IO Online Casino Sites – The Best Online Gambling Illinois Casinos
The possibility of having online casino sites that operate within Illinois is high, thanks to the 2019 Gambling Act. I hope that online casino operators will soon be able to start their operations inside Illinois state lines. For now, riverboat casinos, land-based casinos, online lottery, horse racing betting, and sports betting are legal in the state of Illinois.
However, that does not mean that you cannot play online casino games if you live in Illinois. You don’t need to visit a riverboat or land-based establishment to play table games and slot games. Many offshore casino sites are catering to Illinois online casino fans. That’s possible because, as a punter, you won’t be prosecuted for playing casino games at offshore casino sites.
What the Best Illinois Online Casinos Offer
Playing online casino games in Illinois is a great choice now that the future looks bright. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to games. The best online casinos in Illinois offer casino games of all types. This includes different types of table games, online slots, online poker, lottery, and bingo, among others. Let’s have a look at the most popular casino games to play in Illinois.
Table Games
If you often gamble online, you must be aware that table games form a huge percentage of online casino games. The most popular options are online blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. You’ll also find games like bingo and craps when you join casinos that accept players from Illinois.
Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games played using playing cards. The game is offered by many offshore casinos, and IO players can play it for real money, as well as for fun. Just like other table games, you’ll find different versions of blackjack depending on the casino of your choice.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a close relative of blackjack as both table games involve playing cards and beating the dealer. The basic rules spread across all variants, but some baccarat variants will have slightly different rules. Therefore, it’s vital to find out which special rules apply to the baccarat variant you’ve chosen.
Roulette
Roulette is another regularly-played game in both land-based and online casinos that are accessible in Illinois. And like other table games, there are various versions of the game from American to European Roulette variants. Most of these games are easy to learn and play because they follow the same basic rules. Even when playing the online version, you just need to predict where the ball will land when the wheel stops.
Online Poker IO
Online poker is one of the best choices for online gambling, Illinois enthusiasts. It is available on almost every offshore casino site that accepts Illinois players. When you join a gambling site, you just need to check the games section for online poker and choose your preferred version. Top online poker sites in IO will have different versions of the game at your disposal.
IO players have access to different types of online poker versions, including video poker. After checking around, I’ve seen many Illinois casinos offering 7 Stud Poker, Double Bonus Poker, Double Double Bonus Poker, and Aces and Eights. Other fascinating online poker variants include All American Poker, Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker Deluxe, Sevens Wild, Loose Deuces, and Double Jackpot Poker, among other games.
Online Slots
Online slots are among the most diverse casino games as they cover various themes and come in different designs. Whether you love sports, movies, adventures, or politics, you’ll find a slot game that matches your preferences.
If you are a bit old-fashioned, you should go for classic-themed online slots. Classic slots usually have a few paylines and come with fruit symbols. For tech-savvy slot players looking for slots with a modern touch, I recommend video slots. A well-designed video slot will make you feel like you are playing in a land-based casino.
Popular titles like Aztec Millions, Cash Bandits, and Cleopatra’s Gold will soon be available at many Illinois casinos. But you can still play them at offshore casinos sites. Check the recommended list of Illinois casinos on this page and choose a casino brand that meets your gaming needs.
Online Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois
Playing daily fantasy sports (DFS) in Illinois is another form of legal online gambling in the state. In fact, most states in the United States allow residents to play daily fantasy sports online for real money. Several fantasy sports betting sites accept players from Chicago and the state of Illinois at large.
The following are the available DFS options in Illinois:
- National Football League (NFL) – Illinois is the home of the Chicago Bears, which are part of the NFL. If you live in Illinois, you can now play NFL daily fantasy sports in the state for real money.
- National Basketball Association (NBA) – Sports teams like the Chicago Bulls have brought lots of fun to basketball fans in Illinois. What’s more, those who like the game can play basketball fantasy sports in the state.
- National Hockey League (NHL) – The NHL is another popular DFS option for Illinois hockey lovers bearing in mind that Ice hockey is one of the oldest sports in the state. The Chicago Blackhawks date back to 1926 and are still popular today. They are a great source of inspiration for those interested in hockey DFS.
- Major League Baseball (MLB) – The MLB is the oldest of the biggest professional sports leagues in the United States. If you love baseball, you can play MLB fantasy sports online in Illinois for a chance to win real cash.
