Updated List of Illinois Casinos – Best Online Gambling Illinois

In addition to the already opened 11 casinos in Illinois, 2 more new casinos have been added, where players can spend their time at their leisure. Due to its riverboat casinos, Illinois has been a popular destination for gamblers from Decatur to Chicago. However, the legality of casinos in Illinois is a question worth considering. Illinois is a state that provides a range of gambling opportunities, including land and river casinos, as well as an increasing number of online gambling sites and betting apps. Although various options are available, it is essential to note that real-money online casinos in Illinois are currently illegal. On the other hand, Illinois continues to provide online sweepstakes, social casinos, and a lottery.

There are also numerous in-person betting options available. Offshore casino sites need proper regulation and licensing. In the future, real-money online casinos may be considered an option in Illinois. It is recommended to choose legal options and take advantage of the wide range of betting opportunities available across the state.

Is online gambling legal in Illinois?

The Illinois Gambling Act of 2019 made online sports betting legal across the country. However, online casino gambling is still illegal and not covered by the act. Despite this, individuals can still play their favorite table games and online slots at recommended betting casinos. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGD) is responsible for overseeing the 16 land-based casinos in the state, including those under construction and poker rooms. The regulation of bingo is handled by the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR).

Sports betting became available online and in retail establishments in 2019, following the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA the previous year. The Illinois sports betting market ranks third in the country, following New York and New Jersey, and has recently surpassed $1 billion in lifetime sports betting revenue. In Illinois, individuals can engage in online activities such as playing the online lottery, betting on horse races, and participating in daily fantasy sports.

Online casino gambling is unregulated due to the lack of mention or regulation. It is not legally possible for a local operator to launch a casino website in Illinois that would accept players, as a legal framework currently needs to be to support this.

Here are some important facts to know

• Illinois currently has an online sports betting industry. However, online casinos still need to be regulated in the state.
• There are no existing legal regulations prohibiting offshore casinos.
• The state of Illinois licenses both land-based and riverboat casinos.

Minimum age for gambling in Illinois

Illinois’s legal casino gambling age is 21, while online sites usually have a minimum age requirement of 18.

• 21 for Poker
• 18 for bingo
• 21 for sports betting
• 18 for horse racing
• 18 for the lottery

Illinois Gambling and Casinos

There are currently thirteen open casinos in Illinois. Additional casinos are planned to open in the Prairie State in 2023. A new casino has recently opened in Danville, Illinois. The Golden Nugget Casino Danville is the 13th casino to open in the state. The American Place Casino’s Temporary location opened in February in Waukegan. The largest Illinois casino is yet to be built. Bally’s is constructing a casino in downtown Chicago with a budget of $1.7 billion. Bally’s has scheduled the opening of a temporary casino at the Medinah Temple for September.

The future of online casinos in Illinois should be monitored. Illinois lawmakers may be inclined to observe the positive impact on the state’s finances as online sports betting flourishes and a neighboring Midwest state (Michigan) successfully operates online casinos and online Poker, potentially leading them to seek similar benefits.

There are sweepstakes and social casinos available in Illinois

Casino sites with sweepstakes are considered legal in Illinois. They may seem somewhat unbelievable if you are not familiar with casino sweepstakes and social casino sites. There are legal online entertainment slots in Illinois that you can play. Below are the best lottery and social casino sites in Illinois.

• Chumba Casino (social casino)
• Global Poker (online Poker)
• LuckyLand Slots (social casino)
• Funzpoints (sweepstakes site)

For instance, websites like Chumba offer a designated quantity of gold coins and distribute them to new users. These coins are entirely free, and players are not required to make any form of deposit. Sweep coins are used as entries for tournaments or contests that provide prizes, including actual currency. Social casinos are legally classified as sweepstakes in Illinois, distinguishing them from traditional gambling. They are a practical method to familiarize yourself and enjoy casino game apps without risk. They can also result in tangible rewards, including prizes and monetary compensation.

