You can buy additional Gold Coins via a credit card at online casinos in Illinois. Most accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Illinois Online Gambling Guide
Illinois online casinos aren’t available – yet. Illinois lawmakers are working on the issue at present, and there’s clearly some momentum for making online casinos in Illinois a reality.
However, just because there aren’t any legal Illinois online casinos doesn’t mean there aren’t any legal online casino games in Illinois. You can play online slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and other table games legally through the social casino apps and sweepstakes sites available in the state.
This page is your one-stop guide to all things online casino in the Land of Lincoln. Read on to discover the host of options that you have available, both online and in-person.
Our top recommended online casinos in Illinois – 2024
The casinos listed below are the best sites for anyone that wants to play online casino games in Illinois. They are social and sweepstakes casinos, rather than real money online casinos.
Rank
Casinos
Offer
Features
Play
1
35 Free Sweepstakes Coins
With 1.5 Million WOW Coins Purchase
WOW Vegas Casino Review
- Get 5 Free SC + 250,000 WOW Coins on Sign Up
- Over 1000 Slots Games
- Welcome Bonus and Daily Login Bonuses
- Use Promo Code: WOWBONUS
2
5 Sweeps Coins
250 Game Coins & 600 Diamonds on Sign Up
High 5 Casino Review
- US Players Accepted
- 1200+ Slots & Live Dealer Games!
- FREE Daily Rewards
- Authentic Brand, Made in the USA
3
Up to 27.5 FREE SC
PLUS 57,500 GC
McLuck Review
- US Players Accepted
- Get 2.5 Free SC + 7,500 GC on Sign Up
- Live Dealer Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
- Use Promo Code: PLAYBONUS
4
30 FREE Sweepstakes Coins
With 362,000 Gold Coin Purchase
Pulsz Review
- Free 2.3 SC + 5,000 GC on Sign Up
- Daily FREE Sweepstakes When Logging In
- Choose From Over 700 Games
- Use Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
5
100,000 Crown Coins
Plus 2 Sweeps Coins on Sign Up
Crown Coins Review
- 800K CC + 40 SC on 1st Purchase for $15.99 (150% Bonus!)
- FREE Daily Rewards & Weekly Challenges
- Available iOS Mobile App
- To Claim: Click Play Now
6
250,000 Gold Coins
PLUS $25 Stake Cash
Stake.us Review
- Over 200 Slots + Live Dealer Casino-Style Games
- 10,000 GC + $1 Stake Cash Daily Bonus
- Partnerships with Drake, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake, Everton FC, and more!
- Use Bonus Code: USABET
7
5,000 SC Free
Plus 10,000,000 Coins
Carnival Citi Review
- Generous Bonuses & Daily Freebies
- Feat. Casino Floor Slot Games
- Daily, Weekly & Monthly Lucky Draws
- To Claim: Click Play Now
8
20 Free Sweep Coins
On First $20 Purchase
Chanced Casino Review
- US Players Accepted
- PLUS 2 SC + 20,000 Gold Coins on Sign Up
- PLUS 20 FREE Spins on Account Verification
- Live Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
- Instant Redemptions for US Players
9
Up to 575,000 Gold Coins
Plus 105 Free SC
RealPrize Review
- PLUS Earn 1000 VIP Points
- Daily 5,000 GC Login Bonus
- Choose from 400+ Games
- To Claim: Click Play Now
10
50,000 Gold Coins
Plus 25 Free SC on First $9.99 Purchase
Jackpota Review
- Get 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC Free on Sign Up
- Play a Huge Range of Casino Games
- Get Free Coins Daily
- To Claim: Click Play Now
11
Up to 27.5 FREE SC
PLUS 65,000 GC
Hello Millions Review
- GC 15,000 PLUS SC 2.5 Free on Sign Up
- Pragmatic Jackpot Play + Over 700 Slots Games
- Free Daily Coins Reward
- Use Exclusive Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
12
UP TO 3,400 FREE SC
PLUS 1.1M GC on First Purchase
NoLimitCoins Review
- Get 100,000 Gold Coins + 100 Super Coins on Sign Up
- Play in Free Daily Tournaments
- Choose from 100+ Slots
- Use Promo Code: USABONUS
Online gambling in Illinois snapshot
There are many different forms of online gambling in Illinois, irrespective of the situation with online casinos. So, the table below is a quick guide to the different options you have available to you right now.
| Type of Gambling | Status | Gambling Age |
| Online casino | Unavailable | Likely 21 |
| Sweepstakes casino | Available | 18 |
| Social casino | Available | 18 |
| Online lottery | Unavailable | 18 |
| Online poker | Unavailable | Likely 21 |
| Online sports betting | Available | 21 |
| Online horse racing | Available | 18 |
| Daily fantasy sports | Available | 18 |
Latest Illinois Online Casino News
- Sept. 3, 2024 – The highly anticipated permanent Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois, officially opened its doors on Aug. 29.
