Since 2020, sports betting is legal in Illinois. This goes both for land-based sportsbooks and online sportsbooks. Online casino gambling, however, is still banned in this state. Actually, there are only a couple of states that have legalized online casinos in the US.
When it comes to traditional casino gambling in Illinois, it’s possible in riverboat casinos. At the moment, there are 10 of them. Some of those are real ships, while others are buildings constructed on riverbanks, inches away from the water. This is where people can play casino games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and of course, slots.
Illinois is a state that has a special relationship with slots. Non-casino establishments in Illinois have the right to install up to six slot machines. As a result, slots are, by far, the most popular casino game in this state.
Find Illinois Casinos on The Map
Interesting State Facts
Did you know Illinois has more slot machines than Nevada? That’s right, according to last year’s data, there are more than 30,000 slots in Illinois. In comparison, Nevada has fewer than 20,000.
Another shocking fact is that there are almost 7,000 locations within Illinois where you can play these games. However, a big majority of those locations are not considered casinos.
According to the Illinois gambling law, up to six slot machines can be installed in different types of establishments. Those establishments can be anything from bars and restaurants to truck stops and seats of veteran’s organizations. The only condition is that they are located in municipalities that allow video gaming.
Illinois Gambling Venues
At the moment of writing, Illinois does not have any Indian casinos on its ground. However, that’s going to change soon. Tribes are currently working on the construction of six new Illinois casinos. They are expected to open their doors to the public in 2021.
Until then, Illinois gamblers can play slots in many different places around the state. They can also go down the river if they feel like playing table games like roulette, baccarat, or poker. There are 10 riverboat casinos in Illinois, the most popular of which is the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
An interesting fact about this riverboat casino is that it’s not set on a boat. Instead, the casino building sits in a shallow pit only a few inches above the water of Des Plaines River. By constructing the casino building so close to the river, its owners managed to circumvent the Illinois gambling law.
Several other big Illinois casinos used the same method to qualify their establishments as riverboat casinos. Still, there are some Illinois riverboat casinos that are set on proper ships, including Casino Queen, Grand Victoria Casino Elgin, and Argosy Casino Alton.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Sports betting was legalized in Illinois in March 2020. Under the 2019 Illinois Gambling Act, online and physical sportsbooks are now legal in the state. Sportsbooks are permitted to operate in racetracks and casinos. Currently, only two sportsbooks are active in the state- BetRivers which started operations July 10 and Draftkings which began operations August 5. However, it is expected that some of the top casino operators including BetMGM, William Hill, and FanDuel will launch in the state soon.
To participate in racing, bingo, and lottery, you are required to be at least 18 years old. For video lottery and casino games, the minimum age requirement is 21 years old.
Yes, you can. You are only required to be physically present at a sportsbook within the borders of the state, or you must use the mobile sportsbook app within the boundaries of the state.
Bettors in Illinois can bet on a broad range of sports including boxing, golf, auto racing, MMA, and competitions such as the MLB, NHL, NBA, and NFL. Betting on college sports is allowed in Illinois, though it is illegal to bet on competitions involving high schools, varsities, and state colleges. Betting on several bet types including straight wagers, totals, parlays, player prop bets, and teasers is legal.
No. Real-money online casinos are illegal in Illinois. So, you can choose to play at land-based casinos or offshore sites. Some of the legal gaming options on land-type casinos include poker, charitable gaming, state-licensed lottery, and horse race betting. Dog race betting, social gambling, daily fantasy sports, and tribal gambling are however illegal in Illinois. If you decide to bet on offshore gambling sites, bear in mind that these offshore sites do not operate under the jurisdiction of the United States..
Making a deposit and withdrawing your earnings is quite easy. You just have to click on the cashier tab and select ‘Withdraw’. You can link your bank account to your sportsbook account so that your winnings can be paid directly into your account. Take note that only deposits and wagering require your physical presence within the boundaries of the state, however, you can withdraw your winnings even if you are outside the borders of Illinois.
