Best Online Casinos & Gambling Sites in Illinois 2024

Over the past few years, Illinois has legalized most land-based gaming, having previously only permitted riverboat casinos and a state lottery. Unfortunately, its online gambling sector is yet to catch up.

But what does this mean for IL online gambling enthusiasts? Do they have to travel to another state to pursue their favorite hobby? Read on to find the answers to these and other related questions. Learn about the state’s gambling history and see a list of the best Illinois casinos and their reviews.

Best Online Casinos in Illinois Ranked

Best Illinois Online Casinos Reviewed

Read about the five best Illinois online casinos below, discover their offerings, and weigh the pros and cons.

1. Wild Casino — Best Platform for Online Gambling in Illinois

Since opening in 2017, Wild Casino has been capturing the attention of players in Illinois. Though not the most established, it’s our top pick for a reason — it excels in all the vital casino categories, from gaming to payments.

Wild Casino’s game library includes over 800 titles, including slots, table games, video poker, live dealers, and specialty releases. From titans like Real Time Gaming, Betsoft, and Visionary iGaming, each game offers a seamless experience and fantastic prizes. 

All new players can get up to $5,000 in fiat or $9,000 in crypto, while regulars get 10% rebates, 100% weekly reloads, and $200 referral bonuses. The straightforward terms make these easy to claim, regardless of your chosen payment method. 

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, Binance, and many other coins are available for you to try the best crypto games in 2024. If you prefer fiat over crypto, don’t worry; good old methods like Visa, bank transfer, and money order will transfer your funds just as smoothly.

Welcome bonus	Wagering requirements	Promo code	Minimum deposit	Payout time
Fiat bonus: 650% up to $ 5,000 + 125 FS Crypto bonus: 900% up to $9,000	– 40x fiat bonus – 45x crypto bonus	Fiat bonus:WILD250 with the first deposit WILD100 with the subsequent deposits  Crypto bonus:CRYPTO300 with the first deposit CRYPTO150 with the subsequent deposits	$20	One hour to a few business days, depending on the method

2. Everygame — An Illinois Casino for Poker Enthusiasts Looking for Competitive Tourneys and Exclusive Bonuses

Everygame, founded in 1996, is the runner-up in our list of the best online casinos in Illinois. Besides its experience, this site’s dedicated poker client and exclusive bonuses contributed to its high ranking.

Everygame offers an easy-to-download poker client for desktop and mobile devices. It hosts hundreds of quality cash games, from the popular Texas Hold’em to the dynamic Omaha Hi-Lo. Most players, though, come for the tournaments. 

Everygame’s regular Sit and Go and Freebie tournaments offer more than just prize pools that can reach up to $10,000. They also provide valuable practice opportunities, which you can take advantage of risk-free once you claim an exclusive poker bonus or loyalty reward.

If poker isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Everygame offers a variety of traditional casino games and promotions, as well as a comprehensive sportsbook. Its incredible $5,555 welcome bonus sets you on your way. 

With just over 300 games to choose from, it’s not the most diverse Illinois online gambling site. Still, the quality and entertainment value of its games make it one of the best offshore casinos.

Welcome bonus	Wagering requirements	Promo code	Minimum deposit	Payout time
Poker bonus: 200% up to $1,000 match deposit + 25 FS  Casino bonus: 550% up to $5,555 + $55 extra free	Poker bonus: $5 released for every 83,335 Frequent Player Points collected Casino bonus: 30x	First deposit: SIGNUP1000 Second deposit: MATCHUP2 Third deposit:MATCHUP3 Fourth deposit: MATCHUP4 Free bonus: FREEBIE55Poker Bonus: 1000EGP	$25 for the poker bonus $20 for the casino bonus	48 hours to  15 business days, depending on the method

3. Bovada — Choose Your Perfect Slot, Find an Exciting Horse Race, and Bet with Your Go-To Crypto

Halfway through our top five IL gambling sites, you’ll find Bovada, one of the best online casinos for real money in the USA. Illinois players love it because it’s been around for over a decade with regular updates. Today, it stands out for its fantastic promotional offers, casino games, and horse race betting.

