Illinois Online Casinos for Real Money

Discover the best IL gambling sites to gamble online in the Prairie State

LGUSA Header
#1 - Best overall
cafe_casino
5 stars
350% up to $2,500

5

Overall Rating

21

Top features:

  • 300+ real money titles from Revolver, RTG, Rival, Spinomenal, Wohoo, and more
  • All games fully optimized for mobile
  • Supports major credit cards, Bitcoin, and altcoins

What we like:

  • Hot Drop jackpots
  • Try games free with no sign-up
  • $5 min. deposit with USDT
#1 - Best overall
cafe_casino
5 stars

Bonus:

350% up to $2,500

Top features:

  • 300+ real money titles from Revolver, RTG, Rival, Spinomenal, Wohoo, and more
  • All games fully optimized for mobile
  • Supports major credit cards, Bitcoin, and altcoins

Bonus:

350% up to $2,500

5

5 stars
21

What we like:

  • Hot Drop jackpots
  • Try games free with no sign-up
  • $5 min. deposit with USDT
#2
wild_casino
4.5 stars
$5,000 Welcome Package

4.5

Overall Rating

23

Top features:

  • Over 400 real money slots from Betsoft and Nucleus
  • App compatible with Android and iOS
  • Progressive jackpots and slots tournaments

What we like:

  • Responsive customer service
  • 20 payment methods including cards and 10+ cryptos
  • Generous recurring promotions
#2
wild_casino
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$5,000 Welcome Package
#2

Top features:

  • Over 400 real money slots from Betsoft and Nucleus
  • App compatible with Android and iOS
  • Progressive jackpots and slots tournaments

Bonus:

$5,000 Welcome Package

4.5

4.5 stars
23

What we like:

  • Responsive customer service
  • 20 payment methods including cards and 10+ cryptos
  • Generous recurring promotions
#3
red_dog_casino
4.5 stars
$8,000 Welcome Bonus

4.5

Overall Rating

9

Top features:

  • 250+ real money casino games
  • Wide selection of Rival slots
  • Play on mobile (iPhone & Android)

What we like:

  • New slots free spins
  • Recurring promotions
  • Great customer service
#3
red_dog_casino
4.5 stars

Bonus:

$8,000 Welcome Bonus
#3

Top features:

  • 250+ real money casino games
  • Wide selection of Rival slots
  • Play on mobile (iPhone & Android)

Bonus:

$8,000 Welcome Bonus

4.5

4.5 stars
9

What we like:

  • New slots free spins
  • Recurring promotions
  • Great customer service
Illinois State Flag

Are you in search of the best real-money online casinos in Illinois? This page will cover online gambling in Illinois, the state’s legislation and the history of gambling in Illinois.

Our experts rated and reviewed the best online casinos in Illinois by gaming variety, security, generous bonuses, banking methods, and payout speed.

Key Things You Need to Know

  • There’s an Illinois online sports betting industry, but the state has yet to regulate online casinos.
  • There are no laws banning offshore casinos.
  • The Prairie State licenses land-based and riverboat IL casinos.
  • The legal age to gamble at a casino in Illinois is 21, but online sites typically only require you to be 18 years old.

Top Rated Illinois Online Casinos

After carefully evaluating crucial factors, we identified the leading online casinos in Illinois.

  1. Cafe Casino – Best overall Illinois online casino
  2. Wild Casino – Best game collection casino in Illinois
  3. Las Atlantis Casino – Generous welcome offers

By examining the unique features of each online establishment, we distinguished these top three operators from the vast array of offshore gambling options accessible within the jurisdiction.

1. Cafe Casino Review

Café Casino is a licensed offshore casino operating under the jurisdiction of the Commission for Gaming in Kahnawake. It was initiated in the year 2016 and Lynton Limited owns and manages it, a company well-known in the online gambling sector.

Welcome promotions

Offering a tempting welcome bonus package is Cafe Casino. A standard introductory promotion grants a 250% bonus as high as $1,500, and a 40-times playthrough condition needs to be satisfied prior to cashing out. The casino offers a match bonus of 350% but with a cap of $2,500 to cryptocurrency players who make deposits using Bitcoin.