Sports Betting in Illinois

Illinois residents have access to various forms of gambling, including online and land-based options. Online sports betting was introduced in Illinois in June 2020 with the launch of BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook, owned by Rush Street Interactive, the same owner of Rivers Des Plaines. This app became the first sports betting platform available in the state.

In addition, seven apps have been added, including BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Points Bet and Caesars. With the expiration of the personal registration requirement on March 7, 2022, more sports betting apps may appear in Illinois. Retail sports betting is currently available at most Illinois riverboat casinos, racetracks, and OTB. It can also be purchased at major sports arenas throughout the state.

Casino Games in Illinois

Illinois casinos offer a wide variety of games for visitors to enjoy. Regardless of your preference for playing slot machines, blackjack, or any other game, you should be able to find it easily. In addition, unlike casinos in certain other states, Illinois casinos can offer sports betting to their customers.

Game Category	Game Name
Lottery Games	Electronic Keno
Sports Betting	Football, Basketball, Baseball, Hockey, Soccer, Horse Racing and others
Slot	Cherry Riches, Wheel of Fortune, Vortex, Buffalo Inferno, Dancing Drums, Black Diamond, Traditional Reel, Video Reel, Video Poker Free Slot Tournaments.
Casino Poker	3 Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Caribbean Stud Poke, Ultimate Texas Hold’em, 4 Card Poker, Pai Gow Poker.
Poker Cash and Poker Tournaments	No Limit Hold’em, Limit Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha 8 or Better, Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Mixed Games.
Roulette	American Roulette, Roulette Evolution, Double Zero Roulette.
Blackjack	Blackjack, 21+3, Double Deck Pitch Blackjack, Splitting Aces, Spanish 21, Royal Match 21.
Dice Games	Craps, Firebet Craps.
Other Games	Video Poker, Mini-Baccarat, Dragon Bonus Baccarat.

