Are online casinos legal in illinois
New casino sites to play real money
Riverboat casinos made their first appearance in the 1840’s. After the civil war, the majority of unregulated gambling was stopped. Illinois was involved in gambling in horseracing from the 1920’s and was one of the first mid-western states to introduce the lottery. It took until the 1990’s for the casino to make a legal comeback. There were some nuances in the law in that all casinos had to be on the water, must close for a few hours every day and also that the boat must sail every two hours, all of which make gambling in illinois a unique experience. The casinos in illinois offer a wide variety of games including: slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and poker .
Guide to online casinos in illinois: the best illinois casino sites for 2020
Illinois legalized their first casinos in 1991 and have proved very popular. Casinos are only allowed on the water and generally are on riverboats. Legally each casino must close for at least two hours in a 24 hour time period. All casino games were legal from the beginning although not all casinos host every game type. There are nine casinos currently operating in illinois. Unfortunately, online casinos are not legal in illinois. There have been attempts to legalize but there is a concern it might affect other land based gambling sites.
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Available casino games in illinois
The casinos in illinois offer a wide variety of games including: slot machines, blackjack, roulette, craps and poker .
It is possible to place bets on horseracing and purchase lottery tickets online, but there are no online casino games available.
- Roulette – players win by guessing where the ball lands when the wheel stops spinning.
- Blackjack – players try to get a card hand as close to 21 as possible.
- Craps – very popular game based on rolling certain combinations of two dice.
- Slots – both video slots and mechanical slots are available.
- Poker – hugely popular card game with many variations of playing type.
Biggest illinois land-based casinos
One of the most popular casinos in illinois is the hollywood casino joliet. The hotel and casino has over 1100 game machines and 20 table games including five poker tables. The par-A-dice casino, opened in 1992 boasts four decks of entertainment with gambling, bar and restaurants.
- Hollywood casino joliet: 777 hollywood blvd., joliet, illinois
- Par-A-dice hotel casino – 21 blackjack blvd., east peoria, illinois
- Rivers casino des plaines – 3000 S. River road, des plaines, illinois
- Harrah’s casino joliet – 100 east front street, illinois
- Casino queen – 200 south front street, east st. Louis, illinois
History of casino gambling in illinois
Riverboat casinos made their first appearance in the 1840’s. After the civil war, the majority of unregulated gambling was stopped. Illinois was involved in gambling in horseracing from the 1920’s and was one of the first mid-western states to introduce the lottery. It took until the 1990’s for the casino to make a legal comeback. There were some nuances in the law in that all casinos had to be on the water, must close for a few hours every day and also that the boat must sail every two hours, all of which make gambling in illinois a unique experience.
| year | event |
|---|---|
| 1818 | illinois joins the union |
| 1927 | horseracing gambling is permitted with the state. |
| 1974 | illinois becomes the first mid-west state to begin a state lottery. |
| 1991 | casinos are legalized in illinois but only allowed on water. They must close for two hours every 24 hour period. They also have to go into the water every two hours. |
| 1999 | the law stating the casino must set sail every two hours is repealed. Casinos can expand into floating casinos rather than being functional boats. |
| 2008 | illinois is the first state to ban smoking in casinos, this created a 20% drop in revenue. The casinos still see a healthy spend from visitors. |
| 2019 | sports betting is approved by lawmakers and is now available at casinos. |
Casino gambling age in illinois
The minimum age in illinois is 21 years old, as there is no online casino recognized by the state there is no minimum age. It is possible for anyone over 18 to take part in the state lottery. Minors may be allowed into the casino buildings but are not allowed on the gambling floor.
Responsible gambling and addiction prevention
The illinois gaming board offers several different options of help and support for people with gambling problems. In 2002 a statewide initiative was launched to help people self-exclude themselves from all illinois casinos. A problem gambling registry is also available which provides information on problem gambling and help or advice. The illinois gaming board website provides phone numbers, links to the forms and other useful information.
Can I play without deposit?
Online casino gaming is not allowed by the current legislation of illinois and as a consequence, the gamblers residing there lack the opportunity to take advantage of any no deposit offers. Some casino operators based outside the state, do cater to illinois players and let them claim no deposit bonuses. That means a certain sum of bonus money is provided either on signup or as a part of a temporary promotion. Such deals are usually subject to play-through requirements which define the number of times the bonus money has to be wagered before becoming available for withdrawal. These offers vary on a site by site basis but are widely available.
Upcoming casino regulation and expected changes
Illinois has a very strong casino industry and a strong gambling industry in general. The biggest change that is likely to be introduced is the legalization of online poker. There have been many attempts to legalize casino games online but it is seen as a potential threat to other gambling. The recent law change to allow sports betting online has given poker players new hope that the change will happen sooner rather than later. IF you are looking for a change, you can visit one of the many casinos in virginia, which are all excellently equipped.
Guide to online gambling in illinois: the best illinois gambling sites for 2020
Illinois daily fantasy
Like with many other states, there is currently no legislation governing daily fantasy games in illinois. This doesn’t mean that players in the state can’t play DFS, rather that it’s an unregulated market and that things have the potential to change in coming years. For now, players can bet freely online.
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Gambling laws in illinois
Due to the state’s complete ban on online gambling you’d be forgiven for assuming that illinois is pretty restrictive when it comes to betting. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. As a matter of fact, the state is quite liberal when it comes to riverboat gambling, pari-mutuel race and bingo betting, and lotteries. While things aren’t looking great currently for players who prefer to get their thrills on the internet, the winds of change are certainly blowing. 2018 saw the repeal of the professional and amateur sports protection act, which means all states in the US now have the right and ability to enact their own betting laws. Theoretically, this could allow for the legalization of online gambling in illinois in the rear future.
With that in mind, be sure to check this page regularly to stay updated on any developments regarding the legality of online gambling in illinois.
Illinois sports betting
We are extremely excited because of the last changes in the illinois laws! Since may 2019, steps are taken towards the legalisation of sports betting in the state. Of course, authorities and companies are, right, now in discussions and negotiations, trying to find the best possible solution. The main goal is to make the sports betting safe for all players and of course to fight with the practices that are happening under the table, in the face of the black market. Obviously, the change of heart didn’t come just because of the sports lovers, but also because the legalisation will fuel the state’s economy as well. And as you most likely know, illinois has a great passion for sports. Chicago is hometown to the chicago bulls and chicago bears, after all. If you are eager to learn more, you can check our detailed page about illinois sports betting.
Illinois lottery
Citizens and visitors of the prairie state should feel lucky compared to most of the territories comprising the US because here the online lottery has been completely legalized for quite some time now. In fact, illinois was the very first state where it was made legal ou of the entire country. As time has passed, more and more options have become available for the ones wanting to test their luck and win life-altering amounts from either the US powerball, or the mega millions lotto. In case you want to know more, don’t hesitate to check out our thorough illinois lottery page.
History of gambling in illinois
Gambling in the state has its roots as far back as the 19th century, and the industry has seen many changes in legislation come and go over the years. Though casinos in illinois started springing up in the 1880s, it wasn’t until the 1920s when horse race betting was legalized that the illinois gambling industry was truly able to flourish.
| year | event |
|---|---|
| 1880s | despite their illegality, many riverboat casinos operated throughout illinois, attracting gamblers from all over the nation. |
| 1927 | the first gambling laws introduced in the state legalized horse race betting. |
| 1975 | the introduction of the illinois horse racing act further regulates the races and transforms the industry into a major tourist attraction. |
| 1990 | riverboat casinos are officially legalized, thanks to the riverboat gambling act. |
| 1999 | previous restrictions requiring riverboats to be in motion for gaming to commence are repealed, meaning players can enjoy table games and slots even on docked riverboat casinos. |
| 2009 | the video gaming act is introduced, allowing liquor-pouring establishments to feature video gaming terminals for use by their patrons. |
| 2018 | the professional and amateur sports protection act is repealed, paving the way for more changes to legislation in the near future. |
Illinois state facts
Illinois officially became a state in 1818, and today is the sixth most populous state in the union. Its official state slogan is “land of lincoln”, referring to its status as the birthplace of abraham lincoln. Throughout its history the state has been known as a valuable industrial hub, as well as the home to jazz and blues music.
| population | 12,741,080 |
|---|---|
| min. Income | $1,430.00 |
| biggest offline gambling location | rivers casino des plaines |
| gambling commissioner | illinois gaming board |
| spoken languages | english, spanish |
| biggest local sports team | chicago bulls |
| illinois tax authority | illinois department of revenue |
| link to the state law | http://www.Ilga.Gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs2.Asp?Chapterid=25 |
| gambling winning tax | 25% |
| state website link | https://www2.Illinois.Gov/ |
| famous local gamblers | wyatt earp |
Gambling age in illinois
As with most states, the legal gambling age in illinois depends on which game you plan on playing. For lotteries, pari-mutuel betting, bingo and pull-tab games, players need only be 18 years of age. When it comes to playing on any of the state’s many river cruise casinos, however, you’ll need to be 21 years of age.
