A lot has been said about legalizing Illinois online casinos within the state.
The 2019 Gambling Act, which legalized online sports betting did not change the status of online casinos, despite the huge presence of land-based casinos and players. As a result, online casinos are still illegal and players have no choice but to consider alternatives.
The good news is that casino lovers have alternatives, such as sweepstakes casinos, which we will touch on later.
However, there is better news as there has been some momentum toward legalizing online gambling in Illinois! Sports betting being legalized in June of 2020 was possibly only the first step to legalizing other forms of online gambling in the state.
It may even be nearer than we think since nearby states have also been legalizing online casinos.
Can You Gamble Online In Illinois?
Online gambling is technically illegal in Illinois, but you can still play slot games, blackjack, and more at sweepstakes casinos.
Just like you enjoy them at land-based casinos, these sites like Chumba Casino are known as social casinos or sweepstakes casinos, and they make it possible to play real casino games for actual cash prizes.
Where Can I Gamble In Illinois?
At the moment, Illinois is in the middle of working out a gambling expansion after statistics from the state’s annual report showed more than $2.3 billion for the state’s gambling revenue.
There are Riverboat casinos that allow people based in the state of Illinois to play some games without having to travel to another state. All these are a pointer to the possibility of online gambling being legalized very soon in the future.
Until then, the residents of the state of Illinois can take advantage of these most popular casinos in the state:
Harrah’s Joliet
This has its location near Lake Michigan in Northeast Illinois. The Joliet plays host to more than 1,000 slot machines, including Diamond Blaze and Lighting Link, amongst others. The multiple game options available are Blackjack, roulette, and 3-card poker.
Par-A-Dice Casino
Par-A-Dice Casino is located in East Peoria. The casino with a clever name has table games such as craps, Mississippi Stud, and blackjack. The 202-room hotel the casino offers services like a gift shop, full gym, and shuttle service.
Rivers Casino
Rivers Casino was opened in 2011. The Rivers Casino has over 1,000 slot machines and standard casino table games.
Its location is a drive not quite far away from O’Hare International Airport. There are also live DJs at 10 p.m. for weekend entertainment.;
Casino Queen
Casino Queen, located close to the Mississippi River, has numerous slot and poker machines. They also feature table games like Texas Hold ‘Em poker and baccarat. You can even enjoy steak and other delicacies in any of the four dining rooms.
Hollywood Casino Aurora
This casino offers popular game options, including blackjack and baccarat. It accommodates more than 1,000 machines for slot games and players can play poker daily.
Hollywood Casino Aurora is a riverboat-based kind of casino as it is found just on the Fox River. There are plans to also open a legal sports betting center in the state.
Illinois Online Casinos
Sweepstakes or social casino sites are a great option for casino players in Illinois. These sites have a lot of great options for online gambling.
They even existed long before the legislation of online casino and poker sites. Some of the best sweepstakes options one can find in Illinois are Chumba casino, Luckyland Slots, Global Poker (a form of online poker), and Funzpoints.
Some other big names in the gambling industry which we will likely see in the future in Illinois for online casinos include:
BetMGM
BetMGM already opterates as an online casino in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia. There is almost no doubt that when Illinois legalizes online gambling, BetMGM will stake its claim in the state.
There are already rumblings that the brand will launch an online sportsbook in IL as well.
BetRivers
BetRivers is becoming a well-known brand in online gambling, having sportsbooks in multiple states and online casinos in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Its sister site, SugarHouse, also has an online casino in New Jersey.
BetRivers, like some others on this list, does have an online sportsbook in Illinois.
DraftKings
DraftKings may be the most popular name in fantasy sports. But since that time, they have become a monster in sports betting and have now entered the world of online casinos.
DraftKings currently has an online gambling site in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Plus, they operate a sports betting site in Illinois.
FanDuel
FanDuel is one of the few names in fantasy sports and sports betting that can rival DraftKings. And now, the famous sportsbook is opening up online casinos.
Already live in Pennsylvania and Michigan, FanDuel is expected to operate in Illinois and currently have an online betting presence in the state.
William Hill
If DraftKings and FanDuel are the most popular names in US betting, then William Hill takes the cake when it comes to the UK. But why stop there? WIlliam Hill has been growing at a rapid pace, opening a sportsbook in Illinois and recently opening up an online casino in New Jersey.
Illinois Casino Apps
In the world of online gaming casinos in Illinois, a couple of options exist for players these days. Some are on mobile platforms while others are desktop-based.
Many of these online casinos operate in such a way that players can sign up on an app, they will have complete access to casino games, banking options, and promotions. Play on the go or simply from the comfort of your couch.
Illinois Online Casino Games
Sweepstakes casino sites have a number of casino games including:
- Slots
- Video Poker
- Roulette
- Blackjack
- Bingo
- Scratch cards
The variety of these options will increase when Illinois legalizes online casino gambling.
How Do Online Casino Signup Offers Work?
Casino welcome bonuses are an important part of giving players an incentive to sign up. Every player should take advantage of these offers and enjoy the benefits.
Go through the casinos listed above to find out what each site has to offer and click on a “Get Bonus” button or use one of our promo codes if available. Then you will need to sign up.
First Deposit Offer
A first deposit bonus is for new signups. This offer is given when making the initial deposit in an online casino. First deposit bonuses usually come with a predetermined amount with a percentage match (usually 100%).
