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Best Illinois Online Casinos 2024

Legal gambling options are rampant in Illinois, but real money online casinos aren’t legal just yet.

In the meantime, Land of Lincoln residents can play at one of the many sweepstakes and social casinos available in the state, which we compare below.

Illinois’s No. 1 Ranked Online Casino

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Rating: 4.8/5

Ratings are determined by the CardsChat editorial team. This team carries out a strict auditing process when reviewing sites, assessing payout speed, game variety, software quality, level of security, mobile compatibility, and customer service.

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Games Offered

  • Slots
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Best Online Casinos in Illinois

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With an ‘Excellent’ 4.9/5 TrustPilot rating, we’ve been providing expert recommendations since 2004. Each casino we review is carefully evaluated according to eight essential factors:

  • Safety & Security
  • Payout Speed
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  • Software Quality
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Online Casino Blacklist
Some online casinos fail our testing standards to such a degree that we feel it necessary to publish them on our blacklist. An online casino can make it onto this list for a variety of reasons but typically means the casino has exhibited a history of bad behavior and receives lots of player complaints. Avoid any site we’ve listed on our casino blacklist.
Multiple barriers exist on site with the intention of obstructing your ability to retrieve your bonus; intentionally perplexing terms and conditions are deliberately confusing and customer support takes on an aggressive approach.
The use of a budget software provider by Lake Palace is evident in its performance. On top of this there are many problems related to payments: it does not support Neteller payments and refrains from processing withdrawals during Friday to Sunday. Additionally, there have been instances where the casino failed to compensate affiliates and advertisers when transitioning between regulators.
At Fenix Casino, it appears that bigger withdrawal requests undergo a prolonged processing period, and any accumulated bonuses are seized unless cashed out within 45 days.

Best Online Casinos in Illinois 2023

Wow Vegas

Wow Vegas is one of the newest sweepstakes casinos that is available in Illinois, having only started in 2022. Yet, even though they aren’t “long in the tooth,” as the saying goes, they are already well-regarded in the industry.

The fact that this casino is trusted among many players speaks volumes to what it’s been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. Much of this is probably due to the fact that there are more than 300 different casino games offered at this site.

The site is well-designed, easy to navigate and very pleasing on the eye. It’s also equally as easy to play on mobile devices as it is on desktop computers, which is a very important feature for players today. There’s no mobile app that you can download to play, but the gameplay is still top-notch on mobile devices.

Wow Vegas features a number of great bonuses and promotions, including a Welcome Bonus, First Purchase Bonus and many different ongoing promotions that allow you to potentially gain free coins to use.

If you decide to purchase more coins to top off your account, you can do so rather easily from a Trustly or Skrill account.

Pulsz

Pulsz casino ranks near the top of the list for sweepstakes sites when it comes to the sheer number of games they offer — almost 300 in total. While the slot machine games are the highlight of these offerings, there are other choices for players as well.

The bonuses are pretty solid, too, with a Welcome Bonus, First Purchase Bonus and many different ongoing promotions. One of the best ones rewards players just for signing into their account and playing on a daily basis, which is very nice.

If you’re looking to purchase coins, you’ll have plenty of banking options to choose from, which is a nice added feature. Not only that, but you’ll be able to use these banking methods to withdraw any winnings you are able to convert from the coins you earn playing the games.

The site is clearly laid out, very user-friendly and is pleasing on the eyes.

Stake

Stake casino’s main draw is the fact that it focuses on the cryptocurrency industry. The site only offers crypto as a way for you to purchase Gold Coins to use on the site, or to withdraw any real money winnings you’re able to earn. They offer some of the leading crypto coins in the world, such as Bitcoin and Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, USDC and Chainlink. 

The forward-thinking sweepstakes site in Illinois has a quality Welcome Bonus that starts players off with a nice amount of free Gold Coins. If you decide to purchase coins, you can qualify for a solid First Purchase Bonus. And, you can take advantage of ongoing promotions and even challenges that are based on some of the slot titles that are featured on the site.

In total, Stake has more than 300 casino games you can choose from, which ranks it near the top in this regard. They also feature games from Hacksaw Gaming, Pragmatic Play and many other top gaming developers.

Gambino

Not every sweepstakes casino in Illinois offers players the opportunity to convert coins into real money, and Gambino is one of those sites. This doesn’t mean that it’s not a solid site to play at; it’s just important to note that it’s a purely fun site where social is the focus.