Game selection

The casino provides an extensive range of slot games and table games that operate under the technology of reputable software vendors like Rival Gaming and Real Time Gaming. Popular games include “A Night with Cleo,” “777 Deluxe,” and “Caesar’s Empire.” Additionally, Cafe Casino offers live dealer games, which provide an immersive gambling environment equal to that of conventional casinos.

Other promotions

Besides the welcome bonus, Cafe Casino provides a ‘Refer a Friend’ bonus which allows you to earn as much as $100 per referral. Additionally, they feature a profitable named rewards program known as “Perks” that gives committed players points that can be exchanged for money. These bonuses have different wagering conditions and don’t require any promo codes.

Banking methods

Lots of payment options can be accessed at Cafe Casino. Bank transfers, Visa, Mastercard, and Bitcoin are accepted for deposits and withdrawals. While the maximum deposit is $5,000, the lowest deposit amount is $20, or $5 with Tether. A withdrawal can be made for as low as $20 or as much as $2,500 in one transaction. Payout timings differ, with Bitcoin transactions taking the shortest amount of time—around 24 hours—to process.

2. BetUS Casino Review

BetUS opened its doors during the year 1994 and is an online casino owned and operated by Firepower Trading Ltd. This virtual gambling establishment holds a Curacao eGaming license, with which it offers its services to players in Illinois and other states across America. BetUS features a sports betting section alongside its online casino, the latter of which has more than 400 games.

Welcome Promotions

On the initial deposit you make BetUS offers a bonus matching of 150% coming with a limit of $3,000. You’ll need to apply CAS150 as your bonus code and make a deposit into your account with a baseline amount of $50 to get this offer. You’ll also find a 30x wagering requirement and 14-day validity period for this bonus.

First-time deposits in cryptocurrency qualify for a 250% match of up to $5,000 as a welcome bonus. As opposed to the traditional currency signup offer, you can make a minimal deposit of just $100 with crypto, adhere to a rollover of 40x, that comes with a 14-day expiration.

Game Selection

BetUS boasts approximately 480 casino games to play in Illinois. These games cut across genres like roulette, slots, live dealer tables, blackjack, and video poker. Brands like Nucleus Gaming, BetSoft Gaming, and DGS are responsible for the available games at this casino.

The slots section has 350 titles, including Joker City, Primal Hunt, and Mr. Vegas. If you are more of a roulette fan, you’ll find five variations, and European as well as American roulette included. You’ll also find 32 tables for blackjack alongside 24 video poker games in the mix.

The range for wagers is conspicuously indicated, listed under each game, making it easy to find ones that suit your betting needs, whether you’re a casual player or an individual who places large bets.

Other Promotions

Promotional offers are available to boost your bankroll as a returning player. On Mondays, there’s also a cashback option for a maximum of $500, while Tuesdays are for the Spin and Win promo as a reload bonus. On the BetUS promotions page, you’ll find other deals, including stipulations and guidelines for each one.

Banking Options

BetUS has fiat payment options, but it also provides opportunities to transact using Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, and Ethereum. You can deposit a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50,000 without fees.

3. Las Atlantis Casino Review

Since its establishment in 2020, this casino has swiftly become recognized as a potential player in the online gambling industry. Infinity Media Group LTD has taken ownership of the online casino and runs on a Curacao authority-granted license, provides players with a secure and controlled environment. It also boasts one of the most generous no-deposit bonuses in Illinois.

Welcome promotions

Casino Las Atlantis offers a tempting welcome bonus to all new customers. A 280% match is included in the usual bonus with a cap of $14,000. In addition, a cryptocurrency bonus offers a match of 300% on deposits made in Bitcoin and Neosurf. It’s important to remember that the wagering requirement for both of these bonuses is 35x the sum of the deposit and the bonus.

Game selection

Real Time Gaming, a renowned software provider, powers various casino games and slot machines available at Las Atlantis Casino. You can take pleasure in well-known titles like “Achilles,” “Ancient Gods,” and “Asgard.” The overseas gaming platform also features games with live operators, bringing the thrilling atmosphere of conventional casinos to players’ screens.

