Best Sites for Online Poker in Illinois February 2025

by Jeffrey McMillan

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.

No 1 Poker Site

150% Welcome Bonus up to $2,000 - BONUS CODE: PSCOUT

150% Welcome Bonus up to $2,000 - BONUS CODE: PSCOUT

  • Anonymous poker with easy registration
  • Get 33% rakeback every Monday
  • Free from deposit & withdrawal fees
Cash Games
Fixed Limit
Jackpot Poker
MTT
+ 3 more
 PLAY NOW
5/5
Review
33%
WSOP Qualifiers

100% up to $2,000 Welcome Offer

100% up to $2,000 Welcome Offer

  • Play with other US poker players from all non-regulated states
  • Winning poker network
  • Seven card stud and 5 table PLO available
7 Card Stud
Cash Games
Fast Fold Poker
Fixed Limit
+ 5 more
 PLAY NOW
4.5/5
Review
27%
Play Zone Poker

100% up to $500 With Code: PWB500

100% up to $500 With Code: PWB500

  • Good traffic on Jackpot Sit and Go tables
  • PWL network for opponents from around the world
  • Up to four tables at the same time on the mobile poker client
Anon. Tables
Cash Games
Fast Fold Poker
Fixed Limit
+ 5 more
 PLAY NOW
4.5/5
Review
Play Hi-Lo Stud

100% up to $2,000

100% up to $2,000

  • WPN network with solid player base
  • Blitz poker for speed and convenience
  • Seven card stud poker available
7 Card Stud
Cash Games
Fast Fold Poker
Fixed Limit
+ 7 more
 PLAY NOW
4.5/5
Review
27%
36% Rakeback

200% Up To $1,000

200% Up To $1,000

  • Earn Loyalty Points for Every Dollar Raked
  • Weekly Cash Tournaments
  • Fast Fortune - 12,000x Your Buy-In
PLAY NOW
4.5/5
Show More

Top 5 Illinois Online Poker Sites Reviews 2025

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 NetworkLicensePayout Speed
IndependentAnjouan Offshore Finance AuthorityWithin 24 hours

The CoinPoker mobile site displaying a tournament leaderboard promotion

  • 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

2. BetOnline – Top IL Poker Site for a Bit of Everything

Poker NetworkLicensePayout Speed
Chico PokerPanama Gaming CommissionWithin 48 hours

BetOnline mobile poker homepage

  • Poker Games Variety 8.5/10 – The variety of games at this online Illinois poker site is brilliant, as it includes niche games like 6+ Hold’em – something you wouldn’t expect from a site which is mainly known for sports betting.
  • Poker Tournaments 8.5/10 – If you’re looking for the absolute biggest prizepools around, BetOnline might not quite meet your expectations. However, the day-to-day tourney prizes are perfect for low- and mid-stakes players. Plus, they have six-figure Sunday Majors and big-money series, like the $2.5m GTD Championship Series.
  • Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – There’s a mixture of players at BetOnline, including a decent proportion of inexperienced players drifting over from their sportsbook. The site was established in 1991, so has one of the biggest and oldest player bases among the poker sites in Illinois.
  • Software Quality 8.5/10 – A simple and user-friendly lobby helps keep those inexperienced players interested. More advanced users have a tasty selection of customization options available to edit your in-game experience.
  • Betting Limits and Payments 8.5/10 – Plenty of low-limit games run at BetOnline, which appeal to the new players and offer plenty of value due to the lack of quality players. You can deposit in over 20 ways, including crypto payments such as BTC, ETH, BNB and more.
  • Mobile Friendliness 9/10 – There’s a full poker app for BetOnline and it doesn’t show any signs of age, despite the site itself being more than 30 years old. While some Illinois poker sites limit the tourneys available on mobile, BetOnline packs in nearly everything they have on the iOS and Android apps.

