Is it legal to play online poker in Illinois? Which are the best sites? And what bonuses are available?
We’ll answer all of these questions , as well as explaining how to register at a poker site from within the Prairie State. But first, let’s run through a list of the leading brands that offer online poker in Illinois.
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| Play Hi-Lo Stud |
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| WSOP Qualifiers |
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| Bad Beat Jackpot 2.0 |
BetOnline |
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BetOnline
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| Play Zone Poker |
Bovada |
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Bovada
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| Play 7 Card Stud |
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Top 4 Illinois Online Poker Sites Reviews 2024
Check out the best Illinois poker online sites at a glance. See their biggest pros and cons, what makes each poker room special, and why you should play there.
1. CoinPoker – Best for Illinois Online Poker Players Using Crypto
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Curaçao eGaming | Within 24 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – Busy Hold’em cash games at stakes suitable for all bankrolls. High rollers and railbirds alike will enjoy the nosebleed Omaha tables, frequented by top pros like Tony G.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Weekly Sunday Specials with six-figure guarantee prize pools. Very low fees compared to other IL online poker rooms. Unusual tournament formats like freebuys, along with the standard MTTs and PKOs.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Expect a tougher game at CoinPoker than some sites. However, the cash game traffic levels are strong. You certainly won’t be short of Omaha and Hold’em options.
- Software Quality 10/10 – Simple but stylish design for both the desktop client and mobile app. Feature-rich and highly customizable, with intuitive navigation and support for multiple languages.
- Betting Limits and Payments 10/10 – Several fast-paying cryptocurrency options, including BTC. Use CoinPoker’s proprietary ERC-20 token CHP (Chips) to earn 33% rakeback.
- Mobile Friendliness 10/10 – Secure Android app that’s easy to use, looks great and doesn’t gobble up space on your device. No annoying identity verification checks, either.
CoinPoker has quickly emerged as one of the best crypto poker sites in the world, never mind the United States. So, if you’re looking for a safe online poker site in Illinois, this is the place to be.
Expect lightning-fast withdrawals, high-end software and a generous direct rakeback deal to boot. We found the mobile app easier to use than any other option.
Pros
- Busy tables with high-stakes games
- Multiple cryptocurrencies for super-fast payouts
- Enjoy 33% rakeback when using CHP
- Below-average rake and tournament fees
Cons
- Can’t use a debit card
- Need to understand crypto and exchanges
- Anonymous poker with easy registration
- Get 33% rakeback every Monday
- Free from deposit & withdrawal fees on cryptocurrencies
2. Ignition Poker – Top IL Poker Site for Soft Hold’em Tables
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| PaiWangLuo Poker | Anjouan Gaming Board | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 9/10 – The only games lacking are niche formats like draw poker. Omaha and Hold’em games at a range of stakes. Omaha Hi/Lo offered too.
- Poker Tournaments 9/10 – Lower-stakes players spoiled for choice, with no buy-ins greater than $300 and lots of freerolls events. Millions of dollars in prizes each month, notably the Sunday $200K Guaranteed.
- Traffic and Player Base 10/10 – Part of a relatively busy network, ensuring full tables and decent tournament fields for most of the day. Few sites offer Hold’em cash games as soft as Ignition.
- Software Quality 8/10 – Play instantly using the browser-based software. It’s not the prettiest, but there’s no quicker or more convenient way to play online poker in Illinois.
- Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – We deducted a point for the card payment fees, but 16 crypto tokens ensure same-day withdrawals at no cost. Several more traditional options are available too.
- Mobile Friendliness 9/10 – Would have been nice to have the choice of downloading a mobile app. However, the minimalist instant play software saves space and is surprisingly functional.
Although Ignition is licensed in Curaçao, there’s no problem playing online poker from the US state of Illinois. The regulator ensures fair gaming and permits cryptocurrency payments, leading to ultra-fast withdrawals.
