting in the state, both in-person at licensed facilities and through online platforms. There are currently 7 sportsbooks available in Illinois, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars. However, it is unlikely the sportsbooks selection will expand any time soon due to high licensing costs in IL.
The offshore sportsbook options that Best US Casinos recommends are also available to Illinois residents, and they could be a better option for you for two main reasons. The first is that in-state sportsbook platforms frequently come with geographic restrictions. This means that if you leave Illinois for any reason, you will likely be unable to place bets until you return to the state. Second, because these offshore sportsbooks are not regulated by US laws, you can try betting options like politics and entertainment that you would not have access to on Illinois-based sportsbooks. So, if you are looking for a flexible sportsbook for your betting needs, options like BetUS and Bovada will definitely be your best choice.
Best Casino for Online Sportsbetting
Yes. You can access online racebooks as an Illinois resident through offshore online gambling sites. A lot of the sportsbooks that we recommend have racebooks attached. Since these sites are often regulated offshore and not under US jurisdiction, you have the option to place bets on races at the two Illinois tracks, Fairmount Park and Hawthorne Race Course, along with international racetracks.
Some of the in-state sportsbook options also offer racebooks. However, the downside of these sites is that you will be geographically limited, so you can only place bets when you are in Illinois.
Best Casino for Online Racebooks
When casino gambling began in Illinois, it started with riverboat casinos in 1991. However, they needed to be moving along a waterway when gambling took place to be considered legal. This law changed in 1999 and riverboats could dock instead. This meant riverboat casinos were effectively land-based, since they were stationary, but still technically on a riverboat. In 2019, the Illinois government agreed to casino expansion, where six licenses were distributed for six new casinos to be built across the state. However, none of these have been built yet. This makes the primary land-based gambling in Illinois either docked riverboat casinos or casinos built over a small amount of water to still be considered legal based on the riverboat laws.
After it was no longer necessary for riverboat casinos to cruise on water to host legal gambling, the casino landscape in Illinois changed significantly. Now, casinos are either stationary riverboats, buildings that look like a riverboat or built over small patches of water, like in the case with Rivers Casino in Del Plaines. Many of them also have in-person sportsbooks and sports betting, after it became legal in 2015.
| Casino | County | Address | What you can find there |
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Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin | Elgin County | 250 South Grove Avenue Elgin, IL 60120 |
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Harrah’s Joliet Casino and Hotel | Will County | 151 N. Joliet St. Joliet, IL 60432 |
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Rivers Casino | Cook County | 3000 S. River Rd. Des Plaines, IL 60018 |
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Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | Tazewell County | 21 Blackjack Blvd East Peoria, IL 61611-2010 |
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Hollywood Casino Joliet | Will County | 2300 Empress Drive Joliet, IL 60436 |
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Poker in Illinois began in the 1970s with the rise of charity poker games. Non-profit organizations, such as churches, schools, and community groups, were allowed to host poker games as fundraisers for charitable purposes. Now, poker is available in different variations at poker rooms across the state, and they are split across live casinos and charity gaming halls.
| Poker Room | Region | Address | What you can find there |
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Rivers Casino Des Plaines | Des Plaines | 3000 S River Rd Des Plaines, IL 60018, USA |
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Grand Victoria Casino | Elgin | 250 S Grove Ave Elgin, IL 60120, USA |
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Horseshoe Casino Hammond | Hammond | 777 Casino Center Dr Hammond, IN 46320, USA |
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Central Illinois Charitable Games | Danville | 409 E. Main St. Danville, IL 61832 |
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Chicagoland Charity Poker | Naperville | 1600 Shore Rd Naperville, IL 60563, United States |
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Horse racing was legalized all the way back in 1927 in Illinois, so there is a rich history of horse racing in the state. There are currently 2 racetracks you can find in IL, with the Arlington Park racetrack recently being demolished for new developments.
| Horse Racing Track | Address | Racing Seasons | Popular Betting Events |
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Fairmount Park | 9301 Collinsville Rd. Collinsville, IL 62234 |
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Hawthorne Race Course | 3501 S. Laramie Stickney/Cicero, IL 60804 |
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VGTs, or Video Gaming Terminals, were legalized back in 2009 as part of the Video Gaming Act. A VGT is very similar to a slot machine, but slot machines are usually single game machines, while at a VGT, you can find multiple different games on one machine.