Responsible gambling and addiction prevention
There are many resources available for problem gamblers in the state of illinois. As of 2002, the illinois gaming board operates a statewide riverboat casino voluntary self-exclusion program. In 2018 the board introduced a voluntary, confidential problem gambling registry. By entering into the registry, players in need of help can receive informative emails about treatment resources and addiction prevention. Those entered into the register can also remove themselves at any time.
Upcoming regulation and expected changes
Though there is currently no planned changes to legislation on the horizon, that doesn’t mean that everything discussed on this page is set in stone. As previously mentioned, the 2018 repeal of the professional and amateur sports protection act could pave the way for changes in legislation in many states across the US. Be sure to check back regularly for updates regarding gambling in illinois.
Online casinos IL 2020
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Gambling laws in illinois
Earlier this year, legislators in illinois passed a large expansion of legal gambling in the state. The legislation allows for casinos in chicago as well as five other locations. And, it allows for slot machines as well as gambling tables at horse racing venues.
The legislation will also allow for chicago airports to install slot machines. Plus, it addresses legalizing sports betting at venues like wrigley field, soldier field, as well as the united center. And, licensed bars, restaurants, fraternal and veterans organizations as well as small truck stops will be allowed to have up to six video gambling terminals each. This is up to one from the five the previous law allowed.
As far as online gambling in online casinos IL legislation, it is a bit more complicated. It is still illegal to own or operate a website that gives players the ability to play a game of chance or skill for money. Or, that allows them to place a wager on the outcome of an event.
However, this technically means it is only illegal to operate online casinos in illinois, not to use one. But, that technicality still pretty much outlaws any illinois online casino.
Is it legal to play at online casinos in IL?
So, as mentioned above, there is no legal illinois online casino as of yet. However, several casinos in illinois will now be allowed under new legislation that is expected to be signed into law. That means that illinois online casino legislation could be coming soon as well.
Additionally, illinois also does not have legal daily fantasy sports in the state. So, operators like draftkings and fanduel must be clamoring to break their way into the illinois market. With the new sports betting legalization, this may be set to change very soon.
What about illinois online poker?
So, you may still be wondering, does illinois have legal online poker? Well, unfortunately for those hoping for illinois online poker, the state still does not allow it. But, with the expansion of sports betting that recently passed, illinois online poker could be on the horizon.
Possible online casinos illinois operators
Illinois is the sixth largest state in the united states. So, when it does legalize the operation of online casinos, many casino operators will be eager to break into the market. And, you can bet you will see many of the same online casino operators that have popped up in other states.
888casino
Because of the 888casino brand’s success in states like new jersey, you can expect they will want to move into the illinois market. And, they will probably be keen to capitalize on any legal online poker legislation that will pass as well. The 888 brand also has its own 888poker website.
Plus, 888casino has recently debuted a live dealer option. The live games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, hold ‘em, and three card. It is up and running for a certain portion of the day as it is live. And, 888casino has an app available for ios/iphone devices as well as android devices.
In addition, 888casino offers a welcome bonus to new customers. New customers receive free bonus cash upon creating a new account. This is even without a deposit. 888casino also has a deposit match offer for first two qualifying deposits. And, the brand offers a deal of the day. It is something that users should keep up to date on. There are plenty of different useful promotions and features this brand offers. Given how popular it is, it is safe to assume that it is going to join the market once all the legal barriers are lifted.
Betfair online casino
Betfair casino has already capitalized on the new jersey online casino market. It has both free and real money options on the website. And, it offers over three hundred casino games. Plus, users get bonus cash just for creating a new account – no deposit needed.
And, betfair has a 100% first qualifying deposit match offered up to a certain amount in bonus cash. Additionally, the website also offers a refer a friend program. The program offers both you and the friend you refer bonus cash if the friend referred signs up for a new account.
In addition, betfair has a loyalty rewards program. The program allows users to play games that earn points. The points earn users upgraded tier levels as well as rewards. And, the website gives customers access to many games such as slots, classic table games, plus jackpots, new virtual games and live dealer options.
Caesars online casino
The caesars casino brand is very well known because of their retail casino locations in many states. Caesars website boasts that not only is it one of the best and trusted names in sports betting, but also in casino gaming. Caesars online casino is already operational and successful in new jersey.
The online casino has games such as slots and table games, plus progressives as well as video poker. And, caesars offers a loyalty rewards program online as well as offline in their casinos. The program gives customers the chance to earn rewards tier credits. The same goes for rewards credits.
Furthermore, the caesars online casino has a great sign up offer. Simply for creating a new account, a user will receive bonus cash. And, the online casino offers a 100% first qualifying deposit match up to a specified amount. As if that is not enough, caesars online also has an app for iphones/ios users and android users alike.
Bet365 online casino
Bet365 has expanded its offerings by launching apps for ios/iphone users and android device users. According to my experience, the app is free to download. However, you must have an up to date operating system as well as sufficient memory to download and install the app.
Bet365 has plenty to offer to its visitors. That is what I was able to see with this brand. The expansion of this brand probably positively affect illinois residents, as healthy competition is always welcome in any market.
Furthermore, I can assume that this brand probably features plenty of different promotions available for both new and existing customers. It is necessary to remain patient see what the brand will present, if and when it goes live.
Sugarhouse online casino
The sugarhouse casino is known for its retail casino location. Pennsylvania is home of this brand. However, the sugarhouse casino also has an online casino in new jersey.
The sugarhouse online casino offers a welcome bonus that will match a customer’s first qualifying deposit. The brand offers an app for ios/iphone users and android customers currently. In addition, customers receive a special bonus promotion when they download and install the app on their device.
Plus, the sugarhouse casino app has promotions that are offered solely to app users. The online gaming portion of the app, casino4fun, allows customers to play online casino games. And, there is a sportsbook option offer as well called sportsbook4fun. However, the only real money part of the application is called playsugarhouse.
Final words
Online casino IL legislation does not appear to be far off. Considering that legal sports betting legislation was just passed, the state seems poised to start legalization other forms of gambling. So, we can expect to see legal online poker in the future as well.
Plus, considering the fact that illinois has approved the addition of retail casinos, it is expected that online casinos will be forthcoming. Whatever casino operators move into the state may want to launch their own online casinos eventually as well. So, illinois casino fans should have a lot to look forward to.
When online casinos launch in the state, it is expected to have a favorable impact on the economy of illinois. So, there is a lot of good to be had with the legalization of online gambling in illinois. Hopefully, the state will get the ball moving on the necessary legislation sooner rather than later.
Illinois online gambling
Illinois approves of a wide range of gambling, though it does not have land-based casinos at present. Illinois is the sixth most populous US state and has a large, vibrant gambling industry. The state has legal riverboat casinos, racetrack betting, video lottery terminals, and charitable gambling.
Though the state’s laws are fairly permissive, the state still does not have commercial land-based casinos, legal sports betting, or licensed daily fantasy sports. Each of those could change in the coming years, as senate bill 7 (S7) could amend several of illinois’ longstanding gambling acts.
Illinois’ charitable gaming community includes tens of thousands of charity organizations and a half-dozen forms of charitable gambling. A 2013 amendment to the charitable games act legalized “poker runs”, which are a popular form of charitable gaming not found in many states. Illinois also allows several forms of charitable gaming popular in midwestern and plains states, such as pull-tab games and pickle games.
Best illinois online casinos, sportsbooks & poker sites 2020
Laws that pertain to illinois gambling
Relevant state code: 18-3801 et seq.; 54-2501 et seq.
Illinois allows many forms of gambling, though its attorney generals have taken public stances against unregulated and unlicensed gambling in the past. The state has a broad view of what constitutes gambling, which gives regulators and law enforcement broad authority to prosecute illegal gaming. Notice the broad definition in the relevant code.
Section 28-1
A person commits gambling when he:
Plays a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value
Riverboat gambling act
(230 ILCS 10/3) (from ch. 120, par. 2403)
3. Riverboat gambling authorized.
(c) riverboat gambling conducted pursuant to this act may be authorized upon any water within the state of illinois or any water other than lake michigan which constitutes a boundary of the state of illinois. A licensee may conduct riverboat gambling authorized under this act regardless of whether it conducts excursion cruises. A licensee may permit the continuous ingress and egress of passengers for the purpose of gambling.
Native american gaming compact act
(230 ILCS 35/5)
5. General assembly approval of native american gaming compacts.
Before the governor may enter into a compact with a native american tribe authorizing the native american tribe to conduct gambling in illinois, the governor must submit a request for authority to enter into the compact to the general assembly. The governor must include with that submission a copy of the proposed compact.
If the general assembly enacts legislation authorizing the governor to enter into the compact within 30 session days after the submission of the request by the governor to the general assembly under subsection (a), the governor may enter into the compact. If the general assembly does not enact legislation authorizing the governor to enter into the compact within 30 session days after the submission of the request by the governor to the general assembly under subsection (a), the governor may not enter into the compact.
