Illinois Casinos

Illinois Gambling History

IL gambling history dates back many years back, with its roots tracing back to the 18th century.

• The 1830s – Horse racing events begin in the state.
• The 1840s – Casino riverboats appear in the state

Unregulated gambling came to a halt during the Civil War. The unregulated gambling profited individuals rather than IL state, and this was a hole IL looked to seal.

• 1920 – Illinois state legalizes horse racing, becoming the first gambling form legalized in the state. This milestone would kickstart the tourism industry and help improve the revenue. To date, horse race betting is popular in the state, with the Illinois Racing Board regulating all racetracks within its borders. 
• 1974 – Illinois becomes the first state to legalize a state lottery. To date, the lottery sales have grown, and data from 2015 showed that the state made $2.85 billion in lottery sales, with $675 million going to public schools. In addition, Illinois was the first state to allow the sale of online lottery tickets.
• 1990 – The Riverboat Gambling Act becomes law in IL. The law paved the way for riverboat casinos to open in the state, with the first appearing in Alton (Argosy Casino) in 1991. All riverboat casinos had to be on the water, and none would be located in Cook County to protect Chicago’s horse racing market.

The law required that while gambling was taking place, the casinos had to move along the waterways. However, this stance changed in 1999 when they were required to dock permanently.

• 2009 – The Video Gaming Act becomes law in IL. The law sought to expand IL gambling space by incorporating video gaming terminals (VGTs) in various establishments such as liquor-pouring locations, fraternal, veteran clubs, and truck stops. The profits from VGTs have been on the rise ever since. For example, the state garnered $111.8 million in total profits in 2017 from the 27,842 VGTs spread in 6,296 locations.
• 2012 – Video poker and slot machines approved in bars. However, while the racetracks wanted to host the mentioned, they have not been successful and are still lobbying for the same.

Is it Legal to Gamble Online in Illinois?

A quick search of Illinois gambling will have two major questions popping up. They are: Can I gamble online in IL? And is online gambling legal in Illinois? In reference to the questions, the simple answer is that as long as the activity is authorized and conducted within the state’s laws, it is legal. However, the point to note is that Illinois is one of the few states that illegalize online gambling. The only legalized online gambling forms in the state are online sweepstakes/social casinos and online sports betting, which was legalized in 2019 by Gov. JB Pritzker. One can find every law related to gambling in Illinois in Article 28 of the Illinois Code.

Notable misses on the IL online gambling space are the online casinos and online poker sites. Currently, it is a gambling offense to bet on the mentioned. However, the lacuna in punishments/charges has given way for several offshore online casinos and poker sites to accept bets from Illinois residents. How are the odds looking in IL? As it stands, there is some light judging from the Internet Gaming Act that Rep. Bob Rita introduced. The act seeks to bring online slots, table games, and poker to Illinois. If the bill is approved:

• Land-based casinos and racetracks would pursue licenses at a fee of $500,000.
• The state would place a 12% tax on the profits.
• A six-month in-person registration phase would be in place.

While many obstacles stand in the way of the bill passing, the enticing revenue the online casino and poker would generate is a reason for optimism.

Here is a look at the other online gambling forms and their status in the Land of Lincoln:

Online Casino

Currently, online casinos are illegal in IL. This means that not a single online casino is regulated and licensed to operate in IL. If the Internet Gaming Act gets the approval needed, then online gambling will be legal in IL. For now, the only online casinos’ players can bet on are the social casinos that bring a taste of online slots, table games, among other casino games. As stated, the difference with such casinos is that no real money will be involved.

Additionally, while it is not clear on the legal repercussions following any gambling offense, many have opted to gamble online in Illinois via offshore online casinos. While they are not the highly recommended platforms for accountability and reliability, they are the only option for real-money play for players who do not wish to travel to a land-based casino.