What you can do is move higher on the VIP levels as you play games, which gives you bragging rights. You can share your status on social media platforms, which adds to the excitement.

Gambino gives players a huge amount of G-Coins right from the beginning when they create a new account, which is another huge positive to the site. This means players don’t need to purchase G-Coins using their own real money just to play some of the games at the site.

If you do decide to use real money to purchase more G-Coins, you can qualify for a nice First Purchase Bonus to add even more to your account. Plus, there are plenty of promotions that are offered on an ongoing basis to add value.

Golden Heart Games

Golden Heart Games features a solid selection of slot games and bingo games, and they also have a unique selling point. A percentage of every purchase that you make on the site goes to a charity of your choosing. In essence, you’re able to give back to a cause that’s near and dear to your heart whenever you spend your money to purchase Coins.

The site only offers on table game (blackjack) and one video poker title, so you really need to love online slots or bingo games if you want to play at this site. Still, if this is up your alley, then Golden Heart Games could be good for you.

The site has many different promotions that you can take advantage of. In addition to the Welcome Bonus that will provide you with a solid amount of Coins to get started with, you can also add more Coins to your bankroll with the First Purchase Bonus. 

Golden Heart Games has a number of attractive payment options that you can use to purchase Coins on the site and to also use if you’re able to redeem Coins for real money that you can then withdraw. 

Fortune Coins

Many Illinois gamblers love Fortune Coins because this sweepstakes casino site has progressive jackpot slot games that you can play. These games are extremely popular in real money online casinos because they offer some of the biggest payouts of any casino game around. Now, they are available to play for free with Gold Coins at Fortune Coins.

This sweepstakes casino plays very well on either mobile devices or desktop computers, as it’s designed very well and is very user-friendly. There are only about 50 total games that you can choose from here, which is a slight downside to the site, though the progressive jackpot titles certainly make up for that.

You’ll be given a nice amount of Gold Coins to start for free with your Welcome Bonus. And if you want to top off your account at any time, you can qualify for a First Purchase Bonus to add more to your account.

BetRivers

BetRivers is another sweepstakes casino that is only used to play for fun and for free. There is no option to convert your earnings into real money that you can then withdraw.

However, BetRivers makes up for that with the fact that they offer more than 2,000 casino games that you can choose from, all of which can be played for free. Just by signing up for an account at the site, they give you a nice amount of Virtual Coins through their Welcome Bonus.

They then enhance the user experience by offering a number of different ongoing bonuses and promotions. You still have the option to purchase more Virtual Coins if you want to top off your account, too, and you can qualify for a First Purchase Bonus to add even more.

Even though you can’t earn real money while playing at BetRivers, it’s still a great sweepstakes site to play at because of all the different games that they offer on their site.

Pulsz Bingo

If you love bingo and slot games, then Pulsz Bingo sweepstakes casino might be the right one for you. There are some scratch card games that they offer as well, and they come from some of the biggest and best gaming developers in the world.

What’s more, there are 17 Megaways titles available on the Pulsz Bingo site, which is sure to please anyone who’s played online slots games before. While there are no table games that are available, it’s OK because slot players will be very happy with what is actually offered.

The site works really well on both mobile devices and desktop computers, as the designers and programmers spent a lot of time on the look, feel and flow of the site. 

Pulsz Bingo offers a nice Welcome Bonus to get you started with free Gold Coins as well as two coins that you can use in sweepstakes. If you decide to purchase more in the future to top off your account, you can qualify for a nice First Purchase Bonus as well.

McLuck

McLuck is a relatively new online sweepstakes casino available in Illinois. As of right now, they only offer free games to play for fun, with no opportunity to redeem any Gold Coins you earn to real money. That could change in the future, though, as the site continues to develop.

Even still, there are more than 300 games that are available for you to play at McLuck, which is a huge draw. Another big positive is the fact that they offer games from Pragmatic Play, which is one of the most reputable gaming developers on the planet.

The Welcome Bonus gives you a nice amount of free Gold Coins to start with, and you’ll have the ability to purchase more Gold Coins if you ever need them. You can further take advantage of ongoing bonuses and promotions that can help give you more chances to win even more while playing games at their site.