The Promotions page includes three welcome incentives for the casino, sportsbook, and poker room, along with loyalty rewards and bet boosters. Yet, its most enticing promotion has to be the 500,000 free spins Bonanza. This tournament-style deal rewards as many as 25,000 winners weekly, and with hundreds of popular slots on offer, you’ll have plenty to choose from.

Bovada’s rich table game portfolio and sportsbook are no less impressive. The former packs thousands of live and virtual blackjack, poker, roulette, and baccarat games, while the latter features rare horse betting options. A fantastic selection of cryptocurrency payment methods, enhanced by exclusive bonuses, can help you make the most of either.

Welcome bonus	Wagering requirements	Promo code	Minimum deposit	Payout time
Casino bonus:375% up to $3,750 with crypto methods and300% up to $3,000 with fiat methods Poker bonus:100% up to $500  Sports bonus:75% up to $750 or 50% up to $250	Crypto bonus:25x for the first and 50x for the second two deposits Poker bonus:$5 per 150 Rewards Points Sports betting bonus:5x for sports and horses	First crypto bonus deposit:BTCCWB1250 Second and third crypto bonus deposits: BTC2NDCWB First fiat casino deposit: CAWELCOME10 Second and third fiat casino deposit: BV2NDCWB Poker bonus:PWB500 First crypto for sports betting bonus deposit:BTCSWB750	None for the bonuses, $5 to $20 overall	24 hours to 15 business days, depending on the method

4. Lucky Creek — Illinois Online Gambling Site With an Elaborate VIP Club and Exclusive Crypto Games

Lucky Creek is a Wild West-themed online casino established in 2009. It’s not as popular as some of its predecessors, but it deserves the fourth spot in this ranking of Illinois casinos for its comprehensive loyalty program and exclusive mini-games.

Lucky Creek’s Elite VIP club is one of the best crypto-focused programs in the industry. It offers a range of perks, including a 400% crypto welcome bonus, several exclusive crypto mini-games, and help from crypto specialists. It’s the perfect way to learn about what blockchains are good for and how to use them in iGaming.

Still, Lucky Creek has plenty to offer players who aren’t interested in crypto. There are hundreds of slots, poker, and keno titles to explore, plus a fiat welcome offer and ongoing promotions. New players receive a $7,500 sign-up bonus, while regulars enjoy weekly rewards, competitive tourneys, and even car giveaways.

Welcome bonus	Wagering requirements	Promo code	Minimum deposit	Payout time
200% up to $7,500 + 30 FS for Big Game	60x	200GETLUCKY	After using one bonus, you must deposit at least $20 before being able to claim the next	3 to 5 business days, depending on the method

5. Las Atlantis — Enjoy User-Friendly Navigation, Pick Between Six Welcome Offers, and Cash Out Hassle-Free

Our mini-reviews of the best Illinois online casinos end with Las Atlantis. This gorgeous gaming platform is among the newest on the market, offering a fresh and exciting gaming experience. Nevertheless, it rivals some of the oldest US casinos thanks to its fantastic website design, long lineup of bonuses, and excellent withdrawal system.

Featuring a beautiful ocean-blue color scheme, Las Atlantis lives up to its name. Its clean layout and minimalist navigation system make it a mecca for beginners, while the numerous promotions and payment methods cater to picky veterans.

Las Atlantis offers a whopping six welcome offers, including a range of formats valued up to $9,500. It also boasts a treasure trove of recurring offers, such as free spins bundles and deposit bonuses to use on slots and card games. 

Unfortunately, table games aren’t the focus of many promotions, which might disappoint fans of the classic casino experience. The good news is that you can claim winnings using crypto, card, or bank wire, while with VIP payout perks, you’ll receive your money within three days, hassle-free.

