Illinois Poker – Compare the Best Real Money Poker Sites in IL

Is online poker legal in Illinois?

Although there are no legal online poker sites based in Illinois, it is not illegal for players to play at offshore casinos while living in this state.

Can I legally play poker online in Illinois?

Yes. Provided you are at least 18 years old and the site you register at can be accessed without using a VPN.

Which poker site offers the best bonuses?

After reviewing a number of sites, we believe that BetOnline offers the best poker bonuses.

What is the most legit online poker site for Illinois?

Because not all online sites are legitimate. If you’d like to play at a casino you know is safe and legal, we recommend registering at the sites we’ve reviewed in this guide as they have all been tested and found to be completely legit.

What is the best online poker site for beginners in Illinois?

Sites like Bovada are great for beginners as there is a lot of useful information beginners need to know such as hand rankings, for example.

Comparing Poker Sites in Illinois

Comparing a number of sites is important when trying to find the perfect poker casino for you. This is why we’ve decided to help you out by putting together a little more information about the casinos we’ve reviewed in this guide.

Is Online Poker Legal in Illinois?

When the Riverboat Gambling Act was introduced, Illinois became the second state to legalize riverboat gambling which finally allowed Illinois players to enjoy games of poker. However, because there haven’t been any laws passed to legalize online poker sites based in IL, many players believe that online gambling is illegal altogether. However, this isn’t necessarily true.

Yes, there are federal laws that prohibit offshore sites from offering services to US residents. But it’s important to note that these laws are aimed at the operators themselves and there is no specific mention of it being illegal for players to enjoy games of poker at sites that aren’t based in the US. This means that as soon as Illinois players turn 18 and are legally allowed to gamble at local casinos, they’re also able to register at certain offshore sites that accept players from this state.

Illinois Poker Laws

There are a handful of places for IL players to enjoy poker at land-based casinos. And to give you an idea about the different poker laws in this state, we’ve provided a summary below.

• Land-Based Poker: There are four legal land-based poker rooms in Illinois. For example, Rivers poker room, Hollywood Aurora poker room and Bally’s poker room.
• Online Poker: There are currently no state-regulated poker sites. However, there are a number of legal offshore poker casinos available to online players in Illinois.
• Charity Poker: Charity organizations in the state are legally permitted to offer 14 games, one of which is poker.
• Social Poker: There are no specific laws that indicate whether or not social poker games are legal in IL.

Can I Play at an Offshore Poker Room from Illinois

If you’ve been browsing the internet in search of online poker casinos for players in Illinois, then you’ve probably stumbled across one or two sites that don’t accept players from IL. Because there are offshore sites that aren’t permitted to offer services to players living in certain states they need to ensure that geolocation technology is used to prevent these players from accessing the site illegally.

Geolocation technology tracks your IP address and physical location to determine where you’re attempting to register from. Now, there are ways to gain access to these sites if you really want to. For example, using a VPN allows you to trick these checks into believing that you’re trying to access the site from a different location which, depending on the location, will allow you to create an account without being blocked.

However, this isn’t recommended as if you do happen to get a big win and you’re caught using a VPN from a restricted location you could lose everything you’ve deposited as well as your winnings. This is why we always recommend registering at a casino that openly welcomes online poker players from Illinois. Like the ones we’ve listed in this guide, for example.

Legal Poker Sites vs Offshore Poker Sites

Before you decide to register at just any IL online poker site, you should ensure that it’s licensed by a respected regulatory body. Next, we take a look at how to identify legal poker sites as well as what legitimate offshore casinos do to protect their players.

How Can I Tell the Difference between a Legal and Offshore Poker Site?

Because there are no state-regulated online poker sites for real money based in IL, players aren’t able to simply play it safe by registering at a site that’s licensed by a familiar regulatory body. Although it can be tough to determine which offshore casinos to trust, there are a few ways to check which are safe to register at and which should be avoided altogether. For example, most casinos will have their regulatory body’s logo displayed at the bottom of the home page or on the “About Us” page.

Certain sites will also allow players to view the current licensing status by clicking on the logo. However, if your site doesn’t offer this feature and you feel you need to confirm whether or not its license is legit you will be able to get in touch with the regulatory body they claimed to be licensed by to confirm whether or not it’s actually a legitimate casino.

