There is a large gaming industry in Illinois. It includes full-service casinos, a state lottery, video gaming at taverns, live and mobile horse racing, and retail and mobile sports betting.
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Illinois casinos
The Illinois Casino Gaming Board was formed in 1990. Initially, it oversaw ten riverboat casinos. Then, authorization was granted for six additional casino licenses in 2019. Currently, there are 15 authorized casinos. Casinos offer standard games like slots, video poker, live poker, and table games.
- Argosy Casino Alton
- Bally’s Casino Chicago
- Bally’s Quad Cities Casino
- DraftKings at Casino Queen – East St. Louis
- Golden Nugget Danville
- Grand Victorica Casino – Elgin
- Hard Rock Casino Rockford
- Harrah’s Casino Joliet
- Harrah’s Casino Metropolis
- Hollywood Casino Aurora
- Hollywood Casino Joliet
- Par-A-Dice Casino
- Rivers Casino – Des Plaines
- American Place Casino – Waukegan
- Walker’s Bluff Casino – Carterville
Hard Rock Casino Rockford is in a temporary building. The permanent site is one mile east of the current temporary site. A license for Wind Creek in East Hazel Crest is listed as preliminarily suitable.
Additionally, Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) operate in more than 8400 licensed establishments. These are video poker, keno, and slot devices. Municipalities may decide to permit or ban VLTs. Local governments that participate in the program receive part of the revenue in the form of taxes.
Sports betting in Illinois
The Illinois Sports Wagering Act legalized online sports betting and retail sportsbooks at casinos and horse racetracks. Sports betting launched in March 2020. A list of approved events can be found on the gaming board website.
When Illinois online sportsbooks launched, patrons were required to go to a casino to create an account. That is no longer the policy. New accounts may be created remotely.
In-state college betting is permitted. However, these bets are only accepted at retail sportsbooks. In-state college betting is not permitted on apps.
IL online gambling options
A wide variety of online and mobile gambling options are available in the state. This includes mobile sports betting and simulcast wagering. Lottery tickets can also be purchased online through the lottery app. Daily fantasy sports contests and sweepstakes are also permitted.
Live horse racing
Created in 1933, the Illinois Racing Board regulates horse racing in the state. Live thoroughbred racing is held at two racetracks. Sports betting is also available. Suburban Downs holds harness racing at Hawthorn Race Course.
- FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing (Fairmount Park)
- Hawthorne Race Course
More than a dozen off-track betting parlors have been established. Licensed Advance Deposit Wagering companies include Hawthorn Race Course, Caesars Racebook, FanDuel Racing, Twinspires, Xpressbet, and AmWest.
Illinois state lottery
A variety of games are available through the Illinois Lottery. Games include FastPlay, Instant tickets, and drawings: Powerball, Mega Millions, Lotto with Extra Shot, Lucky Day Lotto, Pick 3, and Pick 4. Lotto tickets and games can be purchased at authorized retailers and through the Illinois Lottery app.
Lottery ticket sales support K-12 public schools. Additionally, specialty tickets raise money for charitable causes.
Illinois gambling FAQs
Are casinos legal in the state of Illinois?
Yes. Commercial casinos can have slots, video poker, table games, and poker.
What is the minimum age to play at Illinois casinos?
The minimum age for casino play in Illinois is 21.
Are sportsbooks legal in Illinois?
Yes. Retail sportsbooks and mobile sports betting are legal.
Is mobile sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Wagers can be placed online or using mobile sports betting apps.
What is the minimum age for Illinois sports betting?
Illinois sports bettors must be at least 21.
What online gambling options are available in Illinois?
Online gambling options include lottery games, sports betting, and horse racing.
Are live horse races held in Illinois?
Yes. Two racetracks hold live thoroughbred races. One also hosts harness racing.
Can you bet on horse races in Illinois?
Yes. Wagers on horse races may be placed at racetracks, off-track betting parlors, and on mobile apps.
What is the minimum age to bet on horse races in Illinois?
The minimum age for live and online horseracing in Illinois is 18.
Does Illinois have a state lottery?
Yes. Lottery players can participate in drawings or purchase scratch games.
How old must you be to play lottery games in Illinois?
Lottery players must be at least 18 years of age.
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Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by John Mehaffey