Illinois has legalised online gambling, sports betting, land-based casinos, poker rooms and lottery betting since 2012 and that means there are plenty of options available if you want to gamble in the Prairie State. We’ll walk you through every aspect of gambling in the state and help you get started right away.
Best Casino Apps That Are Available in Illinois:
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🏆 DraftKings Sportsbook Welcome Offer up to $200 in Free Bets (Illinois)
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🥇 BetMGM Bonus Bet Up To $1000 (IL)
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🥈 FanDuel $1000 Risk-Free Bet (IL)
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🥉 William Hill Three Ways to Get Up To $1200 (Illinois)
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✅ Caesars $1000 Deposit Bonus (IL)
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⭐ BetRivers Full-Payout Welcome Bonus worth up to $250 (Illinois)
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🌟 CharliesVG $60 Free No Deposit Bonus + 150% deposit bonus (up to $7,500) (IL)
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🎰 Virgina Grand Casino $1000 Bonus with Promo Code: VGCSA (IL)
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DraftKings Casino - Get a $2,000 free no deposit bonus! (IL) 1
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BetRivers iGaming - Get a $100 Second Chance Bonus with Promo Code: PLAY100 (IL)
Important: While we have provided a summary of each offer below keep in mind that these deals are subject to change at any time. It is always important to check the operators site for the latest promotions and welcome offers. Also, there can only only be one account per household/IP address. Also, in order to claim any prize or winnings, you will need to verify your identity. This is done for your own protection. Additionally some state restrictions do apply.
Our Best Picks for Online Casino Gambling in Illinois
Welcome bonuses are a great way to start an online casino relationship on the front foot and the best Illinois online casinos know this very well. Below are our top picks for welcome bonuses offered by IL casinos. Remember, these offers change regularly so this screenshot taken in January 2023 might not reflect current offers.
The above list is just a small sample of what is available from Illinois casinos right now. Before you rush off to claim those bonuses, however, it pays to understand how they work. Let’s take a closer look.
Social casinos like CharliesVG and the Grand Ivy don’t operate under the same regulations as “real money” casinos and as such offer Gold Coins and Sweepstakes as their currency. You don’t need real money to play, although you can exchange Sweepstakes for actual funds if you wish. The other casinos on this page all require real money deposits and the incentives vary. Some offer a deposit match, meaning the casino matches your opening deposit. Others offer free plays, or risk free bets that will refund your opening stake if you lose. Read the terms and conditions carefully before you sign up and remember to note any expiration dates and wagering requirements too.
How We Ranked
With so much choice available to you when you play in Illinois, it can be difficult to separate the good sites from the ones to avoid. We have years of experience testing and reviewing casinos around the United States, so we know exactly what to look for. First and foremost, any online casino we recommend must be safe and regulated. That applies to offshore sites and onsite casinos attached to brick and mortar venues.
We perform a series of tests on each potential addition to our recommended casinos lists. That includes security, bonuses, payment options, software reliability, gaming variety and customer support. Only sites that score highly across all of those categories make the cut. Here’s a breakdown of what we look for in more detail.
Best Utah Online Casinos: Top UT Gambling Sites for 2023Security & Safety
Online casinos hold player data and funds, so strong encryption protocols and secure payment methods are essential. Regulation by the Illinois Gaming Board is also mandatory to ensure fair gameplay.
Bonuses & Promotions
No deposit bonuses are rare in Illinois but deposit matched bonuses, risk free bets and VIP programs are commonplace. We assess the quality and value of each offering and present them here for you.
Payment Methods
The best online casinos accept a wide range of payment methods. Look out for sites that accept Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, Neteller, Skrill and bank transfers at the very least.
Game Variety
Real money and social casino sites should offer a wide range of games. That includes slots, progressive jackpots, roulette, blackjack, poker, daily fantasy sports and sports betting opportunities.
Mobile Compatibility
More US players than ever are using mobile devices to access their favorite online casinos. We test each app thoroughly to ensure it works smoothly on iPhone and Android devices.