Video gambling act
5. Definitions. As used in this act:
“video gaming terminal” means any electronic video game machine that, upon insertion of cash, electronic cards or vouchers, or any combination thereof, is available to play or simulate the play of a video game, including but not limited to video poker, line up, and blackjack, as authorized by the board utilizing a video display and microprocessors in which the player may receive free games or credits that can be redeemed for cash. The term does not include a machine that directly dispenses coins, cash, or tokens or is for amusement purposes only.
“licensed establishment” means any licensed retail establishment where alcoholic liquor is drawn, poured, mixed, or otherwise served for consumption on the premises, whether the establishment operates on a nonprofit or for-profit basis. “licensed establishment” includes any such establishment that has a contractual relationship with an inter-track wagering location licensee licensed under the illinois horse racing act of 1975, provided any contractual relationship shall not include any transfer or offer of revenue from the operation of video gaming under this act to any licensee licensed under the illinois horse racing act of 1975.
(230 ILCS 30/) charitable games act
- 2. Definitions. For purposes of this act, the following definitions apply:
- “charitable games” means the 14 games of chance involving cards, dice, wheels, random selection of numbers, and gambling tickets which may be conducted at charitable games events listed as follows: roulette, blackjack, poker, pull tabs, craps, bang, beat the dealer, big six, gin rummy, five card stud poker, chuck-a-luck, keno, hold-em poker, and merchandise wheel.
- “charitable games event” or “event” means the type of fundraising event authorized by the act at which participants pay to play charitable games for the chance of winning cash or noncash prizes.
- “qualified organization” means:
- A charitable, religious, fraternal, veterans, labor, educational organization, or other institution organized and conducted on a not-for-profit basis with no personal profit inuring to anyone as a result of the operation and which is exempt from federal income taxation under sections 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(5), 501(c)(8), 501(c) (10) or 501(c)(19) of the internal revenue code;
- A veteran’s organization as defined in section 1.1 of the “bingo license and tax act” organized and conducted on a not-for-profit basis with no personal profit inuring to anyone as a result of the operation; or
- An auxiliary organization of a veteran’s organization.
- “religious organization” means any church, congregation, society, or organization founded for the purpose of religious worship.
- “sponsoring organization” means a qualified organization that has obtained a license to conduct a charitable games event in conformance with the provisions of this act.
- “veterans’ organization” means an organization comprised of members of which substantially all are individuals who are veterans or spouses, widows, or widowers of veterans, the primary purpose of which is to promote the welfare of its members and to provide assistance to the general public in such a way as to confer a public benefit.
What gambling is legal in the state of illinois?
Illinois licenses and regulates several forms of gambling. The illinois state lottery is legal and the state is a part of the mega millions and powerball multi-state lottery association. Illinois has pari-mutuel wagering on horse races at six racetracks and 23 off-track betting facilities.
Riverboat gambling is allowed. Illinois has nine riverboat casinos, while the legislature has discussed approving land-based casinos in the past (nothing pending). The state has charitable bingo for nonprofit organizations.
Illinois allows licensed bars, restaurants, and other establishments to place up to five video lottery terminals (vlts) per venue. The state legislature approved VLT gambling in 2009. By 2017, the VLT industry generated more revenue per year than the riverboat casino industry.
Which forms of gambling are legal in illinois?
Type of gambling – offered/licensed? – notes & restrictions
- Online gambling – no – illinois has made no attempt to legalize online poker or casinos.
- Land-based casinos – yes – no, but nine riverboat casinos exist.
- Charitable gaming – yes – bingo. A handful of bingo halls operate.
- Lottery betting – yes – illinois has a state lottery, plus it allows the sale of powerball and mega millions tickets at hundreds of vendors.
- Minimum gambling age – 18 for lotteries, pari-mutuel betting, bingo. 21 for riverboat casinos.
Illinois online poker laws
Name of bill – year submitted – lawmaker – supporters
House sponsors for senate bill 7 are rep. Robert rita, chad hays, rita mayfield, and litesa E. Wallace.
Illinois daily fantasy sports laws
In 2015, attorney general lisa madigan gave her opinion that daily fantasy sports is illegal. This prompted a lawsuit by draftkings and fanduel, which itself prompted lisa madigan to countersue. Ironically, draftkings and fanduel now want both suits dropped, because lisa madigan (whose tenure ends in january 2019) said her opinion did not have the force of laws.
If S7 is signed into law, it looks like daily fantasy sports would be included in its passage. During the oct. 2018 hearing, rep. Lou lang said he supports other forms of gambling to raise revenues – which presumably would include DFS.
Does illinois have land-based casinos?
No, but illinois has nine riverboat casinos. Neighboring indiana passed laws to allow its riverboat casinos to move inland to brick-and-mortar casinos, which allow for more gaming space, convention halls, live concert venues, and other attractions. The indiana cities of gary and hammond are suburbs of chicago, meaning indiana’s land-based casinos compete directly with illinois casinos. For that reason, illinois might allow land-based casinos in the near future.
Which cardrooms & casinos in illinois are near me?
Argosy’s casino alton: 1 piasa street alton, illinois 62002-6276
Telephone:(800) 711-GAME
Games available: 827 slot machines, 3 poker tables, 9 gaming tables
Hollywood casino: 1 west new york street,
aurora, illinois 60506-4120
Telephone:(800) 888-7777
Games available: 1,100 slot machines, 7 poker tables, 21 gaming tables
Rivers casino: 3000 south river road,
des plaines, illinois 60018-4201
Telephone:
(888) 307-0777
Games available: 1,022 slot machines, 51 poker and gaming tables
Par-A-dice hotel casino: 21 blackjack boulevard,
east peoria, illinois 61611-2011
Telephone: (800) 332-5634
Games available: 924 slot machines, 5 poker tables, 26 gaming tables
Casino queen hotel: 200 front street,
east saint louis, illinois 62201-1222
Telephone: (800) 777-0777
Games available: 1,081 gaming machines, 3 poker tables, 23 gaming tables
Grand victoria casino: 250 south grove avenue,
elgin, illinois 60120-6447
Telephone: (847) 468-7000
Games available: 1,088 gaming machines, 4 poker tables, 38 gaming tables
Hollywood casino: 777 hollywood boulevard,
joliet, illinois 60436-1097
Telephone: (888) 436-7737
Games available: 1,100 gaming machines, 25 poker and gaming tables
Harrah’s joliet casino and hotel: 151 north joliet street,
joliet, illinois 60432-4018
Telephone: (800) 427-7247
Games available: 1,100 gaming machines, 8 poker tables, 31 gaming tables
Harrah’s metropolis casino: 100 east front street,
metropolis, illinois 62960-2257
Telephone: (800) 935-1111
Games available: 836 gaming machines, 4 poker tables, 17 gaming tables
Jumer’s casino and hotel: 777 jumers drive, rock island, illinois 61201-7606
Telephone: (800) 477-7747
Games available: 996 gaming machines, 6 poker tables, 22 gaming tables
Does illinois have any legal betting tracks / shops?
Yes, illinois has six legal racetracks where horse racing takes place and pari-mutuel wagers are legal. These are centered in the north of the state in the greater chicago metropolitan area and in the south of the state across the mississippi river from st. Louis, missouri. Illinois does not allow betting shops.
Legal horse betting tracks in illinois
Arlington park: 2200 west euclid avenue, arlington heights, illinois 60005-1004
Telephone:(847) 385-7500
Race book: yes
Hawthorne race casino: 3501 south laramie avenue, cicero, illinois 60804-4598
Telephone:(708) 780-3700
Race book: yes
Fairmont park:9301 collinsville road, collinsville, illinois 62234-1799
Telephone: (314) 436-1516
Race book: yes
Duquoin state fairgrounds: 655 executive drive, du quoin, illinois 62832-3850
Telephone: (618) 542-1515
Race book: yes
Brown county fairgrounds: 309 fairground street, mount sterling, illinois 62353
Telephone: (217) 773-3939
Race book: yes
Illinois state fairgrounds: 801 east sangamon avenue, springfield, illinois 62702-1813
Telephone:(217) 782-6661
Race book: yes
Is off-track betting legal in illinois?
Illinois has 23 off-track betting facilities. These have simulcast betting and a full range of horse races from around the world. Below is a list of the names and addresses of the 23 off-track betting facilities in the state.
List of illinois facilities permitting off-track betting?
Mac’s time out: 315 belle street, alton, illinois 62002-6116
Telephone:(618) 465-1006
Race book: yes
The foundry: 85 executive drive, aurora, illinois 60504-4101
Telephone:(630) 499-0294
Race book: yes
Mcq’s sports, brew and BBQ: 730 north bolingbrook drive, route 53 bolingbrook, illinois 60440-5308
Telephone: (630) 739-1592
Race book: yes
Club corliss OTB:11203 south corliss, chicago, illinois 60628
Telephone: (773) 995-8238
Race book: yes
Joe’s bar on weed street:940 west weed street, chicago, illinois 60642-2539
Telephone: (312) 787-9600
Race book: yes
Club crestwood OTB: 13148 rivercrest drive, crestwood, illinois 60418-4452
Telephone: (708) 489-4700
Race book: yes
At the post sports bar and grill: 554 east devon, elk grove village, illinois 60007-4676
Telephone: (847) 364-4122
Race book: yes
Does illinois allow charitable gambling?
