Best Online Casinos in Illinois: Top Sites to Play for Real Money Prizes
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The state of Illinois prohibits online casino gambling. While this may seem disappointing, there is a legal and rewarding alternative for residents of the Prairie State.
You've got social sweepstakes casinos like BetRivers and PlayFame that operate legally throughout the state. These platforms allow players to enjoy casino-style games while providing the opportunity to redeem real money prizes.
They operate using a virtual currency model that ensures compliance with Illinois gambling laws. You can access slots, table games and live dealer experiences on both mobile devices and desktop computers.
You may come across platforms like BetUS Casino and Ignition Casino during your search. Although these websites accept players from Illinois, they are not licensed to operate in the state. We from Sweepsio advise against using these platforms due to their lack of legal oversight and consumer protection.
Legal sweepstakes casinos are a better choice. They comply with local regulations and still provide opportunities to win real money prizes without the risks associated with unauthorized offshore gambling.
List of the Top Online Casinos in Illinois
The best online casinos following the sweepstakes model that Illinois players can legally access are: Funrize, PlayFame, Chanced, Mega Bonanza and Stake.us.
- Funrize
- PlayFame
- Chanced
- Mega Bonanza
- Stake.us
Each of these sites uses a sweepstakes-based virtual currency system that enables prize redemption without violating Illinois gambling regulations.
No Deposit Bonus
125,000 TC + 300 PE
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Tiered VIP system
- Multiple support methods
- Responsive live chat
First Purchase Discount875,000 TC + 5,000 PE for $24.99Daily Login Reward0 TC + 20 Promotional EntriesMin Redemption10,000 Promotional EntriesPayout TimeUp to 10 DaysPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
7,500 GC + 2.5 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Extensive game library with over 1,000 titles
- Multiple banking options including cryptocurrency
- Dedicated iOS app with positive user ratings (4.5/5)
First Purchase Discount60,000 Gold Coins + 25 Sweeps Coins for $9.99Daily Login Reward1,000 Gold Coins + up to 2.5 Sweeps CoinsMin Redemption$10Payout TimeUp to 7 DaysPayment Methods Available
No Deposit Bonus
10,000 GC + 2 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Massive 1,350-Game Library
- 64 Live Dealer Games
- VIP Vegas Trip Giveaway
- Nine-Tier VIP Program
- Weekly SC Races
- Live Saturday Raffles
First Purchase Discount250,000 GC + 25 SC for $19.99Daily Login RewardUp to 20,000 GC + 1 SCMin Redemption100 SCPayout TimeUp to 7 business daysPayment Methods Available
- Top Bonus
No Deposit Bonus
7,500 GC + 2.5 Free SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:No Promo CodeTop Features- Daily Tournaments
- Desktop App
- Quick E-Wallets
First Purchase Discount50,000 GC + 25 SC for $9.99Daily Login Reward1,500 Gold Coins + 0.20 free SCMin Redemption75Payout TimeUp to 3 DaysPayment Methods Available No Deposit Bonus
250,000 GC + 25 SC
Terms & Conditions apply
Click to copy code:SWEEPBONUSTop Features- Exclusive Stake Originals Games
- Crypto-Powered Fast Redemptions
- VIP Loyalty System
First Purchase Discount-Daily Login Reward10,000 GC + 1 Stake CashMin Redemption$100Payout TimeUp to 1 DayPayment Methods Available
1. Funrize
Funrize is a sweepstakes-based social casino legally available in Illinois. It uses Tournament Coins (TC) for standard play and Promotional Entries (PE) to redeem real cash prizes. You can start with a no-purchase bonus of 125,000 TC and 300 PE, and claim additional entries via daily spins, referrals or a mail-in option.
The platform offers 700+ games, including 650 slots, fish games, Plinko and jackpots from providers like Pragmatic Play, BGaming and NetGame. Redemption starts just 2,500 PE ($25) via gift cards or up to $100 via ACH or PayPal.
Funrize also features a VIP-level club, daily payback bonuses and tournaments. Its legal compliance, smooth mobile UX and trusted ownership (A1 Development LLC) make it a safe and rewarding alternative to offshore casinos for Illinois residents.
2. PlayFame Casino
PlayFame Casino is operated by B2Services OÜ, based in Estonia, and legally accessible to Illinois players under the sweepstakes model. It features over 1,000 games, including 1,017 slots, live dealer games and exclusive PlayFame titles.
Players use Gold Coins for fun play and Sweeps Coins for real prize redemptions, with cashouts starting at just 10 SC (via gift cards) or 75 SC through crypto and card options. The no deposit bonus gives new users 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC, while daily login rewards, social media challenges and frequent email promos keep engagement high.