Welcome bonus	Wagering requirements	Promo code	Minimum deposit	Payout time
600% up to $9,500 + Cards Bonus	40x	First deposit: UNDERTOW Second deposit:DEEPSTREAM Fourth and fifth deposit:WHIRLPOOL	$10, $20, or $40, depending on the payment method for the bonus;between $20 and $30 in general	1 to 5 business days, depending on the method

Our Methodology When Ranking IL Online Casinos

Our reviews of IL real money online casinos are the result of thorough research and detailed analysis. We consider state-specific nuances while testing each casino based on universal criteria for offshore gambling platforms. 

Aspects like security, interface, games, promotions, payments, and support give us insights into how each casino works. Assessing these areas allows us to make a shortlist and rate the brands that made the cut against Illinois players’ needs and preferences. Only the best gaming platforms make it to our top IL online casinos list.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Illinois?

Illinois took decades to warm up to the idea of legalized gambling, but once the authorities were on board, progress was steady. IL opened its gaming scene with horse race betting, boosting its economy and tourism in the roaring 20s. It also became one of the first states to introduce state lottery play in the mid-70s. 

Riverboat casinos, commercial gaming venues, and sports betting followed, propelling Illinois from strength to strength. Unfortunately, the momentum stopped there.

The Prairie State has yet to launch an official online gambling market or introduce internet gaming laws. In 2023, Sen. Cristina Castro and Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. proposed online casino bills, but the House has yet to consider them. As a result, the sector remains in legislative limbo. It isn’t legal or illegal. 

Given Illinois’s past gambling progress, primarily The Rebuild Illinois Law from 2019 and the Sports Wagering Act from 2020, the state is a prime candidate for online casino expansion. Nevertheless, its officials remain focused on expanding and reforming its land-based gambling scene.

Timeline of Online Gambling in Illinois

The following section features a timeline to give readers a better perspective on Illinois online gambling.

• 1927 — Illinois legalizes pari-mutuel horse racing and opens the first tracks.
• 1974 — IL authorities are among the first in the country to approve the establishment of an official state lottery.
• 1975 — The Horse Racing Act introduces additional regulations to streamline the growing gambling industry.
• 1990 — The Riverboat Act lets casinos open on barges near riverbanks.
• 1999 — The Video Gaming Act allows liquor-serving clubs, bars, and truck stops to install video gaming terminals (VGTs) on their premises.
• 2012 — Illinois approves online lottery play through the state lottery’s official portals.
• 2019 — Gov. JB. Pritzker signs SB0690, legalizing sports gambling in Illinois. The state passes The Rebuild Illinois Law, authorizing the construction of six commercial casinos.
• 2023 — Rep. Edgar Gonzalez and Sen. Cristina Castro file HB2239 and SB2064, internet gaming bills that would legalize online casinos.

Using Offshore Casinos in Illinois

As mentioned, the Illinois lawbook does not include online gambling legislation. There are no laws prohibiting online casinos or targeting those who use them. This regulatory gap has allowed numerous offshore gaming platforms to operate freely in the state. 

Unfortunately, some offshore companies have taken advantage of this loophole – creating rogue websites that don’t always honor payouts or bonus wins. However, you can be assured every casino we endorse is not only properly licensed and regulated but also meets the highest standards of the modern iGaming industry. 

You can find them in our list of the best online casinos in IL above. 

How to Pick an Online Casino in Illinois

To pick the right IL gambling sites, look at their essential characteristics and consider your preferences. Here’s a guide based on our experts’ methodology.

Security and Licensing

The best tip to avoid falling prey to online scammers in the iGaming world is to check for robust licensing and security measures. 

The casino you choose must hold a valid gaming permit from a renowned regulatory body like the Curaçao Gambling Control Board or Panama Gaming Commission. It must also employ sophisticated security protocols, such as SSL encryption and advanced firewalls, to ensure the safety and integrity of your data.

