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
  • Funrize
    #1 Rank
    Funrize
    Bonus
    No deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 Coins & 1000 Entries for deposit over $19.99
    9.2
    Read review
    About Funrize
    Funrize

    Funrize Casino is as good as it gets for players looking for a simple, easy-to-use, and fun platform to play casino-style games. Most Funrize casino reviews only give an overview of this site, but we’ve gone in-depth and played games for ourselves, signed up for an account, and interacted with their customer support team to get a better picture of how this sweepstakes casino works. Find out what we’ve learned in this Funrize Casino review.

    Read review
    Overview
    • Established 2022
    • Min deposit $4.99
    • No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
    Rating
    9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Apple Pay
    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • FunzCity
    #2 Rank
    FunzCity
    Bonus
    No deposit 125 000 Coins +400 000 FC & 1000 CC for deposit over $19.99
    8.9
    About FunzCity
    FunzCity
    Overview
    • Established 2024
    • Min deposit $6.99
    • No Deposit Bonus 125 000 Coins
    Rating
    8.9 / 10
    Bonuses
    9/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • Spree
    #3 Rank
    Spree
    Bonus
    30,000 GC + 30 FREE SC for $9.99
    9
    About Spree
    Spree
    Overview
    Rating
    9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    9/10
    Customer Support
    9/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    9/10
    User reviews
    7/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply
  • NoLimitCoins
    #4 Rank
    NoLimitCoins
    Bonus
    No deposit 100 000 Coins +400 000 GC & free 1000 SC for deposit over $19.99
    9.1
    Read review
    About NoLimitCoins
    NoLimitCoins

    Small but mighty, NolimitCoins casino is quickly becoming one of the most reputable, fun, and simple social casino platforms on the market. It’s easy to find a slot that satisfies your need for a Vegas-style game, purchase gold coin packages to extend the fun, and win daily bonuses! Find out more about this new sweepstakes casino in our NolimitCoins review.

    Read review
    Overview
    • Established 2021
    • Min deposit $1.99
    • No Deposit Bonus No deposit 100 000 Coins
    Rating
    9 / 10
    Bonuses
    10/10
    Payment Options
    8/10
    Customer Support
    10/10
    Licensing & Safety
    10/10
    User experience
    9/10
    Game Selection
    8/10
    User reviews
    8/10

    Payment methods

    • Visa
    • Mastercard
    • Discover
    • Apple Pay
    21+ | New Player Only - T&C Apply

Reviews of Our Choise of the Best Online Casinos in Illinois

Hunting for the premier online casinos in Illinois? Our dedicated team has done the legwork to find the top platforms available for players in Illinois. These casinos stand out for their extensive game selections, appealing bonus offers, secure payment methods, and exceptional customer support. Dive into the best online gaming experiences designed specifically for Illinois players today.

Stake.us
Read review
Stake.us
#1 Rank
Stake.us
8.3

With sponsors like Drake and the UFC, it’s no wonder Stake.us Casino is quickly becoming a household name for casino lovers. Stake.us Casino is a top contender among social casinos, thanks to its large selection of games, cryptocurrency accepted, and fun community. Our Stake.us review tells you everything you need to know about this massively successful platform. Stake.us social casino is here to stay, find out why!

  • Website stake.us
  • Bonus 25 Free Stake Cash + 250,000 Gold Coins
  • Established 2022
  • Games 871
  • Legal in States All exept WA, NY, NV, ID, KY, MI, VT
  • Live Dealer Yes
Pros of Stake.us Casino
  • Wide selection of games from top providers
  • Accepts various cryptocurrencies for easy deposits and withdrawals
  • Live chat support available for any inquiries or concerns
  • Varied bonuses and promotions
Cons of Stake.us Casino
  • No mobile app available
  • Limited payment options compared to other casinos
  • Smaller daily bonuses don't offer much free stake cash or gold coins
McLuck
Read review
McLuck
#2 Rank
McLuck
7.3

Whether you want to earn free Gold Coins to play your favorite slot games, get a chance at winning huge jackpot games and prizes, or explore unique arcades or live dealer games, McLuck Casino has it all! Our team created this McLuck review so you can know how this sweepstakes social casino compares to the competition, what makes it a new top contender, and what’s left to improve on to make it one of the best.

