Illinois has a well-regulated gambling industry, allowing its players to play casino games at licensed riverboat casinos, bet on horse racing events, and take part in lottery games. The state, however, hasn’t regulated any form of online casino gambling yet though the attitude in the individual U.S. states has been changing thanks to states like New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada making exemptions to regulate.

Sports betting is the most regulated form of gambling in the United States, but bettors are still free to take part so long as they find a reliable Illinois sports betting site. The Federal Wire Act of 1961 made it impossible for bookmakers to move information regarding sports betting across state lines using a wire service.

• Jun 05, 2020 That will also start the clock on the 18-month “penalty box” period included in Illinois’ gambling law for online-only sports betting giants such as DraftKings and FanDuel. The state’s law.
• Online sports betting and in-person sportsbooks are now live in Illinois. Rivers Casino Des Plaines took the first legal Illinois sports wager on March 9, 2020. Online sports betting went live later in the summer of 2020, and for now accounts can be created from anywhere in the state.
• Illinois Gambling Act The Illinois Gambling Act (230 ILCS 10) is available online on the Illinois General Assembly website. A hard copy of the Act can be found in the printed Illinois Compiled Statutes (any publisher), which is available at all law libraries and many public libraries. Go to 230 ILCS 10/1 et seq.

This page is designed to give Illinois gambling enthusiasts plenty of gambling-related information. Besides providing a brief overview of the state’s attitude to online gambling, LegalOnlineGamblingSites.com number one goal is to always show the best gambling sites that are legal where you live, in Illinois or anywhere else in the United States.

Is Online Gambling Legal in Illinois?

Illinois is one of the few US states that have laws clearly mentioning the word “Internet.” In 2009, the state upgraded its online gambling laws, which now state that anybody who “knowingly establish, maintain, or operate an Internet site that permits a person to play a game of skill or chance for money or other things of value by means of the Internet” is violating the law. The section also states that it is not allowed to knowingly run an Internet site that allows players to wager on the outcomes of games, political nominations, contests, and appointments.

Anybody who reads this law carefully will observe that it applies only to operators and not to individuals, which means that the people of Illinois can sign up at legal online gambling sites without fear of prosecution. Simultaneously, they should note that existing laws can be said to apply to online gambling.

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Illinois Gambling Laws And Statutes

Like all other US states, Illinois hates unregulated gambling and unlicensed gambling operators running gaming businesses in its jurisdiction. The state has a set of strict laws and penalties to deal firmly with operators who violate the law although it is quite lenient toward individual players caught taking part in these types of games. It is worth noting that Illinois makes no distinction between skill-based and luck-based games; wagering on any game, sports event, or political event at unlicensed venues is an offense.

The state offers a few attractive regulated gambling options for its residents. Players can take part in the state-operated lottery game, place bets on outcomes of horse racing and dog racing events, or visit a riverboat casino, which offers a wide range of casino games. Licensed organizations are also permitted to run charity gambling events to raise funds for worthy causes.

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Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Illinois offers a bit of regulated horse racing betting and recently legalized sports betting through both land-based locations and online sports wagering sites. Although, it will take some time for regulations to get set up in order for those sportsbooks to launch. Online operators will also have to wait for over a year just to be able to operate from within the state, due to how legislation was written. The law does not prevent Illinois residents from using online offshore sportsbooks in the meantime.

Legal Online Gambling Sites for Illinois Residents

Our team has researched the following sports betting sites well and has come to the conclusion that these are the best online sportsbooks for Illinois players. They offer a wide range of betting markets and free picks besides welcoming new players with attractive bonuses.

Bovada Sportsbook - Place Bets On Da Bears On Your Smartphone Or Tablet

If you are from Illinois then one of these teams is your favorite, Chicago Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs, or White socks. What if you could not only watch and follow these teams, but also bet on the outcome and win some big bucks? Bovada is the best legal gambling site in Illinois. Bovada has the biggest, badest sportsbook, novice and cardsharp poker tables, and interactive 3D slots in its casino. Bovada is a well establish gambling site that has been around for 20 years, and operates out of Quebec, Canada. Anyone in Illinois can join Bovada and all you have to be is over the age of 18.

