Best Casinos in Illinois - Complete Guide

Social casinos in Illinois provide residents with a legal and enjoyable alternative to traditional real-money online casinos. Operating within the framework of sweepstakes laws, these platforms offer a unique gaming experience without the involvement of actual currency.

How It Works: 

In social casinos, or sweepstakes casinos, players use virtual currency instead of real money to engage in various casino-style games. This virtual currency is typically acquired through sign-up bonuses, daily rewards, or optional in-app purchases. Players can enjoy slots, table games, and other casino favorites without financial risk.

Legal Status: 

Social casinos are legal in Illinois. By utilizing a virtual currency model, these online casinos comply with state laws, providing residents with a risk-free way to experience the excitement of casino games.

Listed below are our selected choices for recommended social casinos in Illinois:

Pulsz Casino Illinois

Pulsz Casino offers players in Illinois free play with Gold Coins and rewards additional Sweepstakes Coins upon purchase. Its cross-platform accessibility through desktop and an Android mobile app, coupled with legal compliance in the United States (excluding Washington State and Idaho), ensures a secure and flexible gaming experience. 

• Innovative rewards program
• Convenient accessibility
• Commitment to legal compliances

Fortune Coins Casino Illinois

Fortune Coins Casino in Illinois stands out with a visually captivating design and an intuitive navigation experience, creating an inviting environment for players. This sweepstakes casino sets a high standard with exceptional bonus offers, including a generous new player offer.

• Lucrative ongoing bonus offers
• Appealing design
• Stellar new player promo

High 5 Casino Illinois

High 5 Casino, honored as the "Social Gaming Operator of the Year" at the 2023 EGR North America Awards, has solidified its position as a leading free-to-play online casino in Illinois. Boasting an impressive library of over 800 casino-style games, including live dealer options, the sweepstakes casino offers a diverse array of slots and classic table games like blackjack and roulette.

• Substantial game selection
• Enticing welcome offer
• Acclaimed industry recognition

WOW Vegas Casino Illinois

WOW Vegas Casino offers players in Illinois a diverse selection of over 700 slots, including titles developed by renowned providers such as Pragmatic Play and Betsoft. This social casino also entices players with a generous welcome bonus and a simple and intuitive web and app design.

• User-friendly design
• Generous welcome bonus
• Extensive slot library

LuckyLand Slots Casino Illinois

LuckyLand Slots shines with a collection of over 70 exclusive slot titles, offering players in Illinois a unique gaming experience not commonly found in other online casinos. In addition, LuckyLand Slots keeps players engaged with daily bonuses and recurring bonuses tied to their tier level. 

• Daily and recurring bonuses
• Innovative loyalty program
• Exclusive slot titles

McLuck Casino Illinois

McLuck Casino impresses with an extensive library boasting over 500 games available to users in Illinois. This sweepstakes casino also features the exclusive McJackpot, a progressive jackpot that makes every spin an opportunity for substantial rewards. 

• Massive game collection
• Exclusive progressive jackpot
• Live casino

Chumba Casino Illinois

Chumba Casino is a legally accessible operator in 49 U.S. states including Illinois. It provides a broad user base the opportunity to enjoy its offerings within the bounds of local regulations. Chumba Casino is a trusted social casino that prioritizes fair play, player protection, and overall regulatory compliance.

• Secure and legitimate
• Trusted brand
• Simple and user-friendly design

Stake.us Casino Illinois

Stake.us Casino, available in Illinois, sets itself apart by featuring a unique collection known as Stake Originals, providing players with exclusive and distinctive gaming experiences not found elsewhere. Stake.us also offers a rewarding VIP Club where players can climb through various levels, unlocking additional prizes along the way. Diamond-level players even enjoy the privilege of a dedicated VIP host.

• Rewarding VIP club membership
• In-house game developers
• Unique game collection

MyJackPot.com Illinois

MyJackPot.com in Illinois delivers an authentic online casino experience without the need for real money, ensuring players can enjoy premium software and lucrative slots in a risk-free environment. This social casino further caters to mobile users by providing a dedicated app, New Epic Wilds, and an overall user-friendly interface.

• Authentic gaming experience
• User-friendly interface
• Dedicated app solution

Hard Rock Social Casino Illinois

Hard Rock Social Casino provides a live slots experience, offering Illinois players a diverse selection that contributes to a dynamic gaming environment. The casino enhances player engagement through its Rewards Center, providing an avenue for users to purchase merchandise using points earned during gameplay or when acquiring coin packages.

