If you’re looking to learn more about gambling and casinos in Illinois, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about land-based and Illinois online casinos in the Prairie State, from taxes and history to how to wager online.
We also rank and review the best online casinos in Illinois. So, keep reading to find out which sites topped our list and where to find the most exciting casino bonuses.
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List of the Best Online Illinois Casinos
Before we dive into the ins and outs of casinos in Illinois, let’s take a look at our experts’ list of the best IL online casinos:
- Ignition – The Best Illinois Casino Overall
- Slots.lv – Best Jackpot Slots of all the Illinois Online Casinos
- Wild Casino – Top Casinos in Illinois for Live Dealer Games
- Bovada – Most Impressive App of all the Illinois Casinos
- BetOnline – Best Gambling Selection of all the Online Casinos in IL
- Cafe Casino – Top Video Poker of all the Online Casinos in Illinois
- XBet – Best of all the Illinois Casinos for Basketball Wagering
- BetUS – IL Casinos with the Best Crypto Bonuses
- MyB – Illinois’ Top Casino for Versatile Betting Limits
- Big Spin – Best Roulette of all the Illinois Casinos
The Best Online Casinos in Illinois Reviewed
Although having a list of casinos in Illinois worth visiting is handy, understanding why each made the list is even more helpful. So, take a look at our reviews of the top five below:
1. Ignition – The Best Illinois Casino Overall
When looking for the best new casinos in Illinois, gamers will find Ignition makes an excellent choice. Despite only launching in 2016, Ignition offers players a host of features, from SSL encryption to an extensive selection of games. Further, the site accepts several payment methods, one of the more prominent options being cryptocurrency, leaving Ignition as one of the top Litecoin casinos in the state.
Additionally, the online casino also offers players several promos to boost their bankrolls. For example, Ignition rewards players making their first deposit with a generous 50% matched deposit of up to $1,500. In addition, crypto players can claim bonuses up to $3,000. Further, gamers won’t need an Ignition promo code as the site automatically applies the reward. But, players must remember that Ignition applies a 25X wagering requirement to these promos.
Once players have signed up and claimed their bonuses, there are over 280 games to explore. For instance, players can enjoy 218 slots, 22 specialty games, and 28 table games. Further, the site offers 36 live dealer options, ranking it as one of the best blackjack casinos in Illinois.
Pros: Cons:
2. Slots.lv – Best Jackpot Slots of all the Illinois Online Casinos
Occasionally, an online casino gains recognition for a particular game it offers. For instance, our experts rank Slots.lv as one of the best new slots sites because of the online casino’s impressive offering of 193 slot games. Further, the site offers slots tournaments, progressive slots, and amazing jackpots. Additionally, Slots.lv works with top software developers like BetSoft to create high-quality games, offering players classics like 777 Deluxe and newer titles like Raving Wildz.
However, that is not all this Illinois casino offers. Instead, the remainder of its 400 casino games includes live dealer games, specialty games like Keno, various table games, and an impressive video poker suite.
Another feature this online casino offers is a selection of fantastic promos. For instance, Slots.lv gives new players a welcome bonus of 200% up to $1,000 when they make their first deposit. But, players must use the Slots.lv promo code HELLOSLOTS200. Additionally, new crypto players can claim a 300% crypto welcome match deposit of up to $1,500. However, Slots.lv imposes a high 35x wagering requirement on these promos.
Pros: Cons:
3. Wild Casino – Top Casinos in Illinois for Live Dealer Games
Another online casino in Illinois worth visiting is Wild Casino. Although the site launched in 2017, it offers the same great features as more established Illinois casinos. For instance, the site offers over 300 casino games. As a result, players can discover 240 fun slots and close to 100 table games like Baccarat, Roulette, or Blackjack. Further, the site provides extensive live dealer and specialty games.
However, Wild Casino gains its reputation as one of Illinois’ top gambling sites by working with leading developers FreshDeck Studios and BetSoft to ensure high-quality games.
Equally as important to Wild Casino is player convenience. As a result, the site makes it easy for players to deposit and withdraw funds by accepting 15 different payment methods, including cryptocurrency. So, it is unsurprising that the site ranks as one of the best Bitcoin casinos in the state.
