359
18Top features:
Top features:
Bonus:
$1,500 Crypto Bonus 359 18
152 29Top features:
Top features:
Bonus:
200% up to $1,000 152 29
195 31Top features:
Top features:
Bonus:
100% up to $500 195 31
Ignition Poker shines as a noteworthy platform for Illinois players seeking a solid online poker experience. The site boasts a variety of poker games, including the popular Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Omaha Hi-Lo, along with Fast-Fold Poker and Seven-Card Stud, offering a wholesome poker repertoire.
With inviting stakes starting from $0.01/$0.02, Ignition Poker is a welcoming platform for casual gamblers, while high-limit tables are available for the high-rollers, catering to a broad spectrum of players.
While it may not host a grandiose tournament like the Monthly Millions, the tournament scene at Ignition Poker is lively and engaging. Players can indulge in knockout games, bounty tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos, ensuring there’s always competitive action available.
Ignition Poker extends a warm welcome to new players with its Poker & Casino Welcome Bonus. They can receive up to $3,000 on their first deposit if made with cryptocurrency, or up to $2,000 when depositing via credit card. Additionally, a 100% poker bonus up to $1,000 is available, making the entrance to the platform even more enticing.
The deposit process is seamless with the acceptance of major credit cards and a variety of cryptocurrencies, facilitating a smooth start for Illinois players. The blend of a comprehensive game selection, active tournament scene, and a generous welcome bonus makes Ignition Poker a compelling choice for those in Illinois eager to engage in online poker action.
Everygame Poker first popped up in 2006 is an established poker site that holds a Curacao license. The platform is open to players from Illinois, among other states, offering them a safe space to get to grips with top poker options.
When it comes to financial transactions, Everygame Poker has set both minimum and maximum limits for deposits and withdrawals. The minimum deposit varies from $10 to $25, while the maximum deposit ranges from $1,000 to $5,000. The withdrawal limit, on the other hand, ranges from $100 to six grand. To facilitate these transactions, Everygame Poker hosts a plethora of payment options, including credit cards (VISA, and MasterCard for example), but also withdrawal options like Bank Draft/Wire and various checks. Cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum are also accepted.
At Everygame Poker, you can enjoy a variety of Illinois poker games such as several pot options for Omaha and Texas Hold’em. The table limits for these games start at just $0.02 for certain games. If you’re a Illinois player, some of the top tournaments you can participate in include the $10K Sunday Myriad, Everygame’s Gold Chip Bonanza, but also numerous Bounties, and SNGs.
Finally, Everygame Poker offers a welcome bonus to new players. Upon a first deposit, you can receive a 200% match up to a grand. To claim this bonus, a minimum deposit of $25 is required and the promo code of 1000EGP must be used. The bonus is released over three months by claiming FFPs, with $5 being released for every 83.335 FFPs.
Bovada Poker stands as a premier online poker platform for Illinois players, boasting a rich history since 2004. It features a wide variety of poker games including Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi-Lo, Fast-Fold Poker, and Seven-Card Stud among others, ensuring a comprehensive poker playing experience.
The platform is friendly to players of all budget ranges, with stakes starting at just $0.01/$0.02, making it an attractive venue for casual gamblers. For those who fancy higher stakes, high-limit tables are readily available, catering to a broad player base.
Although Bovada Poker may not host a colossal event like the Monthly Millions, it still provides a vibrant tournament scene with knockout games, bounty tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos, offering ample competitive opportunities for players.
Stepping into Bovada Poker is rewarding with a 100% Poker Welcome Bonus up to $500 on the first deposit using the bonus code PWB500. This bonus serves as a hearty invitation for newcomers, setting a positive tone for their poker journey.
The deposit process is streamlined with the acceptance of major credit cards like American Express, MasterCard, and VISA, as well as cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin and Ethereum. The blend of a diverse game selection, competitive tournament scene, and a lucrative welcome bonus makes Bovada Poker a compelling choice for Illinois players seeking to engage in online poker action.