Online Poker Safety & Fairness – Who Regulates Legal Poker Sites in Illinois?

When you play at sites like the ones we recommend, you never have to worry about whether or not anyone will be able to access information like financial details and verification documents. Because they are all fully licensed, the security features have been inspected and found to be top-notch and the games have also been tested to ensure that each title is completely random and fair.

We all know that gambling in general can be addictive. This is why both the government and offshore sites have done their part to ensure that problem gamblers have access to the help they need. For example, there are a number of gambling help centers in Illinois. And by scrolling to the bottom of your casino’s home page you should be able to find a “Responsible Gambling” option. This section of the site gives you information on how to restrict your gambling or get in touch with professionals who are trained to help those who struggle with a gambling addiction.

Offshore Poker Sites in Illinois – Are Offshore Poker Sites Safe for Illinois Players?

At the time of writing, there are no federal laws that indicate that players who gamble at offshore sites will be criminally charged. This means that you never have to worry about finding yourself in hot water simply for registering at an online poker site that accepts players from Illinois.

However, because legal sites like the ones listed in this guide aren’t based in the US, it’s always a good idea to add an extra layer of security. There are a number of ways to do this. For example, you can use cryptocurrencies like BTC as crypto can’t be traced and is known for being one of the safest ways for poker players to make online casino transactions.

Will Illinois be Ring-Fenced or Shared Player Pool?

If HB 3142 managed to become a reality, it would have not only legalized online casinos but it also would have authorized the state to join the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement). This would have allowed poker games to share liquidity which many believe is more beneficial when compared to ring-fencing. However, there are a few people that believe that ring-fencing might be the way to go if ever IL had to legalize online poker. Here we take a look at the pros and cons of ring-fencing to figure out whether or not it could be a better move compared to shared player pools.

Perks of Ring-Fencing Player Pools

The main reason that the idea of ring-fencing appeals to many is because it gives local operators the chance to customize sites and features. This means that casinos will be able to offer specific gambling opportunities based on local trends and preferences rather than having to come up with “one size fits all” offers aimed to please any gambler around the world.

Drawbacks of Ring-Fencing Player Pools

Now, we see that ring-fencing does come with certain perks. However, there are also a few downfalls worth considering. For example, because not every person in IL gambles, and out of the ones that do only a few will enjoy poker, tournaments would be less frequent and prizes a lot smaller. There would also be no exposure to different playing styles as you’d technically only have a certain number of poker players who are willing to compete against others in the state.

How to Play Online Poker in Illinois

When you’re ready to hit the felt, simply follow the steps below to get started at one of the best online poker casinos in Illinois.

Step 1: Visit the Casino Website

Start off by visiting the BetOnline Casino website and clicking on the “Join” button.

Step 2: Create Your Casino Account

You will now need to enter details like your full name and date of birth before clicking on the “Create Account” button.

Step 3: Make a Deposit & Claim Your Poker Bonus

To make your first deposit start by making your way to the “Banking” section. Select “Deposit Options” and your preferred payment method. Click “Deposit Now”, sign in, enter the relevant details and choose your deposit amount. Then enter your promo code and click “Continue Deposit”.

Step 4: Start Enjoying Online poker in Illinois

You’re now ready to start enjoying the best range of online poker games in Illinois.

Making Deposits & Withdrawals at Illinois Poker Sites

When you register at offshore casinos, you will find that there are a number of payment methods that can be used to play your favorite poker games. Here we take a closer look at a few examples to give you an idea of what the most common casino payment methods are.

Crypto at Poker Sites

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are used by many online poker players in Illinois. They allow you to enjoy anonymous transactions that are fee-free and processed a lot quicker compared to traditional methods. By registering at the best Bitcoin gambling sites you will also benefit from exclusive welcome bonuses and perhaps even gain access to special crypto freerolls.

eWallets at Poker Sites

If you’re not too comfortable with using crypto to game online but would also prefer not to share financial information with the site then you should definitely consider eWallets. These methods are known for being safe and easy to use. However, you should note that certain casinos don’t allow deposits made with certain eWallets like Neteller and Skrill to qualify for bonuses.