Once new players have signed up and made their first deposit, they can claim one of Wild Casino’s exciting promos. For instance, by using the Wild Casino promo code WILD250, players can unlock a welcome bonus of 250% up to $1,000. Further players can then access a 100% bonus of up to $1,000 for their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th deposits using the code WILD100.
Pros: Cons:
4. Bovada – Most Impressive App of all the Illinois Casinos
When it comes to online casinos in Illinois that offer several gambling options, Bovada sits at the top of the list. In addition to an exceptional reputation, this online casino, launched in 2011, caters to Illinois players looking for various ways to gamble online.
Firstly, the site features an impressive online casino stocked with slots and an assortment of table games, including American and European Roulette. Further, players can explore several live dealer options and enjoy a high RTP of 97.8% across the site. But, Bovada adds to its gambling variety by including a sportsbook that offers diverse sporting markets, including the NFL, NHL, NBA, and MMA. As a result, sports fans can wager on their top sports teams. So, if you’re looking for the best MLB betting sites, try Bovada.
Secondly, this online casino places all these gambling options at players’ fingertips by providing a downloadable app. Because the platform is so functional and easy to use, our experts rank it as one of Illinois’ best gambling apps.
Besides these exciting features, Bovada offers several impressive promos. For example, the site gives those making their first deposit into their casino account a welcome bonus of 125% up to $1,250. But, to access the promo, IL players must use the Bovada bonus code: BTCCW1250.
Pros: Cons:
5. BetOnline – Best Gambling Selection of all the Online Casinos in IL
Another must-see online casino is BetOnline. Since it launched in 2001, this Panama-licensed casino has grown exponentially and offers nearly 500 casino games today. As a result, IL players can discover over 100 slots, including progressives and jackpot slots, and various table games, like roulette and keno. Additionally, the site ranks as one of the best high roller casinos, making it ideal for gamers looking to place higher than average bets.
Further, BetOnline works with top software developers Nucleus Gaming and BetSoft to ensure the games it provides are of the highest quality.
While BetOnline offers this extensive casino, it also allows sports fans to wager on their sports teams by providing them with one of Illinois’ best sports betting sites. As a result, players can wager on the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and MMA. Further, BetOnline live-streams major sporting events as they play out in real-time, making it simple for fans to catch their teams in action.
Besides these exciting features, the site also has several fantastic promos. For instance, BetOnline awards new players making their first deposit with a 100% matched deposit of up to $1,000. However, to unlock the bonus, IL players must use the BetOnline promo code BOL1000.
Pros: Cons:
More on gambling in Illinois…
Learn about all types of online gambling in Illinois in our expert guides below:
Comparison of Online Casinos in Illinois
We created the table below to make it simple to compare the features of each of the top online casinos in Illinois.
| Casino | Games Available | Number of Games | Software Providers | Payment Method | Welcome Bonus | Wager Requirement |
| Ignition | Slots, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, poker, live casino, progressive jackpots, virtual sports | 200+ | Rival Gaming, RealTime Gaming | Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, Zelle, MatchPay, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum | 150% Deposit match up to $1,500 | 25X |
| Slots.lv | Slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat, progressive jackpots, live casino | 400 | RealTime Gaming, Rival, Makitone Gaming | Credit card, Debit card, MatchPay, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin | 200% deposit match up to $1,000 | 35X |
| Wild Casino | Slots, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat, live casino | 250+ | Fresh Deck Studios, Betsoft, Nucleus Gaming | VISA, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, Discover, Person to Person, Bank Wire, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Stellar, USD Coin | 250% deposit match up to $1,000 on first deposit | 35X |
| Bovada | Slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, poker, baccarat, progressive jackpots, live casino, sports betting | 200+ | Visionary iGaming, RealTime Gaming, Rival, Revolver Gaming | VISA, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, MatchPay, Zelle, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin | 125% deposit match up to $1,250 | 25X |
| BetOnline | Roulette, slots, blackjack, craps, poker, baccarat, progressive jackpots, live casino, sports betting | 491 | Magma, BetSoft, Fresh Deck Studios, Concept Gaming, Visionary iGaming | VISA, MasterCard, Person to Person, Dogecoin, eCheck, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin | 100% Deposit Bonus Up To $1,000 | 30X |
