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Online casinos in Illinois

On this page, you'll find everything there is to know about online casinos in Illinois. Find out their legal status, different games you can play and much more.

Table of contents

So far, online casinos are not legal in Illinois. However, things are changing as gambling lobbies have applied pressure in order to legalize online casinos, following online sportsbooks.

In 2019, online sports betting in Illinois became legal. Thus, the bettors do not have to leave the comfort of their couch to place their bets, nor to go around all the retail sportsbooks to find the offer that suits them the most.

In the same year, the advocates of online casinos presented Illinois Gambling Act — SB 690. The Illinois Gaming Board, which organizes and controls all the gaming businesses and actions in the area, has been working on how the state regulations would apply to online casinos.

Update 2023: Three new bills regarding online casinos in Illinois

Three new online casino bills were introduced in February 2023 before the Illinois legislature to make it easier for the state to legalize online casino gambling.

Bill 1656 would require in-person registration for the first six months after legalization and would seem to benefit the brick-and-mortar shops while the other two bills would allow new customers to register for a casino account online from the first day of legalization.

It still remains to see if any of these bills will pass and allow legal online casinos in the state of Illinois.

Online casino sites that may come to Illinois

Despite the uncertainty of the subject so far, there are a few assumptions about online casinos that may come to Illinois. They are some of the biggest online casinos across the US, so it is only natural that they will join the online casino market of Illinois when it opens.

Actually, some of these online operators have already partnered with physical casinos in the state, and they have even launched their online sportsbooks.

FanDuel Casino

FanDuel started off as a daily fantasy sports platform. Gradually, FanDuel built a customer base that later moved to the application for sports betting. So, it is highly likely that FanDuel will also build a very good online casino application.

The sportsbook partnered up with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois, with a retail sportsbook inside the casino. Regardless of this move, it is not definite that FanDuel will launch an online casino.

Nevertheless, there are still things that lead us to believe they will actually launch an online casino. The most important one is the association and cooperation of FanDuel with Paddy Power Betfair, the betting pillar of London.

The two companies have signed an agreement that gives FanDuel the means to get into the online casino industry.

DraftKings Casino

DraftKings started off as a daily fantasy sports platform as well and later became a successful sportsbook and FanDuel's biggest competitor. In the case of Illinois, DraftKings has an important heads-up because they already operate flourishing online casinos in certain states.

Their online casino app has trademark visual features with a user-friendly platform. In addition, DraftKings will offer its new customers in Illinois an exciting welcome bonus deal.

Overall, DraftKings will definitely thrive once online casinos are legitimate due to their partnership with the Casino Queen in East St. Louis.

PointsBet Casino

PointsBet is another operator that began its online presence first in the sports betting industry. They now have an online casino platform available in specific states, such as Michigan.

Even though the app is brand-new, it is fast, and high-quality, and it includes all the trademark visual features of the PointsBet sportsbook. There are a few promos and bonuses for regular players, but there aren't any classic bonuses, such as a welcome bonus. Given that all online casinos have such bonuses to attract new customers, PointsBet will definitely add some in the future.

PointsBet will be an asset in the online casinos Illinois market because of its already existing credibility. But besides the brand's trustworthiness in terms of licenses and safety, PointsBet is also famous for its excellent customer service.

BetRivers Casino

As you have probably figured out from this list, all the casinos we have mentioned started as sportsbooks and/or daily fantasy sports platforms. BetRivers is no exception. The platform is already thriving in the sports betting industry.

The positive reviews on BetRivers led to their online casino's expected success. The app runs in states where online casinos are legal. So, it is absolutely sure that it will launch in Illinois as well, as soon as online casinos get the green light from the state.

BetRivers already cooperates with a physical casino in Illinois, River des Plaines, where it operates a retail sportsbook.

There is no need to rumble on, it is most definite that BetRivers will the online casino market in Illinois, with juicy bonuses and exciting offers for their new players.

Online casino games

There are so many online casino games available in general. Almost all games of regular casinos are available in online versions as well. So you do not have to leave the comfort of your home to play. What is more exciting though, is that online casinos offer more variations of games, as well as numerous tables to join.

There is no space limit. You can always find a table for poker or baccarat or a slot free to play your favorite game. Furthermore, when playing online, the games are faster as you do not have to wait for the dealer to deal with the cards or the chips.

In addition, you do not have to buy your seat at the table, you just join the game. But let's see which are the most popular online casino games in the US.

Slots

An online casino can have thousands of online slot games available. They are fun because they usually have great sound and visual features. Moreover, you do not need any special skills to play.

You can spin the wheels for as long as your budget allows you. Luckily, you do not have to bet a lot of money, but always be prepared that you might lose them. However, there are slot games available for free in many online casinos if you want to test your luck or just relax without the actual gambling stress.

Baccarat

Baccarat is a very loved casino game with many variations, such as punto banco, baccarat squeeze, mini-baccarat, speed baccarat, and baccarat squeeze. Due to its popularity, online casinos have added it to their game list.

