Gambling Laws in Illinois
Illinois permits a wide range of gambling activities, each of which is closely monitored by a corresponding authority. The Illinois Gaming Board supervises land-based casinos, horse racing betting, and video terminals under the Riverboat Gambling Act. Sports betting was authorized under the 2019 Illinois Sports Wagering Act and launched in 2020. Charitable gaming, including bingo and raffles, and the state lottery are monitored by the Illinois Lottery. There are no authorities supervising sweepstakes and social casinos, and they remain in a legally grey area. Real money casinos and online poker remain prohibited.
Daily Fantasy Sports
You’re in luck since Daily Fantasy Sports are legal thanks to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the issue in 2020. To date, there are various DFS platforms including FanDuel and DraftKings, which all offer real-money picks.
Sports Betting
Sports betting is another highlight in Illinois, with various options for online betting. Big names including BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and others offer sportsbook services in Illinois. You can find the right type of sports betting you want, including same-game parlays and money lines at any of these legal sports betting sites.
Online Horse Betting
Illinois is also an excellent state for those who love online horse betting. Unlike other surrounding states, people can easily place wagers on their favorite jockey and horse racing pick. There are plenty of online sites that allow you to wager big.
Lottery
The Illinois lottery isn’t limited to simple online tickets. In fact, you can play the lottery games online through an app and by purchasing tickets in individual retail stores. There are various ways to win big, including prizes like the in-state draws, multi-state prizes including the Powerball and Mega Millions, and themed games like Deal or No Deal.
Compared to other states, Illinois has one of the most developed gambling markets in the United States. Alabama, for example, prohibits most forms of gambling, including sports betting and lotteries. Oregon sits in between, allowing tribal casinos and lotteries.
Taxes on Gambling Winnings in Illinois
If you want to gamble online for real money, keep in mind that the winnings are subject to federal and state taxes. At the federal level, all winnings of $600 and more, or 300x the wager, must be reported on Form W-2G and are subject to a 24% rate. The Prairie State itself has a flat 4.95% tax rate on all forms of gambling, including sports betting, lottery prizes, sweepstakes, and more. Losses can be deducted up to the amount of winnings, but only on the federal return, because Illinois doesn’t allow deductions on gambling losses.
To comply with local laws, players must report all winnings and maintain records of all transactions they make or receive.
When Will Online Gambling Be Legalized?
Over the last decade, online gambling in Illinois has undergone many changes, mainly for the better, allowing residents to enjoy a wide range of activities from the comfort of their homes.
Timeline:
- June 2019. Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690, the Illinois Gambling Act, which legalizes retail and online sports betting.
- June 2020. The first retail sportsbook, in partnership with BetRivers, has officially launched.
- February 2025. HB 3080 and SB 1963, the Internet Gaming Act, are officially filed. They propose to legalize online casino games and poker with a 25% tax rate.
- October 2025. HB 4149 offers to prohibit the use of credit cards for lottery and casino gambling.
The 2025 Internet Gaming Act remains pending in committee, and debates continue. Supporters claim it could generate additional tax revenue, while opponents worry that online casinos could negatively impact land-based venues and workplaces. The Lucky Gambler team continues to follow the changes and updates to provide you with the most recent and accurate information.
Illinois Land-Based Casinos
Retail casinos hold a strong position in the Illinois entertainment landscape. Here, you can find riverboat casinos, casino hubs, and full-scale resorts with hotels and restaurants. After comparing all the options, we have highlighted three popular land-based casinos in the Prairie State.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018Opened in 2011, Rivers Casino Des Plaines is one of the most popular casino destinations in the state. Located only a few minutes from O’Hare Airport, it offers convenient access for locals and travellers alike. River Casino boasts over 1,500 slots and 90 table games, including roulette, blackjack, and craps. There is also a massive poker room and BetRivers Sportsbook. The Event Center, together with multiple dining options, bars, and lounges, makes this resort a great weekend getaway.
Wind Creek Chicago Southland
17300 S Halsted St, East Hazel Crest, IL 60429This modern resort in East Hazel Crest opened in November 2024 and already has thousands of positive reviews. Located on 70,000 square feet, it offers more than 1,400 slots, 55 table games, a separate poker room, and a full sportsbook. If you decide to stay overnight, Wind Creek Chicago Southland features 255 hotel rooms and 43 suites, along with a spa center, pool, and fitness center. There are also multiple dining options, including Starbucks, Food Bazaar, and Ivory.
Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201Another great destination is Bally’s Quad Cities, opened in 2008 in Rock Island. It is slightly smaller than the other two brands, but the casino floor still features over 1,000 slots and around 20 table games, including several rare options. There’s also a live poker room, high-limit areas, and a Bally Bet sportsbook. As the name suggests, Bally’s Quad Cities also has a hotel with an indoor pool, fitness area, and a sportsbook bar.
Responsible Gambling
When playing at Illinois casino sites, remember that gambling should always remain a fun pastime, not a source of stress or harmful behaviors. To address these problems, reputable sweepstakes casinos offer responsible gambling tools that help Illinois residents play consciously. For example, setting deposit and withdrawal limits, taking a time off, or blocking the website completely. The state also offers multiple resources and anonymous helplines to support those who struggle with gambling addiction: National Problem Gambling Helpline, Gamblers Anonymous, Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, and others.
Conclusion
Illinois has well-designed and relatively relaxed gambling regulations. It permits land-based casinos, charitable bingo and lotteries, sports betting, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports. Residents are also free to play at social and sweepstakes casinos with real prizes.
After a detailed market analysis, we can say that the best online casinos for welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions are McLuck and Fortune Coins. If you prefer to play via native apps or pay with Google/Apple Pay, consider Pulsz Casino or FunzCity. There’s an option for anyone!
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