- Aug. 15, 2024 – Illinois July casino revenue fell to $135.8 million from $138.3 million in June, according to data from the state.
- July 12, 2024 – Bally’s has partnered with Gaming and Leisure Properties to secure funding for the development of its permanent casino in Chicago.
- July 10, 2024 – Illinois casinos struggled in June seeing their combined revenue drop 3.9%. The temporary Bally’s Chicago casino saw an 11.4% decline in June.
- June 13, 2024 – The completion of Bally’s Casino in Chicago is now causing doubt among the city’s leadership. Mayor Brandon Johnson has publicly voiced his concerns about the ability of the company to complete the project in the West Loop neighborhood.
- June 13, 2024 – We now have a date for the debut of the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford. Rockford inhabitants can experience Illinois’ newest casino location on Aug. 29, 2024.
- June 7, 2024 – Illinois has elected to raise the tax rate on sports betting. However, the hike may have the ancillary effect of paving the way for online casinos.
- June 5, 2024 – The prohibition on betting at Dave & Buster’s locations remains in limbo for now. The Illinois legislature ended its session without making a decision on that particular bill.
- May 3, 2024 – Online casino legislation remains on the table for Illinois, but it doesn’t have much in the way of forward motion. Lawmakers have stated plainly that there isn’t any momentum behind iGaming, but stranger things have happened.
- March 19, 2024 – It is now possible to bet on sports at Wrigley Field. DraftKings has opened a retail location at the venerable sports venue.
- Feb. 12, 2024 – Illinois Rep. Daniel Didech submitted a bill to amend the state’s legislation suggesting guidelines for a Problem Gambling Task Force.
- Feb. 9, 2024 – December’s sports betting handle in Illinois was the second-highest of the year, falling around $60 million short of the record set in November 2023.
- Feb. 8, 2024 – In January, Illinois’ 15 casinos generated $118.64 million in revenue from table games and slot machines. The figure represents a 16.0% monthly decrease from December.
- Jan. 18, 2024 – Illinois sports bettors gambled an unprecedented $1.4 billion on sports in November, according to a report by the Illinois Gaming Board.
- Jan. 9, 2024 – December marked the first time in 2023 that the 15 Illinois casinos generated more than $140 million in revenue from table games and slots.
- Jan. 3, 2024 – Caesars Racebook is live in Illinois and fully integrated with Caesars Rewards. The online horse betting app is now available in 21 states.
- Dec. 27, 2023 – Bally’s temporary Chicago casino in the historic Medinah Temple is now open 24 hours, beginning Dec. 27.
- Dec. 20, 2023 – The temporary Hard Rock casino in Rockford will soon make craps available for guests for the first time.
- Dec. 18, 2023 – For the second consecutive month, Illinois’ legal sportsbooks have accepted a new record amount of money from bettors, more than $1.1 billion.
- Dec. 8, 2023 – llinois casinos produced a total adjusted gross revenue (AGR) of $130.36 million in November, a slight month-over-month increase.
- Dec. 6, 2023 – PENN Entertainment has broken ground on the future Hollywood Casino Aurora, which will replace its existing riverboat casino.
- Nov. 27, 2023 – Illinois sports betting reached new heights in September, nearing $1.1 billion for the most handle (total amount bet) in a month.
- Nov. 14, 2023 – In October, Illinois casinos brought in $129 million in revenue, down 2.4% compared to September but up 11.3% year-over-year.
- Oct. 27, 2023 – Digital Gaming Corp. has withdrawn its application for an online-only sports betting license. The Illinois Gaming Board has issued a permanent casino license to Golden Nugget Danville and Bally’s Chicago received a 12-month extension for its temporary site.
- Oct. 23, 2023 – The illinois Lottery recorded the highest net income since its inception, more than $880 million for FY 2023.
- Oct. 17, 2023 – Illinois casinos won $132.1 million from players on poker, slots and table games during September, the best figure for September in Illinois in any year by about 13.9%.
- Oct. 10, 2023 – Bally’s Chicago, the first regulated casino to open in the Windy City, generated $6.7 million in adjusted gross revenue during an abbreviated month of September.