Reputation

You can gauge a casino’s reputation from popular review sites, community forums, social media, and other platforms. Look up the operator and read the user comments and testimonials. Checking in with friends who have some experience with gambling sites in IL can’t hurt either.

Entertainment Value

After you’ve ensured a casino is secure and trustworthy, it’s time to look through its game selection. Focus on game diversity – from classic slots and table games to live game shows and sports betting markets – so you’ll always find something to keep you entertained.

Likewise, you can also check the reputation of the casino’s software developers and even play certain games in demo mode to evaluate their quality first-hand.  

Promotional Value

Once you’re done with game tests, hop onto the Promotions page. Look through the available bonuses, concentrating on the following factors:

• Number of offers for new and returning players — They won’t be equal, but both should be well-represented.

• Incentive size compared to competitors — Make sure promotions offer a realistic chance of winning substantial prizes.

• Bonus terms — The wagering requirements must be low enough for you to meet before the bonus expires, ideally under 30x. Moreover, the bonus funds should be available for wagering on your favorite game titles.

Payment System

You should next analyze the banking section found at our recommended Illinois casinos. This page will provide information about the deposit and withdrawal methods available for funding your gaming activities, including any associated limits. 

Your ideal IL casino will offer banking options that are simple to use, feature minimum and maximum limits that suit your budget, and offer fast processing times. Additionally, it would be great if these payment solutions come with no fees so you can save your whole bankroll for gaming.

User Experience and Support

Last but not least, think about the user experience of your chosen Illinois online casino. Make sure the platform you select has a simple layout and navigation, allowing you to access your favorite games in a swift manner. 

Moreover, prioritize casinos that offer a reliable customer service team you can reach 24/7 through multiple communication channels. A comprehensive Help Center and detailed FAQ section are another plus.

What Games Can You Play at Illinois Online Casinos?

Online casinos in Illinois carry a variety of popular games. The sections below discuss the most common game categories in more detail.

Slots

Slots are the most numerous and diverse games on gambling sites in Illinois. They’re popular for their straightforward approach, fast-paced gameplay, and engaging themes whilst also offering great winning potential at the click of a button. 

From classic 3×3 and 5×3 grids to epic video slots with a huge number of paylines, there’s a wide variety to explore at any online casino. Check out our list of the best slot sites that pay real money, and you’re sure to find a few that pique your interest. Demo mode can help you test the games and find your favorites for free.

Poker

Poker is highly popular when it comes to casino games in the US. Brands like Everygame and Bovada offer entire sections dedicated to poker, complete with exclusive bonuses and tournaments. These sites are a paradise for players who enjoy challenging and competitive play. 

The most attractive versions include live dealer Texas Hold’em and Omaha, though many also enjoy the virtual Three Card Poker and Caribbean Stud formats.

Those who like the sound of poker but aren’t up for mind games can try video poker. This variation blends poker hand rankings with the simplicity of slots, making it perfect for casual players and newbies alike. 

Roulette

Roulette is also widely available on IL real money gambling sites. It primarily comes in the traditional European, French, and American variants, but you can find plenty of titles with innovative twists like Lightning Roulette or Multi-Wheel Roulette.

Unlike poker, roulette is entirely luck-based. It offers a wide range of betting options with diverse win probabilities and payout potentials, accommodating different gaming styles and budgets.

Blackjack

Blackjack is a staple on most online casino sites in Illinois. It’s simple to play but a bit more strategy-based than roulette, appealing to fans of tactical gameplay. Using a basic strategy guide can reduce the house edge to 0.5%, creating a fantastic winning potential. 

If this seems up your alley, you should check out classic American and European blackjack tables at IL online casinos. Once you’ve got to grips with the basic gameplay, variants like Free Bet Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, and Multi-Hand Blackjack provide a more innovative approach. 