Online Poker

Online poker follows online casinos closely, where presently, Illinois only hosts offline poker rooms. Some of the establishments offering live poker include Jumer’s Casino, Harrah’s Metropolis, and Hollywood Casino Aurora. Additionally, other poker rooms are charitable venues. Online poker is not legal in IL, but this might change if the Internet Gaming Act would pass. Some offshore online poker sites are also accepting IL players to play for real money.

Online Sports Betting

In 2019, the Illinois legislature passed a bill that would allow for sports betting at the facilities in the state, including casinos, sports facilities, and racetracks. In 2020, retail sports betting began with the first sportsbook opened. Currently, eight (8) retail sportsbooks are available in the state. Still, in 2020, online sportsbooks started coming up in the state. In a nutshell, both online and retail sportsbooks are legal in Illinois. The first online sportsbook to have its operations in the state was BetRivers Sportsbook, owned by Rush Street Interactive. Later on, several online sportsbooks have come up, including PointsBet, DraftKings, William Hill, and FanDuel. Bettors can expect others to launch soon, including BetMGM, Unibet, and Bally’s.

The online sports betting industry has boomed majorly for the executive order by Gov. J.B. Pritzker that waived the requirements of bettors making an in-person registration at the land-based casino/sportsbook. As a result, bettors would create their accounts directly on their phones or computers at their comfort. However, the order lapsed in April 2021, and as it stands, bettors need to register in-person at the physical facility before placing sports bets.

The following are some of the facilities and their sportsbooks:

• BetRivers Sportsbook – Rivers Casino
• FanDuel Sportsbook – FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing (Fairmount Park)
• William Hill – Grand Victoria
• Barstool Sportsbook – Hollywood Casino Aurora, Juliet
• DraftKings – DraftKings at Casino Queen

All the licensed online sportsbooks utilize geolocation services to ensure that players are wagering within Illinois borders.

What are some of the sports betting options at IL online sportsbooks? They are plenty to choose from, including top US pro and collegiate options. Sports such as Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Soccer, and Football open up leagues and events such as the NBA, WNBA, MLB, MLS, NCAA, and US Tour. However, IL does not legalize in-state collegiate wagers. Besides that, IL bettors can enjoy features such as live betting, cash out, live streaming, and several real-money bonuses and promotions.

Online Lottery

The IL lottery was legalized in 1974 and exists to date, with in-state and multi-state games besides the instant games and raffles. In 2010, the lottery began selling the Powerball and Mega Million tickets. Today, while the offline lottery exists, the online lottery is also legal in IL and is regulated under Illinois Lottery Control Board. This allows players to buy tickets online and participate in the games as they claim several promotions that the lotteries may offer.

Online Bingo

Live bingo is viewed as a charitable game and is regulated under the Illinois Department of Revenue. The maximum prize set on a contest is $500, while the maximum prize pool set for a day stands at $2,250. Currently, online bingo in IL is not legal. However, some offshore online bingo sites are accepting bets from Illinois residents.

Online Horse Race Betting

The state legalized horse race betting in the 1920s, and currently, IL players can walk into several racetracks and off-track betting venues to make their bets. Besides offline horse race betting, Illinois also accepts online horse race bets, with the activity regulated by the Illinois Racing Board. Online betting provides vast betting options that come with enhanced odds and improved markets. In addition, several bet types ranging from exacta, trifecta, quinella, to the first four are available.

Online Sweepstakes

Online sweepstakes are legal in Illinois, and the law states that the legality is dependent on the prize being awarded based on skill and not chance. Additionally, there should be no payment made to receive or use the prize. 

Daily Fantasy Sports

Illinois does not regulate daily fantasy sports (DFS). In 2015, the state’s Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, issued an opinion that considered DFS contests illegal. Major DFS sites such as DraftKings and FanDuel are still operating in the state with claims that their operations are not illegal, and while several attempts have been made to legalize DFS in the state, the bills haven’t passed through the legislature as yet. 

Can You Play Slots Online in Illinois?

Yes, and no. Yes, in that IL residents can access legal social casinos to play their favorite slot games and work their way up to trigger features, normally as it would be on a standard online casino. The only shortcoming is that players cannot play the slots in social casinos with real money. Thus, slot lovers looking for a payout or jackpot winnings are heavily turned off.