Yes. The national center for charitable statistic said illinois had over 61,000 nonprofit organizations as of 2012. Charitable gaming is allowed, including bingo, pickle games, pull-tabs, and poker runs. Illinois has fewer bingo halls than one might expect, because so many other forms of charitable gaming exist.
In 2013, the illinois legislature passed house bill 2520 and its companion piece, senate bill 3312, which made “poker runs” legal. A poker run is an event where people on motorcycles, bicycles, or other vehicles travel to 5 or more locations (usually bars or restaurants) and draw on playing card from a deck. The winner is the player at the end of the run with the best hand. Poker runs are a popular way for charitable organizations to raise funds.
Originally, to organize a poker run, a motorcycle club or other charity had to pay a $600 fee to organize an event, while each bar owner had to pay a $150 free to license their venue as a run stop. This led to fee sometimes in excess of the money raised for charity. The 2013 law simplified the fee process to $25 and made poker runs more popular.
Bingo halls in illinois:
Tazewell bingo center: 1010 north main street, creve coeur, illinois 61610-3192
Telephone:(309) 698-8117
# of seats: 350
Nameoki bingo center: 13 nameoki village, granite city, illinois 62040
Telephone: (618) 877-7771
# of seats: 200
Majestic hall: 830 north state route 121, mount zion, illinois 62549-1434
Telephone: (217) 864-3842
# of seats: 550
Is social gaming allowed in illinois?
Social gaming is allowed in illinois, though no specific law exists to regulate such gaming. In march 2016, illinois district judge edmond chang tossed a class action lawsuit by thousands of illinois social gamers against doubledown interactive, the social casino division of international game technology (IGT).
The plaintiffs sought to use the illinois loss recovery act (ILRA) to claim they lost between $50 to $1000 gambling with real money on doubledown casino and thus should be reimbursed. Judge chang said state law required both sides to risk something of value for a game to be considered gambling. He ruled that a person cannot “lose” chips they bought, because there is no way to be reimbursed for the virtual chips. Also, doubledown’s “risking potential future sales is not the same thing” as risking real cash, so social casino games are not a form of gambling.
Illinois online gambling law FAQ
Illinois passed legal sports betting in 2019. Several sportsbooks launched in september and october 2019, while those same venues expect to launch sports betting sites in the coming months. At the same time, illinois gamblers can play at offshore online sportsbooks, if they wish to play in the unregulated gaming market. Officials do not prosecute individual illinois residents for such gaming.
Is online gambling legal in illinois
Contents
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Online gambling information for illinois residents
Legal gambling > state gambling > illinois gambling
We have put together a repository of as much info related to illinois gambling as possible. If you live in illinois, plan on moving there, or are just going for a visit, this information should help you get through your gambling. Whether you want to gamble online or in any of the gambling centers in the state, this list of information should assist you. In addition to information about gambling we can also show you where to gamble online. Illinois has a thriving gambling scene and the internet has compounded the gambling possibilities for residents of the state.
Illinois gambling resources
Illinois legal gambling age - when you try to start gambling in illinois, we advise that you first look at the illinois legal gambling age. In the state of illinois you will have to be at least 21 years old in order to gamble. If you are under this age then you will not legally be allowed to play the games. If playing online, you may be able to sign up and deposit but you will probably not be able to receive your winnings.
Illinois gambling laws - the illinois gambling laws are one of the first things you will want to look into when you consider trying your hand at gambling in illinois. While you will be faced with some laws that are somewhat confusing to understand precisely what they mean, you will have some outlook into what is legal and what is illegal.
Is online gambling legal in illinois? - with multiple choices for legal online gambling in illinois, you will have some decisions to make. The three major types of gambling include casinos, sports betting sites, and online poker. Each form of gambling has its own disadvantages and advantage, speaking in terms of skill required and odds available. We suggest you play what you find to be fun and what you are good at.
Are online casinos legal in illinois? - illinois gambling has the initial option of illinois legal online casinos. Casino gambling is widely regarded as one of the most fun forms of gambling, and you will have many options because of the large number of online casinos. We have only the best of the best, so you will not have too difficult a choice to make when gambling online.
Is online sports betting legal in illinois? - sports fans and gamblers alike can meet through the illinois legal online sports betting sites. One of the most profitable forms of illinois gambling includes these sports betting sites. With the proper handicapping and information, sports betting can easily be a money maker. While you may want to know as much about sports as possible when wagering on them, you could easily get up to speed quick enough to make some cash.
Is online poker legal in illinois? - even if you cannot easily travel to a land based card room or find a home based game, you will be able to find a game any hour of the day through the illinois legal online poker. Players from all over the world, illinois included, sit around these online poker tables and square off for pots and prize pools. Since there are players of all skill levels and stakes as low as a penny, even new comers can come into the game and try their luck.
We only take on the best illinois online gambling sites. We do not let our readers play through a low quality gambling site. By sticking only to the best that the internet has to offer you can easily expect to win if you have a little bit of luck.
Best illinois online casinos
| Best sites for legal casino play | casino bonuses | software | bonus codes | visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| winpalace casino review | 400% to $4,000 | RTG | 4000FREE | VISIT |
| lucky red casino review | 400% to $4,000 | RTG | LUCKYRED400 | VISIT |
| las vegas USA casino review | 200% to $1,000 | RTG | USA1000 | VISIT |
| aladdins gold casino review | 200% for 7 days | RTG | N/A | VISIT |
| grand parker casino | 250% to $2,500 | RTG | GRAND250 | VISIT |
| loco panda casino | 400% to $4,000 | RTG | PANDASLOTS | VISIT |
| casino titan review | 400% to $1,000 | RTG | ELECTRIC400 | VISIT |
| slots jungle casino review | 100% to $1,000 (10x) | RTG | JUNGLEWELCOME | VISIT |
| club world casino | 100% to $777 | RTG | BIGSLOT | VISIT |
| buzzluck casino review | 100% to $868 | nuworks | BUZZLUCK | VISIT |
| slotsville casino review | 100% to $1,000 (4x) | RTG | 1000DOLLARS1 - 4 | VISIT |
| all star slots casino | 100% to $787 | RTG | ALLSTAR1 & 2 | VISIT |
| manhattan slots review | 100% to $747 (2x) | RTG | N/A | VISIT |
Best illinois online sports betting sites
| Illinois betting sites | sports betting bonuses | best sports to bet: | visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| bovada sportsbook review | 50% to $250 bonus | NFL, college football, NBA | VISIT |
| betonline sportsbook review | 50% to $1,000! | College football, MLB, UFC, NFL | VISIT |
| sportsbetting.Ag review | $1,000/50% in bonuses | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports | VISIT |
| 5dimes sportsbook review | 50% to $520 bonus | NASCAR, golf, NFL, college basketball | VISIT |
Best illinois online poker sites
| Illinois online poker | online poker bonuses | legal gambling age | visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| bovada poker | $1,000 - 100% | check your local laws - at least 18 years old | visit |
Illinois casinos, gambling, and law regulations: an overview
The state of illinois has a long history of gambling and horse racing that dates back to the 1920s. Over the years, the legality of gambling and playing options have changed drastically. It ranged from completely banned until the 1970s to now legal riverboat casinos, racing tracks, lotteries, bingo halls, and other gaming facilities. You may not consider illinois a premier gambling location; however, with recent changes in the legislation, the gaming scene in illinois may still pack a mean punch when riverboat casinos and other casino and betting games are concerned.
In this article, we are going to explore fundamental gambling laws in illinois and all related regulations, as well as tell you where you can enjoy quality gambling when visiting the windy city or other top destinations in illinois.
Top 3 illinois online casinos
Gambling laws in illinois — the law overview
First gambling laws
Illinois has a long history of different gambling laws since 1974, and its lottery act has been amended on several occasions. Illinois is the only state that has its drawings televised nationwide. What followed was the 1975 illinois horse racing act that allowed pari-mutuel betting on the harness and thoroughbred racing. Under the later amendments to the law in 1985 and 1987, both simulcast wagering and off-track betting were allowed, respectively.
However, the momentous changes in the legislation came with the riverboat gambling act, enacted in february 1990. Under the provisions of the law, the illinois gaming board was formed as the legislative and licensing body in charge of controlling and overseeing gambling in illinois. They were allowed to issue up to ten riverboat gaming licenses to those riverboat casinos that emerged across the mississippi river and which are still in business today. The first riverboat casino began to operate in 1991 in alton, illinois.