| Cafe Casino | Slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, poker, baccarat, progressive jackpots, live casino | 300+ | RealTime Gaming, Rival, Makitone Gaming | Credit card, Debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum | 250% deposit match up to $1,500 | 40X |
| XBet | Slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, poker, baccarat, live casino, sports betting | 200+ | Magma, Fresh Deck Studios, BetSoft, Concept Gaming, Visionary iGaming | Credit card, Debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin | 200% deposit match up to $500 | 40X |
| BetUS | Slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, poker, baccarat, live casino, sports betting | 300+ | Magma, Fresh Deck Studios, Visionary iGaming, Betsoft | Credit card, Debit card, eCheck, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum | 50% deposit match up to $625 | 30X |
| MYB | Slots, roulette, blackjack, craps, poker, baccarat, live casino, sports betting | 200+ | BetSoft, Concept Gaming, Fresh Deck Studios, Visionary iGaming, Magma | Credit card, Debit card, Wire Transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ripple, Ethereum, Litecoin | 200% deposit bonus up to $1,000 | 40X |
| Big Spin | Slots, roulette, blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, baccarat, live casino | 213 | BetSoft, Concept Gaming, Fresh Deck Studios, Visionary iGaming, Magma | Credit card, Debit card, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple | 200% deposit match up to $1,000 | 30X |
Online Casino in Illinois – Who Can Play?
Before signing up and using an online casino, players must meet a few stipulations. Firstly, they will need a computer and an internet connection to access these sites. Further, players must be of legal gambling age to sign up and play the games, which is 21 or older in Illinois.
How to Use an Online Casino From Illinois
While using an online casino can be tricky at first, anyone can navigate these sites easily by using the quick steps highlighted below. So, let’s get started.
1. Signing Up for an Account
Firstly, launch the Ignition website on your browser, then locate the orange “Join” button and click it. Thereafter, complete your details on the “create account” page that opens before hitting the “Create Account” button.
2. Account Verification
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll need to verify your account. As a result, Ignition automatically sends a verification email to your given address when you finish creating your account. So, you’ll need to open your inbox, find the Ignition verification email, and click the link within to complete verification.
3. Making Your Initial Deposit
Following verification, you’ll need to fund your Ignition account. So, navigate to the “Cashier” tab, click it, and choose your preferred payment method from the available options. Then, follow the prompts to complete your deposit.
4. Choosing a Game and Placing Your First Bet
Finally, you can place your first bet with Ignition. So, explore the casino games and click the game you want to play to open it. Then, add in your bet value on the bet slip before clicking “Place Bet.”
Casino Legislation in Illinois – A Timeline
Generally, Illinois is one of the more gambling-friendly states in the U.S. As a result, residents can enjoy sports betting and visit land-based and riverboat casinos. Because the state has legalized various gambling options, it comes with a fascinating gambling history. So, let’s take a look at the timeline of casinos in Illinois:
- 1927: The Illinois General Assembly introduces Illinois gambling legislation permitting pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing.
- 1971: The state legalizes Bingo games.
- 1974: Illinois becomes the first U.S. state to implement a state lottery.
- 1975: Lawmakers formally authorized pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and established the Illinois Racing Board.
- 1990: Illinois passed the Riverboat Gambling Act permitting casinos on Riverboat cruises. But, the state stipulates the boats must be moving while gambling is in play.
- 1991: The state’s first riverboat casino opens in Alton.
- 1999: Lawmakers amended the Riverboat Gambling Act dropping the stipulation requiring boats to cruise during gambling. Instead, riverboat casinos can operate while docked.
- 2009: IL authorized local bars and venues to host Illinois Lottery terminals.
- 2019: The state legalizes online sports betting.
- 2020: Illinois launched its first sports betting apps, and the Rivers Casino accepted the first legal sports bets.
- 2021: State Rep. Bob Rita introduces the Internet Gaming Act, set to legalize the online playing of table games and slots in Illinois.
Is Playing at Illinois Online Casinos Legal?
Presently, the Prairie Stat permits online sweepstake gambling. But, online casino games remain illegal. However, there is legislation in the pipeline that would legalize online casino gaming if passed in House. Although, many predict that the bill’s passage in 2022 is a long shot.
But, IL players can still play their favorite games using the best offshore online casinos and offshore betting sites, not governed by federal and state gambling laws.