Enjoy a potentially rewarding loyalty program, download-free mobile play and millions of dollars in monthly tournament guarantees.
Pros
- High traffic poker network
- Very beatable games
- No need to download mobile software
- User-friendly desktop client
Cons
- No direct rakeback scheme
- Not the prettiest mobile design
- Reward store with bonuses and tickets
- Quick and easy seating at cash game tables
- Easy to use poker hand history
3. ACR Poker – Leading Online Poker App for Illinois Players
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao Gaming Control Board | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – More choice than most sites, including Seven Card Stud and Eight or Better. Five Card Omaha is also an option. Wide range of stakes for all cash games.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – Many formats, including Jackpot SNGs and Mystery Bounties. Home to the record-breaking Venom tournaments, including a $12.5 million guarantee and additional seven-figure events.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Busy tables with a slightly higher standard than the average site. Part of the long-standing Winning Poker Network.
- Software Quality 9/10 – Some of the most visually impressive mobile software around, but functional with it. The desktop client offers everything you’d expect. Third-party tools are allowed, including HUDs.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – Four cryptocurrencies to pick from, including bitcoin. Could benefit from others, plus more old-school payment options. Low minimum deposit of only $10 is a noteworthy pro.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – We spotted a minor graphical glitch at the mobile tables, but nothing serious. Feature-rich Android app, but iOS software would be appreciated one day.
One of our favorite aspects of ACR Poker is the 27% direct rakeback program. In addition, online poker players in Illinois are allowed to use hand-tracking software and HUD tools.
Although ACR Poker offers one of the leading real money poker apps, it’s only available for Android devices. The brand has been around for longer than most, dating back to 2001.
Pros
- Eight-figure guarantees with Venom tournaments
- 27% direct rakeback program
- Use HUDs and other software
- Leading Android app
Cons
- Can’t deposit using a card
- Tricky standard of opposition
- WPN network with solid player base
- Blitz poker for speed and convenience
- Seven card stud poker available
4. Black Chip Poker – Best IL Online Poker Room for Stud Games
| Poker Network | License | Payout Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Winning Poker Network (WPN) | Curaçao Gaming Control Board | Within 48 hours |
- Poker Games Variety 10/10 – Jam-packed with Omaha and Hold’em cash tables at all limits. One of few IL poker online sites to offer Stud Eight Or Better.
- Poker Tournaments 10/10 – Look out for the Venom events, which offer incredible prize pools. At the other end of the scale, there are loads of freerolls to get stuck into.
- Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – Another brand on the Winning Poker Network. Expect regular traffic all day, with busy tables. However, other sites offer more beatable games.
- Software Quality 9/10 – Visually pleasing and highly reliable Android mobile software. Desktop client isn’t as polished, but works extremely well. Black Chip Poker also permits the use of third-party learning tools.
- Betting Limits and Payments 8/10 – Lack of traditional banking methods, but four crypto options do facilitate prompt payouts. Very low minimum deposit requirement of just $10.
- Mobile Friendliness 8/10 – The Android app is really easy to use and has sleek aesthetics. There’s no iOS equivalent yet, but hopefully this will be added in the future.
Few can match Black Chip Poker for its game variety, offering less-common formats like Seven Stud and Stud Eight Or Better – not to mention Omaha Hi-Lo and Five Card Omaha.
You can definitely find more beatable cash games at other IL online poker rooms. But not every site gives access to world record-breaking tournament guarantees.
Pros
- Enjoy classic games like Seven Card Stud
- Speedy cryptocurrency payments
- Quality Android app
- Industry-leading Elite Benefits program
Cons
- Lack of traditional payment methods
- Not easy to contact support
- Play with other US poker players from all non-regulated states
- Winning poker network
- Seven card stud and 5 table PLO available
Top Online Poker Games in Illinois
You’ve seen our recommended poker sites in IL. But which game types and formats do they offer?
