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Illinois Online Casino 2024 – Which One to Pick?

Have you ever wondered what the best Illinois online casino sites are? If so, then we’ve created this detailed guide for you.

Gambling works differently in every state of the US, with only a few currently supporting online casino gaming. However, sweepstakes sites and physical gambling locations have proven to be great alternatives in some places. 

To have the best experience gambling in the Prairie State, you must first understand its legal landscape. As you read on, we’ll tell you if real-money online casino gaming is legal in Illinois, and walk you through IL gambling history.

You’ll also discover the best casinos in Illinois to try and some tips on reporting taxable wins, among other things.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Discover if online casinos are legal or not in Illinois.
  • Find out the top 5 sweepstakes casinos in the state.
  • Learn about the top three land-based casinos in Illinois.
  • Find out how to file gambling taxes in Illinois. 

Are Real Money Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?

Thanks to the Gambling Act of 2019, online sports betting has become legal in Illinois. But, are online casinos legal in Illinois? Unfortunately, the same legislative framework did not affect online casino gaming, making online casinos still unregulated in the Prairie State.

Nonetheless, according to the Illinois General Assembly website, House Bill 2239 was assigned to the House Gaming Committee in February 2024. The proposed legislation seeks to establish the Illinois Internet Gaming Act, enabling well-regulated real money online casino Illinois operations. 

Fact: A bill to legalize online gambling in Illinois was assigned to the House Gaming Committee in February 2024.

Our Top 5 Sweepstakes Online Casinos in Illinois

Sweepstakes online casinos in Illinois allow casino-style gaming for free. They require no real money deposits, so you play games with sweepscoins and gold coins.

Fact: Some sweepstakes casinos in Illinois allow cash prize redemption.

So, what is the best sweepstakes casino in the IL state? These are the top 5 to consider.

Chanced Casino in Illinois 

Chanced Casino is a play-for-fun sweepstakes online casino, so you don’t need to make real money deposits; no coin purchase is necessary. The social gambling site, which has been live since 2023, is owned by Gold Coin Group LLC and houses over 550 casino-style games. Illinois players get 10,000 GC + 2 SC no deposit welcome bonus upon registration. 

As for the titles in the Chanced Casino lobby, they all come from trusted providers like Relax Gaming and Pragmatic Play. Still, what stands out most is its collection of in-house games called “Chanced Originals”.

→ The dice game from this collection is a personal favorite. It is a simple, provably fair instant-win title where you predict the outcome of every dice roll. 

Ding Ding Ding Casino in Illinois 

Living Pixels Studio LLC’s Ding Ding Ding is one of the most popular free-to-play venues for casino-style gaming. Its generous welcome offer of 100,000 Gold Coins makes it great for Illinois players. With that Illinois online casino bonus, you can try different online slots and even bingo games.

When Ding Ding Ding Casino first launched, it had a minimal portfolio comprising only in-house titles. However, its collection has expanded to feature releases from Betsoft, JDB Games, and Pragmatic Play. Still, its bespoke games come with clean graphics and innovative mechanics.

→ If you’d like a slot recommendation, try Snow Kingdom. It is a winter-themed online slot you won’t find on any other social casino site. 

Fortune Coins in Illinois

Only a few sweepstakes casinos in Illinois have become as famous as Fortune Coins. New players get a Sign-Up bonus of 18,330,000 Gold Coins + 4,990 Fortune Coins to play games on the site. You don’t need Illinois online casino promo codes to claim it.

Fans of slots, fish games, or jackpots will find hundreds on Fortune Coins Casino. More games are added weekly to increase the number of options and diversify the portfolio. While the operator works with different software providers, like Pragmatic Play and BGaming, it also creates some in-house games.

→ One Fortune Coins original to try is Dia De Los Muertos, a Spanish-style slot with a Day of the Dead theme and low variance.

Funzpoints in Illinois 

Funzpoints is the only social casino on this list that lets you choose between standard and premium play. Standard mode allows you to participate in jackpot draws for real cash prizes. Conversely, you can claim all game wins in real cash in the premium mode. Illinois players will also like the welcome bonus of 1000 Funz Points to explore its games.

All gaming titles are created in-house, with one to two new releases added monthly. There isn’t any diversity in game categories, so you’ll only have access to slots.

→ If that’s your favorite game genre, a top recommendation for Illinois players is Chillin’ while Grillin‘. It is a summer-themed slot with five reels, three rows, and backyard-grill-related icons.

Hello Millions in Illinois 

Another top sweepstakes casino for Illinois players is Hello Millions. Its website is fun to look at, with a blend of orange and yellow colors. Upon registration, you’ll also get a welcome bonus of GC 15000 and SC 2.50, with no deposit required.

The website partners with many reputable casino game software providers, including Habanero, NetEnt, and Pragmatic Play. As a result, you’ll find many popular slots, slingo, and arcade titles mentioned in Illinois online casino reviews. However, it also has some exclusive GC games.

→ A fun one to try is Pyramind King. This ancient Egypt-themed slot comes with high variance and is played on a 5×3 grid. It also features three jackpot levels: minor, grand, and major.

Want to Bet Real Money? The Top 3 Land-Based Casinos in Illinois 

Illinois is home to land-based casinos for those who prefer to walk in. There are 10+ locations across different counties in the Land of Lincoln. Pending when the best online casino Illinois are available, here are our top three land-based picks:  

Harrah’s in Joliet

Harrah’s Joliet is an Art Deco-themed land-based casino in Illinois. You’d want to consider visiting its professional staff on the casino floor and round-the-clock gaming. The 39,000-square-foot gaming floor houses 20+ table games and 800+ slot machines. Beyond the casino area, you can explore its 204-room hotel, restaurants, and bubbling nightlife. 