Customer Support Options
If you need assistance while playing at an online casino you will want a prompt response. Email and live chat support is fine, but the best operators also offer telephone support too.
Illinois Casinos Online: Guide
You can use any of the casinos we recommend above to play real money casino games in Illinois. If you are new to online gambling or simply looking for some tips on how to get the most from your experience, read on for some helpful advice.
Playing at Illinois Online Casinos
Playing online is simple. Anyone aged 21+ with an Illinois postcode can register an account and play. Provided you have made a deposit into your online account you can then play real money games. Those games include slots, poker, blackjack, video poker, roulette, keno and bingo, among others.
If you want to try before you buy, many operators offer demo modes on their games. This allows you to try out a game without spending any money. Most games also come with detailed explanations and information about how to play, so even complete beginners need not feel intimidated.
Choosing Your Illinois Casino App
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing which online casino to play at in Illinois. Aside from the welcome bonus, consider the ongoing promotions and loyalty rewards offered by each operator. Some casinos are stronger in certain areas than others. For example, some have a superb slot selection, while another may offer better table games.
Consider the payment options available to you and whether there are wagering requirements attached to any bonuses you receive. Check also that your preferred casino is compatible with your chosen device. Many sites offer dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices, but may also be accessible via a web app.
High RTP Slots with Best Payout Percentage (Theory and Practice)Finally, consider the security credentials of your chosen site. All of the operators we recommend are reputable and trustworthy, but additional research never hurts. Double check that the casino is licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board, look out for SSL encryption and think about adding password protection to your device.
Games You Can Play at IL Casinos
The range of games available to you in Illinois is quite spectacular. With a mix of real money and social casinos to choose from, there’s something for everyone. In general, the real money casinos are attached to land based venues and offer a similar selection of games to their bricks and mortar counterparts. That means a solid selection of slots, poker, table and card games. Here’s a full rundown of the types of games you can expect to find at Illinois online casinos.
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Slots: Slots are the cornerstone of any online casino and Illinois is no exception. From five reel video slots to old school three reel classics, the Prairie State has it all. Look out for big money progressive jackpot slots too.
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Blackjack: One of the world’s most popular card games is a staple of online casinos. Speed Blackjack, Early Payout Blackjack and Blackjack Xchange are among the variants you can play in Illinois.
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Video Poker: Combine elements of poker and slots and you get video poker. All the strategy and skill of traditional poker but with the ease of spinning a slot reel. Jacks or Better is a particular favourite with Illinois players.
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Roulette: From classic European Roulette to innovative variants like 100/1 Roulette, there’s no shortage of ways to spin the wheel in Illinois.
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Live Dealer: A relatively new concept in the US, Live Dealer games allow you to play classic casino games with a real dealer, all from the comfort of your own home. Blackjack, roulette and baccarat are among the games you can play.
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Daily Fantasy Sports: Illinois was one of the first states to fully embrace DFS and there are numerous operators offering daily and weekly competitions for you to enter.
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Poker: Texas Hold’em and Omaha are among the variants you can play in Illinois. Tournaments, cash games and Sit & Go tables are all accessible online.
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Lottery Betting: In Illinois, you can bet on the outcome of lottery draws. Popular draws from around the world are accessible alongside state lotteries like Powerball and Mega Millions.
Of course, the range of games available depends on the site you are playing on. Check the library of each Illinois casino to see what takes your fancy.
Big Money Online Casino Jackpots in Illinois
One of the advantages of playing online over land-based casinos is the range of jackpot games available to you. Progressive jackpots increase in size each time someone plays the game, meaning they can reach truly eye watering heights. In Illinois, you can play a range of jackpot titles, including Divine Fortune, Cleopatra’s Gold, Money Magic and Funky Monkey.
Cleopatra’s Gold is an Egyptian themed 20 payline slot with a bonus round, free spins and a healthy jackpot that that that keeps growing. You may trigger the jackpot at random, regardless of the size of your wager, so it’s definitely one to try.
