Is online poker legal in Illinois? In this guide, we will navigate the ins and outs of playing poker online in the state. This resource will provide you with essential information on the current gambling laws, the best poker platforms, and everything you need to know to enjoy a secure and legitimate online poker experience in Illinois. From offshore sportsbooks to local casinos, we've got you covered with insights into the many options that make online poker accessible to players within the state.
Illinois Online Poker Legality Snapshot
Online Poker
Available (Offshore Only)
Land Based Poker
Available
Legal Gambling Age
21+
Poker Regulator
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB)
Is Online Poker Legal in Illinois?
Yes, it is legal to play on offshore poker sites in Illinois. To play in Illinois today, there are some very well-known options available. Poker operators like BetOnline and Ignition Poker have been serving Illinois players for more than two decades. The sites are regulated by offshore gambling authorities and have built trust with players across America.
As of the beginning of 2025, the Illinois Gaming Board has not licensed or regulated any online poker operators. This means that the state cannot collect taxes from these sites or assign regulations to the companies, leaving them to obtain licensing from outside Illinois. As the state continues to examine legalized online poker and gambling options, they move closer to a regulated industry, which is supported by most land-based casino and sports betting operators.
The last few years, have presented numerous opportunities for Illinois to join the ranks of legal poker states. Members of the state legislature have examined bills and expanded gambling to encompass online sports betting and video gaming terminals. The only missing components are online poker and casino games. Each year, the likelihood increases that Illinois will legalize these games, as neighboring Michigan collects between $150,000 and $200,000 per month in total igaming revenue.
Can I Play Online Poker in Illinois?
Yes, you can. While Illinois hasn’t legalized or regulated real-money online poker at the state level, players can legally access a number of offshore poker sites. These sites operate outside of U.S. jurisdiction and are widely used by Illinois players without legal interference. They offer real money games with a variety of stakes and formats, from low-limit cash tables to large tournaments.
Top Sites for Online Poker in Illinois
Ignition – Best Illinois Site to Play Poker for Real Money
BetOnline – Best Site in Illinois for Flexible Baking
Bovada – Variety of Tournaments for Illinois Poker Players
Ignition stands out in Illinois for its anonymous cash tables, steady low-to-mid stakes traffic, and strong crypto support. Deposits via Bitcoin are seamless, and withdrawals often arrive within 24–48 hours with no fees. The $1.5M+ in weekly tournament guarantees includes re-entry and bounty formats suited for casual grinders. Ignition strikes the right balance for players who value privacy, reliable crypto payments, and relaxed competition over HUD-heavy play.
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best for Flexible Baking
If you’re a player who prioritizes fast, flexible banking, you will find a lot to like at BetOnline Poker. With smooth, reliable processing, the platform supports credit cards, e-wallets, and major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Regular tournaments and soft cash games offer plenty of action at approachable stakes, making it easy to stay in the mix. With a $1,000 welcome bonus and steady site performance, it’s a practical, low-friction choice for those keeping a consistent poker routine in Illinois.
Large player pool, especially for cash games and tournaments
Best customer support and prompt payouts
Soft games
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
15 days
Best for Casual Poker in Illinois
Bovada suits casual poker fans in Illinois seeking an easy, pressure-free experience. The simple interface and anonymous tables eliminate the stress of being tracked by regulars. Enjoy quick Sit & Gos, including Jackpot SNGs with multipliers up to 1200x, or low-stakes tournaments with over $2M guaranteed weekly. The fast-fold Zone Poker offers ~200 hands/hour, perfect for quick sessions. With a minimum deposit of $10 and crypto withdrawals processed in 1–24 hours, it’s convenient and efficient for casual play.
The History of Online Poker in Illinois
Illinois first explored online poker regulation in 2017, when a proposal passed the Senate but failed to advance further. While online poker has appeared in multiple iGaming bills over the years, none have successfully made it into law. Lawmakers have shown repeated interest, but political disagreements and competing gambling priorities have stalled progress. As of 2024, online poker remains unregulated at the state level, though the conversation is ongoing.
