Illinois Online Gambling

So far, there are seven regulated online sportsbooks in Illinois: BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, Caesars, Barstool and BetMGM.

As many as three more appear to be coming — Circa, Hard Rock and Betway. Circa and Hard Rock could begin taking bets in 2023. Also, look for ESPN Bet to take over Barstool’s Illinois Sportsbook sometime in 2023 and Fanatics to complete a purchase of PointsBet and take over PB’s operation in Illinois in 2024. Betway could arrive in 2024.

The more sportsbooks and the more competition, the better it is for you. Take advantage of welcome offers and bonus bets when you sign up at a legal Illinois sportsbook. All the popular betting options are available, including moneylines and same-game parlays.

Today, you’ll find regular in-state draws and big multi-state prizes such as the Powerball and Mega Millions at the Illinois Lottery. Instant-play games are available; many of them are themed, such as Deal or No Deal. The Illinois Lottery offers fast play lottery online and at retail locations. You can buy Illinois lottery tickets online, too. There is also a lottery app where you can check drawing results.

The IL Lottery funds several charitable organizations in the Prairie State that support children, veterans and infrastructure.

Currently, there are 11 retail sports betting options in Illinois. Retail sportsbooks allow you to enjoy food and beverage service, watch the game on a big TV and bet on the game in person.

Every Illinois casino, racetrack and sports stadium can have a retail sportsbook. In 2023, Circa Sportsbook is expected to open in The Temporary by American Place casino in Waukegan. A Hard Rock sportsbook is also expected to open at its casino in Rockford. And a retail sportsbook is also expected to open in the Golden Nugget Casino Danville.

Retail sportsbooks are also open at the United Center (FanDuel) and Wrigley Field (DraftKings). Both are still awaiting approval from the Illinois Gaming Board before being allowed to take retail bets.

Thankfully, you can find a retail sportsbook at most Illinois casinos, racetracks or off-track betting locations.

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests run legally in Illinois. On April 16, 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that head-to-head DFS contests do not constitute gambling. So, it’s safe to play DFS in Illinois. Major sites, including FanDuel DFS, DraftKings DFS, Yahoo and Monkey Knife Fight, offer real-money picks.

DFS is an online game where players compete against others by building a team of pro athletes with a limited salary cap. Players earn points (and victories) based upon those athletes’ performances in designated games.

There are 14 casinos in Illinois that play host to slots, blackjack, roulette and more. Five more casino facilities are coming, including a major entertainment casino complex being built by Bally’s in Chicago.

Walker’s Bluff opened on Aug. 25, 2023.

The Golden Nugget Casino Danville opened on May 27, 2023.

The Temporary by American Place casino in Waukegan opened on Feb. 17, 2023.

The only real-money casino games allowed in Illinois are at retail casinos. Though, regulated online slots, online table games and online poker may be coming to Illinois in 2024.

The only legal online casino options operate using sweepstakes rules.

There are two types of real-money poker in Illinois: retail and charity. Rivers Casino near Chicago opened a new poker room in the spring. There are four poker rooms in Illinois:

• Bally’s Quad Cities Casino and Hotel, Rock Island
• Hollywood Casino, Aurora
• Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin
• Rivers Casino, Des Plaines

The Internet Gaming Act would legalize online poker in Illinois. If that legislature passes, the only legal online poker option is Global Poker, which operates under sweepstakes gaming rules.