Top Online Casinos in Illinois 2024
The Illinois online casino scene revolves around sweepstakes casinos since the Prairie State still doesn't have legal real money online casinos. We've examined the industry's best social and sweepstakes operators to provide a definitive list of the top online casinos Illinois players can access in 2024.
Read below for updates on Illinois gambling laws and the state's iGaming market.
Top rated online casinos Illinois
21+ and present in IL. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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- McLuck Casino Benefits
- Over 450 free games
- Free Gold Coins every day
- Big prizes via McJackpot feature
- McLuck Casino Review
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- WOW Vegas Benefits
- 700+ game titles
- Social media contests
- Easy-to-navigate, well-designed site
- WOW Vegas Review
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- Pulsz Benefits
- 30 SC first purchase bonus
- Daily bonuses and rewards
- Excellent mobile UX
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- High 5 Casino Benefits
- 1200+ games, slots, and live dealer
- Free daily rewards
- Made in the USA
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- Stake US Benefits
- Cryptocurrency-friendly
- No real money purchase required
- Over 300 games
- Stake US Review
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- Fortune Coins Benefits
- Refer-a-friend bonuses
- Redeem Fortune Coins for cash
- Lots of free coins for new players
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- Gambino Slots Benefits
- 200 free spins to start
- Over 150 games
- No registration needed
- Gambino Slots Review
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- LuckyBird Benefits
- Unique games developed in-house
- SC can be redeemed for cash
- Up to 21% rakeback
- LuckyBird.io Review
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- Chanced Benefits
- Chanced exclusive titles
- Range of live dealer games available
- Opportunity to win real money prizes
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- Funrize Casino Benefits
- 24/7 customer support
- Free daily spin
- New games added monthly
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- Golden Hearts Games Benefits
- Charitable social casino
- Sign up with Facebook or email
- 24/7 bingo games
- Golden Hearts Games Review
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- Funzpoints Casino Benefits
- Spin the wheel every three hours
- Quick redemptions
- Daily jackpot draws
- Funzpoints Review
- Sweepstakes Casinos: Yes
- Legal age for casino gambling: 21
- Online casinos: No
- Retail casinos: Yes
Online casino Illinois updates
Illinois has proven to be one of the most lucrative U.S. states regarding online gambling, earning a $9.74 billion sports betting handle in 2022. The appetite for Illinois real money online casinos runs as deep as the state's pizza, but even so, legalization is unlikely to occur anytime soon. Read below for the most relevant Illinois online casino updates in 2024:
Apr. 17, 2024: A new voluntary self-exclusion program is set to launch summer 2024 in the Northeast with plans to expand to the Midwest in the ensuing months.
Apr. 11, 2024: With Maine's online casino gaming legalization hopes set to fall short, Illinois will again be one of the top targets for iGaming bills, likely starting after the 2024 elections.
Mar. 16, 2024: The odds are growing longer for any U.S. state to pass a new iGaming bill in 2024, although Maryland is most likely to sanction online casinos next after HB 1319 moved passed the House and on to the Senate.
Mar. 6, 2024: Rush Street Interactive (RSI) CEO Richard Schwartz identifies Illinois, in addition to New York, Maryland, and Alberta in Canada, as one of the regions the company is monitoring closely for the future. Speaking in his opening statement on RSI's Q4 2023 earnings call, he said: "As we look ahead, these [markets] have us very excited about the future.”
Feb. 16, 2024: A new report, commissioned by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), confirms iGaming boosts revenue for brick-and-mortar casinos.
June 21, 2023: Bally's receives approval from the IGB to begin the process of opening a temporary casino inside the old Medinah Temple in River North.
Feb. 8, 2023: Representative. Edgar Gonzalez Jr introduces HB 2239, the state's Internet Gaming Act. Though the bill did not pass in session, it remains on the table for the upcoming 2024 legislative season.
Feb. 8, 2023: State Senator Cristina Castro files The Internet Gaming Act Senate SB 1656 with the Illinois General Assembly but generates little movement. The bill remains active for the upcoming 2024 legislative season.
May 22, 2022: Bally’s was tapped as the preferred bidder for a $1.7B casino project by the City of Chicago. Plans for Bally’s Chicago include a 500-room hotel and sprawling entertainment center.