Online Poker’s Impact on Illinois
Online poker has played a major role in shaping Illinois’ modern poker scene. During the poker boom of the early 2000s, offshore sites allowed players across the state to deposit their own money and hone their skills from home. Many of Illinois’ most successful players like Connor Drinan, Mohsin Charania, and Gavin Griffin began their careers online before moving onto high-takes live events. The state’s active poker community has long relied on these international platforms to access real-money games. Even in the absence of state oversight, online poker continues to influence how Illinois players learn, compete, and stay connected to the global game.
Illinois Gambling Laws
Type/Code
Summary
State Code Section(s)
230.ICLS.5-40; 720.ICLS.5.28
Definition of Gambling & Player
Person Commits Gambling: Knowingly plays a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value; or knowingly establishes, maintains, or operates an internet site that permits a person to play a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value by means of the Internet or to make a wager upon the result of any game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election by means of the Internet.
Online Poker/Gambling
Multiple attempts to legalize online poker and casino games have failed in the last decade while Illinois expanded other forms of gambling. The latest attempt at legislation was in 2023, but the bills failed to achieve the required readings to move forward for votes.
Live Poker
Live poker is permitted in all of the casinos in Illinois, and the poker rooms offer cash games and tournaments.
Casinos
The Riverboat Gambling Act permitted a limited number of fully-functional casinos to operate as riverboats throughout Illinois, and the 2019 gambling expansion legislation expanded the definition of riverboats and authorized a long-awaited casino on land in the Chicago area.
Sports Betting
The 2019 gambling expansion bill legalized retail sportsbooks, and mobile and online sports betting for people located in Illinois. Retail options were slow to find success due to the 2020 pandemic casino closures, but online sports betting soared in popularity.
DFS
As with sports betting, daily fantasy sports contests were included in the 2019 gambling expansion bill. DFS is now legal in Illinois.
Other Forms of Gambling
Horse racing, pari-mutuel betting, bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, charitable gambling, poker runs, jar games, Native American gaming, video gaming terminals.
Illinois Embraces Gambling
As mentioned, Illinois long ago authorized betting on horse races, and the lottery became legal in the mid-1970s.
In 1990, the state took a giant step forward by passing the Riverboat Gambling Act, authorizing casinos on riverboats. It opened an entirely new revenue stream for Illinois, as much of the state is bordered by rivers – the Mississippi, Wabash, and Ohio Rivers. And the Kankakee River runs from the west to the northeast along the top third of the state. The first riverboat opened in Alton just one and a half years after the law passed. The most recent riverboat casino opened in Chicago in late 2023, making for 15 authorized and operational casinos in Illinois at the start of 2024.
Illinois added more gambling in 2009 when the legislature authorized video gaming terminals, also known as VGTs, throughout the state. That part of the gambling industry has grown to offer more than 46,000 VGTs at more than 8,400 licensed locations throughout the state.
Ten years later, Illinois lawmakers considered new revenue streams. As many other states legalized sports betting – some in person and some also online – Illinois wanted a part of that massive industry. It just opened up across the United States in 2018, when the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) per a lawsuit filed by the governor of New Jersey. That monumental ruling prompted lawmakers across America to propose sports betting laws, and Illinois was not left out.
The Illinois Sports Wagering Act of 2019 legalized sports wagering at Illinois casinos, horse racing tracks, and online. Through the third quarter of 2023, Illinois showed more than $2.3 billion in revenue to date. That resulted in sports betting operators paying more than $360 million in tax revenue.
The gambling laws currently allow for “charitable games” per the Charitable Games Act, and poker is often conducted under this section of the code. Poker is one of the 14 games classified as “games of chance,” along with pull tabs, craps, gin rummy, and keno,” and certain organizations can host poker games to benefit a charitable organization.
Serious iGaming Efforts 2017-2018
In 2017, Illinois passed a Senate bill to legalize online poker and casino games, but the House version stalled. Rep. Michael Zalewski kept pushing in 2018 with H.479. After PASPA was overturned, gambling supporters revised SB.7 to include daily fantasy and sports betting. Despite bipartisan support, the session ended too soon. Rep. Rita led hearings in August and October 2018 on gambling expansion, focusing on new casinos, video gaming terminals, and sports betting, but igaming lacked clarity on licensing and taxes. The second hearing in early October was held in Springfield and focused heavily on sports betting.