Another great option is Divine Fortune. This five reel slot is set in ancient Greece and is packed with special features. There’s wild substitutions, a fallning wild feature, free spins and a jackpot bonus that allows you to win one of three progressive prizes. The major jackpot routinely exceeds $100,00 and it drops fairly frequently, so there’s a good chance you could become an instant millionaire by playing this great game.
Legal Gambling Age in Illinois
In Illinois, you can place a sports bet, play the lottery or purchase a horse racing form if you are aged 18+. However, to participate in any other forms of gambling, including online casino games and poker, you need to be 21 years old or over. When you register for an online gambling account in Illinois, your age and identity will be checked to ensure you are eligible to play.
Illinois Casinos Map
Illinois has 10 land-based casinos throughout the state. These are spread out geographically to serve as many residents as possible. In addition to these casinos, there are several riverboat casinos and racinos. The largest casino in the state is the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, which has 1,202 slot machines and 98 table games.
Harrah’s Joliet Hotel and Casino is the second biggest, followed by the Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin. Rock Island, Peoria, East Saint Louis, Aurora, Cleveland and Ottawa also have physical casino venues.
Illinois Online Casino Bonuses
All IL online casinos offer a welcome bonus of some description. These offers vary greatly though, so it makes sense to shop around and find the deal that suits you best. At the time of writing, social casinos CharliesVG and the Grand Ivy offered the most enticing welcome package, with up to $7,500 in free Sweeps coins when you use our link to sign up.
For real money casinos, BetRivers offered a full-payout welcome bonus worth up to $250 when we last checked. This means that if your first wager loses, the casino will refund your stake in matching funds. Bet £10 on DraftKings and you will get a $200 free bet if your bet is successful. Should that initial bet lose, you will get a £30 free bet and a £30 casino bonus.
It’s not just new customers that benefit from playing online either. Existing players can enjoy a raft of ongoing promotions. These include bonus bets, free spins, odds boosts, parlay bonuses, and enhanced places paid for einx off the board in horse racing. Loyalty rewards are also commonplace, with casinos like DraftKings and FanDuel operating excellent VIP schemes. Every player in Illinois in want or needs some extra value and these bonuses provide the perfect accompaniment to your gambling exploits.
Illinois Sports Betting
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1993 (PASPA) made sports betting illegal in the US, with the exception of a few grandfathered states. That law changed in May 2018, when the Supreme Court of New Jersey overturned PASPA following a case brought by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie.
casino free play real moneyThe ball was in the court of each individual state then. Some chose to stick with PASPO, but the majority drew up their own sports betting legislation. Illinois was among the second wave of states to go live with legal sports betting. The process began in 2019, with the legislature passing the Gambling Act. That bill was then signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in June 2019.
Betting on sports commenced in person at brick and mortar venues across the state in March 2020. Since then, several operators have been authorized to offer online sports betting apps to players within the state. Any US resident aged 21+ with an Illinois postcode can register for an online sports betting account and place a bet.
There are numerous retail sportsbooks across the state, with operators including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and PointsBet all having a presence in Illinois. BetRivers is another popular brand, while CAESARS SPORTSBOOK ®forges its own path in the industry.
The tax rate for sports betting in Illinois is 10%, with another 5% going to the host community. Daily Fantasy Sports have been legal in Illinois since 2016 and companies like FanDuel and DraftKings dominate that market.
Illinois Poker Online
You can play poker against players from around the world at various licensed offshore online casinos in Illinois. However, if you want to compete against locals within the state, there are limited options available to you. Real money online poker became legal in 2012, but it took until 2021 for the state’s first regulated online poker room to launch.
BetRivers was the operator to go live, partnering with the Little Creek Casino Resort in Indiana to offer online poker to players in Illinois. At the time of writing, BetRivers was the only place you could play online poker in the state, but we expect that to change soon.