Feb. 18, 2021: Rep. Robert Rita files HB 3142, which would legalize iGaming and allow operators to offer legal services within the state.
March 9, 2020: Rivers Casino opens the first Illinois sportsbook in history.
June 28, 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker amended the River Boat Gambling Act, allowing 10 Illinois riverboat casinos to move operations to dry land.
What are Illinois sweepstakes casinos?
Real money online casinos are prohibited in Illinois. However, sweepstakes casinos — such as McLuck and Pulsz — are legal and available for players interested in the social side of iGaming in 2024.
Sweepstakes casinos do not require real money to gamble. Instead, these operators run on virtual currencies — often called Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) — which hold no monetary value outside the site. GC are used to play for fun, while SC can be redeemed for gift cards or various cash prizes.
Covers Tip: Sweepstakes operators are often confused with social casinos, as each does not require any real money to play, but there is one key element that differentiates the two: you can earn cash prizes at sweepstakes casinos, while social casinos offer no rewards that hold any monetary value.
Top 5 Illinois sweepstakes casinos reviewed
Until Illinois legalizes real money online casinos, social and sweepstakes casinos provide an exciting alternative for IL players looking to play the most popular online casino games.
We've done a deep-dive into the Prairie State to bring you our top five Illinois online casinos in 2024:
1. McLuck Casino
McLuck is a rising name in the online sweepstakes casino industry for several reasons. Its top-notch customer service team and the eight-tier McLuck Loyalty Club are just the tip of the iceberg. McLuck's crown jewel is its collection of enticing ongoing bonuses, such as its unique McJackPot promo and welcome offer of 57,500 GC + 30 SC when you sign-up with our McLuck promo code 'COVERSBONUS' and take advantage of a first-purchase discount.
McLuck Casino
Our McLuck Casino review further explains why you should try this Illinois online casino today.
- App Store rating: 4.3/5 ⭐️ (215 reviews)
- Google Play Store rating: 4.1/5 ⭐️ (867 reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 57,500 GC + 30 SC Bonus
- Payout speed: 1-2 days
2. WOW Vegas Casino
With over 800 online casino games and daily login bonuses, Illinois players will find plenty to enjoy when playing at WOW Vegas. This popular U.S. sweepstakes casino also has one of the industry's most enticing welcome bonuses for new users — 1.75 million WC + 35 SC — that does not require a WOW Vegas promo code to score.
WOW Vegas Casino
Check out our WOW Vegas review for an unbiased overview of the operator.
- App Store rating: N/A
- Google Play Store rating: N/A
- Sign-up bonus: 1.75 million WC + 35 SC
- Payout speed: 2-4 days
3. Pulsz Casino
Pulsz is a staple of the sweepstakes market, topping our list of online casinos Illinois offers in 2024. Slots are the main draw, but with over 700 online casino games available, Pulsz is sure to have something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned bettor or a newbie. Register today with our exclusive Pulsz promo code 'COVERSBONUS' to claim its welcome bonus — up to 367,000 GC + 32.5 SC.
Pulsz Casino
Read our Pulsz Casino sweepstakes review to learn more.
- App Store rating: 4.4/5 ⭐️ (2.7K reviews)
- Google Play Store rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️ (14.6K reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: Up to 367,000 GC + 32.5 SC
- Payout speed: 0-5 days
4. High 5 Casino
High 5 Casino — the EGR 2023 Social Gaming Operator of the Year — is an industry-leading sweepstakes casino with more than 800 casino-style games, a tiered VIP program, and an exceptional mobile app that is free to download on the App Store and Google Play Store. Join today and get its latest welcome bonus, which does not require a High 5 Casino promo code to claim.
High 5 Casino
Online casino Illinois players should refer to our High 5 Casino review for additional details about this sweepstakes casino.
- App Store rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️ (206 reviews)
- Google Play Store rating: 4.2/5 ⭐️ (9.2K reviews)
- Sign-up bonus: 250 GC, 5 SC + 600 Diamonds
- Payout speed: 1-2 days
5. Stake.us Casino
Stake.us Casino operates solely on cryptocurrency, which immediately distinguishes it from other Illinois online casinos in 2024. Additionally, the platform's selection of original games, VIP program, and ongoing collection of obtainable promos — including its welcome bonus that requires the Stake.us bonus code 'COVERSBONUS' to claim — further helps separate Stake.us Casino from the pack.
