US culture has a fascination with gambling in all shapes and sizes. Whether a resident is most interested in betting on sports, playing poker or online casinos, there is a fascination with gambling from the comfort of home that runs deep. Unfortunately, would-be players in Illinois opt not to participate. They do not do so from a lack of interest, but rather through a belief that any form of online gambling could land them in jail if state law enforcement agencies were to catch them in the act.

Actions in the Illinois legislature in 2017 gave many legal online poker supporters hope that lawmakers were beginning to see the positives of legalizing and regulating online gaming. There was a bill that would’ve done just that for online poker and casino games, which passed the full Senate by a 42-10 vote in May, but the House bill never. The partnership will also build a brand-new casino operation in Danville, Illinois. The agreement allows GNOG to supply legal sports betting online to all Illinois residents. In addition, should mobile and online casino gambling be regulated in the futrure, the GNOG will also be able to supply their online casino operations. Tilman Fertitta.

Luckily, this is not a correct understanding of the law as it applies to Illinois residents. The following page will break down all the most popular aspects of gambling through the eyes of the laws that govern them. We will not only take an intimate look at the policies governing a gambling hobby, but some of the best legal online gambling sites for Illinois residents to get started with.

Because there are sanctioned casinos in the state of Illinois, there are not heavy penalties or legal prosecution associated with participation in slot machines or other traditional forms of casino games in Illinois. This means that while players cannot get in trouble for playing casino games online, federal laws like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) ban use of the internet to establish, run or maintain a casino site. This means that honest residents are forced to use offshore websites to fulfill their gambling needs.

As it turns out, the state laws of Illinois echo the federal sentiment almost perfectly. Although Illinois legislation specifically mentions the internet in regards to gambling, it is only seen as a criminal act to operate a gambling website, not use one. This means that just so long as residents of the state stick to the legal online casinos located offshore indexed on this site, they will be in compliance of their state laws and risk no legal prosecution.

When it comes to casinos in Illinois, while it’s true that there are a couple sanctioned, land-based options scattered throughout the state, the overwhelming majority of Illinois players who play casino games for money use the internet. This is due in part to convenience, but also the high quality of product available through legal online casinos that accept Illinois players

Go To: Legal Online Casinos For Illinois Residents

Sports betting is the most regulated form of gambling in the United States, but bettors are still free to take part so long as they find a reliable Illinois sports betting site. The Federal Wire Act of 1961 made it impossible for bookmakers to move information regarding sports betting across state lines using a wire service. (In the early 2000’s, the Supreme Court would rule that this includes the internet.) The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) passed in 1992 took that act a step further and made it impossible to facilitate sports betting in the United States at all. There were four states exempt from this act, but unfortunately, Illinois was not one. Thankfully, all of these policies only target the bookmakers, and specifically exempt players. This means that it is legal for Illinois residents to participate in sports betting just so long as they do not take part in its facilitation.

The state laws governing Illinois are very similar. Bettors in the state never face criminal charges whereas the facilitation of betting in the state of Illinois is a very serious crime. Again, just so long as a resident sticks only to betting online through offshore, legal gambling in Illinois will be open to residents not operating their own, illicit sportsbook online or land based, they will avoid the ire of the law.

It’s a good thing that many online sportsbooks are open to Illinois residents, because thanks to the PASPA, it’s impossible for the state to sanction any sports betting facilities. Unless this federal policy is overturned, it’s unrealistic to expect and legal sports betting facilities to open up shop in Illinois, even in the distant future.

Go To: Legal Sports Betting Sites For Illinois Bettors

Just like with casino games, the UIGEA heavily influences the facilitation of online poker. This policy makes it all but impossible for a poker website to set up shop in the United States and accept players from Illinois. Luckily, also as with casino games, it does not violate the UIGEA to participate in online poker just so long as the player does not operate an online poker room.

While federal policies leave the door open for the ever-popular game of online poker, what do state laws say on the subject? Just as with other forms of gambling, poker laws as laid out by the state of Illinois fall closely in line with what the federal laws enforce. Playing online poker is not tried, prosecuted, or even cited in the state. In fact, in the entire history of arrests in the state of Illinois, never once has a player been placed under arrest for merely participating in online poker. More important than the actual letter of the law is the implied function. The target of anti-gambling legislation is, was, and has always been large, organized crime syndicates, not individuals. Therefore, players are generally free to participate in online poker to their heart’s content.

In addition to the legal online poker rooms that accept Illinois residents listed on this site, Illinois has a couple brick and mortar, sanctioned poker rooms available for their residents to play in. Although they offer a full array of poker games and are usually open generous hours, their remote and inconvenient locations lead to online poker being the most popular means of playing the game within state lines.