Traditional Payment Methods

Almost every online poker casino for Illinois players will accept traditional methods. Although methods like credit cards and bank transfers are convenient and familiar, you should note that by using them to game online you can expect to pay some pretty high transaction fees. And you will also need to wait a lot longer for withdrawals to be processed.

Deposit Options Available at the Best Illinois Casino Sites

Once you’ve registered at one of the casinos we’ve listed and are ready to claim your welcome bonus you will need to decide on which method to use. Below you’ll find a few examples of the deposit options available at our recommended online poker casinos for Illinois players.

Withdrawal Options Available at the Best Illinois Casino Sites

After you’ve wagered and won, it’s time to withdraw your funds. Now, not all of our recommended online poker casinos will allow Illinois players to use the same methods for both deposits and withdrawals. This is why we’ve decided to list a few examples of the withdrawal methods for each below.

Poker Site Bonuses available for Illinois Players

One of the things that IL online poker players love most about the casinos we’ve reviewed is that there are so many rewards available. To show you what we mean, we’ve provided three examples of the excellent rewards these sites have to offer poker fans in IL.

Match Deposit Bonuses

Deposit match bonuses could be offered as either a welcome bonus or a reload bonus. Either way, you can expect to receive a portion of your deposit amount back in the form of bonus funds. For example, if you claim a match deposit bonus of 100% up to $1,000 with a deposit of $500, you will receive $500 in bonus funds. This gives you a total of $1,000 to spend playing online poker.

No Deposit Bonuses

Not all IL online poker casinos will offer no deposit bonuses, however, a few of the ones we’ve reviewed do. For example, there are excellent referral bonuses available that allow you to claim a no-deposit bonus based on the amount your friend deposits into their casino account for the first time. You might also receive exclusive rewards on special occasions or for using BTC instead of traditional methods.

Free Roll Tickets

Freerolls are excellent for those who would like to experience the thrill of participating in competitive poker games but aren’t too keen on paying an entry fee. Often, you’ll receive free roll tickets as a new player or for being a crypto casino member. The best part is that although the free roll tickets are technically a bonus, most of the time the money you win won’t come with any wagering requirements which is certainly a major plus.

Playing on Illinois Poker Apps & Mobile Sites

These days, many gamers in IL simply don’t have the time to spend in front of a desktop just to play a few rounds of poker. This is why many sites, like the ones we’ve listed, offer a solution to online poker players who are looking for an easy way to play real money poker on the go in Illinois. Next, we take a look at the pros and cons of mobile gambling as well as how to get your hands on the best real money casino app in IL.

Mobile Poker Apps – Advantages & Disadvantages

Before you decide to become a mobile poker player it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons. To help you get started, we’ve listed a few of the advantages and disadvantages that come with mobile poker apps below.

How to Download Poker Apps or Software

When you’re ready to dive into the exciting world of mobile poker, follow the steps below and you’ll be hitting the felt in no time.

• Use your mobile browser to visit the BetOnline Casino website.
• Create your casino account and sign in.
• Make your way to the “Poker” section of the site and click on the “Download & Play” button.
• Select either “iOS” or “Android” before clicking on the “Download” button.
• As soon as the “pokermobile.apk” file has been downloaded, click on the “install” button.
• Your casino’s logo will now be visible on your mobile’s home screen.

Tips for Playing Online Poker for Real Money in Illinois

Before you start enjoying the range of exciting games and bonuses available at the best IL online poker sites, take the time to consider the following tips.

• Set a Budget Before You Start: It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when playing online poker for real money in Illinois. This is why you should always set a budget before you start and ensure that you stick to it.

• Don’t Use a VPN: If you’re caught playing at a site that requires the use of a VPN it might result in you losing your winnings and being blocked.

• Play New Variants in Demo Mode First: Before you decide to take on a new variant for the first time, make sure that you play the game for free first. This way you know how the game progresses as well as what the different rules are before you risk real money.

• Understand the Basic Rules of Poker: Because poker is a game of skill and chance, in order to boost your odds of winning you need to understand the basics. This allows you to make educated in-game decisions rather than betting blindly.

• Have Realistic Expectations: Although there is a certain element of skill required to win poker, you should note that it is still a game of chance. So, before you play you should know that it is impossible to win each and every hand you get.

Playing Online Poker vs Poker Live in Illinois

When you play online poker for real money, you will find that the games are pretty similar to what can be found at land-based casinos in Illinois. However, players still choose to enjoy their thrills online for a number of reasons.