Sports Wagering Act of 2019
Illinois passed a sweeping gambling expansion bill in 2019, signed by Gov. Pritzker, legalizing sports betting, five new casinos, VGT venues, racinos, and more. Sportsbooks launched in early 2020, with BetRivers debuting online first during pandemic shutdowns. By year-end, several operators were live. In 2022 alone, Illinois saw $18.6B in handle and $232.6M in tax revenue. However, online casino and poker was not included in the law, leaving it sidelined despite the success of sports wagering.
More iGaming Efforts 2021-2023
Rep. Rita’s 2021 igaming bill failed, but momentum returned in 2023. Sen. Castro introduced SB1656 (Internet Gaming Act) and Rep. Gonzalez Jr. filed HB2239. Provisions included three skins per casino, 15% tax, and fast-track emergency rules. Both bills progressed briefly through committees, but stalled by April. Gov. Pritzker, a past gambling supporter, was aware. Despite setbacks, analysts expect igaming to pass soon—neighboring states like Michigan show strong fiscal results. Illinois poker players now look to 2024 for change.
Illinois Online Poker Updates in 2025
Illinois lawmakers are once again pushing to legalize online poker and casino games. Two new proposals—SB1963 and HB3080—would let casinos partner with online operators, implement a 25% tax on revenue, and allow up to three skins per license. Both bills include a provision to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) for interstate poker liquidity.
Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., a key advocate, plans to reintroduce updated legislation in 2025 after VGT opposition stalled his 2024 bill. Governor J.B. Pritzker has continued to support iGaming as a potential source of new revenue, though regulation remains pending.
Key Organizations for Illinois Poker
ICGA. The Illinois Casino Gaming Association is a trade group representing the interests of many of Illinois’ casinos. The group’s site provides valuable research material for those interested in the Illinois gambling industry.
Illinois Gaming Board. The state gaming board's official site is the authoritative source for legal and regulatory details regarding gambling in Illinois. Get information on meetings, measures, help with problem gambling, self-exclusion, and a wealth of statistical information at the IGB website.
ICPG The online home for the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling is a central location providing access to a 24-hour helpline, speakers, and resources for educators, families, and players. The ICPG opposes the expansion and regulation of poker laws in the industry.
Famous Illinois Poker Players
Illinois has a long history of turning out top poker talent. Several players from the state have earned major titles on the WSOP, WPT, and EPT circuits, and a large number launched their poker careers online before moving onto the live scene. Connor Drinan leads the state in all-time tournament earnings, followed by pros like Mohsin Charania and Gavin Griffin. From Triple Crown winners to WSOP bracelet holders, these Illinois players have earned recognition worldwide. Below is an updated look at some of the most accomplished poker players from the state, based on earnings through early 2025.
The top 10 Illinois live poker earnings through 2025, according to the Hendon Mob, are:
Connor Drinan - $11,828,859
Mohsin Charania - $6,577,997
Jordan Griff - $6,070,467
Aaron Massey - $5,869,896
Brandon Wilson - $5,661,966
Ryan Tosoc - $5,641,124
Jason Wheeler - $5,289,016
Michael Moncek - $5,176,865
Gavin Griffin - $5,094,711
Kevin Rabichow - $4,492,324
Play Online Poker in Illinois
Illinois continues to inch closer to legalizing online poker, with recent bills signaling real momentum in 2025. While the state has yet to formally regulate iGaming, players can still access reputable offshore poker sites to enjoy real-money games today. With a passionate poker community, growing political interest, and neighboring states finding success, Illinois may soon join the legal online poker market.
Until then, players can explore safe offshore platforms, stay updated on legislative changes, and prepare for a future where regulated online poker is part of Illinois’ gambling landscape.
Illinois has more gambling options than most states in the Midwest. While long confined to riverboats, it became relatively easy
FAQ
Can I play PokerStars in Illinois?
No. Poker players in Illinois will have to venture out and explore other online poker options, as Pokerstars does not let residents in Illinois open up accounts.
Are there any bonuses offered to Illinois poker players?
Yes! All online casinos offered for poker players in Illinois offer a variety of bonuses, including; welcome bonuses, deposit bonuses, and other weekly promotions.
Who is eligible to play online poker in Illinois?
You must be 21 or older and physically located in the state to play on offshore poker sites legally.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
Sources & Citations For This Article on Illinois Online Poker
