Online Casinos In Illinois

Last updated on October 23, 2023 by David Allen , Reviewed by Trevor Blacksmith
Online Casinos In Illinois

Online Sports Betting and Casino Gambling in Illinois: An Overview

Here, we’ll cover everything from what’s allowed under current law to where you can go to place your bets or spin your favorite slots. So if you’re ready to get started, let’s dive into it!

What You Need To Know About Online Gambling In Illinois

The first thing that needs to be established is whether or not online gambling is legal in Illinois. The answer is yes—it has been since 2019 when Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation legalizing both sports betting and online casinos within the state’s borders. This means that anyone located within IL can now legally participate in a variety of different forms of online gaming without fear of repercussions from the local authorities.

Where Can I Go To Play?

Now that it’s known that online gambling is legal inside IL, the next question must be asked: which sites are available for people to play on? Fortunately, there are several options out there for those who want to make their wagers or try their luck at some video poker games. Popular operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, PointsBet and more have all set up shop in the Land of Lincoln, making it easy for residents to find an outlet they can trust. With such a wide selection of providers available, everyone should be able to find something that fits their individual tastes perfectly!

Have you ever wondered what the legal gambling landscape looks like in Illinois? From online sports betting to casino games, there are plenty of options available for those looking to try their luck. In this article, we will explore the various forms of legal gambling found in the state, as well as any applicable laws and regulations regarding them.

Illinois is one of many states that has legalized a wide range of gambling activities and provides residents with ample opportunities to test their luck. This includes pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing events, riverboat casinos, charitable gaming organizations such as bingo halls and raffles at festivals or fairs. Additionally, sports betting was recently made legal both land-based and online locations after the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on it back in 2018.

As far as online gambling goes, Illinois does permit players over 21 years old to access some forms of real money interactive gaming from within its borders. Internet poker rooms have been allowed since 2013 while more recently regulated sites have started offering sportsbooks services too. Whether playing online or off however, all participants should be sure they are familiar with local laws before participating in any form of legally sanctioned betting activity.

Moving forward then let’s take a look into the legality of online sports betting specifically in Illinois…

Affiliate disclosure

At ask-casino.com, our goal is to help all players find the best-suited casinos and promotions to suit their needs. To make this easier, we may include affiliate links to recommended websites. If you decide to visit any of these sites via our link and deposit funds, ask-casino.com may receive a commission, but this will not affect your spending

Legality of Online Sports Betting in Illinois

Illinois has made strides towards legalizing online sports betting. But the state still doesn’t have a legal framework for regulating it, or any other form of internet gambling. To date, there are no laws that explicitly permit online sports betting in Illinois. That said, there is legislation being considered to establish a legal structure for such activities.

The status of online sports betting in Illinois depends on two main pieces of legislation: The Gaming Expansion and Modernization Act (GEMA) and House Bill 1614. GEMA was introduced into the General Assembly in 2019 and seeks to create regulations around gambling activities like poker and sports wagering. It also targets a number of regulatory issues related to casino operations and video gaming machines, as well as initiatives intended to help problem gamblers receive treatment services.

House Bill 1614 would amend existing law to allow limited forms of internet-based gambling. This includes both mobile/online sportsbooks and fantasy leagues with cash prizes. HB1614 passed through the House overwhelmingly but stalled out when it reached the Senate’s Executive Committee at the end of last year due to time constraints associated with COVID-19 pandemic precautions. At this point, further progress will depend on whether legislators decide to take up the bill again during their next session starting January 2021.

It’s important for bettors looking to place wagers from within Illinois borders to understand all applicable state and federal laws before doing so. Though online sports betting may eventually become available in some capacity, nothing is yet set in stone regarding its legality under current illinois gambling laws – which means bettors should proceed cautiously until more clarity is provided by lawmakers.

Legality of Online Casino Gambling in Illinois

The legality of online casino gambling in the state of Illinois is an important question for potential players. While there are currently no casinos that exist solely as online entities, residents can access legal sites through their computers and mobile devices. As a case study, the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines offers both traditional casino games and those available to play via its website or app.

Illinois has specific laws governing what types of gambling are allowed within the state, including restrictions on lottery tickets, home poker games, sports betting, and other forms of gaming. When it comes to casino-style gaming like slots or table games, however, these activities are only permitted at physical commercial establishments located within the borders of Illinois. The Rivers Casino is just one example of how this law applies; even though customers may be able to play these same games remotely via an internet connection, they must still visit the actual brick-and-mortar location first in order to register.

In terms of legality specifically related to online casino gambling in Illinois, while these activities remain prohibited due to existing statutes and regulations concerning digital gaming operations, legislators have considered various bills which could potentially legalize them over recent years without success so far. Despite the lack of progress made thus far towards legalizing online casinos in Illinois, the possibility remains open for future consideration by lawmakers given the increasing popularity of such activities nationwide. With no current legal framework allowing for remote gambling platforms yet established here, individuals looking to engage with virtual versions of classic casino titles should ensure they meet all applicable requirements prior to participating from inside IL’s borders. Understanding licensing and operational requirements for online sportsbooks and casinos is essential before signing up or logging into any web service offering such services.

Licensing And Operational Requirements For Online Sportsbooks And Casinos

In the State of Illinois, all sports betting operators must obtain a license from the Illinois Gaming Board before they can conduct operations. The licensing process is lengthy and intensive; it may take several months to complete. Once an operator has obtained licensure, they are required to adhere to strict operational standards set by the State. These include requirements on how data is stored, customer service protocols, responsible gaming measures, and more.

