Online Poker Sites For IL Residents

Running an online poker site is illegal in Illinois, but fortunately for its poker-loving residents, the state does not have any law preventing them from playing poker for real money at online poker sites. However, the state offers a few legal land-based poker gaming options.

This page makes a brief mention of online poker laws in Illinois besides discussing the legality of playing online poker for real money. We have also listed several licensed and regulated offshore online poker rooms accepting Illinois residents.

Is It Legal To Play Online Poker In Illinois?

Illinois has not legalized online poker although it made attempts to do so back in 2012. A section of Illinois law clearly prohibits the operation of online gambling sites within the state’s jurisdiction. Interestingly, no part of Illinois laws prohibits residents from playing real money poker at online poker rooms.

Although Illinois is not home to a single online poker room, a number of online poker rooms accept Illinois residents. In the absence of proper online poker laws, one can conclude that playing real money poker at offshore online poker rooms is perfectly legal. The state cannot prosecute its residents for breaking laws that do not exist.

Learn More: Gambling Laws + Statutes In Illinois

Best Online Poker Rooms That Take Illinois Residents

Illinois poker players will find a comprehensive list of safe + regulated online poker rooms here on LegalGamblingIllinois.com. Besides accepting Illinois poker players, these online poker rooms accept deposits made through a wide range of Illinois friendly banking methods. A few of the highlights of these poker sites are quick payouts, free poker, loyalty schemes, and qualifiers to prestigious live poker events.

Rank Legal Poker Sites Bonus Rewards Find Out More
1 Bovada Poker 100% To $1,000 On First Deposit Visit Bovada
2 BetOnline Poker Up To $1,000 Free / 200% Match Visit BetOnline
3 SportsBetting Poker Triple Up On First Deposit To $1,000 Visit SportsBetting
Where Can I Play Poker In-Person In Illinois?

Illinois offers its residents a handful of ways to play poker on land. The state is home to a few riverboat casinos, some of which offer poker games. Illinois residents can safely and legally play poker for real money at these riverboat casinos. Home poker games are illegal in Illinois, and residents who organize and take part in home poker games will surely get into trouble with the law. However, players can legally take part in charity poker tournaments held by licensed charitable organizations.

Poker Laws In Illinois

Since Illinois laws do not differentiate between “skill-based games” and “luck-based games,” the arguments that poker is a game of skill and that playing it for real money is not gambling do not have any takers in the state. According to Section 28-1, wagering anything of value on the outcomes of a “game of chance or skill” is illegal, unless done in state-licensed gambling establishments. Since Illinois laws do not exempt home poker, running home poker games or taking part in them could be considered illegal in the state.

Being one of those gambling friendly US states, Illinois tried legalizing online poker and other forms of online gambling in 2012, but was not successful. Currently, the state is considering a gambling expansion bill proposed by Senator Terry King, but only time can tell whether Illinois will ultimately legalize online poker.

Legal Gambling In Illnois

Bovada Online Poker Room

SportsBetting Online Poker Room