Land-Based Casinos in Illinois

Casino Name	Address Casino	Hours of Operation	Phone	Games Offered	Special Features
Argosy Casino Alton	1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002	sunday – thursday: 9am – 2amFriday – saturday: 9am – 3am	(618) 474-7500 Toll-Free: (800) 711-4263	Slots, Free Slots Online, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Baccarat, Sportsbook.	Casino features a 1,200-passenger modern yacht and a barge docked on the Mississippi River. Table games open at 10am daily.
Bally’s Quad Cities (Formerly known as Jumer’s Casino Rock Island)	Bally’s Quad Cities777 Bally Blvd.Rock Island, IL 61201	7 am – 5 am	(309) 756-4600 Toll-Free: (800) 477-7747	Slots, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Three-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em.	The gaming area has close to 1,000 slot machines and video poker options along with games like craps, roulette and blackjack.
Grand Victoria Casino Elgin	250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 6012	8:30 am – 6:30 am	(847) 468-7000 Toll-Free: (888) 508-1900	Sportsbook, Slots, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, Three-Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, WSOP Poker Room.	1,200-passenger paddle wheeler-replica docked on the Fox River.
Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel	151 N. Joliet StreetJoliet, IL 60432	8:00 am – 6:00 am	(815) 740-7800 Toll-Free: (800) 427-7247	Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Poker, Three-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, High Card Flush.	Casino is on a barge docked on the Des Plaines River.
Harrah’s Metropolis	100 East Front StreetMetropolis, IL 62960	8:00 am – 6:00 am	(618) 524-2628 Toll-Free: (800) 929-5905	Slots, Video poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Three-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud, High Card Flush.	Land-based casino, Casino Size: 24,269 Square Feet.
Hollywood Casino Aurora	1 W. New York St., Aurora, IL 60506	9:30 am-4:30 am Sun-Thurs9:30am-5:30am Fri-Sat and holidays	(630) 801-1234 Toll Free: (800) 888-7777	Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Three-Card Poker, Mini-Baccarat, Mississippi Stud, Poker, Sports Book.	Casino is on a barge docked on the Fox River.
Hollywood Casino Joliet	777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet, IL 60436	8:30 am – 6:30 am	(815) 744-9400 Toll-Free: (888) 436-7737	Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Poker, Three-Card Poker, Caribbean Stud Poker, Mini-Baccarat, Mississippi Stud, Sports Book.	2,500-passenger barge docked on the Des Plaines River. Buffet closed Mon-Tue. 80-space RV park.
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino	21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL 61611	8 am – 5 am Sun-Thurs8 am – 6am Fri-Sat	(309) 699-7711 Toll-Free: (800) 727-2342	Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Three-Card Poker, Let It Ride, Mississippi Stud, Poker, Big Six Wheel.	1,600-passenger modern boat docked on the Illinois River.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines	3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018	Open 24 hours	(847) 795-0777 Toll Free: (888) 307-0777	Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Pai Gow Poker, Spanish 21, Texas Hold’em Bonus, Mississippi Stud, Sports Book.	Closest casino to O’Hare airport. Land-based casino.
Rockford Casino (temporary)	610 N. Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61107	8:30 am – 6:30 am	(779) 269-9010	Only electronic gaming machines.	Affiliated with Hard Rock casinos .Temporary facility with no live table games, only 625 gaming machines, plus electronic table games. Permanent casino will be located at the former Clock Tower site off E. State St., near the I-90 exit/entrance ramp and be called Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
Golden Nugget Danville	204 Eastgate Drive, Danville, IL 61834	Open 24 hours	(217) 271-8200	Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, 3-Card Poker, Mississippi Stud and Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em.	Temporary 41,500 square foot gaming floor with 500 gaming machines and 14 table games. Larger, permanent casino, expected to open in early 2024.
Draft Kings at Casino Queen	200 S. Front Street, E. St. Louis, Li 62201	8 am – 3am/5 am (Thursday-Saturday)	(618) 874-5000 Toll-Free: (800) 777-0777	Slots, Video Poker, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em, Mississippi Stud, Sports Book.	Land-based casino. 140-space RV park ($59+ per night). Sports Bar. MetroLink light-rail station at doorstep.
American Place Waukegan	1545 S. Waukegan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085	8 am – 4am/24 hours (Fri-Sun)	773-477-9515		This is a temporary casino. The permanent $375 million casino resort project is expected to open in early 2025 in the Fountain Square area of Waukegan. Table games only open 10am-2am.

Argosy Casino Alton

Argosy Casino was founded in 1991 on a small riverboat Alton Belle. Two years later, the Alton Belle II was introduced as a replacement for its predecessor, which significantly increased the number of playing places on the boat. The casino is still on the same ship today. However, in 1999, the state changed the law to allow casino boats to remain permanently anchored, so they no longer make cruises. This casino offers more than 800 slot machines and 12 gaming tables, but does not provide overnight accommodation. In addition, individuals can place bets on sports events in the book on board retail system.

Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel

Bally’s Corporation acquired the ownership of Jumper’s in 2021 and renamed it Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel. The company Jumper’s, representing half of the four cities of Illinois, was founded as a riverboat in 1991. The establishment includes a hotel with 205 rooms, four restaurants, a poker room, a wide selection of 25 gaming tables and more than 850 slot machines. Due to its location on the Mississippi River, this casino attracts many visitors from the neighboring state of Iowa.

Grand Victoria Casino Elgin

Grand Victoria Casino has been offering casino gaming to residents of Chicago’s far northwest suburbs since October 1994. Caesars owns the property and is part of their extensive portfolio nationwide. The retail sportsbook was among the early establishments to open in 2020.

The casino is located 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago and offers a large selection of games, including more than 1,100 slot machines and video poker. There are also various table games, such as baccarat, flush with high cards and dice, as well as a poker room that opens daily at 8:30 am.

