Yes, in Illinois, there are various forms of gambling permitted, but online casino games and online casinos themselves are currently exceptions. However, pending regulations could legalize online casinos in 2023.

Yes, gambling in casinos, horse racing, lotteries, and charitable activities has been long permitted in Illinois.

In June 2019, Governor JB Pritzker signed Bill SB 690 into law, which added online and retail sports betting to the list of permissible activities. The Illinois Gaming Board oversees the registration process, and the first set of sportsbooks went live starting in May 2020.

This legislation also allows for the establishment of six additional retail casinos in Illinois, including one in Chicago. It also permits an increase in the number of gambling machines across the state.

The possibility of legalizing online casino and table games in Illinois was introduced through the Internet Gaming Act, proposed by State Rep. Bob Rita on February 19, 2021. For updates on this legislation, visit Play-illinois.com.

Currently, however, there is no legal provision for online casino gambling in Illinois under Bill SB 690.

The only available options for online casino-style gaming are statewide platforms authorized under sweepstakes wagering regulations, such as Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots.

Currently, online casino gaming, including traditional casino games, is not included in Illinois’ current legislative framework. However, there is an exception for online poker, which is legally offered through platforms like Global Poker under the state’s sweepstakes rules.

There’s no need to risk your money at offshore casinos anymore, as Illinois now offers legal and regulated online sports betting. These offshore books operate with little oversight, often based in smaller countries in Central America or the Caribbean, leaving customers with no recourse for payment disputes.

In contrast, legal Illinois sports betting offers numerous advantages. You’ll enjoy competitive odds and a wide range of bet options, along with convenient payment methods such as credit cards or bank transfers. Plus, you have the protection of the Illinois Gaming Board should any issues arise.

When comparing this secure and regulated sports betting option to the risks associated with using bitcoin or expensive prepaid vouchers at offshore sites, Illinois’ legal sports betting clearly emerges as the safer choice.

In Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old to house a wager.

In Illinois, a wide range of betting options are available, both online and at physical locations across the Prairie State:

Casino games can be played at physical casinos or online gambling sites.
• Poker can be played at casinos, charitable poker rooms, or through sweepstakes platforms.
• Sports betting is offered both online and in-person.
• Lottery activities include scratch cards, online games, multi-state draws, and Illinois-only draws.
• Pari-mutuel pools for horse racing wagers, both live and virtual, are available.
• Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) competitions, though subject to legal disputes, are operational in Illinois.

Bingo and raffles are permitted under Illinois’ comprehensive gaming laws.

As of March 5, 2022, the in-person registration requirement in Illinois has been eliminated. You can now register online with any of the seven authorized Illinois casino providers.

Selecting one of the well-known online sportsbooks that will be available in Illinois is your first job. To determine which software you prefer, take advantage of the freebets and matched pleasant prizes at various locations.

Online casinos can be accessed in two methods:

• Your internet browser, which is compatible with both laptops and desktops, can be used.
• Your mobile unit can be used to get your preferred sportsbook. Downloading the app is the way to go for the best portable experience.

Illinois bookmakers will take you to the Apple or Google Play Store to acquire the sports gambling app after determining whether you have an Android or Apple device.

When creating an account, all sports betting companies will request your personal information.

The methods used by websites to collect this data can vary. To begin, click on the sign-up button when you first visit the website and follow the prompts.

You will typically need to provide your screen name, email address, birth date, home phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number on the registration page.

While ID documents are not usually required initially, they may be requested for additional security verification.

Legitimate sportsbooks ensure secure transactions by requiring you to use the same deposit method for withdrawals, where feasible. Here are the approved methods for depositing and withdrawing funds:

All bookmakers accept Visa and Mastercard as credit or debit cards.
• Credit/Debit Cards: All bookmakers accept Visa and Mastercard.
• Prepaid Debit Cards: Available from major retailers like DraftKings, these cards allow you to separate your gambling funds from regular spending.
• Bank Transfers (ACH): Also known as E-checks, this method allows for easy transfer between your bank account and gaming account.
• Bill Pay: Offered by major banks, treat sports wagering deposits like any other bill payment.
• Bank Wires: Used for larger deposits, though they typically incur higher fees compared to ACH transfers. Some sportsbooks accept cashier’s checks and money orders.
• Cash Payment Methods: Use services like PayNearMe or deposit cash at the physical casino’s cashier.

These methods ensure compliance with regulations to prevent fraud and money laundering.

In December 2021, the Chicago City Council lifted its ban on sports gambling, paving the way for sportsbooks to operate at prominent venues such as the United Center and Wrigley Field. This decision expanded sports gambling registration to all sports events in Illinois, including those held at Chicago’s major sporting venues.

Here are the nine cities in Illinois that have wholesale casinos; Chicago may be the tenth in 2022.

1. Alton
2. Aurora
3. Collinsville
4. Crestwood
5. In Des Plaines
6. St. Louis, East
7. Elgin
8. Joliet
9. Stickney 

Responsible gambling programs are designed to offer safeguards and support for individuals who may experience issues with their gambling habits. Online sportsbooks enhance accessibility by providing additional tools and support. It’s important to note that while the majority of gamblers participate responsibly and safely for entertainment, a small minority may encounter problems.