Online Casino No Deposit Bonus Codes for December, 2023When you play online poker in Illinois, you can enjoy Cash Games, Sit & Go tables and Poker Tournaments. Limits range from $0.01/$0.02 to $50/$100. BetRivers uses the iDeal gaming platform, which is trusted and respected around the US. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s action and excitement at every level on this site.
Illinois Online Horse Racing Betting
Horse racing fans in Illinois can bet on the sport online and year-round. Numerous retail sportsbooks offer races from around the country and across the globe. Among the operators with a retail presence in Illinois are DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, BetRivers and Caesars.
All of the legal sites in Illinois have a strong horse racing offering. You can bet on flat races and jumps, as well as local meetings and global showpieces such as Royal Ascot and the Kentucky Derby. The convenience of online betting makes it the preferred method for many racegoers, and there are multiple international sites that authorize players from Illinois.
Create an Account in Minutes
To get started, click on one of our recommended links. You will be transported to the homepage of that betting site. Click on the button that reads ‘Join’ or ‘Sign Up’ at the bottom of the page.
Input Your Details
You will be asked to supply some personal details in order to create your account. This includes your name, age, address and phone number.
Make a Deposit
Once your account has been verified, you can log in and head to the cashier. Select a payment method and input the necessary details. Choose how much you wish to deposit and the funds will appear almost immediately in your online account.
Claim Your Bonus
Most horse racing betting sites in Illinois come with a welcome offer. Make a deposit and place a bet. Should that bet be successful, you will win some money. If your opening bet loses, you can claim your bonus as described in the terms and conditions.
Start Betting
Find the racing section of the site and browse the meetings and races that are available to you. Use the bet slip to select your picks and the amount you wish to wager on each, then confirm the bet and submit it. Winning bets will be settled almost immediately.
Illinois Online Lottery
The Illinois Lottery launched in 1974 and has grown in popularity over the past four decades or so. Draws like Powerball and Mega Millions have supercharged ticket sales in recent years, with players from around the US and beyond attempting to hit the jackpot. Unlike most states, Illinois allows online lottery betting. This means you can bet on the outcome of lottery draws, both in the state and internationally.
The Iowa Lottery, for example, is included in this offering, along with EuroMillions and EuroJackpot draws from around Europe. Draws take place at various times during the week and the results are published shortly after. Anyone aged 18+ can bet on the lottery in Illinois. 21+ year olds can play the regular lotto offerings, while 18+ year olds can participate in the digital iteration.
of the Best Florida Casinos to Try Out (2023 List) - Ask GamblersIllinois DFS and Sports Betting
DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) was authorized in Illinois in 2016, ahead of most states. That early adoption meant Illinois was well placed to capitalize when sports betting was finally authorized in 2020. Both Daily Fantasy Sports and traditional sports betting are available on the same sites in Illinois.
You can access a range of DFS contests and sports betting markets via desktop or mobile, and there are numerous operators to choose from. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars are among the leading lights in the industry. BetRivers is also a strong option, while brands like Pointsbet pride themselves on their unique betting style.
DFS operates by allowing users to create their own team using various sports stars from a specific league or competition. Points are awarded to players in your team based on their performance in real life. The better your selections, the more points you win. There are various contest types available in Illinois, from Head to Head encounters to larger tournaments with bigger prizes.
Sports betting is somewhat more straightforward, but there is still scope for strategy and expertise. Whether you’re betting on the Bears or the Cubs, you can find a huge range of markets on Illinois betting sites. From moneyline bets and point spreads to overs/unders and prop bets, the possibilities are endless. Add to the fun by claiming a welcome bonus when you join, and benefit from ongoing promotions and loyalty rewards.
Reasons Why Playing on Borgata/BetMGM NJ Is Delicious - PokerListingsIllegal Gambling in Illinois
Offshore operators who have not been granted a license by the Illinois Gaming Board are operating illegally in the state. The same is true of unlicensed bookmakers, unregulated casinos and black market sports betting services. If you choose to use an illegal gambling site in Illinois, you do so at your own risk. Such sites often have poor security measures in place, leaving you vulnerable to attacks and breaches of privacy.