Baccarat

Baccarat is less widespread but still prominent in Illinois casinos and is especially popular with high-roller players from Asia. Its simple, card-based gameplay involves guessing which hand will have a value closest to nine.

The reason that baccarat is less commonly played than its classic casino cousins is its relatively high minimum bet limits. These help operators offset baccarat’s natural low house edge but don’t suit players with tight bankrolls. 

Specialty Games

Specialty games are another frequent feature in Illinois casinos. They come in many variations, from the traditional lotto, bingo, and keno to the exciting scratchcards and crash games. Depending on the platform, you’ll find them in a dedicated section or mixed with slots. 

Their luck-based, arcade-style gameplays are easy to get into and perfect when playing on the go.

Depositing & Withdrawing at Illinois Gambling Sites

When choosing from real money online casinos in IL, make sure you review the payment options. This step helps you determine if the site caters to your needs and allows you to plan how you’ll fund your gaming activities.

Below, we list and discuss some of the most common methods.

Credit and Debit Cards

Cards are among the most popular and widespread payment processors in the iGaming sector. You’ll find them at most online casinos in IL, especially within the Deposit section. Players favor cards because they’re easy and safe to use. 

Unfortunately, many Illinois casinos, including our two top-rated operators, don’t offer credit and debit card withdrawals. While this may dissuade some players, it’s not the fault of the gaming sites. The issue stems from the US banks’ tendency to block gambling cashouts, so it’s sensible to explore substitute payment methods. 

Bank Wire and Checks

If you prefer traditional methods, bank wire and checks are excellent card alternatives. They don’t involve opening additional payment accounts or sharing sensitive information with unknown third parties. Plus, they’re widely accepted for withdrawals and known for their security.

The main downside of withdrawing via a check or bank wire is their slow speed. Due to various financial regulations, these payment processors usually take 5 to 15 business days to deliver your winnings.

Cryptocurrencies

Crypto dominates the banking sections of the best online casinos in Illinois. This payment option is a bit more challenging to use than cards and direct bank transfers, so newbies often shy away. 

That’s understandable, considering you must open a crypto wallet account, register with an exchange platform, decide on the best crypto to buy, and purchase your first coins, all before you try to make a deposit. 

However, if you’re willing to stick it out, crypto payments provide a multitude of benefits:

• Fast transactions — Your deposits and withdrawals will clear within 24 hours, but often much sooner.

• Enhanced privacy — Blockchain’s decentralization helps keep your gaming activity private from financial institutions.

• Broader limits — Your deposits will have low or no minimum limits, and your withdrawals will have high maximums.

• Lower fees — Blockchain’s efficiency and lack of intermediaries will reduce your trading fees.

E-Wallets 

IL casino players who value fast transactions but aren’t into crypto should consider e-wallets, which act as intermediaries between your casino and bank account. They require you to register and transfer money to and from them, which may deter some players, but they’re pretty easy to use and cost-effective.

E-wallets aren’t as widespread in IL online casinos as you work with renowned brands like Skrill, Neteller, Payz, eZeeWallet, and so on.

Minimum Deposits

There are no universal minimum limits on gambling sites in Illinois. Most set their deposit limits at $20 or $30, both for general deposits and to unlock bonuses. Still, you may come across $10 minimum deposit US casinos, like Las Atlantis, that let you claim a bonus from just $10. 

Whatever the case, deposit limits are something you must consider before you join a casino. Look out for them on the Payments or Promotions page, or delve into the main Terms and Conditions to ensure these limits suit your budget and style.

Payout Times

The best Illinois casinos process their users’ withdrawal requests within 24 hours. That said, the overall pending time of your withdrawal will depend on your payment processor. As mentioned earlier, cryptos are the fastest, followed by e-wallets, while traditional solutions may take a couple of business days to transfer your winnings.

Illinois Online Casino Bonuses

Illinois’ top real-money gambling sites abound with bonuses and promotions, from sign-up offers to friend referrals. Look at the list below to familiarize yourself with the promotions you’ll encounter most often.