- College Fantasy Sports – Major colleges in Illinois take part in various sports, including football, soccer, basketball, and baseball. These games give residents of Illinois an incredible opportunity to enjoy online DFS.
Online Lottery in IO
Illinois is the first state in the United States to offer online lottery tickets that are legal. As early as 2012, the state was selling lottery tickets for Mega Millions and Lotto. Today, lottery enthusiasts in the state can play lotteries at land-based locations and online.
Illinois Online Lottery Account
To play online lotteries in Illinois, you need to create an Illinois lottery account with a username and a password. You can log into your account via the official website, Android app, or iOS app. The account allows you to purchase draws and subscriptions to various games. Your Illinois lottery account will also allow you to view purchases and wins and check subscriptions.
Moreover, you can receive deposits for winning up to 600 bucks and receive notifications. You’ll get notifications for wins, winning numbers, as well as draw times. Keep in mind that the Google Play store lottery app won’t allow you to make purchases. Therefore, it’s advisable to download the Android app from the Illinois lottery website to purchase games on your Android gadget.
Online Lottery Game Categories
In general, Illinois online lottery games are categorized into daily games, jackpot games, and instant tickets. Let’s look at each type of lottery game available in the state.
Daily Lottery Games
Daily lottery games in Illinois include Pick 3 Plus Fireball and Pick 4 Plus Fireball. The amazing thing about these games is that they feature two daily draws. Moreover, tickets cost as little as $0.5. The Pick 3 game allows players to win up to $500 while the Pick 4 game allows you to win up to $5,000.
Jackpot Games
The available jackpot games are Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto, and Lucky Day Lotto. These are the lottery games you should aim at if you want to hit multi-million jackpots.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot game with lottery tickets worth $2 each. The lottery is available in 45 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. Draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions is another multi-state lottery game available in Illinois. Today, Mega Millions is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands. Lottery tickets cost $2 each, and draws are held every Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto is another popular choice for online lottery players in the state. Players can purchase tickets for $1 and watch out for draws on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Lucky Day Lotto is a jackpot lottery game in Illinois with 2 draws every day. You can participate in a draw for only 1$. The jackpot is higher than the amount of money you can win playing Pick 3 and Pick 4.
Instant Tickets
Recently, the state of Illinois launched instant tickets that allow players to win lucrative jackpot prizes. The newest instant tickets cost $2, $5, and $10. These tickets give you a chance to win up to $25,000, $250,000, and $1,000,000 respectively. They are a great choice because they give you a chance to win an instant jackpot every day.
IO Sportsbooks – Bet On Your Favorite Sports in Illinois
Are you are a fan of online sports betting? If yes, you’ll be thrilled to know that online sportsbooks are now live in Illinois. Thanks to the Illinois Gambling Act of 2019, online sports betting is now a legal gambling activity in the state. Bettors are free to join Illinois sports betting platforms and place bets as long as they meet all legal requirements.
The first online sportsbooks in IO began their operations in March 2020. That’s great news to those interested in online sports betting in Illinois. And I believe there’s no looking back as more Illinois sports betting sites are expected to emerge in the near future. Many online sports betting sites will follow at land-based establishments across the state. Moreover, many land-based casinos will partner with online casinos to offer all kinds of online sports betting options.
Online Sports Betting Options in Illinois
Without a doubt, Illinois is one of the best states when it comes to sports betting options. Many professional teams in the state make online sports betting aficionados excited to bet on their favorite sports. Anyone who knows the Chicago Bulls, White Sox, Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks will tell you that these teams have made Illinois a popular state.
Simply put, the people of Illinois are involved in all kinds of sports that attract online sports betting fans. I’m speaking of sports like basketball, American Football, hockey, baseball, and many more. With that in mind, online sports betting punters can bet on popular events such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, UFC, and MBA. If you fancy college sports, boxing, golf, horse racing, and Premier League Soccer, you are free to bet on them, too.
New Online Sportsbooks in Illinois
Online sports betting in Illinois is just getting started since only a few sportsbooks are functional at the moment. But as I said earlier, more Illinois sports betting sites will soon be available to bettors across the state. The list will keep growing and continue to attract more online sports bettors in the state. Bettors only need to look for legal online sportsbooks that offer the betting options they want.
