Guide to Real Money Online Casinos in Illinois
Shawn West has been involved with college basketball, NFL and college football and MLB since he left his job as bank vice president two decades ago. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, children, two dachshunds and a variety of turtles.
It doesn’t matter if you like slot machines, blackjack tables, poker tables or something else entirely, you’ll find that today’s online casino gambling experience rivals that of the one you’ll find at land-based casinos. The top online sportsbooks all offer a wide variety of options for online casino gaming.
Our comprehensive guide was written after our experts looked at dozens of different online betting sites in order to evaluate them on a number of different factors.
In this guide, we’ll give you our rankings of the top 10 real money online casinos in Illinois for 2024. We’ll also discuss the state of online gambling in Illinois and some of the reasons why offshore sportsbooks are still your best bet.
Best Illinois Online Casinos in 2024
We looked at dozens of online sports betting sites with an online casino and tested them in different areas to compile this top 10 of the best sportsbooks to play online casino in Illinois.
- BookMaker – Top-rated online casino in Illinois.
- Heritage Sports – Best for live betting and VIP service in Illinois
- Bovada – Best selection of prop bets in sports
- BetOnline – Opinionated lines on sports
- BetAnySports – Best reduced juice on sports
- BetUS – Offers large bonuses for Illinois gamblers
- WagerWeb – Offers timely payouts
- JustBet – Releases odds earlier than most sites
- Everygame – Offers a variety of bonus promotions
- GTbets – Best place to bet on your favorite team
Are online casinos legal in Illinois?
Online casinos, horse race betting, and even sports betting in Illinois are all legal after the state’s gambling expansion efforts. As long as you are of the legal gambling age (18 for online and in-person betting; unless there’s alcohol served, in which case the minimum gambling age is 21), you are able to enjoy some online gambling action.
However, because online gambling is relatively new in the state, we still recommend using an offshore site. With bigger bonuses, more games and sports to choose from and even crypto deposits, our top-rated offshore sites have much more to offer to their customers.
The Best Illinois Online Casino Reviews
Below you can read why our experts chose these 10 online sportsbooks as the best places for online casino gaming in Illinois.
1. BookMaker: Top Online Casino in IL
The competition was tight, but Bookmaker.eu emerged as our top overall online casino in Illinois. There are a number of reasons why BookMaker tops the list. It offers a wide selection of RTP slots and table games. It also has appealing sign-up bonuses and a great loyalty program that takes into account your casino activity.
Bookmaker.eu also welcomes experienced and first-time gamblers alike and offers high limits for people who want to take a big risk as well as betting tutorials for bettors who are just starting out. Finally, the user interface is also easy to navigate, even for people using it for the first time.
Pros:
- Welcomes experienced and new bettors
- Has high limits for big spenders
- Good bonuses and loyalty program
Cons:
- Not as many table games as some competitors
- No online poker room
2. Heritage Sports: Best for New Bettors in IL
New users may want to consider heading to Heritage Sports, as that’s the easiest to navigate for Illinois casino gaming rookies. Its support is also top-notch if you have a problem with the site and the user interface is straightforward.
It’s easy to find the online casino games you want and get things started, which is important as there is a strong selection of table games. When it comes to slots, you’ll be able to find 3D versions as well as games with high RTP (Return to Player).
Heritage Sports also has a strong sportsbook with one of the best live betting platforms in the industry and they offer reduced juice and rebates.
Pros:
- Cashback and welcome promos
- Easy-to-use interface
- Offers reduced juice for a 20% discount
- Live betting section is one of the best
Cons:
- Sign-up bonuses not as high as elsewhere
- No live online poker room
3. Bovada: Best Mobile Platform in Illinois
There’s no buffet or floor show, but otherwise, you get the best full-casino experience in Illinois when you go to Bovada. In addition to a well-known sportsbook with the widest variety of prop bet options, Bovada offers America’s busiest poker room, esports betting, a racebook and a wide variety of casino games.
This includes over 30 options with live dealers, which is one of the highest numbers available in the industry. Their casino library boasts over 200 titles with more than 50% being slots.
Bovada also has a slick mobile platform that allows you to bet on the go, as well as some of the most appealing sign-up bonuses in the industry. Using a combination of Bovada promo codes on your first three deposits, you can rack up $3,000 in bonus funds.
Pros:
- America’s busiest poker room
- Mobile platform is top notch
- Live dealer section is one of the best in the state
Cons:
- Limits lower than at other top-rated sites
4. BetOnline: Largest Variety of Casino Games
BetOnline has more casino games than just about all of its competitors with a library that boasts over 500 different titles. It also has a very nice user interface which comes in very handy in the live dealer section.