Further, Illinois permits online sports betting. So, those wanting to wager on their favorite sports teams can use one of the state-regulated sportsbooks that include:
- BetRivers (Rivers Casino)
- Caesars, formerly William Hill (Grand Victoria)
- DraftKings (Casino Queen)
- Barstool Sportsbook (Hollywood Casino Joliet)
- FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (Fairmount Park)
- PointsBet (Hawthorne Racecourse)
But, bettors must first register in person at the sportsbook’s affiliated land-based casino before using these sites.
When will Illinois Online Casinos be Legal?
Presently, Illinois prohibits online casino gambling. However, legislation is in the pipeline to legalize online casinos in Illinois. However, the bill is rumored not likely to pass in House in 2022, meaning gamers could only see online casinos legalized in 2023.
But, Illinois offers players other options that come in the form of legal land-based and riverboat casinos. So, let’s take a look at some of the casinos in Illinois on the map:
Peoria Illinois Casinos
When visiting Peoria, gamers will find a single riverboat casino to enjoy. Further, the Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino offers players over 1,000 slots and six table games, and because it is one of the casinos in Illinois with hotels, players have somewhere to stay.
Chicago Illinois Casinos
Unfortunately, players won’t find any casinos in Chicago, Illinois. But, by traveling to the neighboring town Des Plaines, players can discover the Two Rivers Casino and play their favorite casino games there.
Joliet Illinois Casinos
While in Joliet, gamers can choose from two casinos. Firstly, players can visit Harrah’s Casino Joliet, a riverboat establishment that features 1,138 slots, 200 video poker machines, and 31 table games. Similarly, the Hollywood Casino and Hotel also offers a vast selection of casino games and a luxury hotel for players to visit.
Southern Illinois Casinos
Despite most of the casinos in Illinois sitting in the northern suburbs, there are a few located in the south. For instance, players will find the Argosy Casino Riverboat in Alton and the Casino Queen Riverboat in St. Louis. But, by traveling even further south, players can visit the Harrah’s Metropolis Riverboat in Metropolis, which offers 600 slots and seven table games.
February 2021 SB2064 Ballot to Legalize Online Casinos in Illinois
State Rep. Bob Rita introduced the Internet Gaming Act, SB2064, on 26th February 2021. While the bill proposes permitting a racetrack or casino to offer internet gambling, which the Illinois Gaming Board would regulate, the bill has no upcoming votes. Further, it is rumored that the bill’s likelihood of passing in 2022 is minimal.
Taxes Imposed on Online Casino Winnings in Illinois
Presently, Illinois imposes a 4.95% income tax on any casino winnings. Further, the IRS requires the state to withhold a federal tax of 24% on gambling earnings over a set amount.
Payment Methods Accepted at Illinois Casino Sites
While the best casinos in Illinois offer several great features, one of them is accepting various payment methods, making it easy for players to deposit and withdraw funds. So, let’s review the more common options:
Casinos Accepting Cryptocurrency
When depositing funds into their casino accounts, more IL players use cryptocurrency, as this format provides exceptional security. As a result, more online casinos in Illinois accept crypto forms, including Ripple, Ethereum, Bitcoin, DogeCoin, and Litecoin. So, for the best Ethereum casinos in Illinois, visit MYB, BetOnline, and BetUS.
Casinos Accepting E-Wallet
In addition to crypto, another payment method that protects players against fraud is E-wallet payments. As a result, these services have become popular with players and online casinos in Illinois. So, many online casino sites accept E-wallet providers like EcoPayz, PayForIt, Skrill, PayPal, and Neteller.
While BetOnline accepts both Neteller and eCheck, Bovada, Ignition, and Wild Casino take PayPal.
Casinos Taking Traditional Payment Methods
Although some players use E-wallets and crypto, many still prefer traditional payment methods like cashier’s checks, bank wire transfers, debit cards, and credit cards. As a result, most online casinos in Illinois accept these forms of payment. So, for the best casinos that accept Visa or MasterCard, visit any casinos on our list. Similarly, Wild Casino and BetUS allow bank wire payments.
