Best Illinois Online Casinos 2024: Play Legally and Safely!

Veronica Foster Publication byV. Foster

Illinois is one of the biggest markets for in-person casinos. While in-person casinos are relatively well known, Illinois online casinos are still up and coming. Currently, you can only partake in online casino games if it is through sweepstakes casinos in Illinois.

Other forms of real money platforms are illegal in the state. However, the Illinois Gaming Board might soon be overseeing online casinos in Illinois if legislation passes to legalize them. Early efforts in 2024 could pave the way for legal online gambling. For now, bettors can take advantage of Illinois online casinos through the available social options.

The Best Online Casino Offers in Illinois

United States
Illinois, United States
  • BetRivers.net
    #1 Rank
    BetRivers.net
    Bonus
    $1,000 Spin to Win Virtual Credits Everyday
    8.7
    Read review
    About BetRivers.net
    BetRivers.net

    Since 2016, BetRivers.NET has been a powerhouse in the US social casino scene, offering top-quality games from NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and others. With over 700 slots, live casino games, and ongoing tournaments, it’s a must-visit. All players enjoy automatic enrollment in the loyalty scheme and receive free virtual credits every four hours.

    Read review
    Overview
    • Website us.betrivers.net
    • Established 2016
    • Min deposit $1.99
    • No Deposit Bonus $20 virtual credits
    Rating
    8.7 / 10
    Bonuses
    8/10
    Payment Options
    9/10
    Customer Support
    8/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    10/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • GoldSlips Casino
    #2 Rank
    GoldSlips Casino
    Bonus
    5S Coins and 100K Gold Coins
    7.1
    Read review
    About GoldSlips Casino
    GoldSlips Casino

    GoldSlips Casino, launched in 2023 and available in most states, is quickly gaining traction as a promising social casino. With a straightforward yet engaging platform, we’re eager to see its expansion in bonuses and promotions. Check out our comprehensive review for insights on gameplay, ratings, and more at GoldSlips.

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    Overview
    Rating
    7.1 / 10
    Bonuses
    6/10
    Payment Options
    7/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    8/10
    User experience
    7/10
    Game Selection
    7/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • ACH
    • PayPal
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Huuuge
    #3 Rank
    Huuuge
    Bonus
    4+ Billion Free Chips
    8.4
    Read review
    About Huuuge
    Huuuge

    Huuuge Casino boasts a robust selection of 201 finely crafted games, making it a major player in the social casino scene since its launch in 2014. Powered by Huuuge Games and supported by well-known providers like Aristocrat and Playtech, it offers over 4 billion free chips for linking your Facebook and Apple ID. Don’t miss the welcome bonus upon login. For more details, dive into our full Huuuge Social Casino review.

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    Overview
    Rating
    8.4 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    8/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • American Express
    • Discover
    • Apple Pay
    • PayPal
    • +2
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Casino4Fun
    #4 Rank
    Casino4Fun
    Bonus
    500 VC$ on sign-up
    8.9
    Read review
    About Casino4Fun
    Casino4Fun

    Rush Games Casino4Fun has become a favorite among online social casinos, offering easy account setup and daily virtual coin benefits. Since its 2023 launch, players enjoy jackpot promotions and games ranging from live craps to popular slots crafted by top industry developers. See what our experts at Lucky Gambler have to say about Rush Games Casino4Fun.

    Read review
    Overview
    Rating
    8.9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    7/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    9/10
    User reviews
    9/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • American Express
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply

Illinois Online Casinos and Gambling Laws

Fortunately, Illinois online gambling laws aren’t as strict as in other states, like Georgia and Hawaii, where everything from sports betting to horse racing is illegal. Today, there are many forms of online gambling you can partake in, including sports betting, Draft Fantasy Sports, and sweepstakes casinos.

For those who don’t want to bet on sports alone, you can find various Illinois online gambling sites known as sweepstakes casinos, which operate legally. Retail and online sports betting, as well as online lottery games, are also available and can earn you thousands if not millions in winnings.

However, all other forms of real money betting are illegal per state law. Illinois law Section 230 ILCS 10/18 states that anyone who wagers real money on online gambling at any casino that doesn’t have a license is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. This means you shouldn’t put your hard-earned cash in Illinois casinos that aren’t licensed.

How Does Illinois Regulate Gambling?

While there are no real money online casinos in Illinois, this doesn’t mean there isn’t a regulatory body. On the contrary, the Illinois Gaming Board is the state’s regulatory and law enforcement agency that regulates sports wagering (i.e., sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports), casino gambling, and video gaming in Illinois. The five Board Members of the IGB are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

It’s important to note that the IGB only regulates casino games and sports betting that are legal and licensed in the state. This includes the 15 land-based Illinois gambling sites and riverboat casinos in the state. Unfortunately, if you choose to place your wagers and bet with an offshore online casino, there’s little the regulatory board can do to get you your money back if you lose it due to fraud.