• Appealing rewards center
• Live slots experience
• Secure gaming

No, online casinos are currently not legal in Illinois. The state does allow certain forms of online gambling, such as sports betting, but online casino games like slots and table games remain illegal. However, Illinois residents have other options for casino gambling, including social casinos and brick-and-mortar establishments.

Brief History of Gambling and Casino Laws in Illinois

Betting in Illinois dates back to the 1800s with unlicensed riverboat casinos and underground poker games. In the 1920s, horse racing betting was authorized, marking the state's first move to regulate gambling and generate tax revenue. 

The establishment of a state lottery in 1974 and the return of riverboat casinos in 1991 further expanded the gambling landscape. 

In 2011, a new bill allowed brick-and-mortar casinos and video gaming machines to become legal after two years of legislative adjustments. 

Illinois legalized sports betting in December 2019, with the first bet placed at BetRivers Sportsbook in Des Plaines in March 2020. Although the bill was passed by lawmakers in the spring of 2019, it took almost a year for the inaugural sports wager to be accepted in the state.

Yes, online sports betting was legalized in Illinois in December 2019, while gamblers placed the first bet in March 2020. The repeal of PASPA in 2018 paved the way for Illinois to explore regulated online sports betting. 

As of today, Illinois stands among the top five U.S. states for mobile sports betting, both in terms of handle and revenues. Leading sportsbook brands have solidified their presence by offering enticing welcome bonus packages, contributing to the thriving landscape of online sports betting in the Prairie State.

Below are some of the premier sportsbooks accessible to residents of Illinois:

• FanDuel: A renowned sportsbook offering a user-friendly platform with competitive odds, diverse betting markets, and standout promotions.
• DraftKings: DraftKings, a pioneer in daily fantasy sports, extends its expertise to sports betting with an intuitive website and app, innovative features, and a generous array of promotions, making it a popular choice among users.
• BetMGM: BetMGM combines a sleek interface with a comprehensive sportsbook, backed by the MGM Resorts International brand, offering users an extensive range of betting options and enticing bonuses.
• Caesars: With the legacy of the iconic Caesars brand, Caesars Sportsbook provides a diverse selection of sports markets, competitive odds, and integration with the Caesars Rewards program.

Brick-and-mortar casino gambling is legally permitted in the Prairie State of Illinois, with 10 riverboat casinos offering a diverse range of live casino games. Initially, these riverboats were required to sail before gaming activities commenced, but regulations evolved in 1999, allowing them to be docked for convenience. In addition to these riverboat casinos, the state independently approves charitable casino events.

With the state restricting gaming licenses to just 10, each casino in Illinois plays a crucial role in shaping the local entertainment scene. Formerly featuring popular pari-mutuel casinos for horse racing, the industry has seen a decline, yet the adaptability of Illinois casinos ensures a dynamic and evolving landscape.

Notable Land-Based Casinos in Illinois:

Illinois offers a broad spectrum of gambling options, beyond traditional casinos, online social casinos, and online sports betting.

Charitable Gambling

The state permits charitable gambling events, providing organizations with an opportunity to host fundraisers and activities such as raffles and bingo. These events contribute to charitable causes while allowing participants to engage in legal and regulated gambling.

Online Poker

While real-money online poker is currently illegal in Illinois, the state's overall openness to various forms of gambling raises optimism among enthusiasts that online poker may become a legal option in the future. 

Online Lottery

Illinois is often referred to as the pioneer of online lotto games because it was the first US state to permit the selling of lottery tickets online. The online state lottery was launched back in 2001 and residents can still conveniently participate in state lotteries through authorized online platforms. 

Bingo

Bingo remains a popular and legal form of gambling in Illinois, with numerous venues, including charitable organizations and dedicated bingo halls, offering games regularly. 

Daily Fantasy Sports Betting

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) betting has gained significant traction in Illinois. Popular platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel operate legally in the state, providing an engaging and skill-based alternative to traditional sports betting.

Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Betting

While the horse racing industry has faced challenges, Illinois continues to host horse racing events, allowing patrons to engage in pari-mutuel betting. Platforms like TVG and TwinSpires offer residents the opportunity to participate in horse racing wagering through secure and regulated online channels.

Video Gaming Terminals

Video gaming terminals (VGTs) are strategically placed in various establishments such as bars and truck stops. These terminals offer a variety of games, providing a legal and regulated form of entertainment for patrons.

Live Poker 

Live poker games are offered in the riverboat casinos, complete with tournament schedules. Additionally, while there aren’t any particular provisions of social poker under Illinois law, no gambler has ever been put on trial for playing in any.