- Oct. 6, 2023 – Circa Sports has launched its Illinois app and opened its physical book inside the temporary casino in Waukegan, Illinois.
Legal online casino options in Illinois
Social and sweepstakes casinos are legal in Illinois. You can play for free with Gold Coins, and you can also unlock Sweeps Coins and redeem them for cash prizes and gift cards. Unlike in New York and Florida, there is no upper limit on prize redemptions in Illinois. Here are our recommendations for the best sweepstakes casinos or social sites:
- WOW Vegas: WOW Vegas is the best site for slots players in Illinois. You can play more than 850 slots, including exclusives supplied by famous studios such as Betsoft and Pragmatic Play and enjoy quality WOW Vegas casino welcome promos.
- High 5 Casino: High 5 Casino is an established online casino that has been welcoming players in Illinois for more than a decade. High 5 Casino hosts slots and live dealer games.
- Pulsz: Pulsz is an impressive site that features an elegant design, loads of bonuses, and a wide range of casino games. Illinoisans can play hundreds of slots online at Pulsz, plus scratchcards, keno, multi-hand blackjack, Casino Hold’em, and arcade-style games like Classic Mines and Triple Plinko.
- Chumba Casino: Chumba Casino stands out from rival sites in Illinois by offering exclusive slots, casino solitaire, and live bingo games. The bingo room has guaranteed monthly prizes of 125 billion Gold Coins and 2.5 million Sweeps Coins.
- McLuck: McLuck is Irish luck-themed casino could appeal to the large Irish population in Illinois. The site offers slots and live dealer games, and there are some large, progressive McJackpots available on certain games that you can use your McLuck welcome bonus on.
Pros and cons to sweepstakes and social casinos in Illinois
Sweepstakes and social casinos are the best sites for anyone that wants to play online casino games in Illinois right now. However, like all things, there are both benefits and drawbacks associated with playing them. It’s important to play with your eyes wide open, so here are some of the top pros and cons of sweepstakes and social casinos in Illinois.
Benefits
- Anyone aged 18 or older and physically located in Illinois can play at these casino sites.
- You can always play for fun, without any need to make a payment, but you also have the opportunity to redeem cash prizes.
- Playing free games with Gold Coins will allow you to sharpen your skills before visiting a riverboat casino in Illinois.
Drawbacks
- These sites do not host the same breadth of slots and table games as the real money online casinos in states like Michigan and New Jersey.
- Most social casinos do not offer phone support or live chat, so you will need to fill in a web form and wait for a reply if you need assistance.
- The prize redemption process can be slow at some online casinos.
Are online casinos legal in Illinois?
No, online casinos have not been legalized in Illinois. Although Illinois may legalize in the near future, they remain off the table for Illinoisans for the moment.
However, it is perfectly legal for anyone aged 18 or older to play online slots and table games at sweepstakes and social casinos in the Prairie State. Sweepstakes contests fall under the Prizes and Gifts Act in Illinois. Sites like WOW Vegas, High 5 Casino, Carnival Citi, and Pulsz adhere to this Illinois sweepstakes law, which gives players the chance to redeem premium coins for cash prizes or gift cards.
Insight:
The nearest state with legal online casino gambling is Michigan. Learn more with our casino bill tracker.
Will Illinois legalize online casinos in the future?
Illinois could be the next state to legalize online casinos if lawmakers gain the right level of support for their proposals. Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. and Sen. Cristina Castro both filed online casino bills in 2023, and they are currently under consideration.
Legislators have until January 2025 to advance one of those bills. If an online casino bill clears the various hurdles, Gov. J.B. Pritzker would need to sign it into law. Illinois online casinos could then potentially be rolled out in 2026.
The state’s gambling industry has expanded at a rapid pace in recent years. Online sports betting was rolled out in 2020, and lawmakers also authorized six large commercial casino resorts, so online casinos could be next on the agenda.
What online casino games are available in Illinois?
You can enjoy a wide range of online casino games in Illinois. The casino options found in Illinois host many of the same games found at the top US online casino sites, sourced from the same software studios.
Slots
Anyone aged 18 or older can play hundreds of online slots at sites like WOW Vegas, Pulsz, High 5 Casino, and McLuck in Illinois. They host games from the world’s leading providers, such as NetEnt and Pragmatic Play. That means you can play iconic slots such as Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Big Bass Splash with Gold Coins or Sweeps Coins.
