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While Illinois real money casino games offer fantastic gambling opportunities, their online counterparts are still out of reach.
The Land of Lincoln has yet to decide whether online casinos will become legal. Until that happens, IL residents can enjoy online casino games on offshore gambling platforms.
Are Real Money Games Legal in Illinois?
Real money casino games are legal in the Prairie State. However, the situation is not as simple as you might think. Until 2019, the only way for casinos to offer gambling to IL residents was to be situated near a body of water, i.e., operate as a riverboat casino.
Class III gambling was legal on riverboats outside Lake Michigan, not including zones with over three million residents. Currently, The Prairie State has ten riverboats and one temporary casino built after the state introduced a 2019 Rebuild Illinois Law.
Under the new legislation, the state can expand its gambling layout, adding six more venues. On the other hand, the existing riverboats can change their status to land-based casinos with the necessary approval. Soon, Illinois will be home to sixteen brick-and-mortar gambling facilities.
Unfortunately, their online counterparts aren’t as lucky. The state introduced an Internet Gaming Act in 2021, but it was stalled, and no decisions have yet been made. Hopefully, the new legislative session will bring more clarity and add Illinois to the list of US states with a regulated online gambling market.
Until that happens, IL gaming fans can join offshore online casinos and play real money games on their computers or mobile devices.
Illinois Online Casinos Laws
As we’ve mentioned, the Illinois laws currently don’t include online real money games. If you want to learn more about the entire gambling layout and understand it better, you can check out the following links:
- Illinois Gambling Act
- Casino approved games
- Illinois Gaming Board website
- The Rebuild Illinois Law, SB 690
- Illinois Criminal Code, Criminal Offenses Article 28. Gambling and Related Offenses (720 ILCS 5/28-1) (from Ch. 38, par. 28-1)
How to Register in Illinois Real Money Casinos
Since IL residents can only play in offshore online casinos, we’ll explain the registration process that’s similar on almost all sites.
Refer to our list above if you don’t know which online casino to choose. The sites you find there have undergone exhaustive testing processes and met our high standards. Each operator holds valid licensing and employs advanced security measures to ensure a safe gambling environment for its members.
Here’s how you can become a member of an online casino:
Pick a casino and visit the official site.
Select the option to create an account.
Fill out the registration form with the required data and confirm.
Verify your account, go to the Cashier, and make a deposit.
Collect the welcome bonus and open the game lobby.
Enjoy!
Best Real Money Casino Games in Illinois
As we previously mentioned, all Class III games are legal in riverboat casinos but not in their online counterparts. You can enjoy real money slots, blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and poker in all riverboat casinos in Illinois.
Currently, you can visit eleven gambling venues (one is temporary), with more to come in the future, thanks to the 2019 Rebuild Illinois Law.
Alternatively, you can try your luck in offshore casinos operating outside the US jurisdiction. These sites have proper licensing, but they aren’t locally owned, giving them enough leverage to cater to the states where online gambling still isn’t regulated.
In the following paragraphs, we’ll discuss the most popular real money games and explain their legal status in The Prairie State.
Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular card games enjoyed by millions of players worldwide. Casino fans from Illinois can try various blackjack options like:
- Free Bet Blackjack
- Single Deck Blackjack
- Spanish 21
Alternatively, the state’s eleven gambling venues also host many game variations.
So, if you want to test your skills, drive down to the nearest riverboat and grab a seat at the table.
Slots
Slots are the largest and most popular gaming category, whether we’re talking about land-based or online casinos.
Offshore sites host thousands of unique slot titles from industry-leading software developers. They also boast progressive jackpots that feature jaw-dropping prizes.
Most riverboat casinos have over a thousand real money slot machines covering different themes, features, and prizes. Therefore, you’ll be spoilt for choice, regardless of the casino you play in.
Roulette
Besides blackjack, roulette is the most famous table game, mainly because it involves no skill and plenty of luck
Players looking for an adrenaline boost always turn to games of chance, and roulette is among the most exciting gambling options. Offshore casinos host an impressive lineup of roulette titles, including Mini, American, French, and European.
On the other hand, riverboat casinos spread around the state also have different dealer-led roulette games. Of course, you’ll have to travel to the nearest casino if you wish to try your luck.
Baccarat
Even though online baccarat is still unregulated in Illinois, many offshore sites offer the game in their portfolios. The most common titles include:
- Punto Banco
- Baccarat Chemin de Fer
- Baccarat Banque
- Speed Baccarat
Like roulette, baccarat is a game of chance, so it attracts many people who want to play a simple yet exciting game.
Of course, baccarat isn’t solely present in offshore casinos. Illinois riverboat casinos also offer several tables dedicated to the game.
Thanks to its straightforward gameplay, baccarat has become one of the favorites among IL players.
Other Table Games
Besides blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, offshore casinos host an array of other table games equally as exciting.
The most prominent one is poker. Although it requires high skill levels, it attracts many passionate players, even inexperienced ones. The most popular options include:
- Three Card Poker
- Texas Hold’em
- Caribbean Stud
Craps is also a common choice among IL online casino players.
As for riverboats, they host several craps tables and poker rooms, but the selection is considerably smaller than the one in offshore online casinos.
Video Poker
Video poker is a perfect combination for people who enjoy the luck element in slots and the skill required to play poker.
These casino classics have become a staple in online casinos as well. IL players can choose between dozens of variants, including:
- Jacks or Better
- Deuces Wild
- Bonus Poker
- Aces and Faces
You might also find several riverboat casinos that host video poker machines. However, you should check first to see whether the casino you want to visit offers this game type.
Live Dealer
Live dealer games have recently unlocked new popularity levels in online casinos. Players looking for a human touch often choose a dealer-led game.
Thankfully, offshore sites are packed with high-quality games, including:
- Live Blackjack
- Poker Live
- Live Roulette
- Live Baccarat
- Craps Live
Besides casino classics, you’ll also come across unique game shows, like:
- Crazy Time
- Deal or No Deal
- Monopoly Live
- Football Studio
- Dream Catcher
These games feature HD live streaming and professional dealers, creating an immersive gambling experience.
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
Illinois has recently legalized online and retail sports betting, but online casino games are still off-limits. Hopefully, this year’s legislative session will finally address the 2021 Internet Gaming Act and allow local operators to offer engaging casino games through online platforms.
Until then, IL residents can either play in offshore casinos recommended above or visit the nearest riverboat casino and play real money games in a classic gambling environment.
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