Besides offering a variety of slots, users can partake in specialty games such as Spin 2 Win or different versions of Keno. BetOnline also offers a poker room, a sportsbook with opinionated lines, esports gambling and a racebook. BetOnline is also known to offer some of the best welcome promos, especially for cryptocurrency deposits. These BetOnline promo codes can unlock exclusive offers and provide additional bonus funds.
Pros:
- One of the faster sites to pay out
- Among the highest betting limits
- Customer service and user interface are elite
- Widest variety of casino games
Cons:
- Sign-up bonuses are higher elsewhere
- Has fees for some deposits
5. BetAnySports: Downloadable Versions of Your Favorite Games
BetAnySports, as the name implies, is best known for its sportsbook which features the best reduced juice in Illinois, along with other perks and bonuses. However, it also has seven different casino platforms all in one spot. Bettors can access 3D Casino, Classic Casino, Diamond Casino, Fortune Casino, Horizon Casino, Star Casino and Vegas Live.
Since it has so many different locations in one spot, it can take new users a bit of hunting to find what they’re looking for, and the overall user experience on the site isn’t as slick as on some competitors. However, their library offers 3D games as well as versions you can download which is a fan favorite. The software providers for BetAnySports are Realtime Gaming, BetSoft and Visionary iGaming.
Pros:
- Different casino platforms in one location
- Payouts are fast and easy
- Live betting platform is easy to use
Cons:
- Interface isn’t as user-friendly as the competition
- Bonuses are on the low side
6. BetUS: Best VIP Service
BetUS takes care of its established customers with the best VIP service available, and that has been its flagship trait for over two decades. While the online casino experience might not be as broad as some of the other competitors on this list, at BetUS you will find all the usual table games and slots, a live dealer section and video poker. If you are a blackjack fan you are in luck as they have 16 different variations.
BetUS is more known for its constant promos, including solid welcome bonuses for new customers, including an option of up to $5,000 thanks to a 250% bonus on your first deposit. However, it does have a 30x rollover requirement.
Pros:
- Large bonuses for both new customers and returning ones
- Creative marketing and video analysis on BetUS TV
- VIP program best in state
- Strong esports betting area
Cons:
- Late lines
- More play-through requirements to withdraw bonus money
7. WagerWeb: Best Bonuses in Illinois
Other sites may have more recognizable names, but WagerWeb has been around since the early 1990s and has a long history of dependable service for gamblers in Illinois and other places. Its casino library is not as expansive as some of its competitors, but users can find up to 80 different slots.
WagerWeb also offers the best promos in the state for both new and existing customers, including a 5% rebate bonus in the casino. However, there are no casino-specific bonuses available.
Pros:
- Bonuses are best in the state
- Long history of quick payouts
- Sportsbook offers reduced juice
Cons:
- Withdrawals limited to one per month
- Betting limits are lower than competitors
8. JustBet: Great for New & Emerging Trends in IL
JustBet is closely related to our top-rated site in Illinois, Bookmaker.eu. The two are sister sites and a lot of what makes BookMaker great is also available at JustBet, including high limits, a slick user interface and a strong menu of promotions.
However, the casino library is limited and there are no 3D slots or live dealers available. However, users can play JustBet’s casino games for free while finding the one they want to bet on.
JustBet is also able to keep up with emerging trends and technology. For instance, it was one of the first to embrace live betting on sports and still has one of the top areas for that fast-growing trend.
Pros:
- Many of the benefits of top-rated BookMaker
- High limits, early lines
- Welcome bonuses are among the best in the state
- Top live betting platform
Cons:
- No online poker room
- No reduced juice
9. Everygame: Best Mobile Casino Experience in IL
No one offers a better mobile casino gaming experience in Illinois than Everygame. The company recently upgraded the platform and the result has been a great online casino for players on the go.
Everygame offers more than 300 slots, going from the most basic ones all the way up to 3D and slots with progressive jackpots. However, the variety of table games is not as wide; although you’ll find the most popular ones, including different versions of blackjack and roulette.
New players can also claim some exciting bonuses with the latest Everygame promo codes. The Rookie Raise Welcome Package can award over $5,000 in bonus funds. There are other deposit match bonuses available, including exclusive offers for crypto players.
Pros:
- Mobile interface is one of the best in Illinois, particularly for casino gaming
- Diverse set of casino games available
- Online poker room
Cons:
- Account verification takes longer than other sites
- Bonuses aren’t as high
10. GTbets: Best for Competitive Bonuses in Illinois
GTbets wants you as a customer and is willing to pay for it. The site offers some of the highest sign-up bonuses in the state. One of their casino promotions is a 10% weekly rebate on your losses.
This site also offers reduced juice on football betting and gives you a half-point bonus when you bet on your favorite team through their “Favorite Team” feature.