Welcome Bonuses

Welcome promotions are some of the best casino bonuses on the US gaming market. Most are formatted into match deals that reward a percentage of your first few deposits in extra bonus cash. That said, you may find an odd no-deposit sign-up offer on certain websites. 

Both types of deals target new players, helping them adjust and explore a casino’s offerings, though they vary in size. Match deposit welcome bonuses are usually hefty, reaching four to five figures. No-deposit intro promotions are more modest and come with harsher terms, which isn’t surprising considering their free nature. 

Reloads

Reloads work much like match deposit deals, offering a percentage of your deposit. However, they cater to returning players and offer smaller rewards than sign-up deals. Regardless, reloads are a great crutch when you run into a dry spell. They’ll sustain your gaming for a bit longer, giving you more chances to win.

Cashback 

Cashbacks refund a portion of the money you lost within a specific period. The rewards they offer aren’t huge, hovering around 10% and 20% of your losses. However, they are usually recurring, meaning you can count on them to back you up every week or month. 

Rebates

Like cashbacks, rebates reward players based on their past gaming activity. That said, they don’t focus on your losses but calculate bonuses based on all the funds you played through over a fixed amount of time. This aspect makes them quite rewarding if you’re an avid player. Unfortunately, fewer online casinos in Illinois offer them than reloads and cashbacks. 

Referrals

Players who recommend IL online casinos to their friends and family may receive referral bonuses. These typically unlock a fixed sum of bonus cash once the recipient has used your link or promo code to register and deposit. Referral rewards are typically valid for three or four uses, making it easy to accumulate a nice reward with little effort.

Loyalty Rewards

Loyalty programs or VIP clubs are schemes the best Illinois online casinos run to incentivize active players. Typically, they comprise several levels that members climb based on their gaming and depositing activity. The most common perks include bonuses, lower wagering requirements, increased gaming limits, personal manager services, and so on.

The following table features information about the welcome bonuses, promo codes, and wagering requirements of our top 5 operators.

Casino	Welcome bonus	Promo codes	Wagering requirements
Wild Casino	Fiat bonus: 650% up to $5,000 + 125 FS Crypto bonus: 900% up to $9,000	Fiat bonus:WILD250 with the first deposit WILD100 with the subsequent deposits Crypto bonus:CRYPTO300 with the first deposit CRYPTO150 with the subsequent deposits	Fiat Bonus: 40xCrypto Bonus: 45x
Everygame	Poker bonus: 200% up to $1,000 match deposit + 25 FS Casino bonus: 550% up to $5,555 + $55 extra free	First deposit: SIGNUP1000 Second deposit: MATCHUP2 Third deposit:MATCHUP3 Fourth deposit: MATCHUP4 Free bonus: FREEBIE55Poker Bonus: 1000EGP	Poker bonus: $5 for every 83,335 Frequent Player Points collected Casino bonus: 30x
Bovada	Casino bonus:375% up to $3,750 with crypto methods and300% up to $3,000 with fiat methods Poker bonus:100% up to $500  Sports bonus:75% up to $750 or 50% up to $250	First crypto bonus deposit:BTCCWB1250 Second and third crypto bonus deposits: BTC2NDCWB First fiat casino deposit: CAWELCOME10 Second and third fiat casino deposit: BV2NDCWB Poker bonus:PWB500 First crypto for sports betting bonus deposit:BTCSWB750	Crypto bonus:25x for the first and 50x for the second two deposits Poker bonus:$5 increments for every 150 Rewards Points Sports bonus:5x for sports and horses
Lucky Creek	200% up to $7,500 + 30 FS	200GETLUCKY	60x
Las Atlantis	600% up to $9,500 + Cards Bonus	First deposit: UNDERTOW Second deposit:DEEPSTREAM Fourth and fifth deposit:WHIRLPOOL	40x

How to Pick a Safe Gambling Site

Since Illinois doesn’t regulate its online gambling market, you’ll have to work twice as hard to keep yourself safe online. As explained earlier, you must vet every casino you plan to join for licensing, security, and reputation. 