Best Online Casino Bonuses in Illinois

  1. Sign Up Bonuses: Almost all sweepstakes casinos will offer new players a Sign Up Bonus. This is a set amount of free coins that are given to you just for creating a new account at their site. You don’t have to make a purchase of any kind to get these coins, and they can be used at any of the games on the site.

  2. No Deposit Bonuses: There are other ways to cash in on free coins without having to make a purchase, and these are called No Deposit Bonuses. They come in various forms, such as simply logging into your account to playing a certain game on a certain day. Any way it’s designed, they give you free coins and/or the chance to play games with no risk at all.

  3. Deposit Match Offers: If you do go to purchase additional coins at sweepstakes sites, you can usually qualify for a Deposit Match Offer. With this, the site will match the amount of coins that you are purchasing and give you even more, potentially providing you the opportunity to get twice as many coins are you’re purchasing for half the price, essentially.

  4. Free Spins: Free Spins are a bonus that’s offered to allow players to try out new slot games or slot games that the sweepstakes site wants players to compete in. Instead of giving you free coins in your account, the site gives you a set number of spins at a particular slot machine. It doesn’t cost you anything to spin the reels, and you get to keep whatever you win from those spins.

  5. Loyalty/VIP Programs: Most sweepstakes casino sites in Illinois will offer some form of Loyalty or VIP Program. With these, you are rewarded based on how much you play, how much you risk and which games you play. You earn points that you can accumulate over time and then cash in for swag, entrances into contests and even convert into coins to use at various games on the site.

Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?

As of right now, there are no Illinois online casinos that are legal. There has been some momentum toward legalizing online casinos, though, so there is hope that the law could change in the near future.

Illinois offers a wide selection of betting options that can be done in person. There are even online sportsbooks that are available to players in the state as well as an online lottery. In other words, the groundwork has already been laid for potential Illinois online casinos to be legalized at some point soon.

With nearby Michigan having a very thriving online gambling market, Illinois lawmakers may soon feel pressured to offer online casino gambling in their state so they can stay competitive.

Sweepstakes Casinos in Illinois

While there is no online casinos in Illinois right now, people can still enjoy playing at one of the many sweepstakes casinos that are available. Sweepstakes casinos work very similarly to online casinos, except that they don’t require people to risk real money in order to win real money.

Instead, these casinos use Coins as the currency on their sites rather than dollars. Many of these sites give Coins away for free to new players who sign up, and they also offer the option to purchase more Coins. These Coins are then used at the various games on the site, and they can eventually be converted to real dollars that can be withdrawn once you earn enough.

This means that, even though you can’t directly gamble at a legal Illinois online casino, you can get a similar experience at a sweepstakes casino.

The Future of Online Casinos in Illinois

Since casino gambling is available throughout the state, and since sportsbooks are even available online, it’s likely that online casinos could soon become legal in Illinois, too. Players are certainly hoping that this will happen sooner rather than later, possibly even as soon as when the new casino in Chicago opens.

Facts About Gambling in Illinois

  • In Illinois, there are 11 different land-based casinos that currently operate. They are all commercial casinos, as the state doesn’t have any tribal casinos. While online sportsbooks are available, there is no option for online casino gambling just yet. 
  • In 2022, Illinois had gross gaming revenue of $2.14 billion.
  • In Illinois, the gambling industry is estimated to have an economic impact of $2.95 billion on the state as a whole.
  • The gambling industry in Illinois supports a little more than 15,000 jobs.
  • Illinois has a graduated percentage tax that’s applied to casino gross gaming revenues, based on annual adjusted gross receipts. It starts at 15% and goes as high as 50%.
  • The Illinois Gaming Board is responsible for oversight of all legal gambling activities in the state.