At the same time, the operators have worked with software providers to create new baccarat versions available only online. In this game, you can decide whether to join as a player against the banker or bet either on a player or the banker. It is a fast and exciting game, and its variations add a little spice to the classic game.

Blackjack

Blackjack is another famous game with many variations. Its rules are easy to learn. Regular casinos often have many blackjack tables.

When it comes to online casinos, some might hesitate to play because they do not see a dealer or other players. However, all licensed online casinos guarantee that all card games are fair, due to the certified measures they take to protect their players and of course their reputation.

Poker

Another classic, poker is probably the most difficult game because you need to have great skills in order to play. You have to learn many rules and strategies before you join a table with experienced players. However, practice makes perfect, so do not be afraid to try it out.

Online casinos have created video poker, which is slightly different from the classic. There are tournaments and tables available daily. There are also variations in video poker. Each one might have different rules, so be careful which table you join.

Roulette

Roulette is another game based on chance. The goal is to predict where the ball will land once the dealer spins the wheel.

The bets can be about a specific number, high or low, or even on what color the ball will land on. The payouts can be low or high, depending on your bet.

Craps

Craps is like playing dice. But it is not about who throws the biggest number. It is about rolling a specific number and then rolling it again before seven is rolled. The gameplay is pretty much the same when you play it online.

You just do not throw the dice with your hands. There have been a few variations online. Overall, it is a fast-paced game with many bets.

Live gambling

Live gambling is for those who want to play online but have human interaction too. In live gambling games or live dealer games, a dealer is a real person. You can see him on your screen, as he has his camera and microphone on and deals the cards or chips as he would in a regular casino.

Moreover, in live gambling games, you can interact with other players and chat. You do not have to turn on your camera if you do not want to, but you can communicate via chat.

Different types of online casino bonuses

An advantage of online casinos, in general, is that they offer lots of bonuses and promos that are not available in classic casinos. An important detail of all bonuses is that they come with specific terms and conditions, different for each casino.

These terms can be about the bonus' expiration date, a waging requirement, or tied to a specific game. So, always make sure to read this information. You do not want to grab a bonus and then be bound to bet on something you do not want to. But let's see the different types of bonuses that online casinos offer.

Welcome bonus

This is the most popular bonus. Most online casinos offer one in order to attract more new customers. It is a bonus you get for signing up in the casino. It can take the form of free spins, a deposit match, or extra credits in your casino account.

No deposit bonus

A no deposit bonus is when you can play a game without having to make a deposit first. Usually, the game is specific, you can not redeem the bonus wherever you want. Also, the bonus is not redeemable for real cash.

All you have to do is to register and start playing. It is a great way to test your luck and skills in online casino games without breaking the bank.

Match deposit bonus

This bonus matches your deposit up to a specific amount. Depending on the terms, it can double, or triple your deposit, and so on.

It can also match only 50% or less. The match deposit bonus comes with a minimum deposit requirement. Moreover, the bonus might be about the deposit for a specific game.

Free spins

Free spins are about slot games. You can get them either by signing up, that is, as a welcome bonus, or by making a deposit of a specific amount.

You can redeem this bonus in a specific game and for a limited period of time. Nonetheless, it is a great way to earn real money without betting on your own.

Cashback

A cashback bonus gives you part of your money back. But it is usually for existing players and specifically for players that bet a lot of money. You could say that a cashback bonus is granted to the VIP players of an online casino.

This bonus comes with specific terms as well. For example, it can be about not just a certain amount of money but also about a specific game. Most of the time, the cashback bonus is about the table games and not slots.

Loyalty/Reward programs

The loyalty system rewards all the regular players of an online casino. If you keep playing games, you collect points and receive rewards. These rewards can be casino dollars to play games or types of exclusive bonuses.

Each casino has its own rewards program, and you do not have to do anything particular to join. You enter just by signing up.

Refer-a-friend

Many casinos offer a bonus when you refer a friend. Usually, it is an amount of money in your casino account that you can redeem by playing games and placing bets. In order to receive this bonus, you have to refer a friend.

Your friend has to sign up. Then you will both get the bonus. In most cases, your friend has to make a deposit too, but the amount is low.

Online casino banking options

Online casinos have another advantage, they accept many payment methods. Besides the classic ones, you can pay with eWallets or even cryptocurrencies.

Each casino has its own options. There should be terms about certain options, as the casino might charge a fee.

Credit & Debit Cards

Paying online with a credit or debit card is the most common way. It is very easy, and normally there are no fees. Also, the payment is instant.

However, in today's digital world, it is not the best option for online payments because the risk of having your bank information stolen is high.

eWallets

In order to protect the customers, and in this case, the gamblers, many companies invented eWallets. To name a few, PayPal, PayNearMe, Neteller, Skrill, Venmo, Trustly, and others. The concept of an eWallet is simple. You load your banking information, and you make the transactions via the eWallet.

The eWallet companies have very strict safety measures and encrypted technologies so it is very hard for hackers to steal sensitive information. Even in the case of online theft, the eWallet provider gives a full refund and then prosecutes the hackers by themselves.