Texas Hold’em
More commonly known as Hold’em, this game offers an intoxicating blend of psychology, math and situational awareness. No wonder it’s the most popular way to play online poker for real money in Illinois.
Use both, one, or none of your two personal hole cards, with up to five shared “community” cards, to form as strong of a hand as possible. And if all else fails, you can bluff your way to victory.
No Limit Hold’em is the format for most of the world’s biggest tournaments. However, it’s also possible to play the game with a Fixed Limit or Pot Limit structure.
Omaha
A relative of Texas Hold’em, Omaha uses an almost identical set of rules. The key difference, though, is the four-card starting hand, from which precisely two must be used.
This affects strategy more than you might think. With so many additional cards in play, you’ll need to be extra patient when it comes to hand selection.
Most commonly played with a Pot Limit setup, you’ll find Fixed Limit and the occasional No Limit games online, too. Variations like Five Card Omaha also exist, as well as Omaha Hi-Lo.
Cash Games
Sometimes called “ring games”, cash games use chips with real values. Unlike tournaments, everything on the table can be exchanged for its equivalent value in dollars at any time.
There will, however, almost always be an upper limit to the amount you buy in for. In addition, pots that reach a certain size will be subject to deductions, called “rake”. This is the poker room’s hosting fee.
Many cash games allow unusual house rules, such as adding a third blind, placing a straddle or running bomb pots.
MTTs
Although they come in many shapes and sizes, all multi-table tournaments (MTTs) are based on the same fundamental premise.
Players pay a fixed fee to enter, known as a “buy-in”, which earns all entrants the same number of starting chips. Once these are lost, you’re out of the tournament.
Whoever’s left at the end is crowned the winner. They’ll win the lion’s share, but most MTTs pay the top 10-20% of finishers, so you’ll still win a smaller prize if you get knocked out after coming close.
Some tournaments allow rebuys, meaning you can re-enter after busting by paying an extra buy-in. Others include unusual twists, such as prizes for knocking specific players out (Bounties) or blind levels which increase quicker than usual (Turbos).
How to Play Online Poker in Illinois
Not sure how to get started? Follow this simple walkthrough and you’ll be up and running in no time.
- 1 – Choose a site
Read our reviews to help select the right site for you. We recommend CoinPoker, but all of the online poker rooms featured on this page are ideal for players based in Illinois.
- 2 – Register an account
Load the website and download the software. Once installed, you’ll need to create a new account. Choose a memorable username and password, then provide a few personal details to get started. - 3 – Deposit some funds
You can’t play real money poker in Illinois without funding your wallet first. Visit the cashier, choose a payment option and follow the on-screen instructions. We recommend a cryptocurrency like bitcoin for secure and fast transactions. - 4 – Choose a table
Browse the lobby to find a cash game or tournament that looks interesting. Pay the required buy-in, then wait for the game to begin. It’s a good idea to start out playing freeroll tournaments, as you can learn the game for free against other amateur players.
Online Poker Bonuses in IL
The best online poker rooms for Illinois players offer a number of rewarding bonuses. Keep your eyes peeled for the following deals.
Welcome Bonuses
Any signup incentive that’s exclusively awarded to new players could be described as a “welcome” bonus.
More often than not, this will be a deposit match offer. The exact amount of your first deposit dictates the size of the reward. A 200% match, for example, would result in a $50 bonus if you deposited $25.
However, on rare occasions, you might even find a no deposit bonus. In that case, simply open your account and start playing right away. This is especially advantageous for newcomers who don’t yet have a bankroll.
Reload Bonuses
Many poker sites reward players who regularly top their accounts up. This type of promotion is known as a reload bonus.
These are usually deposit match bonuses, too. But they tend to feature smaller percentages than welcome bonuses.
Free Tournament Entries
Some brands, such as BetOnline, give selected players tournament entry tickets. These are essentially free buy-ins, allowing you to play in an event that others have paid to enter.