The dining options available at the location include Buckingham’s Steakhouse and the Indulge Show Kitchen Buffet. The casino does not provide accommodations for guests; however, it does have a VIP area for its most frequent patrons.

Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel

Harrah’s Casino Joliet has developed significantly since its establishment on the Northern Star boat in May 1993. The gaming floor is currently on two barges, with a combined area of over 50,000 square feet. There is a 200-room hotel located next to the Des Plaines River, where the barges are docked.

Harrah’s Joliet features a wide selection of slot machines, including popular ones like Lightning Link and Diamond Blaze, with a total of over 1,000 machines available for play. Additionally, the casino offers a range of table games such as blackjack, craps, 3-card poker, and roulette. The poker room used to operate from 8 a.m to 5 a.m daily, but it has been permanently closed.

Harrah’s Metropolis Casino

The Harrah’s location in Southern Illinois offers a variety of standard table games, including roulette, craps, blackjack, Mississippi Stud, and others, making it a good choice for entertainment near the Ohio River.

Harrah’s Metropolis Casino provides many amenities, including 800 slot machines, 20 gaming tables, five restaurants, event space, and a 258-room hotel. This Caesars property has been operating since 1994, with investment from Merv Griffin leading to the establishment of what was then known as Players Island. The boat that is anchored also provides a steakhouse for sustenance during your gameplay.

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Hollywood Casino Aurora was initially the first casino boat for the Hollywood corporation, but it is now under the ownership of Penn National Gaming. The property has been operating continuously since 1993, making it one of the oldest properties in IL.

The boat, located along the Fox River, has 26 gaming tables and over 1,100 slot machines on an over 53,000 square feet gaming floor. The boat does not have any nearby accommodations, but it does have three restaurants.

The location offers blackjack and baccarat table games. It also has the Aurora Sportsbook for legal sports betting in Illinois. The poker room at Hollywood Casino Aurora is open daily. Penn plans to relocate the Aurora casino to a new land-based facility, with construction starting in 2023.

Hollywood Casino Joliet

Hollywood Casino Joliet was previously known as the Empress Casino and began operating in 1992. After acquiring the Hollywood brand in 2005, Penn National completed a significant renovation in 2009. The boat provides a retail sportsbook, five restaurants, 18 gaming tables, and over 1,100 slot machines. Next to the boat, there is a hotel with 100 rooms.

A significant number of the slot machines are penny slots as well. The venue features a variety of dining options, including Final Cut Steak & Seafood, The Hollywood Stadium Sports Bar, The Epic Buffet, and the Take-Two Deli. Aside from gambling, various activities are available here, and they are all offered at an affordable price. The Joliet casino is being relocated to a new land-based facility by Penn. Construction is scheduled to commence in 2023.

Par-A-Dice Casino

The facility was established in 1991 as a riverboat casino in Peoria and relocated to East Peoria in 1993. The riverboat has been docked since 1999 and is operated by Boyd Gaming. The Par-A-Dice Casino is a casino boat that is docked on Peoria Lake and is located in the middle of the state. The establishment offers a range of amenities, including a hotel, multiple dining options, a retail sportsbook, various gaming tables, and over 800 slot machines.The hotel has four restaurants, and the 202-room hotel offers amenities such as shuttle service, a shared gym, and gift shop.

Rivers Casino

Rivers Casino is located near O’Hare International Airport. It opened in 2011 and offers various gaming options, such as slot machines and casino table games. The BetRivers sportsbook opened in March 2020 and is open daily until midnight. The Lotus cocktail bar provides after-hours entertainment on weekends with live DJs. It’s important to note that the casino does not offer accommodations.

Hard Rock Rockford Casino (temporary)

The Rockford Casino, affiliated with Hard Rock International, opened a temporary facility in November 2021. The casino has a total area of 37,000 square feet and offers 625 gaming machines and electronic table games. Live table games are not available.