From the welcome at the front desk and the help with parking to the staff on the casino floor and the spotless room, everything was first-class and professional. We will definitely be back.

Tom K, Review from Tripadvisor

Rivers Casino in Des Plaines

Regarding Chicago casinos, Rivers Casino describes itself as the one with the most jackpots. It’s a few minutes from the O’Hare International Airport and has some of the most energetic Pit Bosses and Dealers. The 147,000-square-foot casino has various games, including 1500+ slot machines, over 95 table games, and 22+ poker tables.

Back in February, I had a great experience in the high-limit area playing black. Pit Boss Madeline and Dealer Amanda O’Leary made the atmosphere energetic and positive, which made the night spectacular! Continue the good work!

Cruiser46059841288, Review from TripAdvisor
  • Address: 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018
  • Phone Number: 888-307-0777
  • Website: riverscasino.com/desplaines
  • Opening Hours: 24 hours
  • Review on Google: 3.9/5

Bally’s in Chicago

Bally’s in Chicago is a 24/7 gambling venue with a hotel and daily shuttles with hourly pickups that Illinois players can explore. As long as you’re 21 or older, you can access the casino’s 800 slot machines and over 50 table games. Aside from its hotel and 34,000-square-foot gambling floor, Bally’s is home to many restaurants and bars. 

It is also one of the land-based casinos where new players can claim bonuses and promotions. For instance, getting the Bally Rewards Card offers $50 E. Ohio garage free parking, $25 slot play, or a $25 table bet.

Good staff and service.

Google Review
  • Address: 600 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (Temporary)
  • Phone Number: 888-822-2559
  • Website: casinos.ballys.com/chicago
  • Opening Hours: 24/7
  • Review on Google: 3.6/5

How to Declare Taxable Winnings in Illinois?

To declare your taxable winnings, you must fill out W-2G, where all winnings will be reported to the state and federal governments. Alternatively, you’ll need to fill out Form IL-5754. Casinos issue these forms once you win.

According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, you’ll be taxed on winnings of at least $1000 from the Illinois lottery. You’ll also be taxed on winnings from sports betting, casino gaming, or parimutuel wagering exceeding $5000 (subject to federal withholding). 

All large winnings are immediately reported to the IRS, which will withhold a flat rate of 24% of federal income tax. 

Other Legal Gambling Activities in Illinois

Illinois offers a range of legal gambling activities you can engage in outside of casino games. So far, charitable and retail poker, Daily Fantasy Sports, horse racing, online lottery, and sports betting are all authorized.

Here’s what to know about each one:

  • Daily Fantasy Sports: The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that DFS is not a gambling activity, making it legal in the state since 2020.
  • Horse Racing: With fans placing bets before 1984, horse racing is the oldest legal gambling activity in the state.
  • Online Sports Betting: Both online and retail sports betting are viable gambling options for residents.
  • Online Lottery: In-state and multi-state lottery options are available for players in Illinois.
  • Poker: The Lincoln State supports two types of real-money poker: charitable and retail. Real-money poker will be available on Illinois online casino apps if online gambling is implemented. 

History of Gambling in Illinois 

Despite residents placing one form of bet or another as far back as the early 1900s, the gambling industry in Illinois is still evolving. That’s no surprise, as times have changed since horse racing was the main activity.

Here are key historical steps that have been taken so far:

  • 1927: The Illinois General Assembly legalized parimutuel horse racing for the first time, considering the booming racing scene. 
  • 1974: Illinois launched its first state-run lottery, making it one of the first US states to establish its own lottery. 
  • 1975: The Horse Racing Act of 1975 was established to provide more oversight and regulation for racing activities in the state.
  • 1990: Illinois became one of the first states to offer river-boat gambling, allowing the casinos to operate as the boats ran.
  • 1999: Riverboat casinos continued to operate while running until a 1999 provision allowed them to operate while they remained stationary.
  • 1999: The Video Gaming Act of 1999 allowed the installation of machines like slots at truck stops, clubs, and other locations.
  • 2012: Legal online lottery play was introduced.
  • 2019: Gov. JB. Pritzker signed a bill to legalize online sports betting in the state.

What’s Next for Illinois Online Casinos? 

Legislation to legalize online casino Illinois gaming has yet to make headway. However, there is hope that this might change soon. In fact, as of February 2024, the Illinois online casino bill was already assigned to the House Gaming Committee.

A panel of gaming industry executives at the East Coast Gaming Conference expressed optimism about the prospects of online casino legalization in Illinois. If Illinois moves forward with iGaming legislation, it would become the seventh state in the nation to authorize online casinos.

The CEO of Rush Street Interactive, Richard Schwartz, said:

They already have regulators in place; they have servers in place. It’s quicker to start up a casino addition.

So, Will You Bet From Illinois Tonight? 

While Illinois has no legal real-money online casinos, you can play at sweepstakes sites. Alternatively, there are land-based gambling venues with all the classic casino games. 

All you’ll need to do now is choose any sweepstakes operator we’ve listed and start playing for free. If you’re in the area, the brick-and-mortar casinos on our list will also let you register for free-to-play real-money games.

Want to play online casinos in Illinois’s neighboring states? Read our guide on what states allow online casinos.