Under this law, various rules were enacted. For example, different types of casino table games and electronic machines were specified and approved for use in riverboat casinos. Initially, these riverboat casinos were banned from the cook county (chicago belongs to this county) in a bid to preserve the horse racing industry. Still, the ban was lifted with the amendments enacted in 1999. Also, with subsequent changes, other prohibitions were removed, such as the one that prohibited an owner that has more than 10% of ownership in one riverboat casino from having more than a 10% interest in any other riverboat casino.
Current gambling laws
Further changes in the illinois gambling law came with the video gaming act in 2009. Under this act, up to five video gaming terminals (vgts) can be placed in licensed retail establishments, truck stops, veteran and fraternal establishments. All vgts are connected to a central communications system under the control of the illinois gaming board that sets the theoretical payouts and other rules related to vgts.
Finally, the current law was enacted in 2019 by governor pritzker and is dubbed the illinois gambling act. This gambling act deals with riverboat and land-based casinos, as well as all types of games that take place in those places. This latest law is seen as a substantial expansion of the gambling scene. Namely, casino operators are no longer confined to water in the forms of riverboat casinos but can operate on land as well, following the licensing procedure leading towards the appropriate license.
Rivers casino is a riverboat casino that managed to obtain the first land-based license in november 2019 that allowed it to add 123 gaming positions. Under this recent law changes, the illinois gaming board will issue permits to six more land-based operators, and ten applications have already been filed.
The annual taxes for casinos is a gross receipts tax, which means it depends on the gross receipts amount. It ranges from 15% on annual gross receipts below $25 million, to 50% for casinos with $200 million and more in total revenues.
Other gambling-related laws under chapter 230 of the illinois compiled statutes relate to charitable gaming, bingo, raffles, poker, and different types of gambling.
What forms of gambling are allowed?
When casino and riverboat casino games are concerned, a great variety of them is regulated and allowed. Casino approved games include table games and their subtypes such as baccarat, blackjack, poker, slots, and other types of electronic gaming devices.
As for other forms of gambling, there are plenty of them in illinois. Charitable gaming that can include roulette, blackjack, poker, and other casinos games, plus bingo, raffles, pull tabs, jar games, and even state fair games are all legal and authorized by the charitable games act, bingo license and tax act, illinois pull tabs and jar games act, raffles and poker runs act, and state fair gaming act. All these forms of gambling are overseen either by the illinois gambling board or the department of revenue, except for the raffles and poker runs that can be licensed and conducted under the supervision and licensing system of individual counties.
In the case of sports betting, it is allowed under the sports wagering act and betting on all professional sporting events except the minor leagues. All bettors must be over 21 and physically located in illinois and can bet on either inter-track wagering locations at racetracks or via internet and mobile applications designed and operated only by licensed organizations.
Apart from these, both state and interstate lotteries are allowed, in both physical and online forms, and illinois can be considered a trailblazing state when lottery laws are concerned.
To play in casinos or wager on video lottery in illinois, you must be over 21, while for playing bingo, raffles, or bet on horse racing, you must be over 18.
Is online gambling legal in illinois?
The situation with online gambling in illinois is not so clear cut. The only two forms of legal online gambling are betting on horse races and other sports via betting sites from licensed race tracks and online lottery. Daily fantasy sports betting was declared illegal by the illinois attorney general lisa madigan in 2015.
Moreover, in the illinois criminal code, section 720, ILCS 5/28-1, we can see rules that explicitly prohibit internet gambling. Namely, the language in the code is aimed at gambling operators who will be guilty of illicit gambling if an operator “knowingly establishes, maintains, or operates an internet site that permits a person to play a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value by means of the internet or to make a wager upon the result of any game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election by means of the internet.”
However, this does not mean that the officers of the law are in active pursuit of people who gamble online. The truth is — there hasn’t been a single example of a person being charged and imprisoned for gambling online. This means that, if you can find offshore gambling sites that accept players from illinois, you can gamble all you want without any fear of legal persecution.
Where to gamble in illinois?
There are ten riverboat casinos in illinois you can choose from at the moment, while six more land-based casinos are in the making. The following is a list of a couple of riverboat casinos players have mostly opted for when looking for the best gaming experience.
Casino queen
Casino queen is a riverboat casino in illinois founded in 1991 that has been in the business ever since. It is a riverboat casino with over 1,100 slot games that include popular progressive slots, penny slots, video poker, and even private high limits games. Their table games offer features blackjack, craps, roulette, and poker tables with three card poker and
Ultimate texas hold’em poker games. Their accommodation services include dozens of rooms and apartments with king-size and queen-size beds and numerous other amenities. Also, excellent dining options include everything from fine-dining stakes to delicious street buffets. You can find casino queen on 200 south front street, east st. Louis, illinois 62201. The casino hours are from sunday to thursday: 8 am – 4 am, and from friday to saturday: 8 am – 6 am.
Rivers casino des plaines
Rivers casino is located on 3000 S. River road, des plaines, IL 60018, just outside chicago. It is a casino with almost 1,000 slots in denominations ranging from 1¢ to $100, with new slot machines regularly added. Besides the slots and dozens of table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, you can enjoy a remarkable dining experience in one of their seven restaurants and buffets. Sadly, they do not offer accommodation, but you can use substantial discounts at the top neighboring hotels reserved for the players at rivers casino. The working hours of the casino are from 9:00 am to 7:00 am, every day.
Harrah’s joliet casino and hotel
Harrah’s joliet casino and hotel is a premier gambling facility with over 1,000 slots in multiple denominations and 31 table games ranging from the classics like craps, roulette, and blackjack to new traditions and games such as mini baccarat and 21 + 3 extreme that combines blackjack and the three card poker. There are over 200 rooms for your accommodation and three restaurants, ranging from high-end dining to buffets. Harrah’s joliet casino and hotel is located at 151 N. Joliet street, joliet, IL 60432, and is open every day from 8 am to 6 am.
Are casinos legal in illinois?
Casinos in the form of riverboat casinos are legal in illinois and, under new gambling law expansions, more land-based casinos will be established in the future.
Is online poker legal in illinois?
Unfortunately, online poker is not legal in illinois.
What games can you gamble on in illinois?
In illinois, you can gamble on slots, table games, bingo, lottery, raffles, and wager on sports, horse racing, and more.
Do illinois riverboat casinos have casino table games?
Yes, they do. You can find roulette, baccarat, poker, blackjack, craps, and many other table games in riverboat casinos in illinois.
What is the legal age for playing in illinois casinos?
You must be over 21 to play in casinos across illinois.
Illinois gambling & online poker laws
Home to the “windy city” and an eternal favorite of gamblers, illinois is the base for a multitude of successful online and live tournament poker professionals. Poker seems to be in the state’s blood; president obama often recalls his late-night games of poker played during his time at the illinois statehouse. In the live poker scene, locals have a wide variety of upcoming tournaments in poker clubs and riverboat casinos they can enter. Illinois has a more complicated relationship with real cash online poker.
In our guide to online poker in illinois, we’ll explain and analyze the current gambling laws in illinois, while discussing the poker sites which accept players from the state. We’ll discuss the odds that illinois lawmakers regulate the internet poker industry. This review of illinois online poker laws will analyze whether existing gaming interests in the state support or oppose such laws.
Illinois online poker guide
If you want to play online poker in IL, we suggest that you choose a room from our list below. The poker sites in this list have been chosen because they accept illinois players, are regulated and – most importantly – have the softest games of all available illinois online poker rooms. Here are the top legal illinois online poker rooms:
| bovada | $500 bonus | 3-4 day payouts | accepts visa, bitcoin, wires |
|---|---|---|---|
| ignition | $2000 bonus | 3-4 day payouts | accepts visa, bitcoin, wires |
Is online poker legal in illinois?
Illinois is a state that does face some restrictions when it comes to playing poker online. Some sites that take players from other states don’t accept new players from illinois. Read poker atlas for the latest updates on live poker events at local card clubs and the riverboat casino scene. As for online poker in illinois, we have you covered.
Thankfully, you don’t have to worry about finding the right site that will allow you to sign up from illinois; our list of real poker sites in illinois on this page is comprised exclusively of rooms that take players from illinois, saving your time for the online poker tables.
Latest updates through 2020
Actions in the illinois legislature in 2017 gave many legal online poker supporters hope that lawmakers were beginning to see the positives of legalizing and regulating online gaming. There was a bill that would’ve done just that for online poker and casino games, which passed the full senate by a 42-10 vote in may, but the house bill never made it through committee as hearings were cancelled at the last minute.
However, online poker remained on the table going into 2018. State representative michael zalewski’s H.479 was still being pushed, and he was confident that the right mix of gambling expansion projects would be appealing to a majority of lawmakers.
The tide began to turn not long after the united states supreme court overturned PASPA, which allowed new jersey and all other states to address sports betting as they chose. Supporters of online gambling revised SB.7 to add daily fantasy sports and sports betting to the bill, but it happened late in the session and too close to its closing date of may 31.