BetOnline has a strange combination of features which genuinely appeals to both new and experienced players. The low-stakes events and in-game throwables are fun for newbies, while relatively obscure game options such as Six-Plus Hold’em will attract a lot of existing Hold’em players.

Pros

  • Niche game options like 6+ Hold’em
  • High number of new players
  • Lots of low-stakes options
  • Fun tables with throwables and more

Cons

  • Fewer super-high-stakes events than some IL poker sites
  • Rake is a little high

3. Bovada – Top IL Poker Site for Low Rake

Poker NetworkLicensePayout Speed
PaiWangLuo PokerAnjouan Offshore Finance AuthorityWithin 48 hours

Bovada poker homepage on mobile

  • Poker Games Variety 8.5/10 – Hold’em, Omaha, MTTs, cash games, bounties, jackpots, and even Zone Poker – the selection here is great, and there’s a mixture of high and low stakes.
  • Poker Tournaments 8.5/10 – This online Illinois poker room offers players more than $2 million in guarantees every week, including a $200k GTD event every Sunday. Plenty of low buy-ins for newcomers, too.
  • Traffic and Player Base 9/10 – This is arguably the best thing about Bovada, as they have so many amateur players with little-to-no experience. Games here are way more fishy than some other top poker sites in IL.
  • Software Quality 9/10 – You can play instantly with no need to download, which is a huge plus, but there’s also a full app available. The bright blue background makes it instantly recognizable, as does the simple layout and gameplay.
  • Betting Limits and Payments 9/10 – You have the option of depositing with regular bank cards, or you can use crypto. This means you’ll enjoy faster payout times, as long as you’re comfortable using BTC and other digital coins.
  • Mobile Friendliness 9/10 – The mobile poker app at Bovada is perfectly designed for their user base, with easy controls for new players. However, experienced heads can multi-table up to four games at once from their phones.

Bovada is one of the best Illinois poker sites thanks to its low rake and inexperienced players.

While it lacks the rakeback which you’ll find at the likes of CoinPoker and ACR, Bovada does have a strict cap in place on rake. This means the house will only ever take a limited cut of any cash game pot you play, or any tournament you enter.

The flourishing sportsbook and casino results in a lot of casual players filtering through, which is exactly the scenario you want.

Pros

  • Over $2m in weekly guarantees
  • Limited rake cap
  • Multi-tabling on mobile
  • Lots of casual players

Cons

  • Lack of freerolls
  • Quite a loud table design

4. Ignition Poker – Top IL Poker Site for Soft Hold’em Tables

Poker NetworkLicensePayout Speed
PaiWangLuo PokerAnjouan Offshore Finance AuthorityWithin 48 hours

The Ignition mobile site showing the instant mobile play option

  • 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

5. ACR Poker – Leading Online Poker App for Illinois Players

Poker NetworkLicensePayout Speed
Winning Poker Network (WPN)Curaçao Gaming Control BoardWithin 48 hours

The ACR Poker mobile site featuring the new player bonus

  • 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

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.

An MTT lobby at ACR Poker
An MTT lobby at ACR Poker

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.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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:

  • Play games
  • Pay rake (or buy-in fees)
  • 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.

Poker chips and a calculator on a busy desk

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?

Can I play online poker in Illinois?

Is Illinois online poker safe?

What is the best online poker site in Illinois?

How can I play online poker in Illinois?

How old do you have to be to play poker in IL?

References

  1. https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/hollywood-aurora/ (Poker Atlas)
  2. https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/rivers-casino-des-plaines (Poker Atlas)
  3. https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/grand-victoria-elgin (Poker Atlas)
  4. https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=701135 (Hendon Mob)
  5. https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=167531 (Hendon Mob)
  6. https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=190283 (Hendon Mob)
  7. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2239&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=146644&SessionID=112&GA=103 (Illinois General Assembly)
  8. https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1565&GAID=16&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=110&GA=102 (Illinois General Assembly)
  9. https://tax.illinois.gov/questionsandanswers/answer.468.html (Illinois Revenue)

 

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