Illinois online casinos offer a variety of slots and table games, coupled with the biggest bonuses, which can exceed 400% on your first deposit. You can sign up from anywhere in the Prairie State and start playing within a couple of minutes.
We have tested and reviewed tens of Illinois casino sites for games, bonuses, banking methods, withdrawal speed, customer support, and mobile support so that you can easily choose from our hand-picked list. Raging Bull Slots leads the way as the best IL online casino, and you can check out the full list below.
Top Illinois Online Casinos
TL;DR
- While local online casinos are not available, Illinois regulates different forms of online gambling, including sports betting, fantasy sports, and an online lottery.
- Players in the Land of Lincoln have access to the best online casinos based outside of the US, including big brands like Raging Bull, Slots of Vegas, and Bovada.
- The best online casinos in Illinois offer slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, and other games with real payouts.
- Banking is done through cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies for easy access.
Is Online Gambling Legal in Illinois?
Illinois enjoys some regulated online gambling, though there are no state-licensed online casinos in operation. Online gambling in Illinois is legal through around 10 licensed sportsbooks.
In addition, social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are permitted under Illinois law. You can purchase special virtual coins and win real money playing sweepstakes slots and table games.
You can still access a real-money online casino in Illinois by playing offshore. Our recommended operators accept IL customers and often offer larger bonuses, making them a great alternative to Illinois’ 14 land-based casinos. Offshore casinos are also easier to access, and signing up usually takes just a couple of minutes.
Legal Gambling in Illinois – Key Facts
- All land-based and online gambling in IL is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). They are responsible for issuing licenses and generating tax revenue for the state.
- The legal gambling age in Illinois is 21. However, you can make pari-mutuel bets on horse racing at 18.
- Illinois has 17 land-based casinos, plus regulated sportsbooks and VGT (Video Gaming Terminal) sites. Illinois has one of the highest VGT counts in the US, with bars and restaurants offering legal games.
- Online sports betting in Illinois was legalized in 2019. The first state-regulated bets were taken in 2020.
- You must pay state tax on any gambling winnings won at land-based casinos in Illinois or at regulated sportsbooks.
Bonuses at Online Casinos in Illinois
All of the best online casinos in Illinois offer a variety of casino bonuses, ranging from welcome offers with free spins to weekly cashback and loyalty rewards. You can claim these to boost your bankroll and play more. Learn more about the main bonus types below.
Welcome Bonuses
- What is it? A welcome bonus is available to new customers when they open an account and make their first deposit. The bonus usually consists of a deposit match, though free spins on slots may also be included.
- Example: Raging Bull Slots Casino offers a 410% match up to $10,000 on the first deposit. You also receive 50 free spins at $0.10 on a nominated slot.
- How to Claim: You must make a minimum qualifying deposit of $30, then play through your matched funds within 14 days. Free spins winnings are treated to the same rollover conditions.
Free Spins
- What is it? Earn free spins to use on selected online slots. You keep your winnings if you meet the playthrough conditions.
- Example: You receive 100 free spins on BetOnline Casino in Illinois when you join and make a qualifying first deposit.
- How to Claim: Your spin stakes are limited, and you must wager your winnings 20–30x before withdrawing. Therefore, with winnings of $30 at 30x wagering, you must wager $900 ($30 x 30) before cashing out.
No-Deposit Bonus
- What is it? Earn free credits or spins without the need to deposit at the Illinois online casino.
- Example: You receive $25 in casino credits by opening a new account at Las Vegas USA Casino while in Illinois.
- How to Claim: Enter the bonus code when signing up by going to the Coupons section.
Cashback
- What is it? Earn back a portion of net losses in the form of bonus funds.
- Example: You receive 10% of all online roulette losses over Saturday and Sunday, up to $50.
- How to Claim: You must wager your cashback bonus 30x before claiming your free money.
Reload Bonus
- What is it? A reload bonus rewards regular depositors who fund their accounts and meet the play requirements.
- Example: The Illinois online casino matches your $100 with 25% in bonus funds, i.e., $25.
- How to Claim: You have 14 days to clear your $25 in bonus funds on slots (100%) or table games (10%). You can withdraw any cleared bonus cash if you meet the T&Cs.
VIP/Loyalty Rewards
- What is it? Earn points by playing your favorite table games and slots, then unlock perks the more you play. Illinois online casinos offer excellent VIP programs that rival those found in Bally’s Chicago or Grand Casino Victoria.