Furthermore, illegally wagered money will not be insured or protected in any way. This means that if anything happens to the site or the operator were to disappear, your money would be gone. Finally, betting without regulation means there are no safeguards or responsible gambling tools in place. This can lead to problem gambling behaviour.
By contrast, all legal online casinos and sportsbooks in Illinois must adhere to strict regulations. This includes robust SSL encryption certificates, as well as licensed payment methods and secure banking options. You can gamble safely and knowledge that if anything goes wrong, there are procedures in place to protect you. Plus, responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, time outs and self-exclusion options are widely available.
History of Gambling in Illinois
Illinois has a long and varied history when it comes to regulated gambling. Horseracing betting has always been popular in the Land of Lincoln, with wagers on greyhound racing added to the mix in 1927. Riverboat gambling came to the state in the 1990s, while the River Edge Gaming Act permitted slots parlors at racetracks in 1998.
The Video Gaming Act of 2009 introduced video slot machines and video versions of table games to bars, taverns and veterans organizations across the state. The Illinois Lottery began selling Powerball tickets in 2010, and two years later the Daily LIne lottery draw was launched. The Daily LIne was later discontinued, but Powerball and Mega Millions drawings continue to attract massive jackpots to this day.
The Gamblers Trading Act of 2012 gave fantasy sports sites the green light to operate in Illinois. This paved the way for companies like DraftKings and FanDuel to dominate the DFS scene in the state. The Illinois Gaming Board was established in 2013 as part of wider gambling reforms. This body is responsible for ensuring that all legal gambling in Illinois is conducted honestly, fairly and transparently. The Racing Act of 2013 allowed racinos to offer historical racing wagers.
The Restore Illinois budget proposal, introduced in 2019, contained provisions for full scale sports betting in Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker’s plan was approved by the legislature in June 2019 and he duly signed it into law eight days later. Betting shops opened across the state in spring 2020, with most offering retail sportsbooks linked to well known names in the online betting world. The first online sports betting sites went live in August 2020, with BetRivers becoming the first operator to offer regulated online poker in Illinois in 2022.
Licensing Criteria for Gambling Sites in Illinois
The Illinois Gaming Board licenses all legal gambling sites in the state. The IGB was established in 2013 as part of a broader move to regulate gambling in Illinois. It is charged with overseeing all forms of legal gambling in the state and ensures that all operators act in a legal, honest and open manner at all times.
To obtain a license in Illinois, operators must demonstrate that their site and software are safe, secure and reliable. Strong SSL encryption is a prerequisite, while responsible gambling measures are also required. A full range of payment options must be available, plus effective deposit and wagering limits, as well as self-help tools and the option to self-exclude.
Best NJ Online Poker Sites - Updated for 2023Auditing and reporting functions are also key criteria for licensure in Illinois. The site must be based in the US and operated in accordance with local laws and regulations. Tax contributions are another factor that must be considered. Once an operator has secured a license, they must continue to meet the high standards expected by the Illinois Gaming Board at all times. Regular checks and audits are carried out to ensure compliance.
Secure Deposits and Withdrawals from Illinois
Payment options may vary slightly from site to site, but most regulated online casinos and sportsbooks in Illinois accept a range of secure and reputable methods. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most cases, with Visa and Mastercard among the leading options. You can also make payments via an e-wallet, prepaid card or voucher.
Some operators accept bank transfers, but this is less common. All payment providers used by licensed gambling sites in Illinois are reputable and trustworthy. They use SSL encryption to scramble your payment details, thereby preventing them from prying eyes. What’s more, all transactions are rapid, reliable and safe.
Depositing at an Illinois Casino
- Open the cashier at your chosen Illinois casino.
- Select ‘make a deposit’ and choose a payment option.
- Supply the necessary security details to authorise the payment.
- Input how much you wish to deposit and complete the transaction.