The construction of the permanent Hard Rock casino is currently underway, while a temporary casino is available in Rockford at the location of the former Giovanni’s restaurant and convention center. In July, Hard Rock announced they would launch a retail and online sportsbook on their Hard Rock Bet platform.

Golden Nugget Casino Danville

The Golden Nugget Casino Danville was opened in May 2023. This is the 13th casino to open in Illinois. The gaming hall has a total area of 41,500 square feet. The casino offers a variety of amenities, including 500 slot machines, 14 table games, a sports bar, and the Saltgrass Steak House. Table games include Blackjack, mini Baccarat, Roulette, craps, 3-card poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Mississippi Stud. Additionally, there is a bookmaker.

DraftKings at Casino Queen

DraftKings at Casino Queen opened in June 1993 on a boat known as the White Star One. The operations were relocated inland in 2007. Gaming operations experienced a significant expansion concurrently. In 2020, DraftKings Sportsbook formed a partnership with the casino’s management to incorporate its brand into the name of the property. The companies implemented this action to comply with the state’s co-branding regulations for online sports betting. The property now offers a range of amenities, including a hotel, an RV park, over 1,000 slots, 30 gaming tables, and a large retail sportsbook. The complex also offers a variety of dining options.

American Place Waukegan

A temporary casino located in Waukegan was opened in February 2023 by American Place Casino. The temporary complex includes about 1,000 slot machines, 50 board games and three restaurants. Full House Resorts is collaborating with Circa Sportsbook to create a sports betting center, which is scheduled to open at the end of 2023. Circa Sportsbook will also be launched online when the time comes. It is expected to become the eighth bookmaker in Illinois. The expected opening of the permanent American Palace casino is scheduled for 2025.

Taxation of Winnings

The flat rate of income tax in Illinois is 4.95%. Any winnings, regardless of amount, obtained in an Illinois casino are required to be declared and taxed accordingly. In addition, a federal tax of 24% must be paid on winnings exceeding a specific amount, which varies depending on the game (for slots, it is $1,200) or on winnings worth 300 times the initial bet or more.

Responsible Gambling in Illinois

The State of Illinois has taken measures to support and protect individuals suffering from gambling addiction. People who sign up will regularly receive emails with information about problem gambling. The emails also contain information about resources available to prevent and treat gambling problems in the state. The program accepts participants from both Illinois and other states.

The Illinois Department of Social Services has developed a website called WeKnowTheFeeling.org provide support and advice to problem players. They also offer a 1-800-GAMBLER helpline where problem gamblers can contact them. The IGB website provides additional information about these programs and other resources for people struggling with gambling addiction.

History of Online Gambling in Illinois

In 1927, equal horse racing was legalized in Illinois. Tracks like Arlington Park, now owned by Churchill Downs Inc., have been a big part of the horse racing scene. In 1974, a state lottery was launched in Illinois, bringing in about $ 3 billion a year. The Horse Racing Act of 1975 was passed to improve regulation and supervision of the industry.

Illinois approved riverboat gambling in 1990, but the boats had to be operational. Before 1999, the boats stayed stationary and acted as riverboat casinos. Then, a provision was added to allow for this. In 1999, the Video Gaming Act permitted gaming machines in specific establishments like clubs, truck stops, and bars with liquor licenses. Illinois legalized online lottery play in 2012. Until 1999, the boats usually stayed in place and functioned as river casinos until permitted by law. The Video Game Law of 1999 allowed the installation of slot machines in certain establishments, including clubs, truck stops and bars with a license to sell alcoholic beverages. In 2012, a legal online lottery was introduced in Illinois.

Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act in 2019

Experts consider 2019 as a significant year for gambling in Illinois. In June 2019, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act. This act expanded gambling opportunities by establishing six land-based casinos and introducing online sports betting. Additionally, it increased the gaming choices at current casinos and racetracks. The legislation allowed racetracks to include slots and table games, transforming them into “racinos.”

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