Illinois, nicknamed “The Prairie State,” is a Midwestern state in the US marked by forests, farmland, wetlands, and rolling hills. The Mississippi River borders the state in the west and Indiana lies to the east. Illinois is known for its skyscrapers, and there are a lot of fun activities you can do in the city – including gambling. 

You’ll enjoy plenty of gambling options in Illinois, such as sports betting, lotteries, and land-based social casinos. The state is also home to online sweepstakes and in-person betting options. Although online casinos are yet to be licensed to offer real-money slot games, you can still enjoy a great time gambling online in Illinois. 

In recent years, Illinois has undergone liberalization of gambling laws. One aspect of this liberalization is to allow casinos to offer whatever games they like, provided they close for at least two hours every 24 hours. Real-money online casinos could also be an option in the near future. Gambling has contributed massively to the state tax revenue, making further expansion an attractive proposal. 

Online casino enthusiasts – especially slot game lovers – might wonder if it’s possible to enjoy real-money slot games in Illinois. Our in-depth guide will direct you to the best online casino sites you can visit for real-money online slots in Illinois. You’ll also learn more about the different bonuses and promotional offers available. 

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History of Online Gambling in Illinois

Illinois has an interesting legal gambling history, going back to the 1920s. The gambling laws have been changed or adjusted several times over the years to meet the needs of players. Below is a breakdown of the history of online gambling in Illinois.

• 1920: The Illinois gambling legislation was created, which saw the legalization of horse race betting. 
• 1971: The Illinois General Assembly passed a bill to legalize bingo games.
• 1974: Illinois launched the state lottery, becoming the first state to do so after Gov. Dan Walker signed legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly. 
• 1975: The Illinois Racing Board was established with new rules to guide pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing. 
• 1986: The approval of charitable games of chance, mostly for non-profit organizations, was actualized. 
• 1990: Illinois became the second state to legalize riverboat gambling, allowing gambling to occur while cruising. 
• 1991: The first riverboat with licensed gambling began operation on 11th September in Alton. People had to make reservations before using the boats. 
• 1999: Gov. George Ryan, through the Riverboat Gambling Act, removed the requirements for casino boats to cruise the river. Instead of cruising while people gamble, the riverboats became dockside casinos. 
• 2005: Emerald Casino’s license was revoked by the Illinois Gaming Board due to allegations of criminal activity. A part of the casino’s revenue was used for community services, including the University of Illinois athletics. 
• 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 690 to authorize sports betting in Illinois. BetRivers later opened the first online location for players to enjoy sports betting. 

Is Online Slots Gambling Legal in Illinois?

The straightforward answer to this question is no, as the Illinois Gambling Act of 2019 only made sports betting legal. No online casino is licensed to provide real-money online slots in Illinois. However, players in Illinois can still enjoy their favorite online slot games at registered out-of-state online casinos that are licensed and available for Illinois-based residents. 

So, you must know that operating an online casino platform in Illinois is prohibited. We also advise that you are careful with any online gambling platforms registered and based in Illinois claiming to provide real money slot games. Playing on such online platforms can expose you to dangers and trouble with the law. 

However, you can be certain that many other forms of gambling are legal in Illinois. The state has allowed commercial and social casinos to operate and provide legally approved gambling activities, including online and offline sports betting, horse racing, lotteries, and fantasy sports. You can even enjoy playing land-based video-gaming terminals, similar to slot machines. 

Your Legal Gambling Options in Illinois

Although online gambling laws in Illinois still prohibit online slots, that doesn’t mean you can’t access tons of other legal gambling options in the state. We’ve provided a list of top options you can opt for if you wish to wager on other great gambling options in Illinois. 

Retail Sports Betting 

Sports betting is one of the top recommended legal gambling options you can enjoy as an Illinois resident. The state provides up to 11 retail sportsbooks where you can place bets on your favorite sports teams and stand a chance of winning real money. Top Illinois casinos offer great betting markets and various sports games for your gaming pleasure. You can also enjoy food and beverage services when you visit these land-based casinos. 

Commercial Casinos 

You’ll find commercial casinos spread across Illinois, with popular options like Rivers Casino, Harrah’s Casino Joliet, and Victoria Casino. These riverboat casinos have an impressive number of real-money games available for Illinois players. You should also expect more casinos with exciting game options in the future. 

Horse Racing

Horse racing is one of the oldest legal gambling options available to Illinois players. You can wager on a horse race through mobile apps, OTB sites, or two tracks. 