In Illinois, these machines can be found in bars, restaurants, liquor stores and several other locations. Since, by law, these games must be kept separate from other businesses, you will find VGTs in a different part of each establishment.
In 2019, Illinois amended its VGT laws to change a few things on their operation. Among other things, this increased the maximum wager amount, the amount of machines an establishment can have and an increased terminal tax.
The availability of multiple off-track betting venues across Illinois has significantly enhanced the accessibility of horse racing bets. Although betting used to be centered mostly around the popular Arlington Park racecourse, bettors now have the convenience of nearby off-track betting parlors or online platforms for placing their wagers.
Many of the online casinos that we recommend have off-track betting. However, if you want to make bets at a live location, there are also a number of off-track betting parlors around Illinois.
The Illinois Lottery launched all the way back in 1974. Since 1985, they have contributed more than $24 billion to the Illinois economy.
A quarter of every dollar spent on the Illinois Lottery goes towards supporting public education, capital projects, and other special causes. The revenue breakdown is as follows: 65% paid out as prizes, 25% for good causes, 5% retail commission and 5% operating expenses.
The lottery consists of number pick lottery games like Pick 3, Pick 4 and Mega Millions. They also provide scratch cards like the popular Crossword card available, too.
In Illinois, charitable gaming halls are places run by approved non-profit organizations that host legal gambling activities to raise funds for charitable purposes. There are fourteen games permitted at these halls, such as blackjack, bingo, gin rummy, poker, and roulette. To obtain a license, organizations must qualify as non-profit, such as churches, schools, and community groups. A licensed organization may hold up to four charitable game events per year.
Bingo is one of the most popular of these games. Bingo Halls are a big part of Illinois gaming, with 54 in Chicago alone. If you are interested in playing bingo in Illinois, simply check for a bingo hall near you.
Social casinos are online platforms or apps that offer simulated gambling using tokens or virtual currency. You can play some games for free, but you can also buy virtual currency to keep playing. Sweepstakes casinos let players participate in games for a chance to win prizes. Both types of casinos offer virtual slots, poker, blackjack, and roulette for entertainment.
If this type of gaming is of interest to you, sites like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots are available to Illinois residents.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a form of sports betting where you assemble virtual sports teams and compete with other people based on real-life athlete performances. Compete in daily or weekly contests featuring popular sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. If you are interested in taking part in this style of sports betting, DraftKings and FanDuel are both options you can try out.
The Video Gaming Act from 2009 was responsible for a boost in the popularity of slot machines in Illinois. Between 2019 and 2022, the revenue of VGTs (Video Gaming Terminals) nearly doubled, and since most of these are slot games, slots are continuing to grow in popularity even now. If you’re looking to get in on the action, there are a ton of excellent online casinos to play real money slots.
Regular WSOP events are often held in locations like Chicago. There are also lots of live charity poker events held on a regular basis. In Illinois, poker is a popular game, both live and online. Sites like Bovada and BetUS are great spots to start playing online poker now.
Roulette is not as popular as some other casino games in Illinois, but it is still very well liked. You can find it at most land-based casinos in the state. If you’re looking to play online, most online casinos offer popular variations of the game such as European, American, and Auto Roulette.
This is a timeline of Illinois’ gambling history, beginning with the most recent events:
August 2023
Currently in IL, the only online options for casinos are offshore. Online poker also only has offshore options. In terms of sportsbooks, aside from offshore sites, there are 7 options available in the state, including brands like DraftKings and FanDuel.
March 2023
The Illinois General Assembly makes progress on legislation that would legalize online casinos in Illinois.
June 2020
Rivers Casino in Des Plaines launches mobile sports betting in Illinois, becoming the first in-state sports betting app.
March 2020
Rivers Casino in Des Plaines opens BetRivers Sportsbook, becoming the first legal in-state sports betting location in Illinois. March 9th marks the date for the first legal sports wager in Illinois.
June 2019
The Illinois Sports Wagering Act is passed. This allows gamblers to place bets on sporting events at licensed locations.
November 2019
The Illinois Gaming Board grants Rivers Casino, the state’s first land-based casino license. This allows the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines to relocate and upsize, now that it does not have to be built over water.
February 2011
Rivers Casino company builds Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, IL, over a shallow pit of water to comply with the original riverboat gambling laws. Despite being over water, it is the first casino that isn’t a river boat in the state of Illinois.