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois Right Now

Go To: Legal Poker Sites For Illinois Players

With all the talk of legality and criminal action, it can be easy to forget one thing – gambling is supposed to be fun. The legal gambling sites for Illinois residents on this page can help bring that emphasis back where it belongs since their members do not need to spend any time worrying about their legality and safety. Since these are legal, offshore businesses that have been in operation for well over a decade, there is never a need to worry about their financial security. These sites invest in the best software that money can buy, and they put the biggest emphasis in their business model in protecting your money. They worry so that you don’t have to; you just have to worry about making it grow!

After over 20 years of service to Illinois residents, the artist formerly known as BoDog moved their operation to Canada, but kept up the same high level of service and product quality that their users long grew accustomed to. Over the years, the Bovada name has become synonymous with internet gambling. They pride themselves on providing the very best online casino, online poker room, and online sportsbook for Illinois residents. You’ve spent all this time learning how you can legally gamble online, make sure to take advantage of it with one of the strongest websites available on the web!

The very best part about a membership with Bovada is making use of their excellent financial system. Never before has moving money in and out of your gambling account been so effortless, or so carefree. This legal gambling site for Illinois players even goes so far as to cover all fees associated with one payout a month. That’s twelve times a year you can request a check of your winnings absolutely free. With a new account at Bovada, you keep more of your money where it belongs – in your account, where it can get more opportunities to grow.

The gambling industry in the US is on the rise. Many countries are waiting for bills to pass so they could enjoy all the perks of online wagering. However, some countries are already there, like the state of Illinois.

Thanks to the 2019 Illinois Gambling Act, all residents of legal age can now place a wager in both land-based and online sportsbooks. This means that you need to be at least 21-years old in order to place a bet in Illinois.

So, let take a closer look at all the basic information that you need to know when it comes to sports betting in Illinois.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois Map

Being the fifth-largest state of the USA, Illinois has the potential of becoming one of the largest sports betting markets worldwide. However, the road to legalization wasn’t an easy one. There are still many things that need to be defined that will allow the best Illinois betting sites to operate in full power. For now, you can only register in-person at a land-based casino, before being able to play online.

Furthermore, the new law did legalize physical and online sportsbook, but with some limitations. For example, a sportsbook is allowed in casinos, racetracks or if it’s close to existing sports venues.

Did Something Change During The Pandemic?

During the pandemic, the true potential of online betting was brought to light. It became obvious that sports betting online is the thing of the future. The launch of the legal market was constantly interrupted and discussed, and then the pandemic broke. However, the governing bodies of Illinois passed temporary permission that allowed players to register online without visiting a land-based casino in person. The need for social distancing was what triggered this decision, and it was in good time.

Which Operators Are Allowed On The Market?

According to the current la of Illinois, only the existing operators with land-based casinos were able to offer online sports betting. Other operators who offered only online services will have to wait an 18-month period before joining the market.

This didn’t stop some of the major players from the market to step on the online scene. They decided to join forces with the existing Illinois casinos, and this helped them avoid the waiting period. Online providers who haven’t had the funds and means to launch immediately will have to wait until late 2021 when the online-only license becomes available.

Are Mobile Betting and Betting Apps Legal in Illinois?

Is Online Sports Gambling Legal In Illinois 2019

If you are a resident of Illinois then you have the opportunity to place a wager from your smartphone while on the go or at home. For the time being, one casino is allowed to have only one online betting platform. But even with these restrictions, mobile betting has already conquered the market.

In 2020, Illinois lawmakers have proven that they are aware of the significance of legalizing online wagering. There’s more to be done about it, but the first steps have been made. Considering how much time people, and especially sports fans, spend on their mobile devices, it wouldn’t make sense to legalize sports betting without the mobile betting option.

Illinois online betting market is supported by some of the most experienced operators in the USA and the world. So their app has the same functionality as their websites.

Is Geolocation Required?

Illinois bettors should know that sportsbooks are under obligation to check their location whenever they want to place a wager or deposit funds into their accounts in that state. This is done via geo-comply software that pings every time you visit a sportsbook online. Of course, it’s important for you to know that you don’t need to be a permanent resident of Illinois to place a wager or to use a betting app.

What Sports Can You Bet On In Illinois?

The state of Illinois allows you to bet on a huge selection of sports and events. So, perhaps it would be easier to mention the events that you can’t bet on. Firstly, betting on collegiate events whose participants are representing a college and university is prohibited. Even though there was no mentioning if eSports, according to Illinois law, some events of relative skills could be allowed. But as far as wagering on eSports is concerned, it will become more clear in the near future since this trend should become part of the regular offer in every state.