Operators must also be compliant with various other laws when conducting online sports betting or casino gambling in Illinois. They must ensure that their customers are at least 21 years old or older and have proper ID verification processes in place. All transactions between players and operators must go through third-party payment systems such as PayPal or Skrill. Additionally, all winnings must be reported to the relevant government authorities according to state law.

The State of Illinois takes compliance with these regulations very seriously; any violation can result in hefty fines or even loss of licensure. As such, operators should always consult with legal counsel prior to launching operations in order to ensure full compliance with all applicable rules and regulations. To help protect consumers, there are multiple resources available that outline best practices for safe online gambling experiences in Illinois.

Taxation for online sportsbook and casino winnings will be discussed further in the next section.

Taxation for Online Sportsbook and Casino Winnings



It’s a common misconception that online sports betting or casino winnings are not taxed. The truth is, if you’re lucky enough to come out ahead in your gambling activities, it’s likely that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will expect their share of those winnings. Here we’ll explain the taxation for both online sportsbooks and casinos.

Online Sportsbook Taxation


In general, all income earned from gambling must be reported on your tax return. This includes any prizes won at an online sportsbook as well as cash bonuses or free bets awarded by the bookmaker when meeting certain conditions like making a reload deposit.

When filing taxes, gambling wins should be included with other sources of income such as wages, salaries, tips etc., on line 8 of Form 1040 Schedule 1. Gambling losses can also be deducted up to the amount of winnings claimed but they must be listed separately on line 21 of form 1040 Schedule A.

Casino Winnings Taxation


Similar to sports betting sites, US citizens who make taxable money from playing games at an online casino must report them on their tax returns too. Online players may receive large payouts through jackpots and bonus rounds but this does not exempt them from paying taxes according to IRS regulations.

The best way to ensure accurate reporting is to keep detailed records throughout the year including a list of deposits made, withdrawals collected and game results (wins/losses). That way when tax time arrives you have everything documented and ready for filing purposes.

The takeaway here is don’t be fooled into thinking that online gaming profits do not need to be reported as this could lead to huge financial penalties down the road. Knowing how taxes work on both online sportsbooks and casinos ensures proper compliance with applicable laws while avoiding costly mistakes. With geolocation requirements now set in place for most legal US-based gaming sites it’s important that players understand these rules before participating in real-money wagering.

Geolocation Requirements for Online Gaming Sites

In Illinois, online gaming sites must use geolocation technology to ensure that all players are within the state’s borders when they access and play on these websites. This is done by verifying a player’s physical location with their IP address and other digital methods. The accuracy of the tech used can determine whether or not an individual is able to gamble legally in IL.

To protect players from getting into any legal trouble, it’s important that gaming operators have stringent protocols in place for geolocation requirements. Most respected casinos will require users to provide proof of residency before allowing them to begin playing. In addition, some sites may also ask customers to allow their device’s GPS system to be tracked whenever they log in so as to confirm their location at all times.

By following these rules, gaming operators make sure only those who are legally allowed to participate in gambling activities do so – safeguarding both their business interests and protecting players from any potential consequences associated with illegal activity. With this extra layer of protection, gamers can enjoy a safe and secure experience without worry about breaking the law.

Responsible gambling measures such as self-exclusion programs are just as important for players’ safety…

Responsible Gambling Measures

The State of Illinois is taking responsible gambling measures very seriously. It requires all online casinos and sportsbooks to provide a range of responsible gaming policies, guidelines and regulations that must be adhered to in order for operators to remain licensed and operational. These measures include:

  • Player Deposit Limits: All players are required to set deposit limits on their accounts.
  • Time Out/Self Exclusion Periods: Players can take time out or self-exclude themselves from playing at any online casino or sportsbook in the state.
  • Age Restrictions:
  • Illinois Sports Betting Age Limit – 21 Years Old
  • Illinois Casino Gambling Age Limit– 21 Years Old
  • Legal Betting Age Illinois– 21 Years Old
  • Legal Casino Age Illinois–21 Years Old
  • Online Gambling Age Illinois – 21 Years Old
  • Always check local laws before participating in any form of online betting or gambling
  • Read all terms & conditions carefully before making deposits
  • Pay attention to bonus offers as some come with high turnover requirements
  • Set yourself a budget and stick to it – never chase losses!
  • Online sports betting and casino gambling in Illinois is regulated by the state.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to participate.
realmoneycasinos
bestcasino2
newestcasino
drakecasino2

David Allen is a seasoned web content writer with a deep understanding of the online casino industry. With over a decade of experience, he has provided Ask-casino.com and various other platforms with insightful, reliable, and captivating content that resonates with both seasoned gamblers and newcomers alike. Hailing from Ontario, Canada, David brings a unique North American perspective to his articles, enriching them with local nuances and industry insights.

Outside of his professional endeavors, David is an avid gamer known in the digital realm as "lazywolf867". Whether he's spinning the slots or diving into a video game, David's passion for digital entertainment is evident. His work seamlessly blends his professional knowledge with personal experiences, ensuring readers get an authentic and informed viewpoint on all things casino.

Trevor Blacksmith, Chief Editor at Ask-casino.com, has dedicated over 15 years to the online casino industry, ensuring readers receive accurate and current information. Based in New York, Trevor's meticulous approach and extensive experience make him a trusted voice in the realm of digital gambling, upholding the highest standards of journalistic integrity.