When you sign up at Bovada and make your first qualifying deposit, you are eligible for Bovada’s 50% welcome bonus. This bonus can flush your bankroll with up to $250, think of how many extra bets you can place with that cash flow. The bonuses do not stop there though. Bovada also offers another fantastic bonus; the refer-a-friend bonus will get you 200% cash for every one of your buds that you get to sign up. For the huge list of other great bonuses that Bovada’s legal gambling site offers, check out the promotions page. Prove you are an avid Illinois sports fan and join Bovada free today! Signup Now!

Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?

Illinois does not permit the setting up of online casinos in its jurisdiction. Simultaneously, it does not have any laws criminalizing the act of playing casino games online. This suggests that playing at offshore online casinos is perfectly legal in Illinois.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Illinois offers a bit of regulated horse racing betting, but betting on outcomes of sports events is illegal. Since the feds are against online sports betting, there is no chance of Illinois legalizing online sports betting in the near future. However, no part of Illinois gambling law makes it illegal for Illinois-based punters to bet at offshore online sportsbooks.

Legal Sports Betting Sites That Accept Illinois Residents

Our team has researched the following sports betting sites well and has come to the conclusion that these are the best online sportsbooks for Illinois players. They offer a wide range of betting markets and free picks besides welcoming new players with attractive bonuses.

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Is Online Poker Legal in Illinois?

Operating online poker rooms is not allowed in Illinois, but there are also no rules preventing individual poker players in Illinois to register at licensed online poker rooms operating from remote locations. Illinois law does not prohibit residents from playing online poker for real money.

Poker Sites that Accept Illinois Residents

Several online poker rooms accept Illinois players and allow them to play online poker for real money. We have handpicked with care the following online poker sites, which offer a wide range of online poker variants such as Texas Hold’em, HORSE, Stud, and Omaha. These online poker rooms run lucrative online poker tournaments as well as qualifiers to prestigious live and online poker events, along with offering generous real money poker bonuses.

Land Based Gambling in Illinois

Illinois was the second US state to launch a riverboat casino. The state’s first riverboat casino was Alton Belle, which was launched in 1991. Today, it is home to several riverboat casinos that offer a wide range of real money casino games and pay heavy taxes to the government. Illinois riverboat casinos accept any player who is above 21 years of age and offer games such as slots, roulette, and blackjack.

A list of top Illinois casinos include Casino Queen, Harrah’s Joliet, Hollywood Casino Aurora, Grand Victoria Casino Elgin, Rivers Casino, Par-A-Dice Casino, and Jumer’s Casino and Hotel.

Closing Thoughts About Legal Online Gambling For Illinois Residents

As far as regulated gambling options go, Illinois is much better than US states such as Georgia and Utah. But players who want the best of gambling experiences will miss a lot if they do not sign up at a legal online gambling site. Illinois residents can rest assured that the state has absolutely no online gambling laws to prevent them from playing online.

You don’t have to look far past the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, Illini, or White Sox to realize Illinois is a major sports state. As is common with other major sport states, you have lots of people who love to bet on sports. Thankfully, it’s easy to bet online for real money by using any of these trusted Illinois sports betting sites.

If you’re looking to wager with real money on your favorite local team, or any other team around the country or globe, then you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the best Illinois sports betting sites currently offering their services.

All these sports betting sites can be trusted as they use the ethical and standard business practices that all legitimate sportsbooks enforce. These websites will provide players with all the information they need in order to successfully make their real money bets.

Also, these books are constantly updated and known for their accessibility and easy-to-use approach for all visiting patrons, making it simple and quick for anybody interested to place their wagers.

What Makes These Illinois Betting Sites Great?

Not a single one of you came here to find the most mediocre sports betting sites in Illinois. You want the best, and we think you deserve nothing short of that. Because we care that much, we wanted to make sure we were transparent about why you should trust our online sportsbooks review above any others.

Reviews and Rankings Are Unbiased and Can’t Be Bought

You cannot pay us for a higher ranking, better review, or placement on our recommended list. We take what we do seriously, and there’s no way we can stand behind our list of the top IL betting sites without standing firm on this.