Stake.us Casino
Learn more about the sweepstakes casino by reading our Stake.us review.
- App Store rating: N/A
- Google Play Store rating: N/A
- Sign-up bonus: 250,000 GC + $25 SC
- Payout speed: Instant
How we rate and review casino sites
We use our Covers BetSmart Rating system to thoroughly review every Illinois online casino. The rating system evaluates operators on six key factors, compiling a score for each aspect and the online casino overall. Below is a brief outline of how we rate Illinois online casinos in 2024:
Bonuses and promotions
Enticing casino bonuses and promotions — from an easy-to-claim welcome offer to an online casino no-deposit bonus — are the best way to draw in new users to a sweepstakes operator and provide instant value for online casino Illinois players.
Banking and payout speed
We look for fast payout casino sites that offer a wide range of banking options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurriencies, and bank transfers.
Software and games
The best online casino Illinois players can access should offer a wide selection of games to enhance the virtual gaming experience. We identify and prioritize online casinos that offer titles from the industry's best software providers, such as IGT and NetEnt.
Security and trust
Covers treats online security with the utmost importance, ensuring every Illinois online casino we suggest is licensed and equipped with modern data protection measures to safely store your personal and financial information.
Mobile experience
Having a user-friendly sweepstakes casino app will skyrocket an operator up our rankings. Illinois online casino players should not have to compromise while gaming on the go and should be able to access their favorite sweepstakes casino via a dedicated mobile app or a mobile-optimized website.
Customer support
We test every customer support communication channel a sweepstakes casino offers to ensure they are knowledgeable and responsive, no matter the severity of the issue. We give extra points if the operator has 24/7 live chat and a phone line.
Illinois blacklisted casinos
Covers have been reviewing online gambling sites for over 28 years, and any online casino Illinois players can access that does not meet our expectations is included in our blacklist. We strongly recommend against using the following offshore casinos:
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Most popular online casino games in Illinois
Sweepstakes operators offer many games you’d see at traditional casinos, including slots and table games, but do not require a real-money deposit to play. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular games you can play at the best online casinos in Illinois:
Game type | Description | House edge |
---|---|---|
🎰 Slots |
Slots are a staple of the iGaming industry, as they are a favorite among seasoned bettors and newbies alike. Just spin the virtual reel to earn prizes. McLuck Casino offers top slot titles. |
From 2% to 10% |
🃁 🃜 Blackjack |
Blackjack is a 52-card table game where you compete against the dealer, attempting to get the closest to 21 without going over. Check out Pulsz Casino for the best blackjack games. |
From 1.5% |
♠️ Poker |
As synonymous with gambling as Nevada, poker is an iconic casino game where you try to get the best five card hand for a lucrative payout. We recommend Stake.us for a unique online poker experience. |
From 1.5% |
⚡️ Roulette |
Roulette is an accessible online casino table game for bettors of all skill levels, as you just bet where a ball will land on a spinning 37-slot wheel. LuckyBird.io is our pick for solid roulette games. |
From 1.5% |
🤵🏻 Baccarat |
Baccarat has three potential outcomes — win, lose, or tie — depending on if you or the banker has the higher score. WOW Vegas sweepstakes casino has a good mix of baccarat titles in 2024. |
From 1.06% |
🎲 Craps |
Craps is as simple as it gets, as you just have to roll a pair of dice and try to land a seven or eleven. Look into BetRivers.net social casino for top crap games. |
From 1.4% |
👩💼 Live dealer |
Live dealer games are the best of both worlds, as they bring an authentic casino experience to the comfort of your home. You can play popular games with professional live dealers and other real players. Check out High 5 Casino for immersive live dealer options. |
Game-dependent |
Sports betting
Legal Illinois sports betting launched in 2020, allowing Prairie State bettors to register and wager with several of the industry's best and biggest online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, and Caesars Sportsbook. New to IL's sports gambling scene? Sign up today to score a wide variety of lucrative Illinois sportsbook promos, which are all available via dedicated Illinois sports betting apps.