In the same measure, you must ensure the casino operates fairly by examining its game policy, audit certifications, and terms. Finally, you should learn about its self-exclusion programs and responsible gaming resources.

Because this much research can overwhelm inexperienced players, we’ve created a list of the top 10 best IL online casinos. Thanks to our experts’ thorough analysis and detailed tests, you can rest assured all these sites are safe and reliable. Pick your favorite and see for yourself.

Social & Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Illinois

While it has no state-sanctioned real money gambling sites, Illinois does boast a few popular sweepstakes and social casinos. Because these platforms don’t constitute gambling, they’re exempt from the Prairie State’s no-online-gambling laws. Their no-purchase-necessary business model makes them legal under the Illinois Prize and Gifts Act.

At first glance, IL social and sweepstakes casinos look like any other modern gaming platform. However, their games don’t involve real money. Instead, they work with site-specific virtual currencies that have no value outside their platforms. The primary purpose of these coins is to allow players to bet and collect winnings from gameplay.

Sweepstakes and social virtual currencies are gifted through promotions and giveaways or by winning games. This setup allows players to participate without spending their own money. Nonetheless, other lesser-known features keep these sites inferior to traditional online casinos in IL.

For insurance, Illinois sweepstakes and social gaming sites have smaller and less diverse game libraries than real-money casinos, often with modified games that don’t meet players’ expectations. Finally, social and sweepstakes casinos have smaller prizes, which aren’t always redeemable as real cash winnings.

Land-Based Casinos in Illinois

Illinois authorized the construction of six commercial land-based casinos in 2019. So far, only the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama have opened permanent facilities. 

IL’s riverboat casinos remain the most popular gaming venues in the state. If you’re interested in visiting, the following sections show what they have to offer:

Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Rivers Casino Des Plaines is part of a chain of well-known gaming venues operated by the renowned Rush Street Interactive. On the premises, there are over 1,500 slot machines and 95 table games, as well as solid sports betting options. You can find the casino near the O’Hare International Airport in the northern suburb of Chicago.

• Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018

Grand Victoria Casino

Grand Victoria is the second most popular riverboat casino in Illinois. Managed by the famous Caesars Entertainment, it offers a fantastic array of games, including blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, and baccarat. On top of those, it’s home to 1,100 slot machines and an exciting sportsbook. 

• Address: 250 S. Grove Ave. Elgin, IL 60120

DraftKings at Casino Queen

Opened in 1993, this Gaming and Leisure facility is among the oldest riverboat casinos still operating in Illinois. Located on the bank of the Mississippi River, it offers plenty of modern amenities to complement its old-fashioned charm. DraftKings offers around 950 slots, 29 table games, several restaurants, and a hotel.

• Address: 200 Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201

Hollywood Casino Joliet

Hollywood Casino Joliet is another famous IL gambling location. The site stands up to par with its competitors, featuring 50,000 sq. ft. of gaming space with 1,100 slots and 18 table games. However, one of its most popular attractions has to be the video poker area, filled with games offering great winning odds.

• Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436

Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino

Harrah’s Metropolis shines in the Southern Illinois gambling arena. With 24,000 sq. ft. of gaming room, it’s not the biggest land-based casino. However, it packs 600+ quality slot machines and 17 exciting table games. Players particularly adore its niche live poker tables, including Three Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, and High Card Flush.

• Address: 100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960

Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino

This unusually named IL gaming spot is among the best-rated brick-and-mortar casinos in the Land of Lincoln. Its four decks of gaming space host slots, keno, and bingo, as well as a variety of casino classics. Competitive Illinoisans who love music will appreciate its regular bingo nights and diverse music events.

• Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Another in the line of Penn Entertainment-owned casinos, Hollywood in Aurora, shares many traits with its sister venues. However, it stands out from the crowd thanks to a fantastic live dealer poker room. The tables host thrilling Limit and No Limit Hold’em games with opportunities for a Bad Beat Jackpot.

• Address: 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506

Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel

Bally’s is another well-known Illinois gaming destination with high visitor volumes. Its 42,000 sq. ft. gaming space includes 13 roulette and craps tables alongside hundreds of slots, complete with high-stakes games. Yet, the live poker room, with six tables and regular tournaments, remains the most crowded.

• Address: 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201

Harrah’s Joliet Casino

Harrah’s Joliet is one of Illinois’ smaller land-based gambling venues, but it’s one of the few that are open around the clock. You can visit any day of the week, at any time, and enjoy playing 800 slot machines and 20 table games. As part of the Caesars Entertainment group, it also offers access to exclusive promotions and loyalty rewards.

• Address: 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432

Argosy Casino Alton

Argosy in Alton is a great place to visit if you’re after a smaller gaming location on the Mississippi River. With an incredible waterfront, you can enjoy 500 slots and various blackjack, poker, and craps games in a unique gaming atmosphere. The venue also includes a sportsbook with a range of collegiate and professional betting opportunities.

• Address: 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002-6232

Illinois Gambling Resources

There’s no doubt online gambling is a fun activity. However, the very enjoyment it provides can pose a risk to your well-being if you’re not cautious. You must take regular breaks, follow a fixed spending plan, and avoid playing when you’re not in the right state of mind.

The best online casinos in Illinois offer native responsible gaming and self-exclusion programs. These tools allow you to step away from gaming for a set amount of time, limit your deposit and betting activity, and keep your habits in check.

The US and the state of Illinois also offer resources for those who may need professional help. You can find their links and contact numbers below.

• Illinois Council on Problem Gambling — 833-937-4274
• National Council on Problem Gambling — Call 1-800-GAMBLER or Text “GAMB” to 833234

Conclusion

Illinois might not be the most prominent online gambling hub in the US, but it has its fair share of quality sites. Because there aren’t regulations surrounding iGaming, all these platforms operate from offshore locations. If you’re having issues choosing the right ones, don’t hesitate to use our top 10 Illinois casinos list for guidance.

We compiled this list based on thorough research and analysis, drawing on years of industry experience. After examining numerous operators’ licensing, security, games, promotions, payments, and support, we shortlisted the best ones for your convenience. Check out our reviews and pick your favorite, knowing you’re making a great choice.

References

• https://www.igb.illinois.gov/
• https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1399&ChapterID=25
• https://www.igb.illinois.gov/CasinoLaw.aspx 
• https://www.americangaming.org/state/illinois/ 

FAQ

Is online gambling legal in Illinois?

Illinois legislation doesn’t include any laws that explicitly allow or prohibit online gambling. State law doesn’t cover this category. It’s neither legal nor illegal.

Can I play at online casinos in Illinois?

Yes, you can. Illinois law books feature no law that criminalizes online gambling or prohibits residents of legal gambling age from playing in online casinos. 

Is offshore gambling legal in Illinois?

Offshore gambling and offshore online casinos aren’t mentioned in Illinois law books. As long as these sites are licensed and registered outside US borders, they’re not legally obliged to report to Illinois authorities.

What types of gambling are legal in Illinois?

Illinois officially authorizes horse race betting, on-site and online lottery, riverboat and commercial land-based casino gaming, social gaming, and sports betting. 

Is DraftKings Casino legal in Illinois?

Yes, there is a DraftKings at Queen Casino that legally operates in Illinois. It’s a land-based facility that first opened in 1993. However, it only partnered with DraftKings in 2020 after the state legalized sports betting. You can learn more about it from our Land-Based Illinois Casinos section.

Which gambling sites accept Illinois players?

A range of offshore online casinos accept Illinois players. You can find the list of the best ones among the reviews in the article above.