Busting The Five Biggest Myths About Illinois Online Casinos
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Illinois does not currently allow online casinos, but it is important to address some common misconceptions before they may become authorized.
Play Illinois corrects five common misunderstandings about online casinos in Illinois.
Myth #1: Illinois online casinos will cannibalize retail casinos
One of the main concerns regarding the legalization of online casinos is that individuals who currently gamble in person at brick-and-mortar casinos will simply transition their gambling habits to the digital realm.
In the gambling world, this phenomenon is called cannibalization, when one form of gambling overtakes another.
The good news is that most evidence supports the conclusion that cannibalization does not occur.
In fact, a notable 2022 study on gaming in the US found that online casinos actually boosted traditional brick-and-mortar ones.
GP Consulting conducted a study for MGM Resorts, a company that operates both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. One major finding of the research was that the demographic of casino-goers differs significantly from those who prefer online gambling.
Dr. Kahlil Philander pointed out that the demographic question shows that there are two separate user groups.
Philander is a well-known expert in the gaming industry and the lead author of the GP/MGM cannibalization study.
He explained that frequent casino goers tend to feel a sense of community in traditional casino settings, which may not be replicated in online gaming at home. Our research across different regions did not show any noticeable effects of online gaming legalization on physical casino attendance.
According to Benjie Levy, President and COO of theScore Bet, online gambling has had a positive impact on casino revenue in the four US states where theScore operates. Levy stated to PlayCanada that online gambling has not led to any job losses and has instead contributed to growth in the commercial market.
Myth #2: Online casino games are rigged
There are gamblers who mistakenly think that digital casino games, whether played on an app or a website, are fixed. Some prefer gambling in-person at a casino, either on a slot machine or with a live dealer, as it seems more trustworthy. However, legally regulated online gambling games provide Return To Player statistics, indicating the percentage of money returned to players.
Additionally, all games in a casino are regularly tested and certified to guarantee fairness. A reputable casino will disclose the theoretical Return to Player (RTP) for each game and publish the real payout rates, which are verified by independent gaming laboratories and testing authorities.
The value of a casino can be determined by analyzing the payouts of its games. The Return to Player (RTP) is a reliable indicator of the fairness and integrity of the games offered.
Illinois has not yet legalized online casinos, but we can look to Michigan and Ontario as examples of how to find a game’s Return to Player (RTP). In these jurisdictions, most games provide a section with the game rules and settings, including a clickable menu for players to easily view the RTP.
Recommendation #1: Players should look for games with a Return to Player (RTP) of over 97%.
Tip #2: Make sure to choose a gaming operator that is licensed and regulated in Illinois when participating in gambling activities. Avoid playing with unregulated options such as offshore casinos, as they do not offer any guarantees or protections.
Myth #3: You’ll never get paid if you win
Following the second tip and only gambling with operators that are legally regulated in Illinois ensures that you will receive your winnings without any concerns, as required by law.
The Illinois Gaming Board enforces regulations to ensure that winning gamblers receive their payouts. Currently, online casinos are not permitted in Illinois, but you can review the regulations for online sportsbooks in the state and read the full Sports Wagering Act for more information.
Having knowledge of the legal operators is essential. Currently, there are seven legal options for online sports betting in Illinois.
Playing games of chance with others carries a level of uncertainty.
Myth #4: The games freeze if you are winning too much
In other words, it is not helpful for the gambling operator if online games freeze or slow down.
Why does this happen? The basic principle of gambling is that the odds are consistently in favor of the house. As a result, if someone gambles for a long time, the house will ultimately win. This is why gambling operators try to keep players engaged for as long as possible in order to increase their profits.
This does not mean that you cannot succeed. Indeed, you can.
Despite playing online, technology may experience malfunctions due to a variety of reasons, such as:
- A shaky or unreliable internet connection.
- The malfunctioning of your device or computer.
- A power outage.
- The operator experienced a malfunction with their technology.
Nevertheless, there is no indication that an operator is intentionally causing your games to freeze or slow down.
Moreover, in the event that your game becomes stuck during play, there is no cause for alarm. The casino’s server is able to detect when gameplay has paused. Typically, restarting the casino software will allow the game to pick up where it left off.
Myth #5: There is no way to ensure Illinois online gamblers are 21 or older
In Illinois, gambling is restricted to individuals who are 21 years old or older. Despite this rule, one might assume that it is easy to bypass when gambling online, right?
Nope.
In order to register for an Illinois online sportsbook, individuals must submit their full names, date of birth, and the last four digits of their social security numbers. All information must be precise and authenticated prior to account creation.
If online casinos are introduced in the Land of Lincoln, they would be required to follow the same age-verification protocol.
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