Information Is Kept Up to Date and Regularly Audited

You’re not going to see online sportsbooks recommendations from years ago on our listings. Our team works tirelessly to keep our recommendations, stats, bonus codes, and betting information up to speed with the latest information.

Our Focus and Goal Is You

We can sum all of this up in one sentence—our focus and goal is you. If we can help you to find the best Illinois sports betting sites available on the market and you have a great experience, we’ve done our job.

Is Sports Betting Online in Illinois Legal?

Yes. On the last day of the state legislature’s session in the spring of 2019, House and Senate lawmakers passed a bill expanding gambling online and at brick and mortar locations across the state. Proponents of the bill successfully pushed the argument that expanded gaming would bring in around $200 million in additional annual revenue to the state. This was a major step forward for Illinois sports betting sites.

Fast forward to the beginning of 2020 and the state is inches away from fully rolling out state-regulated online gambling. Initially, only brick and mortar casinos were allowed to apply for licenses, which cost $10 million each.

What’s unique is that not just casinos were included in being offered applications. Across the state, 10 casinos, three racetracks, and seven sporting venues were invited to apply. Yes, you heard that correctly—sporting venues are included.

Online-only websites like DraftKings and FanDuel are required to wait 18 months until they are allowed to apply. Even then, there will only be three licenses available to online-only providers, and they will cost twice as much at $20 million a pop. Still, we expect heavy competition for those licenses.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois News

Banking Options at Illinois Sports Betting Sites

A chief concern from those looking into online betting in Illinois is the financial side. How are you going to deposit money into your online sportsbook? How do you get your winnings? How long does it take to get paid? Is the banking safe? All of these are great questions we’re going to address right now.

How Are You Going to Deposit Money Into Your Online Sportsbook?

Getting money onto Illinois online betting sites is quick and easy, thanks to technology and updated banking integrations. Popular methods include:

• Credit cards
• Debit cards
• E-wallets
• Cryptocurrency
• Direct bank transfers
• Money management services

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois Today

How Do I Get Paid My Real Money Winnings From Illinois Sports Betting Sites?

Illinois betting sites pay customers through a multitude of different options. Each site will have a slightly different lineup of available banking options, but these are the most popular.

• E-wallets
• Cryptocurrency
• Direct bank transfers
• Money management services
• Credit and debit cards (in some cases)
• Checks by courier

How Long Does It Take to Get Paid Your Winnings From IL Sports Betting Sites?

Depending on the cashout method you choose, your money will arrive in your bank account or e-wallet account between a few hours and a few days. The only exception to this is checks by courier which can take up to two weeks to arrive.

Is the Banking at Illinois Sports Betting Sites Safe?

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois Lottery

As long as you stick to using trusted and vetted options, your banking and site experience will be safe. All of the top options recommended in this guide utilize proper high-level encryption, perform regular site audits, and put your safety as their top priority.

What Sports Can I Bet on at IL Sportsbooks?

When it comes to what you can bet on at the options listed here, the list is pretty long. First, you’ll be able to wager on all of the four major sports—basketball, baseball, hockey, and football. This means the Bulls, White Sox, Cubs, Blackhawks, and Bears fans have full access to a wide array of wagering options on their favorite local teams.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois Right Now

For those looking to get sports betting action elsewhere, though, you’ll still be covered. These Illinois online sportsbooks offer action on many other sports, including college sports, soccer, tennis, golf, auto racing, combat sports, politics, entertainment, dog racing, horse racing, and much more. Honestly, if it’s something that can be bet on in the world, one of these online sportsbooks will offer some type of action on it.

Regarding the types of bets available, expect to see an impressive list of wager types including all popular bets and more unique wager types like parlays, in-game wagers, teasers, pleasers, and more. Those looking into online betting in Illinois will have extensive flexibility when it comes to selecting wagers.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois Today

Getting Started Betting Online in Illinois Now

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal

At this point, you don’t have anything holding you back from diving into the action. Check out any of the options on our list of the best Illinois sports betting sites now, and you’ll be making real money bets in a matter of minutes. Long gone are the days of having to drive to a sportsbook in another state to place a bet.