In addition, while the state is still working to legalize online casinos, they’re a long way from putting this in writing and law. That means that even legal forms of online gambling in Illinois, like sweepstakes casinos, might not be thoroughly regulated by the IGB. Fortunately, there are tons of sweepstakes casinos that have good reviews and great bonuses, and allow you to play online casino games without fear of losing hard-earned cash.

Online Casino Gambling in Illinois

There are various ways to gamble online if you love slot machines, sports betting, and poker games. First, there are highly reputable sportsbooks and online casino gaming sites known as social casinos available to residents in Illinois. If you visit an online casino site, you’ll notice that you won’t have the option of wagering direct funds during gameplay.

Instead, you can play various casino games for free using gold coins, which are a type of virtual currency used on the platform. These gold coins can help you explore different table games and slots, so you can refine your skills when you get a chance to play in person or in another state.

In addition to gold coins, you can win or purchase sweepstakes coins. The latter are then used to enter sweepstakes contests, which can earn you real cash and prizes. This way, these sweepstakes casinos are technically operating illegally.

Illinois Online Poker

Unfortunately, there is no legal way to earn real money through online poker. Poker can, however, be played through social and sweepstakes casinos.

Illinois 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.

Illinois 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. In addition, 2024 will see the coming of two new platforms, including Hardrock Bet. 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.

Illinois 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.

Illinois 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.

Illinois Land-Based Casinos

In addition to legal online platforms, visitors can also enjoy betting at different land-based casinos in Illinois. Sites also include riverboat casinos in Illinois. Harrah’s Casino, Hollywood Casino, and River Casino Des Plaines are just some of the many options available to enjoy slot games and play casino games with a real dealer.

History of Gambling Legislation in Illinois

The history of gambling in Illinois is rich and varied. Some highlights which have made it possible to enjoy live dealer games and slot machines include the following:

Legalization of Riverboat Gambling

The Riverboat Gambling Act of 1990 legalized riverboat gambling and casino sites.

Opening of First Illinois Casino Riverboat

The first Illinois casino riverboat opened in Alton, and they have continued to open with the latest in September 2023. There are currently 15 authorized casinos in the state, where you can play slot games, table games, and more.

Authorization of Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs)

The Video Gaming Act authorizes Video Gaming Terminals, or VGTs, in licensed establishments like truck stops. These VGTs are an important part of the gambling network in Illinois.

Enactment of Illinois Sports Wagering Act

The Illinois Sports Wagering Act was enacted and legalized sports wagering online, at Illinois casinos, and on horse racing tracks.

Expansion of Riverboat Casinos and Online Gambling

New riverboat casinos continue to open, and the online gambling industry continues to thrive with sports betting options.

Illinois Online Casinos FAQ

What is the Gambling Age in Illinois?

The legal gambling age is 21 years old to place a bet on online slots, as well as in legal online casino gaming and sports betting.

Who Regulates Gambling in Illinois?

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is the main agency in charge of regulating gambling in Illinois. They oversee all casino gaming, video gaming terminals, and sports wagering operations in the state.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?

Yes, certain online betting sites are legal in Illinois as of 2019. The Illinois Gaming Board has authorized several online sports betting sites and may expand to include Illinois online casino gaming in the future.

Can I Win Real Money at Online Casinos in Illinois?

Unfortunately, you cannot win real money at online casinos unless they are through sweepstakes sites. However, online sports betting platforms allow you to place real money wagers on various sporting events. You can also win real money on these sports bets.

Are Gambling Winnings Taxable in Illinois?

Yes, a state rate of 4.95% and a federal rate of 24% is applied to all gambling winnings in Illinois. This includes any money won from online casino games or sports betting. Even if you win money out of state, you are still required to report it on your Illinois tax return. However, gambling losses can be deducted up to the amount of your winnings, as long as you have documentation such as receipts or records of your wagers.

When Will Online Casinos Be Legal in Illinois?

While online sports betting has been legal in Illinois since 2019, there is currently no set timeline for when online casino gaming will be legalized. The Illinois Gaming Board may expand its authorization to include online casinos in the future. Still, for now, players can only legally bet on sports through authorized platforms and table games through social or sweepstakes casinos.

Veronica Foster Written by Veronica Foster

I’m a seasoned gambler with a decade of experience in games like blackjack and roulette, and a particular fondness for slot machines. Now, as a writer for iGaming IQ Inc and Lucky Gambler, I use my expertise to educate others on smart, responsible betting, winning strategies, and choosing the best online casinos.

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