Popular Casino Games in Illinois

  • Blackjack: This is perhaps the most popular casino table card game that’s offered. Every player who sits at the table starts with two cards, as does the dealer. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible without going on, while beating the dealer’s hand. If you do, you will win whatever your bet is. It’s a popular game because it’s quick, involves strategy and has solid odds for players.
  • Roulette: Players love roulette, a game in which you try to guess which number or color ball will land on when spun on a wheel. There are 38 different numbers to choose from, and each is either red, black or green. There are multiple wagering options in addition to just betting on individual numbers. The game is very fast-paced, and the payouts can be quite high, too.
  • Craps: Craps is the game that many movies use to show how exciting casinos can be. That’s because the game is very communal, works very fast and has solid payouts and odds for players. It’s a dice game where players will bet on the different number combinations that can be rolled with the two dice. The goal is to keep rolling numbers other than 7 (in most cases).
  • Slot machines: Land-based casinos were built on the backs of slot machines. Today, while these slot machine games look a lot different than they once did, they are still the most popular attraction for casinos. That’s because you don’t need to wager a lot to play, but can win big on them. They are also bright and flashy and are very easy to understand.
  • Baccarat: Baccarat is a more complicated table card game, but it’s very popular as well. You will bet on either the Banker’s hand, the Player’s hand or a tie — and you are paid out based on which outcome happens. There are set rules that determine when the hands stay or take another card, and it can be a little complicated to understand at first. The goal is to get as close to a value of 9 as possible.
  • Poker: Casinos offer multiple options to play poker. This includes table games such as Three Card Poker and Caribbean Stud Poker. It also includes video poker games that work like slot machines. And it includes separate poker rooms, where players will face off against each other rather than a dealer or the casino. All have their unique rules and features, but are based off the basic poker hand rules.

Land-based Casinos in Illinois

  • Argosy Casino Alton. 1 Piasa Street, Alton, Illinois 62002. (800) 711-4263. This casino is actually a riverboat that’s permanently docked on the famed Mississippi River. You can play slot machines, table games and even wager at a sportsbook that’s all hosted on the boat. There is even a place for players to take a break and grab a bite to eat.
  • Grand Victoria Casino Elgin. 250 South Grove Avenue, Elgin, Illinois 60120. (847) 468-7000. Another riverboat casino, this one is actually operated by Caesars Entertainment, one of the leading casino operators in the world. The casino is open 24 hours a day and offers more than 700 slot machines, 25 table games, a sportsbook and multiple restaurants.
  • Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino. 100 East Front Street, Metropolis, Illinois 62960. (618) 524-2628. Another casino operated by Caesars Entertainment, this one is a full-blown hotel and casino property. The 24,000 square-foot gaming floor features 17 table games and more than 600 slot machines. There are 258 hotel rooms and multiple dining options as well.
  • Hollywood Casino – Aurora. 1 West New York Street, Aurora, Illinois 60506. (630) 801-1234. You wouldn’t think you’d be able to get more than 1,000 slot machines and multiple table games on a riverboat casino, but that’s exactly what this one offers. There’s even a sportsbook to bet at and multiple restaurants that you can eat at as well.
  • Jumer’s Casino & Hotel. 777 Jumer Drive, Rock Island, Illinois 61201. (309) 756-4600. This casino has more than 39,000 square feet of different entertainment options. That includes 25 table games, a live poker room, a separate room for high-limit slots and 850 other slot machines. There are plenty of dining options and entertainment as well, to go along with the hotel rooms.

Responsible Gambling in Illinois

  • The Illinois Gaming Board is the agency that’s responsible for overseeing all gambling activites within the state. They offer licenses to both casino operators, racetrack casino operators and suppliers. The State Gaming Fund that collects the taxes from gambling supports spending on education in those communities.
  • The National Problem Gambling Helpline offers support to people across the country who think they have an issue with gambling. They offer a direct and easy way to connect with professional help that is available to them over the phone, via a text message line and even web chat. All of these services are available 24/7 for free.
  • The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling also offers support to people who are struggling with a gambling problem. In addition to direct support, the organization offers resources such as a problem gambling self-assessment, self-exclusion options and many other awareness documents. This helps people identify if they have a problem, and then find proper help if they believe they need it.

FAQs

Can I play online casinos in Illinois?

Right now, Illinois online casinos are not legal. That could change in the future, but in the meantime, you can play at sweepstakes casinos.

When will online casinos be legal in Illinois?

It’s possible that the state could change its gambling laws soon to allow for an online casino in Illinois to operate.

Is it safe to play online casinos in Illinois?

Yes, as long as you select a regulated and licensed sweepstake site, it’s safe to play at an Illinois online casino sweepstakes site.

What’s the legal gambling age in Illinois?

You have to be at least 18 to gamble on the lottery, horse racing and bingo, and 21 to bet on casino games or sports.

Who regulates gambling and casinos in Illinois?

The Illinois Gaming Board provides all the oversight and licensing responsibilities for all gambling-related activity in the state.

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