If you make it past the bubble, the prizes are yours to keep, just as if you’d stumped up a real money buy-in.
Freerolls
Most sites these days run regular freerolls. Nobody pays a fee to enter these tournaments, but there are small prizes awarded to the best-performing players.
Ideal for newbies learning the game, they’re a great way to start putting together a bankroll. New registrants are often invited to exclusive freerolls for this exact reason.
Rakeback
All sites charge rake, which is effectively a fee for spreading the games. But the best poker rooms in Illinois return a percentage of these payments, either on a monthly or weekly basis.
It’s similar to the cashback deals found at online casinos, and is essentially a loyalty reward. You can often withdraw it right away, though you may need to play the funds through before cashing out.
VIP Rewards
Leading poker sites almost always offer some kind of VIP or loyalty program, similar to the air miles you’ll earn for flying.
It usually works in three straightforward steps:
- 1 – Play games
- 2 – Pay rake (or buy-in fees)
- 3 – Collect points
You points can typically be exchanged for tournament entries, tangible gifts or even cash.
As you climb the loyalty points ladder, you may unlock additional perks. For example, you might gain access to exclusive online tournaments and live events.
Are There Real Money Poker Apps in Illinois?
Mobile apps are extremely common these days. Most of the best online poker sites in Illinois provide native software for both iOS and Android devices. There are, however, a few notable exceptions to this trend.
Sites like Ignition, BetOnline and Bovada allow you to play from a mobile or tablet device without ever needing to download an app. Simply log into your account from any up-to-date browser and enjoy online poker instantly.
As a rule, using an app offers a better experience. For instance, the graphics will usually be far superior. But playing in a browser is extremely convenient, especially for those with older devices which may have less storage space.
What is the Best Payment Method for Online Poker in Illinois?
Funding an online poker account from Illinois is really easy, but there are many different options to choose from. Let’s see which are the best.
Cryptocurrency
Most of the top poker sites based offshore now accept deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrency. These digital tokens, like bitcoin, ethereum and tether, are undoubtedly the best way to transact.
First of all, they add an additional layer of security and anonymity. But the main reason to use them is speed. There’s simply no quicker way to receive your winnings.
All of our top-ranked IL poker sites offer same-day crypto payouts, with no fees attached.
E-wallets
Digital wallets like Neteller and Skrill also offer many advantages. They’re a convenient way to separate your bankroll from everyday funds, for instance.
What’s more, you can usually transact for free, while payments are often processed pretty quickly.
However, lots of Illinois poker sites exclude e-wallets from their promotions. So, if you’re trying to claim poker bonuses, you might be out of luck.
Debit and Credit Cards
Top poker sites almost always accept the likes of Visa and Mastercard, with some also covering American Express and Discover transactions.
These reputable and experienced payment processors are secure and reliable. However, they’re often painfully slow, while certain cards are charged a fee.
Is Online Poker Legal in Illinois?
There are plenty of offshore casinos and poker rooms that accept players from all over the United States, including the Land of Lincoln. But is online poker really legal in Illinois? It’s something of a gray area.
Can You Play Online Poker in Illinois for Real Money?
In short, yes. It’s possible to play real money online poker in Illinois by registering with offshore poker sites and casinos.
These are licensed outside of the country, so the US authorities are powerless to prevent them from letting you play.
Nobody has ever been punished for using these overseas operators. Besides, there’s growing tolerance for online gambling in the Prairie State, as seen by recent attempts to pass new laws.
When Will Online Poker Be Legal in Illinois?
There’s no sign of a legal framework for online poker, sportsbooks or casinos in Illinois just yet. However, the Illinois Gaming Board already exists to regulate the operation of video gaming terminals and riverboat casinos.
In addition, two bills – SB1565 and HB2239 – were introduced in recent years, by State Sen. Cristina Castro and State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., respectively.