Illinois is a friendly and open state regarding gambling – at least land-based betting. The Illinois Gambling Act (2019) effectively legalized online gambling on sports, but currently, online casinos and more specifically, online poker games aren’t protected under the bill’s scope. While you can play poker at a host of casinos, racinos, and other venues across the Prairie State, playing at Illinois poker sites requires further clarification.
First, we have already established that Illinois is not opposed to permitting residents to gamble online, assuming that those sites are licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. This is already the case with “some” gambling games. Second, there is talk of amendments to bring at least online poker sites (if not casino gambling in general) to the state soon. Third and finally, Illinois’ gambling laws are written in a way that provides wiggle room for Illinois residents to head to offshore poker rooms to play.
State Code section 720 5/28-1 defines gambling as legal, while even riverboats and venues covered by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act are perfectly within the law. Illinois’ gambling laws only extend to the state itself. Offshore poker rooms (those based outside of the state) fall outside Illinois’ jurisdiction. There have never been any punishments handed out for playing at these foreign poker rooms.
Online poker hasn’t been made illegal in Illinois. Instead, it is “unregulated”. Given this information, it is perfectly reasonable to assume that a poker player in Illinois can visit a foreign/offshore poker room and play online poker for real money.
If you’re in Illinois and eager to dive into the world of online poker, follow these simple steps to get started. We’ll use signing up at Ignition Poker as an example:
If you’re in Illinois and eager to dive into the world of online poker, follow these simple steps to get started. We’ll use signing up at Ignition Poker as an example:
Visit Ignition Poker’s website and locate the “Join” button. Click on it to initiate the registration process. You’ll be asked to provide personal information such as your name, address, date of birth, and email. Fill out the registration form accurately.
Once your account is verified and active, log in to Ignition Poker. Visit the cashier or deposit section, where you can choose your preferred payment method (credit card, e-wallet, or cryptocurrency) and specify the deposit amount. Some poker sites offer welcome bonuses that may require bonus codes. If applicable, check for any bonus codes provided on the site.
With funds in your account, head to the poker lobby. Here, you’ll find various options, including cash games, tournaments, and Sit ‘n Gos. Review the game details, including stakes, rules, and buy-ins, before selecting a table or tournament that suits your preferences.
Illinois has a rapidly changing online gambling scene. In the last five years, we’ve seen plenty of online gaming options legalized in the state. Online poker is up for discussion and the prospect of it becoming legal in the state (while not brilliant) is still very much better than in some of its surrounding states.
One cause for optimism is the re-election of two lawmakers in November who are firm believers in expanding the iGaming scene in Illinois. They feel strongly that Illinois could be the seventh US state to legalize online poker sites, following moves in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Jonathan Carroll and Robert Rita first proposed the Internet Gaming Act in 2021 and believe that it could raise up to $1.7 billion by 2028 if passed. The bill promises that any land-based casino in Illinois would have the right to host up to three online casinos and poker rooms tied to their brands. House Bill 3152 (as it is known) is open for discussion, and major online poker brands are already circling to see what becomes of it.
However, while Illinois residents wait to see if PokerStars, BetMGM, Caesars, and others will get involved in a potentially emerging market, Illinois residents can play today. The flexible gambling law and “unregulated” nature of the state’s stance towards online poker mean that you can head to any of our recommended offshore poker rooms to play poker online right now.
If you’re ready to play at an Illinois online poker site today and don’t want to wait for the state to regulate the industry, all these top Illinois offshore online poker rooms come highly recommended:
Offshore Illinois poker sites catering to players in the Prairie state support all manner of top online poker games. Here’s just a selection of the most popular ones you can play today.
Most Illinois poker players fancy having a stab at Texas HoldʼEm poker. You can find the online poker game at all major poker rooms catering to players in Illinois. As we’re sure you’re aware, there are two hole cards and five community cards in Texas HoldʼEm, with the latter interspersed with betting rounds. Many poker tournaments use this variant, with some prizes topping millions of dollars, depending on where you play.
Omaha is another of the major online poker games you can expect to see online. Illinois players can play Omaha HoldʼEm or Hi-Lo variants. You play Omaha with four hole cards, five community cards, and ample betting rounds. A completed hand features two hole cards and three from the community card pile. Omaha is yet another poker game that regularly features in major competitions at Illinois online poker rooms.
