Illinois online casinos are not yet, legal. But should that happen, there are several advantages to playing casinos online compared with traveling to a retail location.
In the broadest sense, an online casino allows you to play a legal, regulated casino game through an internet connection.
This means you can set up an online account anywhere in the state. After doing so, log in through either an app or a website. Once in the virtual casino, customers can find a live-streamed blackjack table or roulette wheel. Maybe, you prefer to gamble via a virtual or play video poker.
Convenience, convenience, convenience
Retail casinos in Illinois remain enticing destinations for players. But picture this: you’re in a casino, and you’ve got your eye on a particular slot machine, like Starburst or Ugga Bugga. However, the person playing the game hasn’t moved in 45 minutes. Maybe you want to play blackjack but prefer a low-stakes game, and there are no seats available.
With an online casino, waiting around is never a problem. You can cash in chips while eating chips in the comfort of your own home.
There are other advantages to playing at an online casino:
- No getting in the car and driving to the casino.
- No driving through a parking garage trying to find a spot.
- You can skip finding your way through the bright lights of a casino floor to get to the game you like.
All you need to play at an online casino is an Internet connection, a device or computer, and to be in a state where the activity is monitored and regulated (so, currently, not Illinois).
After you log in and make a deposit into your account, you have access to hundreds of slot machines. So, if there is one you like, there’s no waiting. Same for the blackjack table and roulette wheel.
You can set up shop and be gambling anywhere in Illinois in a matter of minutes.
If you consider your gambling an entertainment expense — and you should — it can be a fun way to pass the time. You might also earn a few bucks if the cards go your way.
Did we say real money?
One of the best things about online casino providers is that most give you a chance to play for free. This is like test-driving a car. Maybe you’re partial to slot machines that use 7s as their decals, and maybe you like gems. Perhaps you want to do Wheel of Fortune.
Studies have shown the return-to-player percentage is higher at an online casino than at an actual one.
So it may seem odd at first to be doing all this on your phone or computer screen, but rest assured, that is real money flowing into your account when you win and you can withdraw it.
Online casinos offer safeguards, privacy
One advantage of an online casino is that it’s easier to link your bank account to your online casino account than waiting in line at a retail casino to put money or a card or receive chips. Everything is done securely and electronically.
Plus, if you win, that is between yourself and the online casino operator, not the prying eyes of strangers on the casino floor.
Online casinos are committed to protecting your personal information. That’s why you have to undergo a brief signing-in process each time. There are also safeguards where you can receive notifications when you’ve played too long or played more money than you should.
Before you start, you can also set your limits on how long you play, how much you can gamble and how much you can deposit. It’s always wise to take advantage of these online features.
Bonuses for gambling online
Sportsbooks and casino providers have VIP programs for players. Well, those are even sweeter for online casino players. There are online casino bonuses that match a portion of your deposit, which is free cash in your pocket.
Once you find a game you like, you can make a deposit and start playing. That’s not something you can do at a brick-and-mortar casino. And many online operators will reward long-time players with free spins…, and that’s not something you often see in a retail casino.
You control the pace of play
With online casinos, you don’t have to worry about giving up your spot at the table or your favorite slot machine.
Feel like getting a drink of water? Or maybe you have to use the bathroom? When you’re playing at an online casino, you can pause, get up and do what you must.
I am partial to eating chips while winning chips, by the way.
Something is thrilling about having drinks brought to you while you’re on a casino floor, but you get to run the show when you’re playing at an online casino.
Just remember to keep your eye on your account and bet responsibly.
