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On the other hand, the only form of online gambling currently allowed within the state is online sports betting. Online casinos have yet to be written into law, but this doesn’t mean IL players don’t have options.
Illinois players can still play on internationally-licensed gambling websites offering safe gambling, huge gaming portfolios, and generous bonuses.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?
The Prairie State doesn’t differ much from most other US states in its stance toward online gambling. This is because most states, including Illinois, haven’t done much to instigate the legalization of online gambling since the UIGEA act banned it in 2006.
Because of that, no native operators can currently provide online gambling in the area. However, the law doesn’t prevent off-shore operators from offering their services in the state, nor does it punish players for playing on these sites.
Therefore, Illinoian casino fans have many options to choose from, and they can freely register and play their favorite Vegas-style games on these websites.
Illinois Casino Laws
To make sure you are well-versed in the current IL legislation concerning online gambling, you should refer to official resources. You can learn more about the legal age for casinos in Illinois and find other important information here:
- Illinois General Assembly — The Illinois Gambling Act
- Illinois Gaming Board — Applicable Law and Standards
How to Register in a Legal Online Casino in Illinois
Even though the Illinois law makes the situation difficult for casino operators, registering on an off-shore casino website is straightforward. Here is the breakdown of the process:
Select an operator — Refer to our list of top-rated off-shore casinos and select the one that matches your needs and preferences.
Create an account — Locate the Register button, click on it, and supply the needed information. Once you’re done, click on Confirm or Create Account.
Top up your balance — To play casino games for real money, you’ll have to deposit. Go to the Cashier section, click on the Deposit tab, and follow the instructions to deposit some cash.
Claim the welcome bonus — This step is optional. Most operators offer generous welcome bonuses new users are eligible for.
Pick a game and start playing — Once your deposit goes through, go to the game lobby and pick a game you want to play. Good luck!
Best Legal Casinos in Illinois
Unfortunately, online gambling still has an illegal status in Illinois. However, luckily, the current law doesn’t criminalize playing casino games on off-shore sites, and players have access to hundreds of these online casinos.
When it comes to land-based gambling, the situation is much better. The state deems this form of gambling legal, but only in ten riverboat casinos. To learn more about the state of online and land-based gambling in the area, keep reading the following sections.
Legal Online Casinos in Illinois
The only legal form of online gambling native operators can currently conduct in Illinois are sweepstakes and social casinos. This is so because players don’t receive real-money prizes when they play games on these sites, nor are they required to make deposits.
While the legalization of online gambling is still not on the horizon, the good news is that the current legal prohibitions apply only to casino operators. The law prohibits facilitating and conducting online gambling, but it doesn’t punish players for engaging in this activity.
Therefore, IL gambling enthusiasts can legally participate in Class III casino games online in many off-shore casinos catering to customers from this state.
If you’d like to start playing on one of these sites, feel free to choose from our list of recommended off-shore casino operators at the top of the page.
Legal Land-Based Casinos in Illinois
Compared with the legal status of online gambling in IL, the position of land-based gambling is much better. However, it was only in 2019 that the state allowed these venues to open, thanks to the implementation of The Rebuild Illinois Law.
According to the current legislation, Class III gambling is only allowed on riverboats positioned in areas outside of Lake Michigan, except if the region has a population of more than three million. There are currently ten such facilities in Prairie State. Thanks to the legal land-based casinos in Illinois, you won’t need live web cam streams.
Some of the biggest and best-rated among them include Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, Harrah’s casinos in Metropolis and Joliet, and Hollywood casinos in Joliet and Aurora.
Useful Guides for Illinois Players
Illinois online casinos can be challenging to understand, especially with all the laws that govern their use, so here are some excellent, easy-to-read, in-depth guides to get you started.
Conclusion
We may have to wait a while before online gambling becomes legal in Illinois. Luckily, players can still participate in their favorite pastime on many offshore gambling websites without fear of breaking the law.
To start playing some of the best casino games today, look at our list of the best-rated operators and embark on your gambling adventure with peace of mind!
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