Other promotions

The Las Atlantis Casino brings you a number of additional promos to its regular patrons. These include regular reload bonuses, special promotions, and the “Game-of-the-Month” promotion, which offers free spins and a 160% bonus on designated games. Every bonus has unique wagering requirements and can call for a promo code.

Banking methods

Credit cards, Neosurf, PayID, and Bitcoin are just a few of the banking methods that Las Atlantis Casino provides. The Neosurf banking option and Bitcoin both have $10 as their minimum deposit requirement, while $2,500 is their highest amount permitted for withdrawal per transaction. Contingent upon the payment method you chosen, withdrawal periods can range from 1 to 5 days.

Compare the Best Illinois Real Money Casinos

Welcome promotionBonus codeWagering requirementMinimum deposit
Cafe Casino350% up to $2,500None40x$20
BetUS250% up to $5,000CAS25040x$100
Las AtlantisUp to $9,500UNDERTOW (1st deposit); DEEPSTREAM (2nd & 3rd deposit); WHIRLPOOL (4th & 5th deposit)40x$20
Ignition Casino300% up to $3,000None25x$20
Bovada Casino125% up to $1,250 on first three deposits ($3,750 total)BTCCWB1250 (1st deposit); BTC2NDCWB (2nd & 3rd deposit)25x (1st deposit); 50x (2nd & 3rd deposit)$20
Red Dog Casino275% uncappedNone35x$20
XBet200% up to $500XBC20040x (bonus only)$45
MyBookie150% up to $750MYB15040x (bonus only)$45
Welcome promotionBonus codeWagering requirementMinimum deposit
Cafe Casino120% up to $1,500None40x$20
BetUS150% match up to $3,000CAS15030x$50
Las Atlantis280% up to $2,800 on five deposits ($14,000 total)LASATLANTIS35x$30
Ignition Casino200% up to $2,000None30x$50
Bovada100% up to $1,000 three deposits ($3,000 total)CAWELCOME100 (1st deposit); BV2NDCWB (2nd & 3rd deposit)25x$20
Red Dog Casinoup to $2,500 first deposit bonusBowmate35x$20
XBet200% up to $500XBC20040x (bonus only)$45
MyBookie150% up to $750MYB15040x (bonus only)$45
AppSlotsProgressivePenny slotsSoftware
Cafe Casino161RTG, Revolver Gaming, Rival, Woohoo Gaming, Spinomenal, proprietary titles
BetUS350Betsoft Gaming, DGS, Nucleus
Las Atlantis200RTG
Ignition123Revolver, RTG, Rival, Spinomenal, proprietary titles
Bovada230DGS, Genesis, Revolver Gaming, RTG, Rival, Spinomenal, and proprietary titles
Red Dog153Rival, RTG
XBet150Betsoft, Concept Gaming, Rival
MyBookie200Betsoft, Rival, Concept Gaming, DGS, Rival, proprietary
Gambling AppBlackjack gamesMin. betLive dealer blackjack
Café Casino8$1.00
BetUS32$1.00
Las Atlantis3$1.00
Ignition8$1.00
Bovada8$1.00
Red Dog3$1.00
XBet18$1.00
MyBookie24$1.00
Gambling AppRoulette gamesMin. betLive dealer roulette
Cafe Casino4$1.00
BetUS5$1.00
Las Atlantis1$1.00
Ignition4$1.00
Bovada4$1.00
Red Dog1$1.00
XBet5$1.00
MyBookie5$1.00
Minimum depositMaximum depositDeposit feesWithdrawal fees
Cafe Casino0.0002BTCUnlimitedFreeFree
Ignition Casino0.0002 BTC1BTCFreeFree
Red Dog Casino$20$1,000,000FreeFree
Minimum depositMaximum depositDeposit feesWithdrawal fees
Cafe Casino$25$1,000NoneNone
Ignition Casino$25$1,000NoneNone
Red Dog Casino$30$1,000NoneNone

Types of Legal Gambling in Illinois

In recent times, Illinois has seen significant strides in legalizing various forms of gambling. As a milestone, the Prairie State recently became the fourth U.S. state to surpass $1 billion in lifetime sports betting revenue since the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

Online gambling in Illinois is mostly legal and commenced with the introduction of online sports betting in 2019. Players can engage in online lottery games, place bets on horse races, and participate in daily fantasy sports using mobile devices and computers. However, it’s crucial to note that online casino gambling is not yet regulated in IL.