State Lottery

Illinois became the first US state to launch a state lottery, way back in 1974. Players can now legally buy tickets for Mega Millions and PowerBall to enjoy instant games and raffles. You can easily purchase lottery tickets online or in retail stores, with returning customers having the opportunity to enjoy special promotional offers. In addition, proceeds from the Illinois Lottery are used to fund many charitable activities in the state. 

Poker Rooms

Poker games are great options for gambling enthusiasts in Illinois. The state has about 14 live poker rooms, with some commercial casinos having up to 20 poker tables. The future of online poker looks bright in Illinois, as the state Internet Gaming Act is on its way to legalize online poker. 

What Is the Future of Online Slots in Illinois?

The good news is that the future of online slots in Illinois is looking bright. Experts believe Illinois could legalize online casinos to operate freely in the state, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to play the latest slot game titles. With the growth of sports betting in the state, Illinois executives believe the state has the ideal systems and structure in place to regulate the activities of online casinos. 

Once online casino operations are legalized in Illinois, the state projects to make an estimated $237.7 million extra tax revenue per year. So, it’s likely that state lawmakers will pass a bill to legalize online casinos.

Hopefully, Illinois residents will be able to enjoy playing real-money slot games in the state soon. 

What About Playing Sweepstake Casino Games in Illinois?

Sweepstake casino sites, just like platforms that offer sports betting, are legal in Illinois. You’ll find top platforms such as Chumba online casino with a large collection of games, including online slot games that are also available in land-based casinos. As a new user, you’ll get a certain number of sweeps coins and gold coins, even without making a deposit. 

You can use the sweeps coins the casino provides to participate in tournaments and contests to stand a chance of winning prizes. You also become eligible to win real money when you participate in these tournaments. 

The sites are legal in Illinois because they’re classed as social casinos rather than online gambling platforms. Experienced players seize this opportunity to try out new games without risks. Sometimes, you can even get lucky and win cash prizes. 

We advise Illinois residents to use sweepstake platforms over offshore casinos to enjoy legal gaming operations as they come with minimal risks.Playing on unlicensed online casino platforms comes with numerous challenges. You may not get paid your earnings after winning, and there’s nobody to hold responsible.

We recommend that you only play on our selected online gambling sites to remain safe and ensure your details are protected. We’ve verified them to confirm that they’re safe for all Illinois players. 

Top Sweepstakes and Social Casinos in Illinois 

Sweepstakes and social casino sites are popular and legal in Illinois. They are a great option for players looking for a legal gambling opportunity in the state. With these social casinos, you can play for free and still win prizes. The casinos also allow players to win real cash for certain casino games. Below are some of the top sweepstakes and social casinos you can find in Illinois. 

• Global Poker: Global Poker is an online poker platform that provides its services to Illinois residents. The online gambling platform offers players a free 20 gold coin package to play real-money poker games or participate in tournaments. A promo code and an initial deposit are not required to claim this offer from Global Poker. While this site focuses on poker, you’ll still find a good range of slot titles available. 

• Chumba Casino: Chumba is a social casino that offers its services to players in Illinois. Players can enjoy free games to stand a chance of winning amazing prizes and free sweeps coins. This social casino also offers users bonuses to increase their playing time and winning chances. 

• Funzpoints: Funzpoints is regarded as one of the most rewarding sweepstakes sites for players living in Illinois. You don’t need to make payments or purchases before you can play exciting slots and jackpot options. You also have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes. 

• LuckyLand Slots: LuckyLand is another social casino that offers a no-deposit bonus of 10 free sweeps coins to play exciting games. However, this gambling platform doesn’t allow players to wager with real money. It offers you the opportunity to play your favorite games for fun and without the risk of losing any funds. 

How We Choose the Leading Illinois Online Casino Sites

Before playing real-money online games, you must consider certain key factors. This will help you choose the right online platform to guarantee your safety and increase your chances of winning. We’ve reviewed some important factors that should influence your choice of choosing where to play online slots in Illinois.

Choose Sites with Relevant Licensing

Although online casinos are not approved to offer real-money slot games in Illinois, you must choose only fully licensed sites. Playing in a licensed online casino will help to avoid many dangers such as getting hacked or not being paid after winning. It’s also vital that the licenses are valid and from reputable online gambling regulatory bodies. Here, we’ve provided top online casinos that are available for Illinois residents. 

Consider the Bonuses and Promotional Offers on the Platforms

Every top-rated online casino offers juicy bonuses and promotional offers to help customers enjoy a great gaming experience. These bonuses allow you to try some real-money games for free, extend your gaming time, and increase your winning chances. It’s also a great strategy for successful casinos to lure and retain customers on their platforms. 