Bonuses Offered at Illinois Online Casinos
Because there are so many online casinos in Illinois, these sites compete to sign up new players by offering generous promos. So, let’s review some of the best casino bonuses available:
Matched Deposits
While many casino promos are available, the most common is the Matched Deposit. In this case, the casino rewards a player funding their account by matching their deposit up to a specific amount. For instance, an IL casino offering a 100% matched deposit of up to $1,500 will give a player depositing $800 an additional $800 to spend.
Free Spins
Occasionally, Illinois casinos with a large selection of slots will include free spins on the slots as part of the welcome bonus. In this case, the casino gives the player a set number of spins on the reels for free. Further, the casino allows the player to keep any winnings earned from the free spins.
No Deposit Bonuses
Although the Matched Deposit requires players to fund their accounts, the No Deposit Bonus rewards them for merely signing up. In this case, the casino gives a player credits to explore the casino risk-free. However, the player often deposits funds to continue playing once the credit runs out, securing a new player for the casino.
Popular Games to Enjoy at Illinois Online Casinos
While online casinos offer exciting bonuses to encourage players to sign up, their games keep the players coming back. So, let’s look at the most popular casino games:
Illinois Casino Sites Offering Slots
Unquestionably, slots are one of the most popular casino games. In addition to offering instant rewards, they don’t have a string of rules and provide a lot of fun. As a result, many online casinos in Illinois offer a large selection of slots. For instance, one of the best high limit slots sites, Slots.lv, features 193 different slots and jackpot slots that often top $1 million. Further, sites like Wild Casino offer competitive daily slots tournaments, while visiting an online casino like Cafe Casino allows players to enjoy progressive slots. But, if you’re looking for the highest RTP slots, give Bovada a try.
Illinois Casino Sites Offering Table Games
In addition to slots, table games are another popular casino offering. While testing a gamer’s luck, they also test their skills, providing an exciting challenge. As a result, many online casinos in Illinois offer several table games, including Sic Bo, Pai Gow, Craps, Baccarat, Caribbean Stud, Big Six Wheel, Roulette, Poker, Video Poker, Blackjack, and Keno.
So, try Ignition, Wild Casino, or Bovada for the best online Roulette casinos in Illinois.
Live Casinos in Illinois
Despite offering several table games, many of the best casinos in Illinois provide players with an authentic casino experience using live dealer games. In this case, the casino live-streams table games as they play out in real-time. Further, players watching the game can participate and place bets by communicating with the croupier over live chat.
Because these games provide a unique experience, they have gained popularity, and many online IL casinos now feature them. So, for the best live casinos, try Ignition, Wild Casino, or Bovada.
Illinois Online Casinos Vs. Online Casinos in the Neighboring States
Despite legalizing online sports betting and land-based casinos, Illinois is yet to legalize online casino gambling. However, by visiting neighboring states, players can enjoy Iowa’s best online casinos or the top casinos in Indiana. Similarly, players can try out the top casinos in Michigan.
Land-Based Illinois Casinos
Presently, Illinois permits land-based and riverboat casinos. As a result, the state currently features ten casino establishments for players to enjoy. So, take a look below for a list of the casinos in Illinois open for business and their addresses:
| Casino | Address | Opening Hours |
| Hollywood Casino & Hotel | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet | 08:00 – 04:00 |
| Casino Queen | 200 S Front St, East St Louis | 09:00 – 02:00 09:00 – 04:00 (Friday and Saturday) |
| Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria | 08:00 – 02:00 08:00 – 06:00 (Friday and Saturday) |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W New York St, Aurora | 08:30 – 04:30
08:30 – 06:30 (Friday and Saturday) |
| Harrah’s Metropolis | 100 E Front St, Metropolis | 08:00 – 06:00 |
| Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa St, Alton | 09:00 – 02:00 |
| Harrah’s Casino Joliet | 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet | 24 Hours |
| Grand Victoria Casino | 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin | 24 Hours |
| Rivers Casino | 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines | 24 Hours |
| Bally’s Quad City | 777 Jumer Drive, Rock Island | 24 Hours |
Best Online Casino in Illinois
Although Illinois is a gambling-friendly state and permits land-based casinos and online and in-person sports betting, it is yet to legalize online casino gambling. While there is a bill in the pipeline to do this, residents will have to, for now, use the best online casino in Illinois to enjoy their casino games.
So, don’t miss out. Instead, sign up with Ignition and boost your bankroll with an outstanding welcome bonus.