Pros:
- Bonuses are among the highest in Illinois
- Reduced juice on football gives a 10 percent discount
- Offers extra half-point when betting on your favorite teams
- 24/7 customer service that is fast and courteous
Cons:
- Withdrawal fees higher than other sites
- High rollover requirements make it tougher to cash out
Illinois Sports Betting Updates
- December 2022: Bally’s is approved for a $1.74 billion casino in the city of Chicago.
- October 2022: More than a billion dollars have been bet on sports in the state of Illinois, making it the third highest-grossing state in the U.S.
- September 2022: Ten casinos, three racetracks and seven sports arenas apply for approval to operate in-person gambling facilities.
- March 2022: The requirement for in-person registration for online gambling expires. Users can now register for an account online and start betting right away.
- March 2020: Rivers Casino receives the first casino license. The first sports betting apps are authorized in June with the condition that to gamble online, users need to register with an operator in person.
- June 2019: A law legalizing sports betting passes on June 3, and is signed into law on June 28.
- August 2018: Efforts start to legalize gambling in the state of Illinois
Top Real Money Online Casinos for Illinois: Comparison
We looked at the top offshore casino gambling sites in Illinois and compared them on a number of factors, including:
- Wide range of casino games offered
- Quality of software used to run games
- User-friendliness of site
- Size of betting limits
- Bonuses and promotions
- History of secure betting
- Customer service
How to Compare the Best Illinois Online Casinos
Here’s a closer look at the factors we used to thoroughly evaluate these gambling sites. Here’s a closer look at the factors we used to evaluate the online casinos in our rankings:
Range of Games
There are a number of different types of casino games you can play online, and each has several variations and options within its category. Some of the most popular are:
- Online slots: Video slots, 3D slots, progressive jackpots
- Poker: Virtual table poker and video poker
- Table games: Blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat
- Live dealer games: Table games
- Specialty games: Keno, bingo
- Virtual sports: League of Legends, Starcraft, Valorant
Software
You may not know the individual companies that create software for online casino games, but you certainly know what good and bad software does. You want a smooth, secure glitch-free experience. Some bettors and sports fans prefer slick, detailed interfaces, while other online casino players just want to focus on the game and don’t care about the bells and whistles.
Betting Limits
Most online casinos in Illinois let you bet as little as a dollar, but the maximum amount can vary greatly, from $250 up to $5,000. There could also be different limits at different tables, with the higher limits obviously attracting more serious players.
VIP Tables
Some casinos reserve tables for VIP customers. It’s one of several perks that VIP members may receive as a reward for their loyalty to one online casino site.
Illinois Casinos – Bonuses
When it comes to online casino gaming, it’s common for offshore sites to offer a variety of generous bonuses to attract and keep customers. Sometimes you will need casino bonus codes to capitalize on the promotions, but most sites will tell you the current bonus code when you sign up. Some bonuses you might see include:
- Sign-up bonus: A welcome bonus to attract new users. Usually, it’s a match of a portion of your initial deposit.
- Deposit match bonus: These deposit bonuses are great because the operator will match your entire initial deposit as a thank-you for registering and funding your account. These can be the biggest bonuses, depending on how much money you put in.
- Free plays: You may get free games or free spins as part of a reward, meaning you don’t need to risk your money to play.
- Reload bonus: Like a sign-up bonus but for existing customers who add more money to their account.
- Promotions: Offers, usually aimed at existing customers.
- Loyalty program: Often points-based, you earn additional perks by continuing to make bets, with larger bets earning more points.
- Rebate and cash back: You can earn back some of what you spend through loyal play.
Mobile Experience
More and more gambling is done on the phone, as online casino players want to wager while on the go instead of sitting down at a computer. Every site offers some type of mobile betting interface or standalone online casino app. Some are very bare-bones versions of the full online sports betting site, while others are just as detailed and have just as much attention to detail as the original. Many casinos offer dedicated online casino apps for mobile users, which offers another layer of security to betting and sports fans.
What games can you play with real money at online casinos in Illinois?
The best online sportsbooks and online casinos in Illinois give you a variety of different types of games to play, just like in a brick-and-mortar casino. Some of the most popular games are blackjack and poker, which are available in a variety of different styles both in a video setting and with live dealers. You’ll also find varieties of roulette, craps and any number of other games.
Online Slots
This game of chance is one of the most visible in any casino. Players spin a wheel filled with random symbols. If the correct symbols line up, you win money and possibly unlock valuable bonuses. Most online gambling sites that offer online slots will have digital renditions of all your favorite slot games you can find at retail casinos.
Blackjack
This is a table strategy game and it is currently the most widely played game in the world.
Unlike other types of games that involve competition against other players, blackjack is more about competing against the dealer.
Poker
This is another popular card game that is regularly played at casinos, both in-person and online. There are a variety of poker variations that can be found, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
Roulette
The online version of this casino game of chance involves a ball and a spinning wheel. A player can choose to place a bet on single numbers, varying numbers, color, odd or even numbers or high/low numbers.
