Illinois Gambling Laws
Online Gambling in Illinois: Regulated Sports Betting, Tribal Casinos, and Offshore Gray Area
Illinois has developed a robust regulated gambling market focused on land-based casinos, video gaming terminals, and mobile sports betting since 2019. The Illinois Gaming Board oversees operations, generating significant tax revenue. Online casinos and poker remain unregulated and prohibited, though bills introduced in 2025-2026 aim to legalize iGaming, potentially launching in future sessions. Offshore sites accept Illinois players in a gray area, with no recorded prosecutions of individual participants, but they lack state protections and carry inherent risks.
Legal Framework for Online Gambling
Under the Illinois Criminal Code (720 ILCS 5/28-1), unauthorized gambling constitutes an offense, but penalties primarily target operators rather than players. Section 28 does not specify punishments for individual online participants, leading experts to view offshore play as unenforced in practice. No state-regulated online casinos or poker sites operate. Efforts to introduce the Internet Gaming Act continue, with proposals for 25% taxation and potential MSIGA participation for poker, but opposition from video gaming and hospitality sectors persists as of early 2026.
Land-Based and Video Gaming Casinos
Illinois features 17 licensed casinos, including 10 riverboat venues (e.g., Hollywood Casino Aurora, Casino Queen East St. Louis, Rivers Casino Des Plaines) and others like Grand Victoria Elgin. These offer extensive slots (over 10,000 combined), table games, and poker rooms. Video gaming terminals (VGTs) exceed 44,000 locations in bars, restaurants, and truck stops, providing slots-like play. A new Chicago casino is slated for 2026 opening. Some riverboat casinos provide social or real-money online options tied to their brands, though full intrastate online casino gaming stays unavailable.
Online Poker in Illinois
No regulated real-money online poker exists. Live poker thrives in 14+ rooms at riverboat casinos and charitable venues. Sweepstakes sites offer legal alternatives for prize-based play. Offshore platforms accept Illinois residents, but participation violates state law technically, though enforcement focuses elsewhere. Pending bills could enable regulated online poker via multi-state compacts if passed.
Sports Betting Landscape
Mobile and retail sports betting launched in 2020 under the Sports Wagering Act, with 10+ active online sportsbooks (e.g., FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars). Bettors wager statewide via apps after in-person registration at licensed venues. Pari-mutuel horse racing continues at tracks and off-track facilities. In-state college team betting faces restrictions on mobile. Offshore sportsbooks persist unregulated, with no player-focused enforcement reported.
Daily Fantasy Sports Availability
DFS operates in a resolved gray area following a 2020 Illinois Supreme Court ruling classifying it as skill-based, not gambling. Major platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel accept Illinois players without restriction. No dedicated DFS regulation exists, but operators continue service post-litigation and “penalty box” provisions in sports betting law.
Illinois Lottery and Other Games
The Illinois Lottery, established in 1974, offers draw games (Powerball, Mega Millions), instant tickets, and daily options. Online ticket sales are authorized via the official website and app, with recent wins including a $1 million Lucky Day Lotto prize purchased digitally in 2026. Charitable bingo operates through nonprofits, but no state-sanctioned online bingo exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What gambling types are available in Illinois?
Illinois supports riverboat/land-based casinos, extensive video gaming terminals, regulated mobile/retail sports betting, the state lottery with online sales, horse racing, and charitable bingo. Online casinos and poker lack regulation.
Is real-money online gambling legal in Illinois?
Regulated online casinos and poker are prohibited; sports betting is fully legal via licensed apps. Offshore play occurs in a gray area without player prosecutions, though it carries no state safeguards.
Which offshore sites accept Illinois residents?
Many offshore casinos, poker rooms, and sportsbooks welcome Illinois players, but participation involves unregulated risks and potential legal ambiguity.
Is intrastate online gambling available?
Only sports betting and lottery ticket sales are authorized online; no intrastate online casinos or poker operate. iGaming expansion remains under legislative consideration for future years.
Does Illinois regulate online gambling?
Yes, for sports betting and lottery; broader iGaming (casinos/poker) stays unregulated, with ongoing bills proposing legalization amid industry debates.