As for poker, two types—retail and charity—are permitted in Illinois. Currently, the state houses four physical poker rooms:

  • Bally’s Quad Cities Casino and Hotel, Rock Island
  • Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin
  • Hollywood Casinos, Aurora
  • Rivers Casino, recently opened near Chicago

Online poker, similar to online casinos, remains unregulated. Until the state government takes steps to legalize it, residents can only play online poker through offshore websites.

While local operators cannot launch online casinos due to the lack of regulation, Illinois residents do have the alternative of using offshore gambling platforms. Sites such as Bovada operate outside of Illinois jurisdiction, offering a legally ambiguous but hassle-free avenue for online gambling.

Charitable Gambling

In Illinois, charitable gambling is a permitted activity regulated under state law. Organizations recognized by the government as charitable entities can operate games like raffles, poker runs, and bingo to raise funds. These organizations must attain a permit to to operate these games and are subject to certain rules and regulations. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates benevolent wagering in the state, ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining the integrity of the games.

Bingo Halls

Bingo is a popular form of charitable gambling in Illinois and is subject to its own set of regulations under the Bingo License and Tax Act. Organizations wishing to conduct bingo games must also attain a permit to from the Illinois Gaming Board. There are multiple bingo halls across the state that offer regular sessions, and they are often operated by charitable organizations like churches, veterans’ groups, and community organizations.

Illinois Online Casinos vs. Local Casinos

The gambling landscape in Illinois offers a mix of online and local options, but not equally across all types of gambling. While online sports betting has been legalized and operational since 2019, online casino gambling is not yet regulated within the state. This means local operators cannot launch online casino platforms.

In contrast, Illinois is home to various local casinos that offer a comprehensive range of games, from slot machines to table games like blackjack and poker. These establishments are regulated and offer a traditional gambling experience, complete with amenities like restaurants and entertainment.

For those who prefer online casinos, the only available option is to use offshore platforms. Although these aren’t regulated by Illinois law, they provide an alternative for those looking to play casino games online. Companies like Bovada operate these platforms, and they are not under the jurisdiction of Illinois, thus offering a way to wager online without breaking state laws.

So, while local casinos offer the allure of a traditional gambling experience, offshore online casinos provide the convenience of playing from home or on the move. The absence of regulated Illinois online casinos makes offshore sites the go-to online option for residents.

How To Gamble Online in Illinois

Step 1: Find a Website

We suggest starting with Cafe Casino if you live in Alaska. We’ve checked out a bunch of sites, and we think this one’s pretty cool. Want to see what else is out there? We’ve got reviews you can read.

Step 2: Register an Account

Visit the website at Cafe Casino and find the “Join” button. Click it, and a form will pop up. You’ll have to provide elementary like your personal name and email contact as well as your DOB. After you fill it out, go to your email. You’ll see a new email with a link in it. Click the link to make sure you’re the real owner of the email.

Step 3: Deposit Funds Into Your Account

Once you’ve clicked that email link, you’ll see a “Cashier” section on the site. That’s where you put funds into your account to start playing. Cafe Casino delivers a cool deal: if you use digital money like Bitcoin or similar currencies for your first deposit, they’ll give you extra cash with a cap of $2,500. Pick the method of payment you choose and follow the instructions to deposit money.

Step 4: Start Betting

Your account’s got money now, and if there were any bonuses and promotions, you’ve got those too. Now you can start playing games. There are all kinds of choices like slots and table games, live dealer games as well as slots with big jackpots. Find a game you like, and place your wager.