For example, you may get a welcome bonus that gives you up to a $1,000 first deposit bonus with a 100% match. This means if your initial deposit is $1,000, you can earn a $1,000 bonus. You must meet the wagering requirements in order to withdraw winnings from this bonus so be sure to read the terms and conditions.
No Deposit Offer
A no-deposit bonus is the most popular type of welcome offer amongst players, and for good reason. This bonus is given to players just for signing up, with no need to deposit, making this truly risk-free.
There will be wagering requirements attached to these no-deposit bonuses, so be sure to read the terms and conditions.
Free Spins
Much like no deposit bonuses, new players may also be given free spins at sign up with no need to deposit. The main difference is that free spins are meant for only slots, though sometimes roulette is also allowed.
Risk-Free Play
Risk-free play entails playing casino games without the potential for loss. Most times, there is a time limit on this offer and is restricted up to a certain dollar amount in losses.
Your net losses are credited to your account as bonus funds, up to a predetermined total.
How To Sign Up For An Online Casino Site?
When you are ready to sign up to the online casino of your choosing, here are the steps you should take:
- After clicking one of our “Get Bonus” links, you will be redirected to the online casino page where you can sign up.
- On the registration page, fill in some important and personal information (name, address, and so on).
- Ensure you create a uniquely different username with a strong password.
- Shortly after this, you will be sent a verification code to your email. Get the verification code, input it on the casino site and you can start playing the game at the online casino site.
- You can now fund your live account. Do this by clicking “Deposit,” and selecting your desired payment method.
How To Fund Your Casino Account
Funding your account requires you to use a preferred deposit method from the several different types of methods available. Common amongst these deposit methods are credit/debit cards and eWallets.
Deposit Process
The deposit method differs slightly for every online casino. Some basic deposit steps are outlined as follow;
- After login, on the user interface, look for the “Cashier section”.
- Go through the available deposit options and select your preferred deposit method.
- Once the payment method is selected, you will be given further instructions on how to make the payment. It may involve a payment form.
- Fill the form, review, and confirm your deposit transaction.
- In most cases, the deposit will be instant.
- Log in to your online casino account and confirm the money has been deposited. Then start playing.
Withdrawal Process
Withdrawal methods come in various formats at top-rated online casinos come in various formats. The outline below is a basic step-by-step withdrawal process.
- Log in to the member account area of your online casino.
- Look for Cashier and click on “payout”, “withdraw” or similar wording
- Enter the desired payout Amount
- Select your preferred Withdrawal Method and follow other steps as required
- The funds will get to you based on your preferred withdrawal method.
Payment Options
A multitude of payment options exists for deposit and withdrawal of wins at different online casinos. Some of them are talked about in detail below.
Credit Cards
They remain the most popular methods for online deposits. All casinos within the U.S accept credit cards. They also give players options of online deposit with their MasterCard or Visa cards.
Debit Cards
These are also quite popular as a means of online deposit. Cards such as AMEX, MasterCard, and Visa all have debit cards available.
Prepaid Cards
These work in the same way as the standard credit cards. The unique difference is that with prepaid credit cards, the user can’t spend money that hasn’t yet been credited to the card.
Play Plus
This prepaid debit card is accepted at licensed gaming sites in the U.S. to make instant online deposits. It has increasingly become popular among legal gambling sites due to its instant withdrawals, no deposit fees, and high success rates.
PayPal
This is a highly-secured payment system that is largely accepted by several of the biggest online casinos. PayPal can be used for making deposits and withdrawals.
Skrill
Skrill is a secure and instant e-wallet that can handle almost any form of web payment. There are usually fees associated with Skrill, which makes it less favorable when compared to PayPal.
PayNearMe
This allows you to make a deposit online if you’d prefer not to use your credit cards online. It simply requires you to deposit cash with a local store and use it to deposit to your online account so easily.
Bank Transfers
The popular bank transfer methods are ACH and eChecks. ACH (Automated Clearing House) allows clients to be electronically credited and debited before verification and authorization by online merchants and casinos. It works in the same way as eChecks. Players can deposit and withdraw with these methods.
Check
This serves as an online casino method on offer by several gaming sites. In some extremely rare cases, it can also be used for online deposits.
Cash At The Casino Cage
This method can be used to make very speedy withdrawals. It is a form of transaction type that involves person-to-person withdrawals at partnering land-based casinos.
Since online casinos are normally affiliated with a land-based casino, this should always be an option for players.
When Will Illinois Expand Legalize Online Gambling?
Some legislations gave room for various forms of gambling, but they did not make provisions regarding online casinos in Illinois. This makes it illegal to engage in online casino gambling in the state.
However, measures are being put in place by land-based casinos previously existing in the state to call appropriate attention to this legislation.
State reps are also seeking bills to make online casinos legal within Illinois. An example is the Internet Gaming Act, which was sponsored by state rep, Rob Rita in February 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Online Gambling Legal In Illinois 2021?
At the moment, online casino gaming isn’t legal in the state of Illinois. The legislation which was passed that allowed other forms of Illinois online gambling did not make provision for online casino gambling.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In Illinois?
The legal gambling age in Illinois is 21, as domestic sports betting only gives room for those who are at and above that age.
Who Regulates Gambling In Illinois?
The Illinois Gaming Board will oversee all online gambling when it becomes legal, as it oversees sports betting in the state.