We expect the best Illinois online casinos to offer quality bonuses such as welcome bonuses, free spins, no-deposit bonuses, cash reload, and festive bonuses. You can also enjoy other promotional offers such as loyalty bonuses, affiliate programs, VIP programs, and referral bonuses. It’s vital to look at the kinds of bonuses the online slot casino offers before creating an account. 

Look at the Safety and Security of the Casino

It only makes sense to play in an online casino where you feel safe and secure. Playing in an online casino involves making deposits, meaning you may have to bind your bank card to the casino for payments. So, you need to know if your sensitive details are safe and can’t be accessed by unauthorized persons. 

Ensure the casino uses the latest security features to safeguard users’ data. For instance, online gambling platforms that use 128-bit security encryption and the latest firewalls can guarantee the safety of your banking details and personal information. You can read reviews from other users to ensure the casino site is safe enough for you. 

Check the Diversity of Banking Options

Convenient online transactions can’t be overemphasized when playing in an online casino. You should have access to multiple payment options for various online transactions on the platform. This will ensure you enjoy seamless deposits and withdrawals. Top online slot casinos support multiple currencies to ensure you can make payments, regardless of your location. 

When reviewing the best real-money online casinos in Illinois, we consider if the payment options are safe, fast, and reliable for deposits and withdrawals. We also recommend sites with little or no extra fees for banking operations. A reliable Illinois online slot casino allows payments using bank cards, transfers, prepaid vouchers, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies. 

User-Friendly and Appealing Interface

To enjoy a seamless gaming experience, looking for a platform with an appealing and user-friendly interface is vital. The casino site should have eye-catching graphic design with easy-to-navigate layouts. We recommend casino platforms that are fully compatible with mobile devices. This way, you can play your favorite slot games on your smartphones and tablets. You can also enjoy a smooth gambling experience without sitting in front of your PC. 

Check for Customer Support Service Experience 

Even the most experienced players will face difficult situations where they need help. A reputable casino platform will offer 24-hour customer service to resolve all your issues. Before choosing a casino platform, check how fast they respond to complaints or inquiries. Also, look at the various channels you can use to contact them. Top casinos offer support services via telephone, live chat, email, and contact forms. You’ll also find a comprehensive FAQ page with easy-to-understand answers to popular questions. 

Check for the Casino Game Variety

While it is important to consider the number of casino games an online gambling platform offers, game variety must also be considered. Apart from the slots you’d expect to play, the casino platform must also have other game varieties, including progressive jackpots, table games, online poker, scratch cards, and live dealer games. 

We consider casinos that offer both free and real-money games. Renowned providers in the industry ensure top gambling platforms always have updated content to keep the site fresh. Most Illinois casino games have high RTP, amazing storylines, appealing graphics, and fantastic bonuses to enhance your gaming experience. 

Is Playing on Offshore Illinois Slots Online Casinos Safe?

Offshore casinos are online gambling platforms that aren’t located in Illinois and are not regulated by the state’s online gambling regulatory bodies. These casinos hold licenses with international gambling regulators and are regulated to offer online gambling services to eligible players, regardless of location. Interested players can visit these sites and create an account to become eligible to play their favorite games.

As an Illinois resident, you must confirm that the offshore casino accepts players from your location. This will ensure you qualify for special offers such as welcome bonuses, free spins, and reward packages. It’s also a criterion to be able to withdraw your earnings successfully when you win. 

How to Play at a Real Money Online Casino in Illinois 

Playing online slots in Illinois on a reliable casino platform is straightforward, especially with the right guide. However, you must be at least 18 to 21 years old to become eligible to create an account and enjoy the latest real-money slot games. We’ve provided a step-by-step guide on how you can play slots in an Illinois online casino. 

Choose From Our List of Online Illinois Slot Casinos

Here you’ll find a list of the best online casinos in Illinois we’ve reviewed. We looked at different factors to choose these online sites so we can guarantee you’ll have the best gaming experience. Players from Illinois can sign up on these sites to enjoy an awesome gaming moment. 

Register and Verify Your Account

The signup process at a good online casino in Illinois doesn’t take much time and is free. The registration button is usually at the top of the page, alongside other menu options. After clicking the button, provide relevant details, including your full name, username, password, country of residence, phone number, and email address. The registration process also involves you accepting the terms and conditions to show that you agree to the casino’s policies. 