Latest Illinois gambling news
Legal online casinos in Illinois
Illinois is still without licensed and regulated online casinos in 2024. Until that changes, you can use any of the following top-rated sweepstakes casinos:
Illinois sweepstakes casinos
Online casino | Mobile app | Software |
---|---|---|
McLuck Casino | Yes | IGT, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play |
WOW Vegas | No | Betsoft Gaming, Pragmatic Play |
Pulsz | No | NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Relax Gaming |
High 5 Casino | Yes | High 5 Games, Pragmatic Play |
Stake.us | No | Hacksaw Gaming, Pragmatic Play |
LuckyBird.io | No | Genesis Gaming, Bwin.Party |
Gambino Slots | Yes | Spiral Interactive |
BetRivers.net | No | NetEnt, , Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger |
Fortune Coins | No | NetEnt, Playtech, Red Tiger |
SweepSlots | No | Evoplay, Relax Gaming |
Funzpoints | No | Woopla Gaming |
Golden Hearts Games | No | Golden Hearts Games |
Funrize | Yes | Getta Gaming, NetGame |
While the future of legal Illinois online casinos and real money casino apps is unclear, we've highlighted several operators that would rush to join the Prairie State's legalized market:
Real money online casinos in Illinois
Online casino | Mobile app | Software | Sportsbook | Launch Date |
---|---|---|---|---|
BetMGM Casino | Yes | IGT, NetEnt, Playtech + more | BetMGM | TBD |
BetRivers Casino | Yes | IGT, Konami, NetEnt, Scientific + more | BetRivers | TBD |
Caesars Palace Online Casino | Yes | IGT, NetEnt, Scientific + more | Caesars Sportsbook | TBD |
DraftKings Casino | Yes | IGT, NetEnt + more | DraftKings | TBD |
FanDuel Casino | Yes | Evolution, IGT, NetEnt, Scientific + more | FanDuel | TBD |
Legal Illinois land-based casinos
Illinois offers a robust gambling scene, featuring a wide range of brick-and-mortar and riverboat casinos with an enormous selection of slots, table games, and poker. Here are your best Illinois land-based casino gambling options in 2024:
Casino | Address | Phone number | Hours |
---|---|---|---|
Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002 |
1 (800) 711-GAME |
9 - 2 a.m. (Su-Th); 9 - 3 a.m. (Fr-Sa) |
Casino Queen | 200 Front Street, East St. Louis, IL 62201 |
1 (800) 777-0777 | 8 - 3 a.m. (Su-Th); 5 - 5 a.m. (Fr-Sa) |
Golden Nugget Danville | 204 Eastgate Drive, Danville, IL 61834 |
1 (800) 426-2537 | 8 - 4 a.m. |
Grand Victoria Casino | 250 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 |
(847) 468-7000 | Open 24 hours |
Harrah’s Joliet Casino | 151 N. Joliet Street, Joliet, IL 60432 |
(815) 740-7800 | 12 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. |
Harrah’s Metropolis Casino | 100 East Front Street, Metropolis, IL 62960 |
(618) 524-2628 | 8 - 6 a.m. |
Hollywood Casino Joliet | 777 Hollywood Boulevard, Joliet, IL 60436 |
1 (888) 436-7737 | 7:30 - 5:30 a.m. |
Jumer’s Casino & Hotel Rock Island | 777 Bally Boulevard, Rock Island, Illinois 61201 |
(309) 756-4600 |
7 - 5 a.m. |
Par-A-Dice-Hotel & Casino | 21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL 61611 | (309) 699-7711 | 8 - 2 a.m. (Su-Th); 8 - 6 a.m. (Fr-Sa) |
Rivers Casino | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 |
1 (888) 307-0777 |
Open 24 hours |
How to start playing online casino games
New online casino Illinois players can start gaming with the state's best sweepstakes operators in no time when they follow these simple instructions:
Select an online casino
Each sweepstakes casino offers a different online gaming experience, which is why utilizing our Covers BetSmart Rating system when evaluating operators is crucial. After researching all available options, select your preferred Illinois online casinos.
Register online
Now, you must create an account for each online sweepstakes casino you want to play at. Though this can differ, most online casinos in Illinois require several pieces of personal information — full name, date of birth, mailing address, etc. — to register.
Claim a bonus
As highlighted earlier, most of the top Illinois online casinos have welcome bonuses for new users. Ensure you carefully review each promo's terms, as many of the offers have specific conditions attached that must be met or need a unique bonus code to secure.