Baccarat
Baccarat is a casino game played between two people, the “banker” and the “player”. Each round has three outcomes: the banker could have the higher-value hand), the player could win, or there could be a tie.
Live Casino
A live casino has an actual live dealer casino. It gives players a replica of an actual casino and the opportunity to earn real money playing dealer games.
Playing Live Dealer Games at Illinois Casinos Online
Live dealer games put you face-to-face with an actual casino dealer via live video, replicating the social aspect of retail casinos from the comfort of home. You can chat with the dealer and other players at the table.
Live dealer games are popular for blackjack, roulette and baccarat.
Payment Methods Available at Illinois Online Casinos
One factor that can be important when choosing an online casino is the type of payment methods that are accepted. Brick-and-mortar casinos deal only in cash, but there are multiple banking options available when using online casino sites.
Crypto at Casinos
Most people want to be able to start wagering their money as soon as it is deposited. With many online casinos located offshore, there can be delays in clearing payments. That’s the benefit of cryptocurrency, which is designed to easily cross national boundaries. Some popular crypto payment methods include Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum and Tether.
eWallets at Casinos
Nowadays, eWallets are almost as popular as crypto. Transactions are fast and fees are low if there are any at all. Some popular eWallets include PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.
Traditional Payment Methods
Some online casino players prefer the older gambling payment methods involving their bank to fund their accounts. Bank transfers are one option, or you can use a debit or credit card like Visa, MasterCard or American Express. Bank transfers are straightforward but may not be as fast as other payment methods.
Land-Based Casinos in Illinois
Gambling in person is legal in Illinois and there are a fast-growing number of licensed casinos available for in-person gaming. Retail sportsbooks have also started to open across the state. Now that gambling laws have changed, state-licensed operators are starting to offer online sports wagering and other online games in order to capture a portion of the large online gambling industry’s market. Illinois use to have an in-person registration requirement, but that is no longer the case. Now you’re free to enjoy any number of online casino options in addition to the following commercial casinos:
- Harrah’s Joliet
- Hollywood Casino Joliet
- Rivers Casino Des Plaines
- Argosy Casino Alton
- Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
Tribal Casinos in Illinois
Around the country, there are a number of areas where legalized gambling is available only on native American-owned land, which is not subject to state or federal laws. Currently, Illinois does not have any native American casinos, but Illinois residents still have access to commercial casinos and offshore casinos.
How to Play at Real Money Online Casinos From Illinois
The sign-up process with an online account for offshore sites is fast and easy in Illinois.
Step 1: Create an Account
Head to the website of the casino you’ve chosen as right for you and click “Sign Up” to create a new account. Enter a username, password, and email.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Many online betting sites require new players to verify their identity before depositing funds. You can complete this step online by entering your phone number and address. It may involve a two-step process of sending a code to your phone.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
Next, it’s time to make a deposit and claim your welcome bonus. Choose your preferred payment method from the accepted banking methods. Be sure to enter the promotion code for your deposit bonus, if one is required to receive deposit bonuses. Also, be mindful of any requirements on minimum deposits.
Step 4: Start Playing
Now you’re ready for some online gaming and other forms of gambling. Choose which game you want to play on one of the offshore sites and click “Play Now” to get started.
FAQs – Best Real Money Online Casinos in Illinois
There are a number of offshore betting sites that offer all your favorite casino games. We ranked the 10 that we think are the best, headed by BookMaker at the top, followed by Heritage Sports, BetOnline and Bovada.
Online casinos are completely legal in Illinois since March 2022. It use to be required that you do in-person registration to be able to gamble in the state, but that is no longer the case and you can freely play classic casino games online, in addition to numerous other online gambling options such as niche casino games and sports betting.
The recent legalization has attracted a large number of new players to the market. We can’t vouch for any of the brand-new entrants in the gambling industry but our top 10 online poker sites and casinos all have a long history of safe, dependable service.
All of the casinos on our list offer jackpots and prizes on par with the best in-person casinos out there, all while having more gaming options all from the comfort of your home.
Currently, there are about a dozen places that offer legal in-person betting in Illinois, mostly casinos, track betting facilities and sports arenas. There are also more casinos that are in the early stages of opening in the state, and many existing operators are rushing to get an online casino option for their customers.
Anyone age 18 or older can participate in any legalized betting in Illinois, such as gambling with online slot machines, playing poker or betting on sports.
All of our top-rated casinos offer either a mobile casino app or their site is optimized to be used on a mobile device for playing your favorite games. These gambling and legal sports betting apps are all available to Illinois residents.
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Opinionated Lines BetOnline Review -
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Loyalty Program Bookmaker Review
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Excellent for Prop Bets Bovada Review
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Reduced Juice BetAnySports Review
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Live Betting Powerhouse Heritage Sports Review
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