You’ll be required to verify your account immediately after the registration process. Some online casinos require you to provide documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or government-approved ID to verify your identity. Verifying your identity can make you eligible for some rewards and is also a requirement for your first withdrawal. 

Fund Your New Account

You can access your new casino account after confirming your identity. This will let you make your first deposit. Choose the most convenient and acceptable payment option in your location to fund your account. Also, don’t forget that the best casino platforms offer welcome bonuses when you make an initial deposit. Confirm the minimum deposit and whether a promo code is needed to claim the welcome bonus. 

Start Playing

You can now start playing. Check the slot lobby to choose the game of your choice. If you intend to use your welcome bonus to spin on a slot game, ensure you follow the terms and conditions and you’re able to meet the wagering requirements. This will ensure you’re able to withdraw your earnings successfully after winning. 

We recommend you practice using demo modes to become familiar with the slot games. This will help increase your chance of winning and allow you to enjoy the game. With luck, you might be the next winner on the platform. 

Bonuses You Can Find at Illinois Online Casino Slots Sites

Top Illinois gambling platforms offer amazing bonuses to both new and regular customers. Below are the common bonuses you can find at online casinos in Illinois. 

• Welcome bonus: The welcome bonus is the first bonus you get after creating an online casino account. The gambling site offers a welcome bonus once you make an initial deposit of a certain minimum amount. You’ll get matched up to a certain percentage on your first deposit. 

• Free Spins: These are extra spins the casino offers players to try out games for free. However, you can only use free spins on certain games the casino recommends. You can also check the casino’s terms and conditions on how to use the free spins. 

• No-deposit bonus: This type of bonus is similar to the welcome bonus, but you don’t have to make an initial deposit before receiving it. The casino offers you the no-deposit bonus to play games for free and still stand a chance of winning real cash. 

• Reload Bonus: Like the welcome bonuses, reload bonuses are matched up to a certain percentage of your deposits. However, the kind of bonus is for regular members who are consistent in making deposits on the platform. 

• Cashback: The casino offers a certain percentage of your losses over a period, usually weekly. For instance, an Illinois casino may give you 30% back of your deposits for all your losses in a week. You may also receive 20% back on every $300 you lose on the platform. 

The Need for Responsible Gambling in Illinois

One of the major objectives for gambling in Illinois is to allow players to have fun and entertainment during their leisure time. However, some players may lose control of themselves and make harmful decisions during gambling. The decisions can lead to the risk of addiction and other gambling problems. 

Top casinos in Illinois put several measures in place to help players gamble responsibly. For instance, players must be at least 21 years before they can legally participate in sports betting. Most social casinos also dedicate a “responsible gaming” page to inform users about gambling appropriately. 

The state of Illinois currently works with reputable bodies to ensure players are guided as they gamble. Below are some of the agencies that can aid players having gambling problems. 

The Illinois Gaming Board assists players suffering from gambling addiction. You’ll find valuable resources that can help you prevent gambling issues. You can access resources and treatment programs from the Illinois Department of Human Services for your gambling problems.

The National Council on Problem Gambling also provides advice and tips on preventing and managing gambling addictions. 

Conclusion

Can you play slots online for real money in Illinois? This is the same question many Illinois residents ask. While Illinois has yet to legalize online casinos to offer slot games, you can still play your favorite games at offshore sites. However, you must look for online gambling platforms accepting Illinois players. We also recommend you play only on safe casino platforms that meet our criteria of the best online gambling sites for Illinois players. 

FAQ

What is the minimum gambling age in Illinois?

The minimum legal gambling age for sports betting and casinos in Illinois is 21. However, to purchase lottery tickets or take part in wagering on horse racing, you must be at least 18 years old. 

Can you play slots online for real money in Illinois?

Although online slot games for real money are not legal in Illinois, you can still play them and win real money. Reputable offshore online casinos allow Illinois residents to play real-money slot games. 

Can I win real money in Illinois?

It’s possible to win real money in Illinois by playing in reputable social casinos. You can participate in sweepstake games and stand a chance of winning prizes which you can exchange for real money. You can also place bets on real-money sports games. 

Can I play free games in Illinois?

Players can enjoy free games in Illinois. Social casinos provide several slots and table games you can enjoy for free. The purpose of providing these games is for players’ entertainment and leisure. 

Can I play on my mobile device?

Most social casinos and sportsbook platforms in Illinois have dedicated mobile apps. You can download these apps on your smartphones or tablets to enjoy online gambling on the go.