- The funds will be instantly credited to your online casino account.
Withdrawing from an Illinois Casino
- Visit the cashier page of your online Illinois casino.
- Select ‘make a withdrawal’ and nominate a payment option.
- Input how much you wish to withdraw and submit the request.
- Your Illinois casino will process your withdrawal.
- The money will then be transferred back to your payment method.
- Abank and credit card transfers usually take two to five days, whilst e-wallets are instant.
How to Tell if an Illinois Site is Legit
Only sites that are licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board are legit and legal in this state. Make sure the casino or sportsbook you want to use has an active license by checking the IGB registry. Look out for the seal of approval on the homepage of any site you want to join.
You can then check the license number on the IGB website. Ensure the site is secure by checking for a prominent padlock symbol in the search bar and a URL that starts with ‘https’. A reputable casino or sportsbook in Illinois will have plenty of trading history. Audits and reports should be readily available to view, as well as details about the payment methods, software providers and responsible gambling partners.
Illinois Gambling Revenue
The introduction of sports betting and the growth of online gambling has helped Illinois rack up impressive revenue figures in recent years. According to the Illinois Gaming Board, the state generated $426.6m in sports wagering revenue during 2021. That figure surpassed the previous year’s total of $354.9m, showing steady growth.
The picture is equally encouraging when we look at online casino gaming returns. The category generated $1.16bn in 021, which was an increase of nearly $300m on the prior 12 months. Even with adjustments for taxes and operating costs, that is a lucrative sum of money for the state of Illinois. The growth of the sector shows no signs of abating, which means further increases in revenue seem likely in the coming years.
More Information
Do you still have questions about regulated online gambling in Illinois? We hope this guide has answered most of them, but if not, the following resources may be of interest to you.
Contact the Illinois Gaming Board
Top-Rated Online Casinos Where You Can Win Big in India 2023Illinois Council on Gambling and Problem Gambling Call 1-800-522-4700 or visit the ICGPG website for more information.
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Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. The first retail sportsbooks opened in Illinois in March 2020, with online apps going live a few months later. Numerous operators are licensed to offer sports betting in the state, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers and Caesars.
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Where can I play online slots in Illinois?
There are several places where you can play online slots in Illinois. CharliesVG and the Grand Ivy offer a slew of SG Digital slots, with regular bonuses and promos. Meanwhile, BetRivers offers a full-payout slots bonus worth up to $250, and DraftKings has three tiered welcome bonuses that can be used on a range of slots.
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Can I play Dream Catcher in CharliesVG Illinois?
Yes. Dream Catcher is a popular Slingo title that can be played at CharliesVG Illinois. Other notable SG Digital games at this social casino include Spinning Dragons, Starburst, 88 Fortunes and Blood Suckers Megaways.
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Can you gamble online in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois was one of the quickest states to authorize sports betting after PASPA was overturned in 2018. Numerous operators offer online casinos and sportsbooks in the state, enabling residents and visitors to wager securely online. You must be aged 21 or 21 and based in Illinois with a local postcode to join.
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Is Bovada legal in Illinois?
Bovada is not a licensed operator in the state of Illinois. That does not necessarily mean it is illegal to use the site, but we would advise against it. Licensed alternatives include BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings and BetRivers, all of whom have been officially authorized by the Illinois Gaming Board.
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Can you gamble online in Chicago Illinois?
Yes. Residents and visitors to Chicago can enjoy online gambling and sports betting within the state of Illinois. You must be aged 21+ with a local postcode to join a licensed site and place a wager, but once you meet those criteria, you can gamble online anywhere within the city or state.
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What is the minimum gambling age in Illinois?
The minimum gambling age in Illinois is 18 for sites like CharliesVG and 21 for real money online casinos and sports betting sites. This mirrors the rules for in-person venues like casinos, racinos, the state lottery and sportsbooks. Anyone aged 18+ can play Daily Fantasy Sports (DS) in Illinois, but they must be 21+ year olds to place traditional sports bets online.