- Example: You unlock a range of benefits by racking up 25,000 player points on slots and roulette. Tier 1 perks include free spins, faster withdrawal times, and a birthday bonus.
- How to Claim: You must accumulate enough points to unlock a tier of VIP benefits. Plus, you must maintain the same points level to stay on your current tier the next month.
Online Gambling IL Bonus Terms and Conditions
Most bonuses at an Illinois online casino have terms and conditions attached. You can find these clearly listed on the bonus terms page. For example, most bonuses come with a wagering requirement. This is the amount you must wager to clear funds and winnings.
Plus, bonus contribution rates vary from one game to another. For instance, roulette and blackjack may contribute just 10%, while slot play contributes 100%.
Free spins are set at minimum stakes, and some games may be ineligible. Always check the bonus details page to see what’s permitted.
Popular Illinois Online Casino Games
Illinois online casinos offer a selection of slots and table games comparable to those you’ll find at Grand Victoria or Bally’s. You can play at lower stakes, however, and even try games for free. In this section, we go over the main categories for playing casino games online in Illinois.
Slots
You can play the best online slots for real money in Illinois, including classic games and the latest progressives. The top IL casinos offer some online developers you won’t find in your local establishments. You also have more variety, with sites like BetOnline and MyBookie offering over 1,500 slots.
💡 Quick Tip: Check the online casino’s jackpot tracker to see what slots other customers are playing and winning at.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a top choice among casino players in Illinois, known for its low house edge and solid returns. The best blackjack apps offer a wide range of variants, including multi-hand games. Online blackjack in Illinois covers side bets, but these can increase the house edge.
💡 Quick Tip: Avoid the Insurance bet or high-edge side bets for the best chance of long-term profits.
Roulette
Roulette is another popular casino game that you can find at most online casinos in Illinois. Stakes often start from $1 per round and can exceed $1,000 in some variants. You can also choose from different roulette games, including American and European.
Online Poker
In Illinois, poker is available at multiple poker rooms, and you can also access some of the largest poker networks in the country, with Bovada and BetOnline being top examples. Here, you can play cash games and tournaments throughout the week.
Video Poker
Video poker is hugely popular in Illinois and is replicated at many online casinos. The main variants include Deuces Wild, Jacks or Better, All American Poker, and Joker Poker.
Live Dealer Games
Live dealer casinos let you enjoy popular table games or game shows without visiting a local casino. Some live dealer games come with special bonuses.
Lotteries
You can play the Illinois Lottery online by registering and purchasing tickets. The Illinois Lottery is part of a group of states that compete in giant draws like Powerball.
Instant Win & Crash Games
Illinois casinos offer special options that you won’t find in local casinos, such as crash games, fish game gambling, scratch cards, road-crossing games, and more.
Payment Options at Illinois Online Casino Sites
Illinois online casinos offer a range of payment options, including Bitcoin, credit cards, and online banking. Deposit limits, charges, and withdrawal speeds may vary by operator.
| Payment Method | Deposit Time | Withdrawal Time | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debit/Credit Cards (VISA, Mastercard, AMEX) | Instant | 2–5 business days | Up to 3.5% |
| Bank Transfer | Instant | 2–5 business days | Variable ($20+) |
| Cryptocurrencies | Instant | 1–4 hours | $0.10-$5 |
| e-Wallets | Instant | 1–2 days | 0–7% |
| Check by Courier | N/A | Up to 15 business days | $50 min. (3%+ for large withdrawals) |
How We Rate Illinois Online Casinos
Our team of experts examines every Illinois casino to ensure it delivers on payments, games, and bonuses.
- Payment Methods – IL casinos online should accept a range of banking methods, including cryptocurrency, cards, and bank transfers. Ideally, there should be no fees when depositing and withdrawing.
- Payout Speeds – We test the payout speeds of all Illinois online casinos to ensure they offer quick withdrawals. Crypto withdrawals of up to two hours are essential.
- Bonuses and Promotions – Every Illinois casino should offer a generous welcome bonus, including free spins or a large deposit match. Plus, they must back it up with weekly crypto deals, tournaments, and a solid loyalty program.
- Games & Software – Our team assesses the number of slots and games and checks whether the software developers are safe and reliable.
- Mobile Optimization – Good Illinois online casinos should offer a powerful no-download mobile client as standard. Alternatively, install a stable mobile app for your iPhone or Android device.