Senate bill 7 became a bipartisan bill, with several republican and democratic sponsors: senators terry link, dave syverson, mattie hunter, and donne trotter; and representatives robert rita, rita mayfield, chad hays, and litesa wallace. The proposal included articles for the “fantasy sports act,” “internet gaming act,” and “sports wagering act.” importantly, though, the bill lacked details about tax rates, licensing, and the regulatory framework.
One of those sponsors, rita, then took an opportunity in the summer of 2018 to announce two hearings to discuss gambling expansion for illinois. The first was held on august 22 in chicago, and it was more than four hours of debate featuring members of joint committees. The main topics were new land-based casinos and expanded numbers of video gaming terminals.
The second hearing in early october was held in springfield and focused heavily on sports betting. Horse racing takes precedence in illinois and it became clear that there were many issues to be worked out before a solid bill could be drafted and presented to legalize sports betting, but it will be a priority for many lawmakers in 2019. This may mean that SB.0007 could be discarded and rewritten, and it is unclear whether online poker and casino games will be included in a new online gambling bill to be considered in early 2019.
Some speculation was correct for 2019 in that lawmakers were ready to pull together for gambling expansion in the state of illinois. However, online poker and other forms of internet gambling were not a part of that picture. No matter the intentions of some lawmakers, it did not happen.
In the summer of 2019, a massive gambling expansion bill passed through the legislature after months of negotiations and discussions. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed it into law. It included the legalization of video gaming terminal (VGT) establishments, five new casinos in illinois, a mega-casino in chicago, a new racetrack, slot machines and table games in racetracks (making them racinos), and sports betting.
There will be 16 retail sportsbooks in the state and three online sportsbooks for illinois. Casinos, racetracks, and stadiums may begin applying for sports betting licenses in december 2019. Sports betting should be live in land-based establishments and online sometime in 2020.
The future for online poker and internet slot and table games remains unknown. The inability to include online gambling into the 2019 omnibus bill was disappointing, and it is not known if there will be an opportunity to legalize those online games in 2020.
Is gambling / poker legal in illinois?
Illinois law and online poker
So where does illinois stand when it comes to the law and online poker? The state does address the issue of online gambling directly in its law, so let’s talk a bit more about that part of the illinois statute and a few other aspects that should be of interest to the typical online poker player.
First, what constitutes gambling in illinois? The law is pretty clear; gambling occurs when someone
“plays a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value” (section 28-1).
The only exceptions are state-approved forms of gambling.
Violation of that section as a player is a class A misdemeanor (section 28-1(c)). Illinois does not have a history of aggressively pursuing mere participants in illegal gambling.
What does illinois law have to say about online gambling? It is illegal if someone plays poker online?
“knowingly establishes, maintains, or operates an internet site that permits a person to play a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value by means of the internet or to make a wager upon the result of any game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election by means of the internet” (section 28-1(12)).”
Nothing in the section (or in any other part of illinois law) appears to directly address the act of participating on such “internet sites” as a mere player.
What you’re left with is a situation that, to some degree, lacks legal clarity. However, that should not be mistaken as a blanket endorsement that all online gambling activity is explicitly legal. In such cases of uncertainty, players should start by reviewing the laws of illinois personally, and then continue by consulting a lawyer if questions persist.
Illinois gambling guide
Most accounts of illinois history assign gambling an early and prominent role in the story of the state. Whether through the lotteries of early settlers, the famous riverboat gambling ships that cruised illinois waters during the 1800s or the ubiquitous, ever-present gambling halls of chicago, you’d be hard-pressed to pick a point in the illinois timeline that didn’t involve gambling in some way, shape or form.
Today’s gambling industry in illinois is a result of nearly forty years of legislative shifts toward gambling expansion, one that began in 1974 with the authorization of the state lottery. Online poker legislation is an extension of those legislative trends, but like many states with a substantial land-based gambling industry, the existing interests complicate igaming bills.
What gambling is regulated in illinois?
Most popular forms of regulated gambling are permitted under illinois law. In addition to the state lottery and the multiple casinos spread across the state, there is also legal pari-mutuel wagering in illinois and a wide slate of charitable gambling formats.
Illinois has vastly expanded its gambling offerings in recent years, most extensively with a massive gambling expansion bill in 2019.
There had been more than 32,561 video gaming terminals (vgts) in illinois, but there will be more when the new law is implemented in 2020 with the creation of full VGT establishments. There were also 10 casinos in the state, but that was expanded this year to allow for five new casinos to be built and a mega-casino/resort in the city of chicago. And on top of the three horse racing tracks in illinois already, an additional one was approved in 2019. Racetracks will also be able to expand to become racinos and offer up to 1,200 casino games, including slots and table games.
Online lottery games have been available for some time, but sports betting will now be available online. In 2020, there will be three online sportsbooks to complement the 16 retail sportsbooks. In addition, there will be 2,500 sports betting lottery kiosks permitted throughout the state.
All poker and gambling laws by state
Illinois was close last year. There was a strong bill championed by state representative robert rita and others, there were hearings, and there was widespread support for the sports betting part of the bill. Online poker and casino games were also included in that gambling expansion bill, along with new
Last year, the attempt to predict which states might join the ranks of those with legalized online poker was not very successful. In fact, only one state actually passed such legislation in 2018, but at the very last minute, on december 28, that state’s governor vetoed the bill. Oh, michigan!
Illinois was one of only a few states that held open the possibility of legalizing online poker and other casino games in latter part of 2018. The consideration has been part of a larger gambling expansion bill that was and remains on the table for lawmakers this year. While online
While most other states that had considered online poker in 2018 abandoned those ideas earlier in the year, illinois remained open to it. One lawmaker continues to champion one bill, and its future may depend on a legislative hearing set for october. The process of legalizing online gaming – whether
Most states that examined online poker in early 2018 have abandoned it for the year, as legislative sessions ended and no plans were made to revisit online gaming at all in the next few months. Illinois, it appears, is not one of those states. There wasn’t much hope placed in
Online poker and gambling became real legislative possibilities for illinois in 2017. The senate even passed a bill to legalize and regulate those internet games one year ago, but the companion bill on the house side never garnered enough support to even pass a committee. There has been no word
IL online poker and gambling facts: objective sources
ICGA . The illinois casino gaming association is a trade group representing the interests of many of illinois’ casinos. The group’s site provides useful research material for those interested in the illinois gambling industry.
Illinois gaming board. The official site for the state gaming board is the definitive resource for legal and regulatory information concerning gambling in illinois. Get information on meetings, measures, help with problem gambling and self-exclusion along with a wealth of statistical information at the IGB website.
ICPG the online home for the illinois council on problem gambling is a central location providing access to a 24-hour helpline, speakers, and resources for educators, families and players. The ICPG is opposed to poker laws that expand and regulate the industry.
Famous illinois poker players
There are actually a number of points at which the history of poker and the history of illinois intersect. One example is the story of james butler hickok, better known as “wild bill.” it was hickok’s death that gave a name to the now-famous “dead mans hand” – two pair, aces and eights, said to be held by the lawman when he was shot during a poker game.
Another example comes in the colorful tale of nick “the greek” dandolos, who called chicago home for much of his life. Dandolos was part of the mythic (and much debated) match up with johnny moss that is often cited as the template for the world series of poker. A final, and more modern, illustration of the shared history between poker and illinois is author and poker player jim mcmanus, who lives in the state.
The plethora of live poker rooms in illinois have allowed poker players to flourish in illinois through the years. Even so, many of the state’s most famous players garnered most of their experience online.
Almost all of the top live tournament earners in illinois were famous first for their online play, like connor drinan, mohsin charania, gavin griffin, and kevin saul. Their online poker earnings are not even included in the numbers below, which goes to show how well most of them crossed over from online to live play.
The top-ranked players from illinois, as of 2019, are as follows:
1. Connor drinan ($11.3 million)
2. Mohsin charania ($6.2 million)
3. Gavin griffin ($5.1 million)
4. Ryan tosoc ($4.8 million)
5. Aaron massey ($4.1 million)
6. Jason wheeler ($4 million)
7. Ravi raghavan ($4 million)
8. Kevin saul ($3.7 million)
9. Chris moor ($3.6 million)
10. Kyle julius ($3.5 million)
Disclaimer: the information on this site is my interpretation of the laws as made available online. It is in no way meant to serve as legal advice or instruction. We recommend that you seek legal advice from a licensed attorney for further or official guidance.
Illinois gambling and sports betting news
Online gambling is now legal in illinois! Nothing has started yet, but in the coming months, illinoisans will be able to place sports bets at stadiums, casinos and online.
The license-application process began in illinois on dec. 19, which the illinois gaming board oversees.
Applications are open to casinos, racetracks, stadiums, lottery vendors and stand-alone mobile operators.
On sept. 27, 2019, the 30-day window for comments on the new illinois sports betting bill closed. There were concerns that the in-person, sign-up process could affect the rollout of sports betting in the prairie state and give the surrounding states a head start.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed bill SB 690 into law on june 28. This bill not only set up a licensing framework for sportsbooks, but it also expanded the number of casinos and gambling terminals.
We expect illinois sports betting to go live in early 2020.
