The state of Illinois is well on its way to becoming a top dog in the legal gambling market; a land lush with casino properties that are currently making their way online. Sports betting is legal in the state as well, while we sit back and patiently wait for IL sportsbook to launch.
There is and has been a lot going on in the Land of Lincoln. It will be an exciting state to keep up with as it makes its way into what appears to be a bright future in the market.
IL Legal Gambling History
Gambling has certainly been a part of Illinois past, while maybe not in legal form – well, not until the year 1920 anyway. This is when the state of IL legalized horse track betting. It wasn’t until about 50 years later when we saw the next big thing happen for the state when the lottery became legal. In another 9 years, IL would see the legalization of bingo and casino gambling 8 years after that, in 1991.
The next step for IL would be to legalize online gambling, naturally. Efforts have been made in the state of Illinois for years, but it was only in May of 2017 when a bill finally went through allowing for the legalization of online casino gaming. We are excited to see all of the details get worked out as IL state casinos begin to launch.
The state of IL legalized sports betting in 2019. But it will still be sometime before everything is in order for websites and app’s to go live.
IL State Gambling Legal Status
In Illinois, players who are 21 and up can wager at casinos, both online and in person. When sports betting launches it will be the same law as at casinos: legal for those 21 years of age and older.
In IL those who are 18 and older are welcome to wager at racetracks and play the state lottery.
IL Physical Casinos
Illinois is home to 10 brick and mortar casino properties. These casinos are:
- Harrah’s Metropolis
- Harrah’s Joliet
- Rivers Casino
- Grand Victoria Casino
- Hollywood Casino Aurora
- Hollywood Casino Joliet
- Casino Queen
- Argosy’s Alton Belle Casino
- Jumer’s Casino
- Par-A-Dice Casino
IL Online Casinos and Mobile Apps
Online casino gaming is now legal in the state of Illinois, we still haven’t seen any of the action go live as of yet. But as online casinos begin to launch in Illinois, we can expect to see all of the same great features as in IL brick and mortars: slots, poker, table games, and live dealers games with blackjack, roulette, and more.
IL Sportsbooks
Sports betting has been legal in the state of Illinois since 2019. Expect to see sportsbooks and apps launched by DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and more.
IL Legal Gambling FAQ’s
What can I legally bet on in the state of IL?
Right now it is legal for players 21 and up to bet at casinos. Sports betting and online casino gaming is legal, we are still waiting for them to go live. For people 18 years of age and older, you are welcome to partake in-race betting and the Illinois state lottery. DFS is legal at this time.
When will IL sportsbooks begin to launch?
Sports betting in the state of Illinois is legal, but when the first sportsbook will begin to launch is still unclear at the moment. We can only rest assured in knowing that sportsbooks and casinos are working on getting everything in order to launch in the near future.