  • Website www.mcluck.com
  • Bonus Get Up to 57,500 Gold Coins + 27.5 Free Sweepstakes Coins
  • Established 2023
  • Games 557
  • Legal in States All exept AL, GA, ID, KY, MT, MI, NV, WA
  • Live Dealer Yes
Pros of McLuck Casino
  • Versatile selection of game types
  • Mobile apps available
  • Accepts several banking methods, including online banking via Trustly
  • Games provided by top software developers
Cons
  • No live chat feature for non-VIP players
  • No game demos
Casino4Fun
Read review
Casino4Fun
#3 Rank
Casino4Fun
8.9

Rush Games Casino4Fun has quickly made a name for itself as one of the most popular online social casinos! It’s easy to create an account and start taking advantage of daily virtual coins, jackpot promotions, and more. From live craps to popular slots by some of the biggest casino industry game developers, you’ll be able to feel immersed in online gambling from the comfort of your home. Here’s a look at what our experts at Lucky Gambler think of Rush Games Casino4Fun.

  • Website www.rushgames.com
  • Bonus 500 VC$ on sign-up
  • Established 2023
  • Games 781
  • Legal in States All except Washington
Pros:
  • A decent selection of games to choose from
  • High-quality graphics and gameplay
  • Regular promotions and bonuses offered
  • Simple registration process
Cons:
  • No mobile app available yet
  • No live chat support for customer service
  • No real-money gambling option available
DingDingDing
Read review
DingDingDing
#4 Rank
DingDingDing
8.6

Full of exciting free slot games, bingo games, and even live dealer games, DingDingDing Casino is an online casino site that has it all. From its vast selection of games to its enticing Promo Code and Purchase Bonus promotions, this casino caters to the needs of every type of player, from novices to experienced bettors. There’s no need to purchase either, making this one of the most rewarding social casino sites in the game. Compared to other Ding Ding Ding casino reviews, this one is about everything, from their top games to customer support and payment options, so you can make an informed decision before signing up for an account.

  • Website dingdingding.com
  • Bonus 100 000 GC
  • Established 2020
  • Games 879
  • Legal in States All except Nevada, Washington, Kentucky, Michigan, and Idaho
Casino Pros
  • Various bonuses and promotions
  • Wide selection of games from top software developers
  • Multiple payment options including cryptocurrencies
  • User-friendly interface with easy navigation
Cons
  • No live chat customer support
  • No mobile app available
  • Some games need to be unlocked through coin purchases
Moonspin
Read review
Moonspin
#5 Rank
Moonspin
7.6

Moonspin.us is one of the newest gaming sites on the market. Its smaller selection of slots and unique arcade games along with daily bonuses make this the perfect platform for those looking to explore new titles for free! It’s also the ideal place for casino and crypto lovers alike. Our Moonspin Casino review gives you the latest updates on this sweepstakes casino, so you can know what to expect when signing up for an account.

  • Website moonspin.us
  • Bonus 1 Moon Coin and 10,000 Gold Coins
  • Established 2023
  • Games 65
  • Legal in States All, except WA, MT, MI, NV, ID
Pros
  • Branding of moon coins, site, and niche is artfully designed
  • Live chat support is available
  • Casino-style games for free
  • Strong mobile compatibility
  • High levels of security
  • Plenty of no deposit bonuses
  • Creative online slots and exclusive games
Cons
  • No loyalty program yet
  • Playthrough required when redeeming Moon Coins
  • Redemptions may be limited to $100
  • Needs more games
  • No live dealer games
  • Does not accept credit/debit cards
Modo Casino
Read review
Modo Casino
#6 Rank
Modo Casino
8.5

With some of the biggest names in the iGaming industry already sharing their best titles with Modo.us, it’s no wonder this new social casino is on the rise and gaining popularity! Our Modo.us casino review explores why players are flocking to this site to play their favorite games, participate in tournaments, or simply unwind. Find out more in this casino review.