The IO Punter is here to make sure that you find the newest, legal online sports betting portals in Illinois. You’ll find a list of the best casino sites and sportsbooks on this site, so don’t forget to visit regularly. I’ll always let you know if I come across a new casino brand or sports betting site in Illinois. So, you don’t need to waste your time searching elsewhere for the most recent gambling sites.
Legislation – An Overview of Gambling Legislation in Illinois
Before we go further, I would like to mention that I am licensed to promote online gambling in Illinois. Therefore, any piece of information is only meant to help you engage in gambling activities that are permitted in Illinois. The casinos and sportsbooks recommended here are thoroughly examined to ensure that they offer legal gambling activities.
With that said, the state of Illinois has put in place some legal structures to regulate different forms of gambling. This includes gambling in land-based casinos and online gaming or gambling platforms. As of now, various gambling activities are legal in Illinois, including lottery, horse racing betting, and charitable bingo. The legal gambling age for casinos and video lottery, and 18 for lotteries, racing, and bingo.
Legal and Regulated Horse Racing Gambling
Horse racing in the state of Illinois has been around for many years. By 1930, there were 6 tracks in Chicago alone. Today, the state boasts a rich history of legal and regulated horse racing gambling, which began in the 1990s. Also known as pari-mutuel betting, horse racing wagering is spread across the state. Today, fans of horse racing in Illinois can choose from a variety of off-track horse racing betting sites.
Currently, the state has legalized several horse racing events. And existing legislation allows horse racing fans to bet on such events. The state Racing Board allows online horseracing at sanctioned sites. Punters also have access to legal offshore online horse betting sites. The fact of the matter is that no state law prevents punters from betting on horse racing in Illinois.
The Legalization of Online Lottery in Illinois
Illinois is one of those states in the United States to legalize lotteries, including online lottery. The state lottery in Illinois was established in 1974 and has been an important source of revenue for the state. Much of the money collected through the lottery has helped to fund public learning institutions.
The 1990 Riverboat Gambling Act
Enacted in 1990, the Riverboat Gambling Act made Illinois the second state in the United States to legalize riverboat gambling. One year later, the first riverboat casino started its operations in Alton. At the moment, there are 10 riverboat casinos operating in Illinois. During the initial years, the boats were allowed to leave docks and sail, but things have changed. Currently, riverboat casinos operate like land-based casinos on water.
The 2009 Video Gaming Act
The Video Gaming Act was enacted in IO, in July 2009. It authorized the placement of up to 5 Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) in licensed Truck Stops, Retail Establishments, Veteran, and Fraternal Establishments.
Online Gambling Legislation in Illinois
As you can see, most gambling laws in Illinois focus on land-based gambling establishment. What about online gambling in Illinois? Is online gambling legal in Illinois? The truth is that there’s no clear legislation that legalizes or criminalizes online casino gambling in Illinois. Those interested in online casino games can play them at offshore online gambling sites and won’t be prosecuted for it.
The current law prohibits the establishment of a website that allows people to play a game of chance or skill online for money. Simply put, casino operators are not allowed to provide online casino games in Illinois. But the law does not prohibit players from gambling online. Therefore, it’ up to the punter to decide to take part in online gambling.
2019 Illinois Gambling Act
While there are no clear online gambling laws in Illinois, things might take a different turn soon. Since 2012, there have been attempts to make online gambling legal in Illinois. The latest development is the Illinois Gambling Act, which was signed into law on June 28, 2019.
The Act aims to make significant changes to gaming legislation in Illinois. Since its inception, the Illinois Gaming Board is working hard to implement the changes. The new changes include expanding sports betting, introducing more video machines, and establishing 6 new land-based casinos. And if you love online casino games, the new law makes way for online gambling via internet-enabled devices.
Role of the Illinois Gaming Board
In general, the Illinois Gaming Board is responsible for ensuring the integrity of gaming and gambling in Illinois. It regulates riverboat gambling, casino gambling, sports betting, and video gaming in the state.
The Legality of Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois
Thankfully, daily fantasy sports are now legal in Illinois. However, I must acknowledge that the legalization process has not been an easy one. According to the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, betting on games of chance is illegal. However, the Act excludes fantasy sports under specific conditions.