You can find Windfall poker at BetOnline.ag Poker. Other poker rooms tend to refer to the game as Blitz Poker or Jackpot Poker. Regularly appearing as Sit & Go games, Windfall Poker is a jackpot game that can support prizes worth $1 million or more. Satellite games can feed into major tournaments when you play this game at established poker rooms, making it alluring to anyone hoping for a big win with modest buy-ins.
Rapid gameplay is the name of the game with this online poker option. Boost Poker (or Fast-Fold Poker) is a game whereby players who fold can jump from one table to the next. The objective is to ensure that players are facing those with evenly matched skills. Boost Poker is one of the more popular poker games you can expect to see at BetOnline.ag Poker.
For years, Seven-Card Stud was the go-to online poker game. Shortly after the millennium, it was turfed out in favor of the rising Texas HoldʼEm. Not to worry, though. If you’ve stayed loyal to Seven-Card Stud, you can still find the game at most major Illinois online poker rooms. Seven-Card Stud uses cards that are face up and down, and a five-card hand is required to win whether you’re playing in tournaments, Sit & Go tables, or casually for fun.
Illinois has had a complex history when it comes to gambling legislation, including the evolution of online poker and betting within the state. Let’s take a journey through the key milestones in the history of gambling and poker in Illinois:
All our recommended online poker sites support free-to-play games in some shape or form. You can play RNG, meaning random number generator, table poker games (against an AI dealer) at online poker rooms that also run an online casino, and that is most of our recommended operators. However, there is also the option of choosing Illinois poker sites that support freerolls. We’ve got some of those listed on our page, too.
Illinois poker rooms such as Ignition Poker, America’s Card Room, and Intertops/Everygame Poker carry freerolls, either for new players or as a loyalty reward. Freerolls are effectively providing you with entry into tournaments without an entry fee. The value of the prizes in these tournaments can still be considerable, however, making them very much worth the effort of claiming if you get the chance.
Mobile online poker gameplay is all the rage, and our recommended Illinois online poker sites duly deliver. Some may choose to support dedicated iOS or Android apps (with the latter the most common), while others opt for a purely browser-based mobile experience.
If your poker room supports apps, you can download them either in the app store for whatever device you have or you can use QR codes or links on the poker room’s lobby (homepage) to install the apps. With a mobile app, you get a more streamlined experience that is tailor-made for the device you have at hand.
You won’t miss out on any action if you choose to play via your web browser, however. Aside from a slightly less optimized interface (which isn’t always the case), you’ll find the same great games and tournaments at your disposal when you sign in via your device’s browser.
Illinois offers a diverse range of online poker tournaments, providing players with various opportunities to compete, showcase their skills, and potentially win substantial prizes. Here’s an overview of some popular online poker tournaments you can find in Illinois:
Many online poker sites in Illinois host freeroll tournaments, offering players the chance to win real cash prizes without any entry fees. It’s an excellent way for beginners to get a taste of tournament play without financial risk.
Freezeout tournaments are the most common format, where players start with a fixed number of chips, and once they run out, they are eliminated from the tournament. It’s a classic and straightforward poker competition.
In multi-buy tournaments, players have the option to purchase multiple chip stacks at the beginning of the game. If they run out of chips from one stack, they can switch to another, giving them more chances to stay in the game.
Re-buy tournaments allow players to purchase additional chips during the early stages of the tournament if they run low on chips. Once the re-buy period ends, it transitions into a standard freezeout format.
GTD tournaments guarantee a minimum prize pool regardless of the number of participants. This ensures that players have a chance to compete for a specific prize amount, often attracting a larger player pool.
Illinois players can participate in online satellite tournaments to win seats at prestigious live events like the World Series of Poker (WSOP) or World Poker Tour (WPT). It’s a cost-effective way to qualify for major tournaments.
Bounty or knockout tournaments reward players for eliminating opponents. Each time you eliminate an opponent, you earn a bounty prize. The rules and prize structure can vary from one tournament to another.
When it comes to engaging in real-money poker at Illinois poker apps, one of your initial considerations is making a deposit. Understanding the available banking methods is essential, and most reputable poker apps in the state offer a variety of options for your convenience.