Boost your bankroll
Although not required, sweepstakes casinos allow you to purchase additional Gold Coins to partake in higher-stake games. Similar to a traditional casino or legal betting site, you can use popular payment methods, such as major credit cards and e-wallets like PayPal, to fund your online casino Illinois account.
Choose a casino game
Browse the Illinois online casino's game library and choose a game. Before playing, take a few minutes to read over the game's rules and wagering requirements to ensure it is right for you.
Start playing
Now it's time for the fun part — start playing games at your chosen Illinois online casino. We suggest starting slow, limiting your wagering amounts until you get a feel of the game, and then gradually increase your stakes.
Withdraw funds and redeem for cash prizes
Though your GC hold no cash value, you can redeem your SC for various prizes. Most sweepstakes casinos in Illinois require a minimum of 100 SC before you can withdraw them from your account, which typically takes one to seven banking days to process.
Why choose Illinois online casinos over land-based casinos?
Though the Prairie State currently has 10 retail casinos, online sweepstakes casinos offer a unique experience with several perks that their land-based rivals can't match. We've outlined below six reasons to give Illinois online casinos a try in 2024:
More online gambling resources
Responsible gambling in Illinois
Problem gambling is a serious issue for many people. Illinois has various available programs, resources, and services to assist anyone struggling with gambling issues in 2024.
The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, the Illinois Gaming Board, and the Illinois Department of Human Services provide access to gambling counselors and therapy, as well as tools to help combat problem gambling. The state also operates a free, voluntary self-exclusion program.
The National Council on Problem Gambling provides assistance nationally and is accessible 24/7 via phone (1-800-GAMBLER), text (800GAM), or live chat. You can choose to remain anonymous when inquiring about services, which are also free of charge.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers boasts more than 25 years of sports betting experience. Our long-standing relationship with regulated, licensed, and legal gaming sites allows our active community of 20 million users to access expert analysis and recommendations. Covers may receive an advertising commission if you visit a sportsbook or casino betting site via select affiliate links across our site, create an account, and make a deposit. However, no amount of money ensures that an operator will get listed.
Is online casino gambling legal in Illinois?
Though Illinois lawmakers have considered authorizing real money online casinos in the past, under current state laws, they remain off-bounds. For now, social and sweepstakes casinos, which operate on virtual currencies that hold no monetary value, are the only IL iGaming option in 2024.
Currently, seven U.S. states have licensed and regulated online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
Legal online gambling states:
Legal online gambling state bonuses:
Pending online gambling states:
Gamblers north of the border should check out our online casinos in Canada or our Ontario online casinos pages to read about the best betting options in the Canadian market.
Illinois bettors can register with the industry's top betting sites to score the best sportsbook promos in 2024. Use our legal U.S. sports betting tracker page to see the next operator to land in the Prairie State.
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests operate in Illinois' legal grey area, but you can sign up and score bonuses from operators like StatHero and ParlayPlay today.
US state online casino guide
Illinois online casino FAQ
Currently, there are no legal real money online casinos Illinois bettors can access. However, IL players can register with any sweepstakes casino outlined above or visit one of the several brick-and-mortar casinos available within the state.
We use our Covers BetSmart Rating system to rate and review online casinos in Illinois, which accounts for the following criteria — bonuses and promotions, banking and payout speed, software and games, security measures taken, mobile experience, and customer service.
Bookmark this Illinois online casino page to stay updated on the latest developments and news regarding the Praire State's online casino scene.
Sweepstakes online casinos do not require real money wagers to play, providing a fun experience for bettors who want to enjoy the social side of online gambling. Sweepstakes casinos operate on free virtual coins, often called Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC), which hold no monetary value. You cannot purchase SC directly when gaming at an online sweepstakes casino in IL, as they can only be earned through various promotions.
Illinois online casinos hold several advantages over land-based casinos, including convenience, accessibility, and cost. As long as you have an internet connection, you can play with any online casino Illinois offers from the comfort of your home, which saves time and travel costs.
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Colin is a lifelong sports fan with a passion for cards and has spent the last five years reviewing online casinos and sportsbooks. When he’s not scouring the internet for welcome bonuses and promo codes, he’s sweating Liverpool games and trying to improve his mediocre golf game.