Yes, in Illinois, there are various forms of gambling permitted, but online casino games and online casinos themselves are currently exceptions. However, pending regulations could legalize online casinos in 2023.

Gambling in casinos, horse racing, lotteries, and charitable activities has been allowed in Illinois for a long time.

Governor JB Pritzker signed Bill SB 690 into law in June 2019, legalizing online and retail sports betting in Illinois. The registration process is overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board, with the first sportsbooks going live in May 2020.

This bill permits the opening of six more retail casinos in Illinois, with one located in Chicago. It also allows for an expansion in the number of gambling machines throughout the state.

State Rep. Bob Rita introduced the Internet Gaming Act on February 19, 2021, which could potentially legalize online casino and table games in Illinois. Stay informed on the latest developments by visiting Play-illinois.com.

At present, online casino gambling is not permitted in Illinois under Bill SB 690.

The only options for online casino-style gaming are statewide platforms that are authorized under sweepstakes wagering regulations, like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots.

Currently, online casino gaming, including traditional casino games, is not included in Illinois’ current legislative framework. However, there is an exception for online poker, which is legally offered through platforms like Global Poker under the state’s sweepstakes rules.

You no longer have to gamble your money at offshore casinos because Illinois now provides legal and regulated online sports betting. Offshore books, which are often located in smaller countries in Central America or the Caribbean, operate with minimal oversight, leaving customers with no way to resolve payment disputes.

On the other hand, legal sports betting in Illinois comes with many benefits. You can take advantage of competitive odds and a variety of betting options, as well as convenient payment methods like credit cards or bank transfers. Additionally, the Illinois Gaming Board provides protection in case of any problems.

Illinois’ legal sports betting option is clearly a safer choice compared to the risks associated with using bitcoin or costly prepaid vouchers at offshore sites.

In Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old to house a wager.

Illinois offers a variety of betting choices, including online and in-person options throughout the Prairie State.

Casino games can be played at physical casinos or online gambling sites.
• You can play poker at casinos, charitable poker rooms, or on sweepstakes platforms.
• You can place sports bets both online and in person.
• Lottery activities encompass scratch cards, online games, multi-state draws, and exclusive Illinois draws.
• You can participate in pari-mutuel pools for horse racing wagers, whether at the track or online.
• Despite facing legal challenges, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) competitions are currently available in Illinois.

Illinois’ comprehensive gaming laws allow for bingo and raffles to be conducted legally.

As of March 5, 2022, the in-person registration requirement in Illinois has been eliminated. You can now register online with any of the seven authorized Illinois casino providers.

Your first task is to choose a reputable online sportsbook that will be operating in Illinois. Utilize the free bets and matched welcome bonuses offered by different sites to help you decide which software you prefer.

There are two ways to access online casinos:

• You can use your internet browser on both laptops and desktops as it is compatible with both.
• Use your mobile device to access your favorite sportsbook by downloading the app for an optimal on-the-go experience.

Illinois bookmakers will direct you to either the Apple or Google Play Store to download the sports gambling app based on the type of device you have – Android or Apple.

When you sign up for an account, all sports betting companies will require you to provide your personal information.

Websites utilize various methods to collect data. To get started, simply click on the sign-up button upon your initial visit to the website and then follow the prompts.

On the registration page, you will usually be required to enter your screen name, email address, birth date, home phone number, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

Although ID documents are typically not needed at first, they may be asked for later on for extra security verification.

Reputable sportsbooks guarantee safe transactions by mandating that you utilize the same deposit method when possible for withdrawals. The following are the authorized methods for depositing and withdrawing funds:

All bookmakers accept Visa and Mastercard as credit or debit cards.
• Credit and debit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted by all bookmakers.
• Prepaid debit cards, such as those offered by major retailers like DraftKings, enable you to keep your gambling funds separate from your everyday expenses.
• Bank Transfers (ACH), also referred to as E-checks, facilitate seamless transfers between your bank account and gaming account.
• Bill Pay: Major banks offer the convenience of treating sports wagering deposits just like any other bill payment.
• Bank wires are typically used for larger deposits, but they often have higher fees than ACH transfers. Additionally, some sportsbooks may also accept cashier’s checks and money orders.
• You can make cash payments using services like PayNearMe or by depositing cash at the cashier at the physical casino.

These procedures guarantee adherence to regulations in order to thwart fraud and money laundering.

The ban on sports gambling in Chicago was lifted by the City Council in December 2021, allowing sportsbooks to operate at popular venues like the United Center and Wrigley Field. This decision opened up sports gambling registration to all sporting events in Illinois, including those hosted at major Chicago venues.

There are currently nine cities in Illinois with wholesale casinos, with the possibility of Chicago becoming the tenth in 2022.

1. Alton
2. Aurora
3. Collinsville
4. Crestwood
5. In Des Plaines
6. St. Louis, East
7. Elgin
8. Joliet
9. Stickney 

Responsible gambling programs are created to provide protection and assistance for individuals facing challenges with their gambling behaviors. Online sportsbooks improve accessibility by offering extra resources and support. It is crucial to recognize that while most gamblers engage in safe and responsible gambling for entertainment, a small percentage may encounter difficulties.