These methods often encompass standard payment channels such as debit/credit cards like Visa and MasterCard, along with straightforward online bank transfers. Additionally, offshore poker apps may embrace the use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, allowing you to execute rapid and discreet transactions.
It’s worth noting that the specific payment methods accepted can vary between poker apps. Therefore, it’s advisable to review the individual platform’s policies to identify your preferred payment options.
Moreover, as part of your financial planning for online poker, it’s essential to delve into the terms and conditions governing each poker app’s banking operations. These rules may encompass aspects like deposit and withdrawal limits, associated fees, transaction processing times, and the Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures in place.
For instance, one poker app might apply a $50 withdrawal fee and set minimum cashout thresholds at $100, while another might have more lenient withdrawal limits at $20 with no accompanying fees. By gaining insights into these nuanced banking policies and exploring your choices, you can make well-informed decisions that enhance your online poker experience in Illinois. Refer to our comprehensive reviews for detailed insights into preferred payment methods and the specific policies of each poker app.
Online poker rooms need to take a cut (rake) when they offer you big-money games. They are, after all, hosting your tournaments. However, in a bid to keep their members sweet, some online poker sites will offer Rakeback to Illinois online poker players.
As its name suggests, Rakeback is the online poker equivalent of casino cashback. The house (poker room) will offer you a small sum of money as a form of loyalty reward for continuing to play their games. Rakeback isn’t available at every online poker room, so you’ll need to think carefully about where you sign up.
Of all our recommended poker rooms for players in Illinois, America’s Card Room and Intertops/Everygame Poker stand out for having the best Rakeback deals. At America’s Card Room, Rakeback is available on-demand, while at Everygame, Rakeback worth up to 36% is available as a loyalty offer.
Illinois has over 20 casinos for you to join, which doesn’t include the number of riverboats and tribal venues offering poker. If you fancy taking a break away from Illinois online poker sites and want to have a stab at live poker, any of these top four brick-and-mortar poker and card rooms in Illinois should work a treat.
Rivers Casino has a brand-new poker room. Based in Des Plaines, Illinois, this casino has the largest floor space of any gambling venue in Illinois and has a whopping 22 tables spanning its second floor. Expect all your favorite HoldʼEm and Omaha games, alongside stud poker and epic tournaments, at this sparkling new casino.
Located in Elgin, Grand Victoria often plays host to the World Series of Poker. Opened in 2022, it is one of the newest poker rooms to be found in Illinois and has over 20 tables for you to join. A very modern venue, it supports overnight stays courtesy of its hotel.
Aurora, Illinois’ Hollywood Casino is one of a chain of venues located across the USA. You can find seven poker tables at this venue, with affordable buy-ins for the Limit and No-Limit Texas HoldʼEm tournaments and tables. The poker room opens at 9 a.m. daily, seven days a week, at this Penn Entertainment-operated casino.
Attached to the famous hotel of the same name, this Joliet-based venue also supports a World Series of Poker room, where you can find the hottest Texas HoldʼEm and Omaha tables. Deep Stack, Bounty Deep Stack, Mini-Deep, and Bounty tournaments are part and parcel of what this venue and its eight tables have to offer.
Currently, there are no imminent plans for land-based poker rooms in Illinois. If there are any developments on this front in the future, rest assured that we will keep you updated with the latest information.
It’s important to note that Illinois’s tribal casinos do not currently feature extensive poker offerings either. So, instead of waiting for these smaller establishments to expand their poker offerings, you might find more comprehensive poker experiences by venturing across state borders to explore commercial casinos that provide a wider array of gaming options.
In the world of online poker in Illinois, you can expect to find a variety of promotions and bonuses offered by reputable poker sites. The value and types of promotions available when you play poker in Illinois may vary from site to site. Here, we’ll provide an overview of some common promotions you can encounter at online poker platforms:
Just like in online casinos, online poker rooms in Illinois often offer new players a welcome bonus. While these bonuses may typically cover a single deposit, they can still be quite lucrative. A typical poker welcome bonus might double your initial deposit and even include entry into freeroll tournaments. Before claiming a welcome bonus, be sure to check the terms and conditions, including any wagering requirements, in our reviews.