Physical slot machines are also available at riverboat casinos such as Argosy Casino in Alton and Rivers Casino Des Plaines. The large commercial casino resorts currently being built, such as Bally’s Chicago and Golden Nugget Danville, will also offer thousands of slot machines.
Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular games at riverboat casinos in Illinois. This game has a low house edge and a simple format, but there is also an element of strategy.
You can play blackjack at certain online casinos in Illinois too. They include Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, Pulsz, High 5 Casino, Stake.us, Chanced Casino, and McLuck. Options include classic blackjack, multi-hand blackjack, and live dealer blackjack.
Roulette
Roulette is another casino game that has captured the imagination of Illinois players for many years. Retail casinos offer roulette wheels, and you can also play online at Stake.us, Chanced Casino, McLuck, and Sweeptastic.
A white ball is dropped onto a wheel, and you can wager on which section it will land in when the wheel stops spinning. There are a few different roulette variants, but French roulette has the lowest house edge. You can play it at Stake.us in Illinois.
Video Poker
Illinois has the largest video gaming network in the world. There are more than 46,400 video gaming terminals on a statewide basis, spread across approximately 8,400 venues, including stores and truck stops. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates these terminals under the Video Gaming Act of 2009.
You can also play video poker online at a few sites, including Sweeptastic and Chumba Casino. These games are played against the house, as opposed to fellow players. You can play for fun with Gold Coins, or you can use premium coins.
Table Games
Baccarat is another popular table game found at sites like Stake.us, Chanced Casino, McLuck, and Sweeptastic. Some sites offer casino poker games too, such as 3 Card Poker and Pai Gow Poker. Other card games include three card rummy and draw high low.
Sweepstakes casinos do not offer online craps, but you can play craps for fun at BetRivers.net, a social casino linked to Rivers Casino Des Plaines. Sic Bo is available at Sweeptastic and Stake.us too. Additional games include Mines, Plinko, bingo, keno, scratchcards, and Slingo, which is a hybrid of slots and bingo.
Live Dealer
These games allow you to connect with a real dealer. They are designed to replicate the experience of visiting a brick-and-mortar casino in Illinois, but you can play online from the comfort of your own home.
The best sites for live dealer games in Illinois are Stake.us, Chanced, High 5 Casino, and McLuck. They allow you to play live blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Sic Bo, and Teen Patti.
Illinois Retail Casinos
There are six large casino resorts in Illinois: American Place, Bally’s Chicago, Golden Nugget Danville, Hard Rock Casino Rockford, Walker’s Bluff, and Wind Creek Chicago Southland. However, riverboat casinos are currently the best venues in the state, and these are the most popular.
Fun Fact:
There are 10 riverboat casinos in Illinois. They are actually brick-and-mortar casinos, but some are located on docked barges close to a riverbank, while others sit on land over inch-deep water pits.
Why you should choose legal options in Illinois
Legal casino sites such as WOW Vegas and High 5 Casino must adhere to strict regulations laid down by U.S. authorities. They comply with Illinois sweepstakes laws and various federal laws, which are designed to protect consumers and promote security.
That is not the case at unregulated casinos. These sites are not authorized to operate in the United States, but they still try to target players in Illinois.
Unregulated offshore casinos cannot be trusted to treat players fairly or pay out when you win, as they do not fall under the jurisdiction of Illinois or federal authorities. No American agencies have tested their games for accuracy and fairness, and you have no legal recourse if they scam you, so it is best to stick to legal online casino options like WOW Vegas, Chumba Casino, Carnival Citi, and Pulsz instead.
Online casino payment options in Illinois
You will be able to make deposits and withdrawals via a range of secure payment methods if online casinos are legalized in Illinois. In the meantime, you can use social and sweepstakes casino sites. They allow you to buy coins, and you can also redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes.
Skrill
Skrill is another widely available payment method at Illinois online casinos. You can use it to buy coins, and you can often redeem cash prizes via Skrill too.
All Banking Options
Online bank transfers and e-checks are also available at certain casino sites. If online casinos become legal, additional methods may include PayPal, Venmo, Play+, cash at the cage, wire transfers, and PayNearMe.
Responsible gambling in Illinois
The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) offers a range of responsible gambling resources. You can take a screener test to see if you are at risk of developing a gambling problem, and you will also find tips on how to gamble responsibly and information about addiction.
The IPCG also runs the statewide self-exclusion program. The site offers links to local and national services too, including Chicagoland Gamblers Anonymous and the Illinois Department of Human Services, which offers professional support for anyone with a gambling problem.