In 2015, The Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, issued an opinion that daily fantasy sports were games of chance. Therefore, they were illegal gambling under state law. One year later, state representatives prepared legislation to ban daily fantasy sports in the state. However, their efforts bore no fruits. The same happened in 2017 after several efforts to legalize daily fantasy sports. Eventually, a 2020 decision made the popular contests legal.
Online Gambling News in IO
Clearly, there’s a lot to talk about as far as online gambling Illinois laws are concerned. The same applies to sports betting Illinois sites. Besides these, it’s important to get familiar with the latest developments in the industry. Online gambling Illinois punters are waiting for the full implementation of laws that allow online casinos to operate. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep your ears and eyes wide open. For those who want to know the latest online gambling Illinois news, I will be publishing them regularly on my site. So, stay tuned fellas.
IO Punter Gambling News Page
To make sure that you are not left behind, I have created a “News” section on this site. I want to make sure that you know everything that’s happening in the online gambling industry in Illinois. The news section will be updated day after day to make sure you don’t miss out on anything.
Can online casinos operate in Chicago? Are online gambling sites allowed to operate in Illinois? Which online casino games are available in Illinois? What’s the newest legislation on gambling? Which are the newest online casinos in Chicago? These are just a few examples of what the news section will be tackling from time to time. Make sure to visit the news page regularly to learn more about the legality of online gambling in Illinois and other topics.
Promos in IO Online Gambling Sites
The best online casinos in Illinois know how to appreciate players for registering and sticking around. Based on my experience, new players can expect casino welcome bonuses and regular promotions for loyal players. The same happens at sports betting Illinois sites and online DFS sites. Let’s see the different types of bonuses and promos you’ll find at Illinois online gambling websites.
Deposit Bonuses
The type of deposit bonus you’ll receive will vary from one Illinois online gambling site to another. You may get a match bonus, which is a percentage of your deposit amount. For example, the casino may give new players a 100% match bonus up to $600. In this one, if you deposit more than $600, the bonus amount will not be more.
The second type of deposit bonus is a cash bonus. In this case, the casino operator gives you a certain amount of money once you make the required minimum deposit. For instance, you might get a bonus worth $20 for depositing at least $10.
No Deposit Bonuses
A casino no deposit bonus is offered free of charge without making a deposit. You should need to create a casino account to claim your bonus offer. When it comes to sports betting, your free money bonuses may be in the form of free bets.
Free Spins
If you join casinos that offer online slots, you might get a lucrative free spins deal. In most cases, casinos award free spins on one or several selected slots. For example, slot players may receive 20, 50, 80, or 100 free spins on the Starburst slot. However, keep in mind to read the fine print so that you will get every detail you need to wager those freebies.
Risk-Free Bets
Some Illinois online sports betting will reward you with risk-free bets up to a certain amount. This means that punters get a refund of their losses up to a certain amount, within a specified duration.
Reload Bonuses
Some casino sites will reward their existing customers with reload bonuses. These are simply deposit bonuses targeting existing players who keep depositing. However, the match rate is mostly way lower than the welcome bonus offer’s.
Cashbacks
Cashbacks are also available at Illinois online gambling sites. These are awarded as a specified percentage of your losses. As you can see, a cashback offer will come in handy if you often lose your money to the casino. You’ll find them at casino sites, sports betting platforms, and DFS sites in Illinois.
Referral Rewards
Referral rewards are also everywhere in Illinois. Here, the casino rewards players for every successful referral. This could be sending an invitation via email, SMS, or app. Keep in mind that it will all depend on the casino.
VIP and Loyalty Rewards
VIP and loyalty rewards are meant for gamblers who choose to stick with one casino for a long time. Depending on the casino, your rewards may include redeemable points, paid trips, free tournaments, and cash prizes. However, some operators may even offer real-life prizes, such as special event tickets.
Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Promos
Some casino sites have a wide range of promos that may be available every day, or on specific days of the weeks. Other promos are only available once every month. For more details, be sure to check the promotions page of the selected Illinois online gambling website.
Safety and Security in IO Gambling Sites
Security is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing Illinois online casinos and online sportsbooks. You want to join a gambling site that protects every bit of information you share with them. During the registration process, you have to share sensitive details like names, banking information, and contact details. You don’t want unauthorized people to access this information.