There are two characteristics of eWallets that can be discouraging. The first one is that many transactions require you to pay a fee.

The second one is that the transaction can take some time to happen, especially when we are talking about withdrawal. Both of these issues are quite important when talking about online casinos, as time is money.

Online banking

Online banking has lost its popularity. Besides that, it is dangerous to share such sensitive information online, and it takes a long time to complete payment.

If, for instance, you are making a bank transfer to a different bank from the one you use, the transaction can take up to even seven days.

Check

Checks are not even accepted in most cases. The risk of them being bad is simply too big. You might find that some private tables in poker accept checks, but that is a rare phenomenon. It is too easy to make an instant payment with an eWallet, why bother with checks?

Prepaid Cards and Play+

Prepaid cards are another convenient payment method. You simply buy a card, load money on it, and then make your payments with it. It is not linked to your bank account; if someone tries to hack you, they will not find anything other than what is in this specific card.

Play+ is a prepaid card, especially for gaming and gambling. You can load money even in an ATM, and then you can play your favorite online casino games!

You can check an online's casino credibility by looking at who is the developer of their games. These developers are the pillars of the gaming and gambling software industry and produce the best slots for online casinos, both in terms of gameplay quality and fairness.

WMS slots

WMS started off as a pinball designer back in the 1940s. In 1999, the company switched to designing slot games. WMS was the one who introduced the concept of a slot series by creating the Monopoly series.

These games were such a huge success, that WMS designed other series for popular games, such as Men In Black, Star Trek, and the Wizard of Oz.

Bally slot machines

Bally is another great software designer. They designed their first slot game in 1976 and have been thriving ever since. They use modern technologies to provide the best gameplay and cool rewards for their players.

IGT slots

IGT stands for International Game Technology, one of the pillars of the industry. They produce smooth and innovative games. They also have some of the best slot games in online casinos.

AGS slots

The company was officially established in 2005 and has been creating table games and slots ever since. Their games are some of the best in terms of gameplay and exciting design. Moreover, in 2020, AGS has been named the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in the Nation for the fourth year in a row.

Konami slots

Konami is among the top five game designers in Japan. They started off by developing arcade games, but as this trend slowly disappeared, Konami turned to slot games. From 1978 up to today, Konami has been working with many US game designers in order to produce innovative games.

NetEnt

NetEnt is the most famous software provider in the industry. It launched in 1996. NetEnt quickly became popular because of its original and excellent games.

Their games have many rewards, making the company a true pillar of the industry. NetEnt has licenses from all the important gambling commissions. Nowadays, it has won over many US markets, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Play n' Go

Play n' Go is another company that designed games for online casinos. The company is based in Sweden, but it has successfully entered the US market.

They started off as a secondary company, attached to other bigger ones. However, since 2005, Play n' Go has been an independent company, with more than 50 games available in 30 different languages.

How to start playing at an online casino

To start playing at an online casino, you first need to create an account and deposit money. It is a rather easy process which you can read more about below:

  1. Choose your casino & bonus offer. This is the first you have to make. You have to research the available online casinos and what bonuses they offer. Be thorough in your research and always read the terms and conditions of the bonuses. The traps hide in the details. Hopefully, with the information we have provided, we helped you understand which are the best options.
  2. Register and deposit. Once you make a choice, you have to register by filling in some personal information, such as your full name, mailing address, email address, date of birth, and banking information. Then, you make your first deposit, either to start playing or to claim a bonus.
  3. Start playing. Once you have made your first deposit, you are ready to start playing. Most online casinos have different sections for different types of games, so start by browsing around to see your options.

Casino locations in Illinois

Even though online casinos are not yet legal in Illinois, there are a handful of real physical casinos around the state where you can gamble legally in Illinois.

At this moment there are 10 legal casinos in Illinois and you can see the different locations below:

Hollywood Casino Joilet Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet, IL 60436
Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel Address: 777 Ballys Blvd., Rock Island, IL 61201
Par-A-Dice Casino Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria, IL 61611
Rivers Des Plaines Address: 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Argosy Casino Alton Address: 1 Piasa St., Alton, IL 62002
DraftKings at Casino Queen Address: 200 S. Front St., East St. Louis, IL 62201
Grand Victoria Casino Address: 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
Harrah’s Joliet Address: 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet, IL 60432
Harrah’s Metropolis Address: 100 E. Front St., Metropolis, IL 62960
Hollywood Casino Aurora Address: 1 W. New York St., Aurora, IL 60506

FAQ

When will online casinos become legal in IL?

There is no definite answer yet as to when online casinos will become legal in Illinois. The new bills of 2023 might legitimize online casinos but so far it is unknown if and when it will happen.

What is an offshore online casino?

An offshore online casino is an operator that offers residents of Illinois to register and play on their site, without having a license from the Illinois Gaming Board. These operators are illegal and it is not recommended to gamble at an offshore casino site.

What is a sweepstake casino?

A sweepstake casino is an online casino form where you can purchase sweeps for real money or coins and use them to play. Example of sweepstake casinos that operates in Illinois are Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, Funzpoints and Global Poker.