July 2009
The Video Gaming Act passes, legalizing video gambling machines in bars, restaurants, and other locations.
May 1999
Gov. George Ryan signs the Riverboat Gambling Act, which means riverboats no longer have to cruise the river to allow legal gambling. Because of this, all riverboats simply dock and effectively become land-based casinos.
September 1991
The first riverboat casino in Illinois, the Alton Belle Casino, opens. This marks the beginning of legal casino gambling in the state.
February 1990
Illinois becomes the second US state to legalize riverboat gambling. This allows riverboat casinos to operate on the state’s waterways, but gambling is only legal when boats are cruising on water.
July 1974
Illinois Department of the Lottery establishes The Illinois Lottery, offering various lottery games to the public.
The first in-person sports bet in Illinois was made on March 9th, 2020. Since then, as of 2023, the state has already surpassed $1 billion in sports bets made in-person. The sports betting industry in The Prairie State is growing rapidly. Betway, a well-known online sportsbook operator, stands as the sole contender seeking to acquire one of the three online-only casino licenses the state is offering. If they do acquire this license, Betway will be able to operate in the state without being linked to any land-based casino entity.
In terms of online casinos, there has been legislation put forward to the Illinois General Assembly to legalize online casinos. However, due to some roadblocks, this bill did not pass back in March 2023. This means that online casinos will not be made legal in the immediate future. Therefore, the best options for Illinois online gamblers are the offshore casinos that Best US Casinos recommends.
When you want to sign up for an online casino, you will want to make sure you complete a few key steps, so you don’t miss anything important.
Start by researching and comparing a trustworthy online casino that accepts Illinois players, such as the ones we recommend. Consider factors like game selection, bonuses, reputation, and payment options, and look for licensed and regulated platforms with positive reviews.
Visit the selected online casino’s website and click on the “Register” or “Sign Up” button. Provide your personal information, including name, address, date of birth, and email address. Create a username that is unique and a strong password for your account. A link will then be sent to your email that you’ll need to verify before you can proceed to the next step.
Before making your first deposit, we suggest checking if the online casino offers any welcome bonuses or promotions to increase your bankroll and improve your playing experience. Make sure you read the bonus terms and conditions carefully.
Select the best payment method for you to make your deposit. Most online casinos offer various options, including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers and cryptocurrency. Be sure to choose the method that works best for you.
Ensure you are logged in to your casino account. Navigate to the “Cashier” or “Deposit” section. Choose your preferred deposit method, then put in the amount you can deposit, then follow the instructions to complete the transaction. Be aware of any minimum or maximum amounts for the deposit imposed by the casino. Your funds should be credited to your account instantly or within a short period.
If you are eligible for a bonus, you must claim it during the deposit process. Some casinos might then request that you enter a bonus code, while others activate it automatically. Ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully to understand any wagering requirements.
Upon completing your deposit, the online casino will typically provide a confirmation message or display your updated account balance. Make sure to jot down any transaction reference numbers for future reference.
Remember that online casinos available to Illinois players like the ones we suggest have a wide range of games. These games include slots, table games, live dealer games, and more. It’s crucial to choose a game that interests you and suits your playing style and budget. Before placing bets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the pay table and game rules to ensure you understand the game strategy and increase your chances of winning!
With funds in your online account, you can now place your bets and start playing. Remember to manage your bankroll responsibly and responsibly gamble within your limits. Enjoy your online casino experience in Illinois!
According to a study done by the Illinois Department of Human Services in 2022, an estimated 383,000 Illinoisans have a gambling problem, and another 761,000 are estimated to be at risk of developing one. If you feel that you have a problem with gambling, be sure to reach out for help. Common gambling addiction symptoms include a constant strong urge to gamble, increased preoccupation with gambling and loss of control over gambling behavior.
To make sure you’re gambling responsibly try to:
Set Limits — Limits are a key part of making sure you don’t lose control of your gambling habits.
Practice good bankroll management — Betting between a maximum of 1-2% of your bankroll on any one bet is a good way to keep your funds healthy.
Only play at reputable casinos — Choose to gamble at online casinos that have ways to help you control your gambling, like built in limits or cut-offs after a certain amount of time.
Gamblers’ Anonymous — http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/
National Council on Problem Gambling — http://www.ncpgambling.org
National Problem Gambling Helpline Network — 800-522-4700
Illinois Department of Human Services: Gambling Help — https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=117443