On the sites, slot lovers can enjoy several IL online slots after creating accounts with the sites. After that, they can make deposits if they wish to play for real money or try the slots for free through the ‘demo’ mode option.

On the other hand, one cannot play IL slots online since online casinos are not legal in Illinois. No regulatory body licenses any online casino within Illinois borders. Remember, it is a gambling offense in IL to gamble online on an unlicensed business. 

The slots available at the offshore online casinos are products of some of these software providers. Among them are:

• Yggdrasil: Founded in 2013, Yggdrasil is one of the popular game developers and is known for high-quality slots, with some offering lucrative jackpots, rich graphics, diversity in themes, and the ability to be played on mobile phones. Among the top Yggdrasil slots include Vikings Go Berzerk and Valley of the Gods.
• Wazdan: Known for its slots filled with great payouts, captivating graphics, rich features, and exciting gameplay, Wazdan is another major player in the online gambling industry. Interestingly, some of their slots boast 3D dynamics, with others having progressive jackpots. Among the top Wazdan slots include Magic Stars, Valhalla, and Burning Reels.
• International Game Technology (IGT): IGT is one of the oldest software providers founded in the 1950s. The provider is reputable for its vast presence in both land-based and online casinos. Their slots provide a perfect blend of traditional and modern concepts. Some of the top slots include Cleopatra, Ghostbusters, and Siberian Storm.

Gambling Age Law

The gambling age limit differs on the gambling form in Illinois. Residents who wish to bet on the lottery, bingo, and horse racing events must be aged at least 18 years.  The age limit goes slightly higher for parties interested in making sports bets and casino wagers. Illinois sets the age limit at 21+. The exact age limits on the land-based venues mirror Illinois online gambling laws. 

While some offshore online casinos may set their age limits at 18+, the rule of thumb is that the state laws should reign supreme. It is recommendable that players play online casinos or poker sites for real money if aged 21+, even if the site requires parties aged 18+.

Most Reputable 18+ Online Casinos for Illinois Players

Despite many offshore casinos operating, few meet our parameters of the most reputable platforms. We look out for crucial aspects, including their security & licensing, game portfolio, bonuses & promotions, accessibility on devices, banking section, and general online reviews. Our guide has covered the list of the online casinos that meet all the mentioned parameters. Remember, the legal casino gambling age in IL stands at 21+.

Land-based Casinos in Illinois

The Illinois casino industry has been growing, and currently, the state provides around twenty (20) land-based casinos and pari-mutuel facilities with close to 20,000 slot machines and 500 table games. A visit to either of them welcomes residents to a great gaming experience. Besides the gaming experience, the facilities offer more services, including accommodation, dining, entertainment, conference facilities, site viewing, among others. 

In addition to the slots and table games, most casinos go further to host poker rooms. With the state legalizing sports betting, other venues have also provided a physical sportsbook that players can bet or make in-person registration. 

Below are some of the offline casinos in Illinois:

Will Illinois Regulate Online Gambling in the Future?

The simple answer is probably. As it stands, many pointers are suggesting that the legislature may soon legalize IL online gambling. For a start, some of Illinois’s neighboring states, including Michigan and Indiana, have legalized online gambling, and the benefits, especially on the revenue collection, have been plain to see for many. The other pointer is the success of the legalization of sports betting in the last two years. With one down, online casino and poker legalization looks like the next considerable projects.

Finally, the Internet Gaming Act is the other pointer that seeks to incorporate online slots, table games, and poker in the state’s gambling market. With top gaming companies such as William Hill, BetRivers, DraftKings, and FanDuel operating in the state, integrating online casinos and poker should be easy if the bill goes through the legislative process. Players can then register (either in-person, directly on the websites, or IL online casino apps), deposit, and enjoy the gaming experience at their convenience, on either a desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. Generally, the future of IL online gambling looks brighter compared to some other states that have not legalized online gambling yet.