Expert Tips for Playing at Illinois Casinos
Grab some top tips before you hit an online casino in Illinois for real money:
- Research the casinos before you join: Do your homework and find the best Illinois online casinos with our reviews. We offer in-depth reports of all casinos to save you time.
- Read the bonus T&C carefully: Casino bonuses can be attractive, but make sure you read the bonus terms before committing. Terms list the playthrough requirements and eligible games.
- Make safe payments: You should understand the risks of trading in unregulated cryptos when you gamble online. Weigh up the benefits of a credit card or bank transfer as a solid alternative.
- Go for fast payouts every time: Many online casinos guarantee lightning-fast payouts if you use cryptocurrency. It’s a good way to get your winnings faster and shop around for more bonuses.
- Shop around for rewards: A VIP scheme can be good for both beginners and high rollers to earn perks. However, check the redemption rates and point maintenance commitments before opting in.
Most Popular Land-Based Illinois Casinos
Illinois has 17 riverboat casinos and land-based gambling resorts. The law was expanded in 2019 to allow Illinois racetracks to provide casino gambling.
| Casino | Address | Games | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bally’s Chicago | 600 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 | 500–3400 (* expansion pending) | Bally Rewards program with Bally Bucks |
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | 1500+ | Biggest slots jackpots in Chicago |
| Grand Victoria Casino | 250 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 | 800+ | Classic Illinois riverboat casino gambling |
| Golden Nugget Danville | 204 Eastgate Dr, Danville, IL 61834 | 600+ | 24K Select Players Club with 4 tiers |
| Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel | 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201 | 850+ | High-limit slots room |
How Online Gambling in Illinois Compares to Other States
The Midwestern region includes some states with large online gambling industries, but most haven’t regulated casinos within their borders. Here’s how Illinois compares to its nearest neighbors on gambling legislation:
- Indiana: Indiana online casinos are also based offshore, but the state offers legalized sports betting online and in person at 13 casinos.
- Iowa: The Hawkeye State has 19 licensed B&M casinos and legalized sports betting in 2019. You can also access Iowa online casinos based offshore.
- Kentucky: Online casino gambling is not legal in Kentucky. However, you can place pari-mutuel bets at racetracks and bet on sports online.
- Michigan: Michigan is one of the few US states with legal online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites. Online horse race betting and daily fantasy sports are also 100% legal in MI.
- Missouri: Online casinos in Missouri aren’t state-regulated, but sweepstakes casino sites are available in the state. Missouri also has legal sports betting online and at retail sportsbooks.
- Montana: You can bet legally on sports in person at licensed locations and via an official mobile app. Sweepstakes are permitted in Montana.
- Wisconsin: You can bet on sports at some tribal casinos in Wisconsin. However, online sports betting and casinos are not regulated.
Responsible Gambling
Every top real-money casino in Illinois offers tools and limits that promote responsible gambling. You can set deposit and spending limits, enable automatic timeouts, or even request self-exclusion from selected sites.
The Illinois Gaming Board even has a self-exclusion program where individuals can exclude themselves from all land-based casinos and sportsbooks in the state. For more resources about responsible gambling, check out:
- Illinois Casino Gaming Board – Responsible Gambling
- Illinois Gaming Board – Self-Exclusion Program
- Gamblers Anonymous
FAQs
Can I play online casinos in Illinois?
Yes. You can access online casinos in Illinois with a valid email, home address, and password. Play roulette or online slots for real money in Illinois, and claim VIP points as a regular customer.
Can I win real money at Illinois online casinos?
Absolutely. You can win at the best online casinos in Illinois. Try small-stakes online slots or hit the high-roller blackjack tables for bigger prizes.
Which sites accept Illinois players?
Raging Bull Slots, SlotsAndCasino, Slots of Vegas, UpTown Aces, Ducky Luck, and BetOnline are some of the best Illinois casinos. You can set up an account from anywhere in Illinois and can usually avoid KYC checks after joining. Deposit with USD or crypto and claim a welcome bonus.
Which is the most trusted online casino in Illinois?
Raging Bull Slots is the most trusted and recommended IL casino. It offers safe online casino gambling with a track record of reliable payments and withdrawals.
REFERENCES
- Illinois Gaming Board homepage (igb.illinois.gov)
- Illinois Gaming Board – Bill HB3080 (igb.illinois.gov)