Freerolls are popular online poker bonuses that give you the chance to participate in tournaments and potentially win real money without investing your own funds. Some sites offer freerolls to new players upon registration, while others include them in their regular promotional calendars. Check our reviews to find out which sites offer freerolls.
Rakeback promotions are highly sought after and allow you to earn free cash that you can use to play poker games. The value of rakeback offers can vary significantly from site to site, and not all poker rooms provide them. Rakeback may be offered as part of time-based promotions or loyalty programs, so consult our reviews for specific details on available options.
Illinois’ gambling laws leave a bit of wiggle room for you to play online poker at offshore poker rooms. Why would you choose to do that? As it happens, there are a myriad of reasons. Join us as we explain some of those reasons right here.
Many land-based poker rooms won’t support bonuses and promos. Our offshore Illinois online poker rooms do – all of them. When you choose to play Illinois online poker, you won’t just pocket a bonus (and a sizeable one at that) when you register, but also, you can snap up freerolls, Rakeback and other goodies.
There’s no denying that some of Illinois’ live poker venues support dozens of tables. However, you can typically find a much larger array of online poker games when you go online. These include Omaha, Texas HoldʼEm, stud poker, draw poker, Boost, and Windfall poker games and many more. Moreover, you won’t have to wait for a seat at a table.
Most land-based poker tournaments have steep entry fees and are laden with pros. Playing online poker will see you get to enter satellites, play at beginner’s tables, and try your hand at jackpot games worth $1 million or more that are open to all players. In short, there is plenty more variety from which you can choose.
Online poker rooms provide 24-hour access to games. They aren’t closed on Christmas Day or other national holidays. Moreover, they won’t kick you out in the early hours of the morning. You can practice and play poker whenever it suits you, on mobile or your computer, with ease.
Online poker rooms can provide anonymity if you know where to look. Some of Illinois’ online poker rooms accept cryptocurrencies. The blockchain provides decent anonymity as it is, but most of our recommended offshore poker rooms also have strict Ts and Cs when it comes to handing out your personal details. In short – they won’t do it.
Online poker’s most famous faces from Illinois include the following stars:
Online poker is deemed unregulated, but work is underway to legalize and regulate the industry. For the time being, playing online poker falls into a grey zone, and there is no punishment in place for joining our top online poker sites.
Yes. There are dozens of live poker venues dotted across Illinois, and our reputable online poker venues can also provide you with no shortage of chances to win real money playing poker online.
Either the Rivers Casino or Grand Victoria are deemed the most luxurious venues to head to if you fancy turning your online poker hobby into a brick-and-mortar hobby.
The recently opened Rivers Casino has the greatest array of tables and covers the biggest area. However, online poker rooms carry a greater selection of games.
While some of the main sites offer freerolls, not all of them do this. Stick to our reputable poker rooms to find the Illinois poker sites that provide freerolls.
Absolutely. Both Mohsin Charania and Gavin Griffin are triple crown winners, while Connor Drinan has won over $11m playing land-based and online poker. Other notable names include Ryan Tosoc, and Chicago’s own Aaron Massey.
Yes. Sportsbooks in Illinois have been legal since June 3, 2019.
P2P (Player-to-Player) poker games at online casinos involve players competing directly against each other, while poker games at online casinos typically involve players facing off against the house or a computer program. P2P games often require skill and strategy against fellow players, while casino poker games may have set odds and payouts.
Yes. Illinois was the second US state to legalize riverboat gambling. There are currently around ten riverboat casinos in the state.
Comp points are commonly offered at many Illinois poker sites as part of their loyalty programs. Players can earn these points by participating in real-money games and tournaments, which can later be exchanged for various rewards or bonuses.
The legal status of Everygame in Illinois falls into a gray area due to the evolving nature of online gambling regulations. However, players can generally enjoy poker safely on the platform as it operates in compliance with industry standards and prioritizes security.
Are you ready to take your online gambling experience to the next level? Sign up for the LetsGambleUSA newsletter and get the latest news, exclusive offers, and expert tips delivered straight to your inbox.