Gambling in and Near Illinois

Illinois houses 11 casinos that host slots, blackjack, roulette, and more. According to the gambling expansion, the riverboat casinos were permitted to become land-based after obtaining an operating license. Here are all the major casino locations in the Prairie State:

Hollywood Casino & Hotel Joliet

Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436

The Hollywood Casino Joliet near the Chicago area features 1,100 video slots and 18 gaming tables, plus a retail sportsbook. The casino and hotel include 100 luxurious rooms and 80 RV sites.

Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino

Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611

This 200-room hotel and five-star restaurant features around 1,000 slot machines, 25 poker tables, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. Par-A-Dice Casino also includes a retail sportsbook.

Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018

Rivers Casino boasts the best jackpot slots and the highest table game payouts in the Chicago area. This excellent brick-and-mortar casino features a retail sportsbook as well.

Harrah’s Casino Joliet

Address: 151 N. Joliet St., Joliet, IL 60432

Harrah’s Joliet is a 200-room hotel and casino. It includes a 40,000-square-feet gaming area. This riverboat casino on the Des Plaines River presents over 600 video slots and over 30 table games. Harrah’s Joliet Casino also houses several bars and restaurants.

Argosy Casino Alton

Address: 1 Piasa St, Alton, IL 62002

Argosy Casino Alton, located on the north bank of the Mississippi, has been operational since 2004. This casino hosts around 750 slot machines in addition to over a dozen table games. Other amenities, including dining and entertainment, are also available onboard.

Bally’s Quad Cities Casino

Address: 777 Bally Boulevard, Rock Island, IL 61201

Bally’s Quad Cities casino is under the ownership and management of Bally’s Corporation. Its 42,000-square-feet gaming floor includes nearly 1,000 slot machines, 16 table games, and six poker tables.

Grand Victoria Casino Elgin

Address: 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120

Grand Victoria Casino, which overlooks scenic views of the Fox River, houses nearly 1,100 interesting slot machines, almost 30 table games, and over a dozen poker tables.

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Address: 1 W New York Street, Aurora, IL 60506

Located on the outskirts of Chicago, Hollywood Casino Aurora offers nearly 1,200 slot machines and 20 table games. There is also a decent choice of live poker tables and dining options.

Casino Queen

Address: 200 S Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201

Located near the Mississippi River, Casino Queen offers 1,100 slot machines with progressive jackpots and video poker machines. Besides 30 table games, this gambling spot includes four dining options, along with a hotel and an RV park.

Other Forms of Gambling in Illinois

In addition to casinos, Illinois offers a variety of other gambling options below that you might find interesting:

Casino Games You Can Play in Illinois

While online casino gambling may not be regulated in the Prairie State, residents still have the opportunity to enjoy a wide array of casino games through offshore online casinos. Below is a breakdown of some sought-after casino games accessible to Illinois players.

Slots

These are perhaps the simplest games to understand. Players spin reels filled with symbols and look forward to winning combinations appearing. Varieties range from traditional three-reel slots to more complex video slots with special features such as bonus rounds and more.

Blackjack

In this particular card game, players aim to get a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible but staying under while also beating the dealer’s hand. Multiple versions of blackjack are available, including single-deck and multi-deck options.

Poker

Poker is a game of strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. The most popular variants like Texas Hold’em and Omaha can be found at offshore casinos. Players compete with one another or the house to form the best five-card hand.

Roulette

A classic casino game where a ball is dropped onto a wheel that spins containing numbered pockets. Players wager concerning the ultimate location of the ball. Variations include American, European, and French roulette.

Baccarat

In baccarat, players can wager on the “Player,” the “Banker,” or a tie, with the goal being to attain a hand total as near to nine as possible. The game is popular for its low house edge and simple rules.

Video Poker

This is a digital version of five-card draw poker. Players are dealt a hand and can choose to keep or discard cards to form the best hand possible. Popular versions include Jacks or Better as well as Deuces Wild.

Craps

Craps consists of a game involving dices where players make wagers based on the result of a roll, or sequence of tosses. Bets can range from simple options like “Pass” or “Don’t Pass,” to more complex multi-roll bets.

Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games offer a more immersive experience. Games like blackjack, baccarat and roulette are streamed live from a studio, allowing players to engage with real dealers.

Specialty Games

These include less traditional games like Keno, Bingo, and scratch cards. They are simple to understand and rely mostly on luck.

Timeline of Gambling Legislation in Illinois

Let’s take a simple look at the important laws and changes that have shaped gambling in Illinois over time:

  • 1927: The Illinois General Assembly legalizes pari-mutuel betting on horse racing
  • 1971: Bingo games are legalized
  • 1974: Illinois becomes the first state to create a state lottery
  • 1975: Illinois formally allows pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. The Illinois Racing Board is created to regulate the industry
  • 1990: The Riverboat Gambling Act is approved to allow casinos while cruising
  • 1991: Illinois becomes the second state to legalize riverboat gambling. The first riverboat casino, the Alton Belle, opens.
  • 1999: The Riverboat Gambling Act removes the requirement for boats to cruise the river while gambling is taking place
  • 2009: The Video Gaming Act expands gambling in the state, allowing local bars and venues to host Illinois Lottery terminals
  • 2019: Online sports betting is legalized in Illinois.
  • 2020: The Illinois Supreme Court rules that DFS is not gambling, legitimizing the game in some capacity across the state.

Illinois Online Casinos FAQs

Are online casinos legitimate in Illinois?

Legal internet-based casino play is not currently available in Illinois. However, Illinois residents can join leading offshore casino sites for real-money gambling. You can also join the sweepstakes casinos in Illinois.

Can I gamble online if I live in Illinois?

Yes, you can engage in online casino gaming options using the best real-money offshore sites that accept players from Illinois. We compiled a list of the best Illinois casinos after reviewing dozens of sites operating in the state.

What online casinos can you play in Illinois?

While you can join sweepstakes casinos for fun, most seasoned Illinois gamblers prefer to join real-money online casino sites like Cafe Casino or Bovada for some real action.

Can you play blackjack online for real money in Illinois?

Yes, top Illinois casino sites like BetUS allow the best online blackjack games in Illinois.

Which online casino takes the top spot in Illinois?

All our recommended casinos are best in the areas they serve. However, Cafe Casino stands as our overall best casino site in the Illinois online gambling industry. This secure platform offers over 300 top-notch casino games, more than 15 payment options, and a $5,000 welcome bonus.

What is the legal gambling age in Illinois?

You can participate in lottery games and horse racing from the age of 18 onwards. However, you should be at least 21 to gamble online or wager online in Illinois.

Are online casinos in Illinois safe?

Yes, playing online casino games is usually safe. However, some shady sites appear every now and then, and the last thing we want is for you to join one of those. So, the safest thing to do is to join secure online gambling platforms. Luckily, all our featured sites are the safest gaming sites in the Prairie State. All these platforms employ Secure Sockets Layer encryption to ensure their players’ data remains secure.

Is BetOnline legal in Illinois?

BetOnline has been available to Illinois gamblers since its launch in 2001. BetOnline holds the necessary licensing under the oversight of Panama’s Gaming Authority, and is one of the largest of all US online casinos available in Illinois.

Can I win real or actual money while playing casino games online in Illinois?

Your online earnings from gambling are influenced by your skill set and fortune. More experienced players are more likely to win when compared to those who have just started gambling.

What types of gambling are available in IL?

Illinois is considered a rather gambling-friendly state, which should come as no surprise, as the local law allows all the popular types of gambling. The casinos include two Harrah’s properties and are spread over different counties. Illinois doesn’t have any noteworthy regulations limiting the availability of specific games, so you can try anything ranging from slots to IL poker. The state also allows pari-mutuel horse race wagering and operates a lottery that is permitted to sell tickets online.

What laws cover online gambling in IL?

Gambling in Illinois is covered by Section 28 of the Illinois code. It’s worth pointing out that while some of the Illinois laws do refer to internet gambling, there are no regulations that prohibit individual players from participating in unlicensed games, which makes it next to impossible to prosecute gambling enthusiasts that stick to offshore sites.

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