There is also an Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling, which includes the ICPG, the Illinois Gaming Association, Illinois Lottery, Institute for Addiction Recovery, and various other agencies. It is designed to educate on the potential dangers of problem gambling, prevent underage play, and coordinate resources for Illinoisans.
Illinois Online Casinos FAQ
No, you cannot win real money at Illinois online casinos. However, you can redeem premium coins for cash prizes at certain sites. You will need to earn free premium coins, which are normally referred to as Sweeps Coins, and then successfully play them through before requesting a cash prize redemption.
Anyone aged 18 or older can buy lottery tickets, bet on horse races, enter fantasy sports contests, or play social casino games in Illinois. You need to be 21 or older to bet on sports or to visit a retail casino. If Illinois legalizes online casinos, the minimum age is likely to be 21.
You can play slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and arcade-style games at sites like WOW Vegas, Pulsz, and Sweeptastic in Illinois. These games can be played for fun, and you can also play them with premium coins, which can potentially be redeemed for cash prizes or gift cards.
There are 10 riverboat casinos in Illinois. The state also authorized six new commercial casinos in June 2019 via the Rebuild Illinois capital program. Some of the successful applicants have opened temporary casino venues, and they are gearing up to launch permanent casino resorts soon.
Bally’s Chicago plans to open in 2026. The company opened a temporary casino in the Medinah Temple in September 2023, but the permanent casino will be far larger. Bally’s Casino will have 3,500 slot machines, 173 table games, and a 500-room hotel, making it the largest casino in Illinois.
Yes, you need to pay state and federal income tax on gambling winnings in Illinois. You can deduct any wins from losses if you maintain a careful record. That means you will only be liable to pay tax if you end a particular year in profit from gambling activities.
Illinois casino players also liked
We listed the top five online casinos for Illinois players earlier, but there are lots of additional sites to consider. These are some of the other options that have proved popular in the Land of Lincoln.
FunzPoints
... people viewed today
- Beginner-friendly casino with a simple user interface.
- Offers lots of bonuses and promotions.
Funzpoints hosts almost 100 exclusive slots, which you can play for free with standard coins. You can also unlock Premium Funzpoints, which can be redeemed for cash prizes if you successfully play them through in the site’s premium mode. There are nightly prize draws, which give you chances to win coins, along with various other promos.
Stake.us Casino
... people viewed today
- Stylish, polished casino with a broad range of games.
- Best site in Illinois for live dealer games.
Stake.us hosts a variety of live casino games for Illinois players, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, Sic Bo, and Teen Patti. You can also play more than 650 slots, plus virtual table games and exclusive arcade games. If you unlock free Stake Cash and satisfy a 3x playthrough requirement, you can redeem it for crypto prizes.
Chanced Casino
... people viewed today
- Slick casino site with live dealer games and slots.
- Hosts a live French roulette game with a low house edge.
This site is similar to Stake.us, as they both offer a variety of high-quality slots, specialty games, virtual table games, and live dealer games. However, it stands out with the Chanced casino welcome bonus and by offering some games with a low house edge, such as live French roulette and classic blackjack. It also accepts fiat payments and crypto, whereas Stake.us is purely a crypto site.
Luckyland Slots
... people viewed today
- Adds two new exclusive slots to the range each month.
- Vibrant social media community.
LuckyLand Slots is another established social casino for players in Illinois. The site hosts a selection of exclusive slots, and the portfolio increases on a monthly basis. If you follow LuckyLand on social media, you can enter free-to-play contests in a bid to win coins, and you can also make friends with fellow players.
Sweeptastic
... people viewed today
- Best Illinois online casino for virtual table games.
- Sophisticated user interface makes it easy to find games.
Anyone in Illinois can play a large selection of virtual table games at Sweeptastic, including baccarat, table poker, video poker, roulette, Sic Bo, and three card rummy. The site also offers lots of slots, but it is easy to find your favorite games, as the navigation system is sophisticated.
Vegas Gems
... people viewed today
- Ambitious new casino offering competitive bonuses.
- Slots range is rapidly growing.
Vegas Gems launched in Illinois in August 2023, offering new players a large no-purchase welcome bonus. You can play hundreds of slots from Pragmatic Play, Belatra, and GameArt at Vegas Gems, using two currencies. Shards have no monetary value, so you can use them to play for fun, but Gems can be redeemed for cash prizes if you satisfy a 1x rollover requirement on them.
Meet our team