Sports betting news
Illinois will have plenty of sports betting competition from neighboring states
More illinois casinos applying for sports betting licenses
Piplsay study suggests broad support for legal sports betting
Industry news
Illinois will have plenty of sports betting competition from neighboring states
More illinois casinos applying for sports betting licenses
Piplsay study suggests broad support for legal sports betting
Sportsbook launch updates
More illinois casinos applying for sports betting licenses
Pritzker expects sportsbooks to start taking action in time for march madness
Illinois moves closer to launch with sports betting application release
Legal gambling options in illinois
Online sports betting
You’ll be able to legally gamble online within illinois’ state lines beginning in the spring of 2020.
Casinos, lottery outlets, stadiums and racetracks can apply for licenses, along with three online-only licenses.
We expect brands, including betrivers, fox bet, fanduel and draftkings to offer sports betting via apps and online. You’ll be able to bet on pro sports and college games (as long as those college games occur outside of the state).
As well as all the popular single match and parlay bets, new forms of sports betting will be available online. These include in-play betting on live events and cash-out betting.
Online lottery
The illinois lottery has been running since 1974. Today, you’ll find regular in-state draws as well as the big multi-state prizes like the powerball and mega millions.
Unusually, you can buy lottery tickets online in illinois. Instant-play games are available, many of which are themed.
Examples include deal or no deal and games featuring local sports teams.
The IL lottery has several charitable funds which support children, veterans and infrastructure.
Retail sports betting
Racetracks, casinos and off-track betting (OTB) offices will be among the venues to host retail sportsbooks in the prairie state.
We expect many to partner with operators, like william hill and fanduel, to run retail sportsbooks.
The sportsbooks will likely feature multiple screens that showcase the latest odds and the games live. You’ll be able to bet while enjoying the bar and restaurant facilities in many sportsbook venues.
With online licenses awarded to the venues, you’ll be able to deposit cash into your mobile betting accounts, too.
Daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests run in illinois, despite this being a contentious legal area.
Major sites, including fanduel and draftkings, offering real money picks. Both operators are currently fighting an opinion from the attorney general that DFS contests are illegal gambling.
There have been attempts to regulate and license DFS contests over the last few years, though bills haven’t managed to make it through the legislative process.
Live and online casinos
Illinois will likely witness an increase in the number of land-based casinos, including a new venue in chicago as well as five others.
Currently, 10 illinois casinos offer slots, table games and some also offer poker.
Bill SB 690 did not allow for regulated online casinos in illinois.
The only legal online options are at casinos using sweepstakes gambling laws. These sites operate countrywide and use a virtual currency called “sweeps cash.”
Live and online poker rooms
There are two types of live poker in illinois.
Many of the major casinos offer poker games, including the harrah’s venues, hollywood casino and the grand victoria casino. The other sites are charity poker rooms.
Illinois hosts many significant poker tournament events, including the world series of poker circuit, as well as locally run festivals.
Bill SB 690 didn’t include any provision for online poker.
The only legal online poker option is global poker, which operates under sweepstakes gambling rules.
POSSIBLE ILLINOIS ONLINE SPORTSBOOK OPERATORS
Alongside the list of possibilities for sportsbook locations, a long list of sportsbook operators could be showing up in illinois quite soon.
Since illinois is such a populous state (sixth, just behind pennsylvania), there shouldn’t be any shortage of interest for operators that want to expand their customer bases.
We can figure out some of the most likely candidates due to the state’s existing casino operators. Many of these operators either already have a sports betting partner in other locations, or handle the operations themselves.
For instance, the argosy casino alton and the two hollywood casinos are both owned by penn national gaming.
Penn national has an ongoing relationship with draftkings, so it seems likely that the company in black and green will be launching in the land of lincoln at some point soon.
In another case, caesars entertainment owns both harrah’s properties in illinois. Caesars has used scientific games to power its sports betting operations in the past, so expanding into the prairie state would make sense.
In short, several companies have to be the odds-on favorites to pop up in illinois soon. However, bear in mind that three standalone online licenses are up for grabs under the new law, too. So, it’s hard to count any company out right now.
Illinois gambling FAQ
Is gambling legal in illinois?
Yes, casinos, horse racing, lottery gambling and charitable gambling have been legal in illinois for many years.
More recently, bill SB 690 adds online and retail sports betting to this list. Gov. Pritzker signed this bill in june of 2019. The licensing process is under the jurisdiction of the illinois gaming board.
The first batch of sportsbooks will go live in early 2020.
This bill will increase the number of brick-and-mortar casinos by six, including one in chicago. The number of gambling machines in the state will also increase.
Will online casinos open in illinois, too?
No, bill SB 690 didn’t include a provision for online casino games.
The only options for online casino games are the nationwide sites that operate legally in the state under sweepstakes gambling laws. Brands include chumba casino and luckyland slots.
If online sports betting is a success and contributes substantial revenues to the state coffers, we might see an online casino bill in the future.
Will online poker launch in illinois?
No, as with casino games, online poker was not included in the current legislation. There is a sweepstakes site (global poker) that will legally offer online poker games in illinois.
Are offshore sportsbooks legal or safe?
No, depositing at offshore sportsbooks is a major risk. With legal and regulated online sports betting now available in illinois, there isn’t any need to risk your money this way.
These books are based in small nations in the caribbean or central america, where there is little oversight. You won’t have anyone to turn to if you have nonpayment or other dispute.
With legal IL sports betting, you’ll have a lot of advantages.
These include regular deposit options (following in-person registration) like credit cards or bank transfers, the best odds and range of bets, plus the security of the illinois gaming board to turn to should you need them.
Compare this will need to deposit using bitcoin or expensive prepaid vouchers offshore, and you’ll quickly realize that legal sports betting is the safest option.
What is the legal gambling age in illinois?
You must be 21 years or older to place a bet legally in illinois.
What can I bet on in illinois?
Most forms of gambling are available in the prairie state, though not all of them are available online. These include:
- Casinogames and slots at live casinos or sweepstakes gambling sites.
- Pokerat casinos or charity poker rooms or via sweepstakes gambling.
- Sportsbetting online or at retail venues (excluding bets on college sports that happen in-state).
- Lotterygames include illinois-only draws, multi-state draws, scratch cards and online games.
- Horse racing bets via the pari-mutuel pools, live and online.
- DFScontests run in IL, though these are the topic of legal challenges.
There are also bingo and draws allowed under charitable gambling regulations.
Resources
How to download a sports betting app
Your first task is to choose from the major brand online sportsbooks that are coming to illinois.
You can take advantage of the free bets and matched welcome bonuses at several of them to see which interface you like the best.
You can access online sportsbooks in two ways.
First, you can use your web browser, which works on both desktops (or laptops).
Secondly, you can access your favorite sportsbook via your mobile device. For the best mobile experience, downloading an app is the way to go.
The IL sportsbooks will detect your device and automatically offer you the right type of download:
- Apple devices: if you go to a betting website via your iphone or ipad, you’ll be directed to the apple app store to complete the sportsbook app download.
- Androiddevices: since google doesn’t allow any gambling apps, you’ll need to download the sports betting app from the sportsbook website instead. On some devices, you’ll need to update your settings to allow downloads from “unknown sources.”
Note that some sports betting apps require additional geolocation detection to know that you are within state lines before you place a bet.
How to sign up to an online betting account
All the sports betting brands need your individual information when you register an account.
You’ll find the ways the sites collect this varies a little. When you first visit a website, hit the sign-up button and follow the prompts.
The betting site will ask you to provide a screen name, your email address, date of birth, address, telephone number and the last four digits of your social security number.
ID documents aren’t typically a part of the request, though you might be asked for them if you require additional security screening.
The final stage is to verify at the retail sportsbook associated with your brand. This requirement will expire in two years when the first mobile-only licenses are made available.
How to fund your sportsbook account?
Unlike shady offshore sportsbooks, you’ll be able to fund your illinois gambling account using the same options you use to make online purchases.
You’ll be able to deposit and withdraw safely using any of the following options:
- Credit or debit cards: all sportsbooks will welcome visa and mastercard; you will also be able to use discover or amex at selected brands.
- Prepaid debit cards: in other states, major operators, like draftkings, have created branded prepaid cards. You fund these from your bank (or regular card) and can then keep your gambling bankroll and regular spending separated.
- Bank transfers using ACH: this type of local transfer is also known as e-checks. You can get additional verification, which speeds this up.
- Billpay: treat sports betting as a utility bill, using bill pay at major banks only.
- Bankwires: this method has more significant charges than ACH, though many people who deposit substantial sums of cash use it. Some books accept cashier’s checks and money orders.
- Paypal: this popular e-wallet lets you keep your bank and online merchants and sportsbooks separate. Alternative brands, including skrill and neteller, are available.
- Cash payment options: you can take cash to the casino cage (when you complete your registration) or use a commercial service like paynearme.
Note that legal sportsbooks will ask you to use the same method you used to deposit funds to withdraw (where this is possible), which helps control fraud and money laundering.