  • Website modo.us
  • Bonus 20,000 Gold Coins (GC) + Sweepstakes Coins (SC)
  • Established 2023
  • Games 647
  • Legal in States Everywhere except for CT, DE, ID, MI, MT, NV, NJ, PA, RI, WA, WV
  • Live Dealer No
Pros
  • Wide selection of casino-style games from top developers
  • Live chat option for VIP members
  • User-friendly interface and mobile compatibility
  • Various bonuses and promotions
Cons
  • Limited banking options compared to other casinos
  • No mobile app
  • No live dealer games
Scratchful
Read review
Scratchful
#7 Rank
Scratchful
7

Scratchful social casino has taken the social casino world by storm, building up a steady following on social media and even launching an app on the Google Play Store. Having a large selection of almost 300 games and a unique gaming experience with its various promotions puts this social casino at the top of our watchlist. But how does it compare to other sweepstakes casino platforms, and can it improve? Find out more in this Scratchful social casino review.

  • Website www.scratchful.com
  • Bonus 15,000 Gold COins + 5 free Sweepstakes Coins
  • Established 2023
  • Games 768
  • Legal in States All except AL, GA, ID, KY, MT, MI, NV, WA
Pros of Scratchful
  • Responsible gaming experience
  • 768 games, including slots, scratch-offs, and slingo
  • Over a dozen reputable software providers
  • Sleek and modern user interface
  • Dedicated Android app
  • Easy sign-up process
  • Frequent tournaments and bonuses
Cons of Scratchful
  • No iOS app
  • No live customer support options available unless you make a purchase
  • Slow customer support
  • No table games available
  • No easy way to toggle between coins
  • Withdrawal times reported to be slow
PENN Play
Read review
PENN Play
#8 Rank
PENN Play
9.5

PENN Play Casino was launched in 2022 and immediately gathered a massive audience thanks to the reputation of its owner, PENN Entertainment. With the integration of the company’s PENN Rewards, over 400 casino games, and tons of top-name developers, it’s no wonder the PENN Play social casino has thousands of players and fans! Find out what we think of this social casino site in this PENN Play Casino review.

  • Website pennplaycasino.com
  • Bonus 15,000,000 Credits
  • Established 2020
  • Games 428
  • Legal in States All 50 states
Pros
  • Large selection of diverse games from top developers
  • Accepts various forms of payment
  • Many promotions to earn credits
  • App available for iOS and Android
  • Regular free credits awarded
  • The PENN Rewards program is impressive
Cons
  • No chance of winning real cash prizes
  • The live chat feature doesn't connect you to a live agent
  • Slow loading and glitches for some mobile games
  • Rewards program only accessible on mobile
Slotomania
Read review
Slotomania
#9 Rank
Slotomania
8.8

Launched in 2011, Slotomania is definitely a staple in the social casino industry. It is beloved for its plethora of slot games, which at first glance appear to be locked but can easily be accessed with a couple of rounds of playing. Whether you love playing slots for free to unwind or for the challenge, you can get a tailored experience at Slotomania. This Slotomania review gives you insight into how this sweepstakes casino stacks up to the competition and gives you an idea of why it has been going strong for over a decade!

  • Website www.slotomania.com
  • Bonus 1,000,000 Free Coins
  • Established 2011
  • Games 211
  • Legal in States All 50 states
Pros of Slotomania Casino
  • A wide variety of slot games available
  • Easy-to-use mobile app for iOS and Android devices
  • Regular generous bonuses and promotions
  • Easy to level up and unlock slots
Cons of Slotomania Casino
  • Limited customer support options, with no live chat
  • No table games or other casino favorites besides slots
  • Some users have reported technical issues and glitches like missing coins
GoldSlips Casino
Read review
GoldSlips Casino
#10 Rank
GoldSlips Casino
8.6

There are big things underway for GoldSlips Casino. This site is in its beginning stages, but has all the makings of a fun and simple social casino available in most states. We at Lucky Gambler are excited to see what’s in store for the future of GoldSlips, and hope to see more bonuses and promotions. Here is everything you need to know about this new social casino, from our expert reviews to ratings, gameplay, availability, and more.

  • Website play.goldslips.com
  • Bonus 5S Coins + 100K Gold Coins
  • Established 2023
  • Games 41
  • Legal in States All except Washington, Idaho, and Kentucky
Pros
  • Intuitive, user-focused interface
  • Extensive payment options
  • Optimized mobile site
  • Robust 24/7 customer support
  • Opportunity to redeem real money prizes
  • No deposit bonuses available upon sign-up and social media engagement
  • Variety of games to play using Fun Coins or Sweeps Coins
Cons
  • No dedicated mobile app
  • Limited table games
  • No Live Chat Support
  • Absence of Renowned Game Providers

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.

Veronica's articles and reviews