Sports Betting
Casino Gambling
Online Casino / iGaming
State Lottery
Horse Racing / Racetracks
Illinois has a dense commercial casino market and a fully legal sports betting system. The state has 16 licensed commercial casinos, with the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines generating some of the highest gaming revenue of any single casino facility in the country outside Nevada and New Jersey. The Chicago metro area has multiple options within reasonable driving distance. Sports betting became legal in 2019 and launched in 2020, with mobile betting eventually going live without requiring in-person registration.
A Chicago casino was authorized in the 2019 expansion law and has been in development, with construction progress tied to financing and regulatory approvals. The lottery has operated since 1974. Arlington International Racecourse ended in 2021 when the property was sold to the Chicago Bears for a potential stadium site.
For residents, Illinois offers substantial legal gambling options. Mobile sports betting is fully accessible without visiting a casino first. You are within an hour of a major casino if you live in the Chicago area. Online casino gambling remains illegal, which is the main gap compared to states like New Jersey or Michigan. The Illinois market is competitive and all major national sportsbook operators hold licenses.
Chicago area has multiple commercial casinos. Sports betting legal since 2020. Rivers Casino in Des Plaines is busy.
Finding nearby venues...
Similar States
People Also Ask
Can you legally gamble in Illinois?
Although entering into a bracket pool during March Madness may seem like a harmless act, it is a crime in Illinois to gamble. While this example might not land you a criminal conviction, more serious gambling can result in prison time.
What are examples of illegal gambling?
What is the statute of gambling in Illinois?
Can you not bet on Illinois in Illinois?
According to 230 ILCS 45/25-25(d) of Illinois' Sports Wagering Act: “Except as otherwise provided in this Section, a licensee under this Act may not accept a wager for a sports event involving an Illinois collegiate team.” Some exceptions took effect on July 1, 2024.
From r/gambling
- Gaming in Illinois : r/gambling
- How I Made $40000 Risk-Free from a single Sports Betting ...
- Is there a way to self exclude from FanDuel and DraftKings ...
- Got banned from sports betting - how to bypass ban?
- Is It Legal To Use An Offshore Casino At 18 If You Live In A ...
- Governor of Illinois reports $1.4M in gambling income
- Hard rock bet is the worst betting app and biggest scam
- Sports gambling is illegal in California so if I go to Vegas ...
- If your in a state that doesn't allow online gambling, but you ...
- am I required to pay taxes to uncle sam? : r/gambling
In the News
- theScore Bet Promo Code: Get $1,000 Bet Reset - FOX SportsJul 7
- Best IL Sportsbook Promos (July 2026): Claim $5,000+ in IL Sports Betting Promos - RotoWireJul 6
- Kalshi Challenges Illinois Sports Betting Tax as Prediction Market Jurisdiction Fight Escalates - PYMNTS.comJul 1
- Addicted to gambling in Illinois: ‘Someone has decided they can make money off you’ - Capitol News IllinoisJun 24
- Kalshi sues Illinois over new tax on prediction market sports bets - Ars TechnicaJun 29
Full Illinois profile
Taxes, cost of living, gun laws, nudism, nightlife and more.
Sources: American Gaming Association 2024, Legal Sports Report, NCSL. Gambling laws change frequently — verify current status before wagering.