Internet Gaming Bill Could Bring Online Poker, Blackjack, Roulette And Slots To Illinois

In February, Illinois State Representative Bob Rita introduced a bill for online casinos, prompting many Illinois residents to question when there might be broader online gambling options in the Land of Lincoln.

Also, it’s worth considering which online casino games are accessible to Illinois residents if the legislation were to pass.

In addition to scrutinizing the bill, we have a clear understanding of the operators likely to participate in a lawful online casino market in Illinois. This allows us to identify the games these operators offer in other states where they operate legally.

Delaware, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey officially permit online casinos.

If an online casino fails, the following can be anticipated by residents of Illinois.

There should be a wide selection of online casino games available in Illinois.

HB 3142 stipulates the availability of online versions of slot machines, table games, and online poker. It also includes the provision of live dealer versions of casino games, simulcasted on the internet.

The following games are likely to be available for online play specifically for Illinois residents:

• Baccarat
• Blackjack
• Craps
• Poker
• Roulette
• Slingo
• Slots
• online casino

The gambling industry in Illinois should offer all the most popular casino games, though this is not an exhaustive list.

Residents of Illinois do have access to both live dealer and non-live dealer versions of the bill, depending on what’s required.

The only difference between the two is that a live dealer enables you to essentially watch your dealer’s broadcast, providing a more tangible gaming experience.

Which Illinois-based virtual casino operators are there?

The bill permits a maximum of 36 coats. However, reaching this ambitious number may not be possible for Illinois.

Nevertheless, if the act gets approved, a significant number of online casino operators may emerge in Illinois.

We have put together a list of potential operators, drawing from Illinois sportsbook operators, existing market access agreements, and other states:

• BetMGM
• BetRivers
• Caesars
• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• Golden Nugget
• PointsBet
• Unibet

This is once again not a comprehensive record. If Illinois chooses to permit online casinos, we hope to see an increased number of providers seeking licenses.

Why Illinois is a desirable location for online games

As the fifth-most populous state in the US, Illinois has already demonstrated the significant success of sports betting in the Prairie State.

Recently, the Illinois sports betting market surpassed the $2 billion mark in handle, potentially positioning it as a top-three state in terms of monthly handle. Currently, only New Jersey, Nevada, and Pennsylvania have higher handles.

The success should undoubtedly be reflected in the online casino market. Michigan reported an impressive first full month of revenue, amassing close to $80 million.

For example, in Illinois, which boasts one of the most prosperous sports betting industries in the nation, users made a record-breaking $49 million in January.

Currently, there are 10 games in Illinois and Massachusetts. This may appear to be a large number, but considering the size of these states, it’s not that many. In comparison, Wisconsin, a smaller neighboring state, has 26 casinos. Meanwhile, Iowa has 23.

Illinois should eventually host six new casinos, although progress has been sluggish. Therefore, one minor factor that makes Illinois a lucrative online casino market is the lack of a significant number of physical casino options.