The Prairie State embraced online sports betting with open arms. Yet, its legal stance towards online casinos remains fraught with strict regulations.
It so happens that residents of Illinois like to play casino games for real money online. This is where CasinoWhizz comes in, our team of experts reviewed the best online casinos in Illinois.
Not only do they pay Illinois players fast through Bitcoin, and other banking methods. They offer competitive bonus packages, fair games, 24/7 support, recurring promotions, and superb rewards.
The state of Illinois does not have legislation in place that allows online casinos within its jurisdiction. It has legalized online sports betting since it signed the Sports Wagering Act in 2019.
Regrettably, online casinos where residents of Illinois can play poker, slots for real money, and table games are not legal. Nevertheless, many residents play at offshore online casinos.
To put your mind at ease, the sites CasinoWhizz recommends are legal and they are safe.
Best Real Money Online Illinois Casinos
We hand-picked the best real money online casinos for players from Illinois. They’re not just random selections but sites whose games we played for real money.
Therefore, we know which online casinos have the best games, the fastest payouts, and the best support. To ensure you pick the best possible site.
We include their pros as well as their cons. In the table below residents from Illinois will find the best online casinos.
Casino
Min Deposit
Withdraw Limit
Games
Play Now
Cafe Casino
$10
$10,000
450
MYB Casino
$20
$10,000
350
Wild Casino
$10
$100,000
500
Super Slots
$10
$100,000
500
Ignition Casino
$10
$9,500
400
Pros and Cons of Playing at Online Casinos
Pros
Offshore casinos have more games compared to local casinos
Welcome players with lucrative bonuses and promotions
Offshore casinos sometimes provide higher payout rates than their onshore counterparts
Players can access these casinos from anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection
Cons
Offshore casinos might not adhere to the stringent regulations that govern the local casinos
Transactions might take longer due to international public holidays
If a dispute or issue arises, players might find it challenging to seek legal recourse
Choosing the Right Online Casino in Illinois – 5 Key Factors
Before you jump right in, use the following key factors when choosing an online casino in Illinois:
Licensing and Regulation
Ensure the casino operates under a valid license from a reputable regulatory body. That guarantees game fairness and an extra layer of security.
Game Selection
Choose a site with a diverse range of games from reputed software providers.
Bonuses and Promotions:
Look for casinos with generous bonuses, and reasonable wagering requirements. Daily promotions pad your bankroll with plenty of extra cash.
Payment Methods
Choose casinos that offer a variety of secure deposits and payment options. Especially, sites that accept cryptocurrencies for fast withdrawals.
Customer Support
Customer support must be responsive and available via live chat, email, or phone. They need to assist you if you have an issue.
Types of Bonuses at Online Illinois Casinos
Here’s an overview of the typical bonuses the best offshore online casinos offer players in Illinois:
Illinois Online Casino Bonuses
Welcome Bonuses
Online casinos in Illinois welcome their new players with a bonus on their first deposit. They’ll match the player’s first deposit by a certain percentage along with free spins on selected slot games.
No Deposit Bonuses
Some casinos grant bonuses without requiring a deposit. That helps players to start playing right after registration, albeit with stricter wagering requirements.
Reload Bonuses
These bonuses reward existing players for making subsequent deposits.
VIP and Loyalty Programs
VIP programs award regular players points for every real money wager they place. They can exchange their points for cash rewards, bonuses, or other perks.
Cashback Bonuses
A safety net for players, these bonuses return a percentage of the player’s losses over a specified period. Essentially takes out the “sting” out of the player’s losses.
Free Spins
Online casinos couple free spins with other bonuses or standalone promotions. Free spins allow players to play slot games without risking their funds, with the potential to win real money.
Refer-a-Friend Bonuses
Players also receive bonuses for referring friends to the casino. That helps to foster a community atmosphere and reward players for expanding the casino’s player base.
Note: It’s essential for players to read the terms and conditions attached to each bonus. Make sure you understand the wagering requirements and other stipulations before claiming them.
When you play casino games online, play within your bankroll and don’t play for hours on end. Take regular breaks and if you can’t control your gambling habits, self-exclude.
Online casinos that welcome players from Illinois have a variety of responsible gaming tools. For example, we use the deposit and session limits option when we play.
That helps us a lot with bankroll management by keeping our bets to the limit.
If the Online Casino Won’t Pay, What Must I Do?
Check the casino’s terms and conditions to ensure you’ve met all requirements.
Talk to the casino’s customer service or casino manager to resolve the issue.
If customer service fails, report the issue to the regulatory body that oversees the casino (if applicable).
As a last resort, you can share your experience on casino review sites to warn others.
FAQs About Illinois Online Casinos
Is online gambling legal in Illinois?
Though betting on sports is legal in Illinois, the state hasn’t legalized online gambling yet. You can visit the Illinois Gaming Board for the latest gambling information.
What age do you have to be to gamble online in Illinois?
In Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old to gamble at online sportsbooks and casinos.
Can I play at online casinos on my mobile device?
Yes, you can play at online casinos on your mobile device. Many casinos have mobile-friendly websites or apps.
Do I pay tax on the money I've won at Illinois-friendly online casinos?
All gambling winnings in the United States including those from online casinos are taxable. You must report your winnings to the IRS. This applies to residents in Illinois as well. Keep track of your wins and losses to accurately report them and potentially offset wins with losses. The forms you would generally use to report your gambling wins are W-2G and 1040.
How do I set limits on how much I can gamble?
Choose casinos that allow you to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Set a budget for how much you can afford to lose before play. Use the tools and features at the casinos to set time limits on your gambling sessions.
Otto Bergstrom is a veteran in the world of casinos and gambling with 20 years of extensive experience. Writing for Casino Whizz, he shares his deep understanding of game strategies and the latest casino trends.
The state of Illinois does not have legislation in place that allows online casinos within its jurisdiction. It has legalized online sports betting since it signed the Sports Wagering Act in 2019.
We hand-picked the 
Sites such as the 
Is online gambling legal in Illinois?