Retail sportsbooks in illinois
All of the tribal and riverboat casinos in illinois can apply for a sports betting license.
There are also off-track betting offices that may expand to include full sportsbooks, plus seven stadiums, one racetrack and lottery retail outlets. Until the licensing process wraps up in early 2020, we do not know the complete list.
Here are the 10 illinois casinos that we expect to be the first wave of retail sportsbooks:
- Casino queen, east st. Louis
- Harrah’s casino, joliet
- Harrah’s casino, metropolis
- Hollywood casino, aurora
- Hollywood casino, joliet
- Grand victoria casino, elgin
- Argosy casino, alton
- Rivers casino, des plaines
- Par-a-dice hotel casino, east peoria
- Jumer’s casino & hotel, rock island
Responsible gambling
Responsible gambling programs include all the protections and assistance for those who develop issues with their gaming habits.
Online sportsbooks provide additional tools and assistance to balance the ease of access. While most people gamble for fun and do so safely and responsibly, a small percentage of people have issues.
Responsible gambling features include:
- Advice on what constitutes problem gambling (a self-assessment quiz).
- A list of charities’ telephone numbers and websites that offer help.
- Tools to manage bet and deposit amounts, and time spent on the gambling site.
- Tools to take a timeout or completely self-exclude.
Illinois 18+ casinos
Eastern ocean states began cracking down on gaming stating that it was just another vice, which sent game enthusiasts toward the west. Horse racing became another prairie state favorite as racetracks began opening in chicago during the early 1830s.
Misconceptions on the types of individuals who gambled caused the gaming industry to turn south nearing the turn of the century. Prohibition was the last nail in the coffin and permanently sent all legal forms of gambling out the door, leaving gamblers to seek gaming underground.
Mob figures and families flourished, and it wasn’t until 1927 that illinois finally began legalizing minor forms of gaming, starting with pari-mutuel sports wagering on horse races. Today available forms of gambling within the land of lincoln are as follows: riverboat casino gambling, lottery, and scratch-off sales, charitable gambling in the form of bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, jar games, and casino nights, and pooled sports betting wagers on horse races.
To further explain available gaming options within the land of lincoln, we created this in-depth IL gambling guide to cover information on state-specific minimum gambling ages, historic gambling and gaming legislation, and legal online entertainment for IL players 18+.
Residents may be aware of available gaming, but few may know the history behind illinois’ gaming industry and the laws that have affected today’s gaming availability. Many states within the US contain casinos and permit various forms of gambling, however, residents who choose to visit neighboring states or out of state visitors to IL should be aware of the differing laws pertaining to 18+ casinos within america.
Can you gamble at 18 in illinois?
Young gamblers aged between eighteen to twenty are restricted from casino gambling aboard riverboats until they reach twenty-one. This usually drives young gamers to seek states that permit 18+ casinos.
However, there are legal forms of gambling for players at least eighteen to be found within the prairie state which include purchasing lotteries and scratch-offs, the ability to bet against other players on horse races, and various charitable gambling which allows young players to enjoy bingo, pull-tabs, jar games, raffles, and sometimes casino nights.
For those young players interested in playing real money casino games outside of pro bono charitable casino nights, we provide a list of legal 18+ online casinos in which they can enjoy various table games and their variations.
Is it legal to gamble online in illinois?
The federal government does not restrict illinois players from gambling through offshore online casinos. Instead, federal gambling laws state that individual states can determine their own stance on offshore online gaming. Most, thankfully, have not taken a position on this and remain unspecified. Meaning, players can participate in legal offshore internet casinos without violating any laws.
Most reputable 18+ online casinos for illinois players
Here we gladly present legally verified online casinos for IL players 18+. These online brands were verified as legal and safe destinations by our team of gaming industry analysts after they reviewed them for licensing, fairness, and security criteria.
They noted that these online brands have reliable payouts, high-level security profiles, long reputations for high-quality and support, and excellent gaming interfaces. Prairie state players eighteen-years or older can gamble on real-money table games, keno, craps, roulette, poker, and sports.
| Site name | bonus | USA | visit site |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | 100% max $3,000 | play now full review |
| 2 |  | 200% max $5,000 | play now full review |
| 3 |  | 500% max $5,000 | play now full review |
| 4 |  | 100% max $1,000 | play nowfull review |
What illinois casinos are 18 and up?
Illinois does not allow eighteen-year-olds to gamble within land-based or riverboat casinos. However, offshore online 18+ casinos accept young adult players. In addition, IL offers 18-year-olds access to other forms of gambling
Available land-based casino entertainment options
- Rivers casino des plaines
- Grand victoria casino
- Casino queen & hotel
- Harrah’s metropolis
- Harrah’s joliet
- Hollywood casino in aurora & joliet
- Argosy casino alton
- Jumer’s casino & hotel
- Horseshoe hammond
- Par-a-dice hotel & casino
- Lacey’s place slots and video poker
- Slots4fun
- Flamingo slots
- Arlington international racecourse
- Balmoral park racetrack
- Du quoin state fair harness racing
- Fairmount park racetrack
- Hawthorne race course
- Springfield horse racing
- Maywood park racetrack
- Majestic hall
- Firemen’s hall
- Catholic knights & ladies
- Lancaster hall
- Big money bingo
Brief history of illinois’s gambling laws
Unlicensed riverboat gambling was popularized in the 1800s as casino boats filled the local rivers and lakes. These were unregulated due to unestablished oversight boards and thus privately-owned boats did not have to share revenues or pay taxes. This was later tamed by the creation of gaming restrictions, early 1900’s prohibition, and gaming boards within IL nearly two centuries later.
In 1927, horse betting in IL was legalized.
By 1974, IL became the first state to legislate a state-run lottery.
In 1989, charitable gambling was allowed.
In 1990, the riverboat gambling act allowed riverboat casinos to operate so long as they were moving on a river and not sailing on lake michigan. This act led to the creation of the illinois gaming board. IL became the second state to legalize riverboat casinos after passing this act. By 1991, the first riverboat casino in IL began operating.
By 1999, IL repealed the moving clause and allowed for riverboat casinos to remain docked.
In 2001, IL became the first state to allow for the online sale of lottery tickets.
In 2009, the video gaming act passed in IL which would be followed by many years of legal court battles on the legality of these machines.
In 2011, a bill passed to allow for the expansion of casinos on land and gaming devices at racetracks. Slots or video gaming machines were made legal by a final court decision in which bars, restaurants, fraternity organizations, veterans groups, and truck stops could have 5 of these machines.
18+ online casinos for illinois residents
We thoroughly believe that our featured list of online casinos is a helpful resource for IL players 18 and older looking to participate in casino gambling. While the state of illinois restricts its young gamblers from casino games, players can still legally access international 18+ casinos online which offer a wider variety of games than those found in the prairie state.
Our team of professionals vetted each brand for safety and quality assurance so young gamblers from IL can rest easy knowing the online casinos they reach through this guide are secure and verified legal sources.
Faqs
What is the minimum legal gambling age in illinois?
As discussed earlier, illinoi’s minimum gambling age varies by available gambling offer. 18-year-olds can play the state’s lottery, scratchers, pari-mutuel wagering on horses, and charitable gambling games like bingo, pull tabs, jar games, raffles, and casino nights. Residents and visitors that are 21 can enjoy casino gambling on riverboats.
How safe is it for illinois residents to gamble online?
IL residents can gamble on legal internationally-based online gaming destinations without fear of law enforcement prosecuting them. Playing on legal online sources offers the added benefit of highly secure accounts and gameplay. Players from the US must be eighteen to legally participate at online gaming sites.
Legal online casinos provide their licensing and credentials for players to view in order to be completely transparent with their certifications. Illegal casinos will not be so transparent and are not safe destinations to gamble real dollars on.
Are online games always fair?
This answer is dependent on whether the hosting casino utilizes random number generators and complies with fair gaming policies. If so, then games are guaranteed to be fair; if not, then be wary because these are required of legal online casinos.
Only gamble at legal destinations that follow these industry required procedures. We provide a hefty of list of legal casinos that are proven to be fair and hold current audits that express functional rngs and compliance with fair practices,
Does every casino on the internet accept illinois players 18 and over?
No, certain online casinos do not accept IL players, especially those as young as eighteen. This is because some online brands do not serve the american market and others that do, do not accept such young players. However, our provided list is specifically designed for US players, specifically those in the prairie state, as young as eighteen.
Players can access our portal of legally licensed offshore online gaming sites to play a variety of casino games, poker, and enjoy sports betting options.
Which poker or sportsbook wagering sites accept IL players 18+?
Below we provide three sources of legal online poker and sports betting for land of lincoln players aged eighteen and older. Here they can enjoy real-money casino games as well, and enjoy generous promotional offers for first-time registration and certain games.
So, let's see, what we have: are there casinos and casino sites in illinois and are they legal? Learn where they are, what games you can play and how to play without a deposit. At are online casinos legal in illinois
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