HTTPS – Enjoy Secure Internet Connections
Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is the most popular internet security technology used by trusted Illinois online gambling sites. This security measure provides players with the ultimate level of information security. It eliminates any possible fraudulent web activity that might affect your online account details.
TLS – Cutting-Edge Encryption for Maximum Security
The best gambling portals in Illinois use HTTPS as well as Transport Layer Security (TLS) to encrypt all internet traffic. This means that even if someone manages to access your details, they’ll never know the content because it’s scrambled. So, when you sign in, play, or make payments, you can rest assured that your information is secured with state-of-the-art technologies.
Personal Security Measures at Online Casinos
Top-rated Illinois casino sites and online sports betting sites will protect you, but you must also play your part. I mean, you cannot expose your username or password and expect to stay safe online. Anyone with your username and password can log in, see your gambling activity, and access private details.
So, how can punters protect their Illinois online casino, lottery, and sportsbook accounts? First of all, you should create unique usernames that do not resemble your name. If your name is Stephen John, don’t make stephenjohn your username.
Secondly, you need to set up strong passwords that are hard to crack. The best passwords are long and include letters, special characters, numbers, upper case letters, and lower case letters. Also, you should keep your gaming device locked and make sure that no one is watching you as you log in. Lastly, don’t forget to log out immediately after playing.
Deposits and Withdrawals in Illinois Gambling Sites
Just like land-based casinos, online casinos, and sportsbooks in Illinois offer gaming options for real money. This means that there must be a way to deposit and withdraw funds. For me, one payment option is not enough because punters have different preferences. The best casinos in Illinois will allow you to choose from several banking options.
Payment Cards
Debit, credit, and prepaid cards are widely-used payment methods at online gambling sites. To meet the banking needs of most punters, legal online casinos in Illinois must consider popular card payments. It’s no surprise that payment cards like MasterCard and Visa are available at most online casino sites.
E-Wallets
Online casino portals and sportsbooks also offer online banking options, including e-wallets. I’ve seen many online casinos accepting PayPal, which is one of the best e-wallets available today. You can also expect to see new casinos in Illinois accepting popular e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill.
E-Check
E-checks are also common in most online casinos that accept players living in the United States. So, don’t be surprised to find online casinos that accept this banking option in Illinois.
Bank Wire Transfers
If you have a bank account, you can comfortably make payments at Illinois gambling sites via your bank. You just need to authorize your bank to make the payment. The only problem with bank wire transfers is that transactions usually take a long time to process. Also, some banks won’t accept payments to gambling establishments.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, Illinois is a pro-gambling state despite the challenges faced in an attempt to legalize online gambling. Although existing legislation does not permit casino operators to run online gambling sites within the state, players are still free to join offshore casino sites.
Apart from the legal problems facing online casino brands, punters have lots of legal online gambling options in Illinois. In addition to visiting land-based casinos, they can engage in legal online gambling activities. These include sports betting, daily fantasy sports, and horse racing betting.
Before you join any casino site or sportsbook that is available in Illinois, make sure that its operations are legal. Moreover, don’t forget to check for the available bonus offers, promos, payment methods, and game options. To easily find the best Illinois gambling sites, don’t forget to visit IO Punter regularly. Feel free to choose from my list of the top online casinos and sportsbooks in Illinois. And always, don’t forget to gamble responsibly.
FAQ
Can You Gamble Online in Illinois?
Yes. Punters can bet on sports, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports. But it’s important to note that online casinos are not allowed to operate within the state. However, players have never been prosecuted for playing at online casino sites.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Yes. The 2019 Illinois Gambling Act permits online sports betting. Some online sports betting sites are already catering to sports bettors.
Are Daily Fantasy Sports Legal in Illinois?
Yes. According to the 2020 decision by the Illinois Supreme Court, some daily fantasy contests are skill-based. Therefore, they are permissible within the state.
Can I Play Real Money Poker Online in Illinois?
Casinos in Illinois are not allowed to operate poker casino websites. However, that does not mean that people living in Illinois cannot enjoy poker online. IO gamblers can play poker online at offshore casino sites.
What is the Best Site for Online Gambling in Illinois?
The best online gambling sites are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. If you choose offshore casinos, they must be legal in the US. I only recommend legal gambling sites, so make sure to check the ones recommended here.