Neither have been successful so far. Nevertheless, hope remains that some progress could be made before the end of the existing legislative session in 2025.
Are Poker Winnings Taxable in Illinois?
Yes. Even though online poker isn’t currently legal, the Illinois Revenue taxes residents on all gambling winnings. They’re considered part of your personal income, taxed at a flat rate of 4.95%.
Best Live Poker Rooms in IL
If you ever feel like a break from playing online poker in Illinois, check out these popular live card rooms.
Grand Victoria Casino
Address: 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120, United States
Opening hours: 10am to 4am Sunday to Thursday; 10am to 6am Friday and Saturday
This 20-table poker room runs a monthly $600 No Limit Hold’em tournament, plus weekly events ranging from $135 to $300.
$1/$2 and $5/$10 Pot Limit Omaha cash games also run throughout the week, as well as a $1/$2 Omaha Hi-Lo game. There’s even a bad beat jackpot for the $1/$3 and $2/$5 Hold’em cash tables.
Rivers Casino
Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States
Opening hours: 24/7
Operating around the clock with 22 tables, Rivers Casino boasts one of the best Chicago poker rooms for cash game players.
The 5,600 square foot space hosts Fixed and No Limit Hold’em games at stakes from $1/$3 to $25/$50. In addition, Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo fans can enjoy games from $1/$2 up to $10/$20.
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Address: 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506, United States
Opening hours: 9am to 3am every day
A weekly $160 No Limit Hold’em tournament is held every Saturday afternoon at 1pm. In addition, there’s usually $1/$3 and $2/$5 NLH cash games running, plus the occasional $10/$20 and $20/$40 Fixed Limit tables.
The bad beat jackpot, which boasts a five-figure guarantee, peaked at an impressive $388,573 back in July 2022.
Famous Illinois Poker Players
These players are among the best-known to emerge from the Prairie State.
- Connor Drinan. Hailing from Arlington Heights, Drinan boasts two WSOP bracelets, an EPT High Roller title and almost $12 million in live tournament earnings.
- Jordan Griff. Runner-up in the record-breaking 2024 WSOP Main Event, the Schaumburg native was the only amateur player to reach the final table, where he bagged $6 million.
- Mohsin Charania. Born in Des Plaines, Charania is the proud owner of two WTP titles, a WSOP bracelet and over $6.5 million in live winnings.
Poker in Other States
We’ve already seen that you can only play online poker in Illinois using offshore sites. But how are things looking in other US states?
At the time of writing, only six have a legal framework in place. It’s currently possible to play online poker in Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Doing so is perfectly legal.
The majority of other states are similar to Illinois.It’s not technically allowed to play online poker in Ohio, Maryland or Texas, for instance. But a legal gray area exists thanks to overseas poker rooms.
Washington, however, is a major exception to this, as the law clearly states that online poker is a felony.
Online Poker Illinois – Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to remember from our complete guide to online poker in Illinois.
- Online gambling isn’t yet legal – This includes poker. However, there’s been plenty of legislative activity in IL to try and change things.
- Poker is still available online – A loophole exists allowing residents to use online poker rooms located overseas, such as CoinPoker.
- It’s totally safe to play online poker – There’s no history of anyone ever being punished for using these offshore poker sites in IL.
FAQs
Is it legal to play online poker in IL?
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Is Illinois online poker safe?
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References
- https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/hollywood-aurora/ (Poker Atlas)
- https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/rivers-casino-des-plaines (Poker Atlas)
- https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/grand-victoria-elgin (Poker Atlas)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=701135 (Hendon Mob)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=167531 (Hendon Mob)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=190283 (Hendon Mob)
- https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2239&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=146644&SessionID=112&GA=103 (Illinois General Assembly)
- https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1565&GAID=16&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=110&GA=102 (Illinois General Assembly)
- https://tax.illinois.gov/questionsandanswers/answer.468.html (Illinois Revenue)