For example, online poker is a lot more fast-paced than live poker. In an online game of poker, you can expect to see around 62 hands per hour at a 9-max table and 75 per hour at a 6-max table.

However, during live poker games, you can expect to see approximately 25 hands every hour. Another reason online poker is more popular is because there are a lot more tournaments, cash games, variants and special bonuses for players to enjoy.

Live Poker in Illinois – Casinos With Poker Rooms

As we mentioned, there are a few places in IL where players are able to enjoy land-based poker. And below you’ll find 5 examples of local poker rooms players in this state have access to.

Harrah’s Joliet Casino

• Address: 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432
• Opening hours: 24 Hours

Although there isn’t a dedicated poker room available at this casino, players still have a few classic variants to look forward to out on the casino floor. These include games like Mississippi Stud Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker. You will also be able to benefit from a generous loyalty program. However, note that there are no special tournaments and rewards specifically for poker fans.

Grand Victoria Casino

• Address: 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120
• Opening hours: 24 Hours

The poker room at this casino has quickly become a favorite within the local community. There are exciting variants such as Three Card Poker and Texas Hold’em. But what really got us excited was the fact that they recently opened a new World Series of Poker room. This section of the casino boasts 20 poker tables, a full-service bar and 4 remote kiosks.

Jumer’s Casino & Hotel Rock Island

• Address: 777 Jumer Dr, Rock Island, IL 61201
• Opening hours: 24 Hours

Not only will you be able to enjoy classics like Texas Hold’em and Pai Gow poker as a member of this casino, but you will also get to compete in exciting tournaments. At the time of writing, this casino offers tournaments for those who enjoy variants such as Omaha poker, NL Hold’em and Omaha 8 or Better.

Hollywood Casino Joliet

• Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436
• Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 am

This casino offers live poker to players every day from 10 am. There are 5 poker tables to choose from and the electric atmosphere that comes with playing the games on offer is enough to keep you entertained for hours. However, note that there are no special promotions or events available. So, if you’d like to compete in tournaments with big prizes we recommend registering at the casinos we’ve reviewed.

Rivers Casino

• Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 20018
• Opening hours: 24 Hours

As one of the most popular casinos in IL, it probably comes as no surprise to learn that it boasts a range of classics as well as an excellent poker room. As a member of this casino you can look forward to a poker room of 5,600 square feet that’s filled with exciting games. There are cash games and tournaments available, and what we really like is that its website explains exactly how to play the different variants, making this casino a great choice for both new and experienced poker players.

Famous Illinois Poker Players

Illinois is home to many excellent poker players. To show you what we mean we’ve decided to list three of the most successful professional poker players in IL.

• Barry Greenstein: Born in Illinois in 1954, Greenstein is one of the most popular professional poker players from IL. He’s won numerous events, including two on the World Poker Tour and three at the World Series of Poker Tour. As of 2018, his tournament winnings exceeded a whopping $8,300,000.

• Connor Drinan: This poker player is known as the biggest tournament winner from Illinois and although he wasn’t born in this state, Chicago is where he’s been living for many years. His largest score was during the $10,000 WSOP Supper Million$ event at GGPoker where he walked away with a prize of over $1,423,00. Today, he’s received well over $11,200,000 in live winnings and much more playing online poker.

• Mohsin Charania: This player is one of two IL residents that have won poker’s Triple Crown. In April 2012, he won the EPT Grand Final and walked away with an impressive $1,700,000+. And just eighteen months later, he also won the WPT Grand Prix de Paris for $449,856. In total, this professional gambler has managed to rake in over $6,200,000 in tournament winnings.

The Best Poker Site in Illinois

BetOnline has something for every type of poker player out there. You’ll find a range of exciting rewards, virtual variants as well as exciting tournaments. And what makes it even better is the fact that there’s a downloadable app specifically designed to make playing poker on the go easier than ever.

As a new member, you’ll have the chance to increase your odds of winning big by claiming the generous welcome bonus. And if you’re new to poker in general then not to worry as this site has put together everything you need to know about hand rankings and it also offers a range of virtual variants. When you’re ready to enjoy the ultimate online poker experience we recommend checking out what BetOnline Casino has to offer.