The platform runs smoothly on all devices, with a dedicated iOS app rated 4.5/5.0 and features modern UI/UX, a 1x wager requirement and fast redemptions (under 7 days). PlayFame stands out as a legit and user-friendly choice for Illinois players seeking legal sweepstakes casino action.
3. Chanced Casino
Chanced brings both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins to the table, with SC redemptions starting at 100 SC via bank transfer.
Game selection spans over 1,200 slots from top providers like Pragmatic Play, BGaming and Hacksaw Gaming—think Big Bass Reel Repeat and Le King.
You can also enjoy social live casino games, jackpot slots and classic table games like European Roulette. The VIP program features 9 tiers with perks like rakeback, bonuses and private Telegram groups.
Daily login bonuses and live-hosted events like weekly raffles and races make Chanced one of the most engaging sweepstakes casinos available in Illinois.
4. Mega Bonanza Casino
Mega Bonanza is a trusted, legal online casino platform for Illinois players backed by B2Services OÜ (also behind McLuck and Jackpota).
It runs on Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins, letting you redeem SC starting at just 10 SC via gift cards, or 75 SC through Visa, Mastercard or bank transfer.
The sweeps casino features 1,000+ games from top providers like Pragmatic Play, Evoplay and Relax Gaming, including fan favorites like The Dog House and Starlight Princess Pachi.
Additional options include Slingo titles, Jackpot Play and live dealer games like Buffalo Blitz Live.
Bonuses include 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC at sign-up and tiered referral rewards.
5. Stake.us Casino
Backed by Sweepsteaks Limited, a subsidiary of Stake.com, and partnered with names like UFC and Drake, Stake.us delivers one of the most polished sweepstakes casino experiences legally available to Illinois players.
Stake.us uses Gold Coins and Stake Cash for legal sweepstakes play in Illinois, with redemptions starting at 100 SC via cryptocurrency only.
You’ll find over 1,100 slots, plus Stake Originals like Crash and Plinko and live dealer games such as Teen Patti and Roulette.
Daily login bonuses offer 10,000 GC + 1 SC, and their initial no-purchase bonus rewards you with 250,000 GC + 25 SC.
Although there's no mobile app, the site is fully responsive and mirrors the layout of Stake.com for intuitive navigation.
Illinois Online Casinos You Shouldn't Trust
Offshore online casinos, such as BetUS Casino, Ignition Casino and Royal Ace Casino, operate without a license in Illinois. Since real-money online casino gambling remains illegal in the state, these offshore platforms are not authorized to offer their services to Illinois residents.
According to Sweepsio, these sites are flagged as untrustworthy due to their lack of regulation and poor consumer protection records. You should avoid these platforms to reduce the risk of unfair practices or unresolved disputes.
| Casino Name | Major Issues | Player Risks |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Ace Casino |
- 10% transaction fees - Banking via Visa, Mastercard, PayPal blocked - Game crashes mid-play - Support gaslights players - VIP status revoked after cashout requests |
- Limited banking options - Risk of technical failures during gameplay - No VIP benefits protection - Manipulative support behavior |
| Ignition Casino |
- Check withdrawals rarely fulfilled - Excessive document demands - Accounts frozen during verification - Winnings reversed after “glitches” - Self-terminated licenses |
- Identity verification abuse - Risk of reversed legitimate wins - Frozen funds during account review - No license or oversight |
| BetUS Casino |
- Approved withdrawals never processed - Retroactive bonus term changes - Account closures after winning streaks - Zero operational transparency - No player protection policy |
- Denied access to funds without notice - Unfair bonus enforcement - No accountability from operators - High risk of abrupt account bans |
Are online casinos legal in Illinois?
No, online casinos are currently illegal in Illinois. State law prohibits both operating and participating in games of chance for real money over the internet.
The following forms of gambling are legally permitted.
- Land-based casinos
- Online sports betting (through licensed operators)
- Online state lottery
- Social casino games (that do not involve real-money wagering)
In 2025, two bills—Senate Bill 1963 and House Bill 3080—proposed legalizing online casinos in Illinois. The proposed legislation included the following two initiatives.
- A 25% tax rate on online casino revenue
- Strict licensing requirements for operators
However, these efforts have faced opposition from video gaming terminal operators and labor unions, who have expressed concern about increased competition and potential impacts on local employment.
Several class-action lawsuits are currently in progress against sweepstakes casinos, including WOW Vegas. These cases could influence future interpretations of what constitutes legal and illegal online gambling in the state.
Can You Play in Illinois Online Casinos for Real Money?
Yes, Illinois residents can legally win real money online, but not through traditional online casinos. These remain illegal under current state law. However, social sweepstakes casinos provide a legal alternative.
Sweepstakes casinos use a dual virtual currency system as explained below.
- One currency (often called Gold Coins) is used for standard gameplay and entertainment.
- The second currency (usually Sweeps Coins) can be redeemed for real money prizes.
This model is legal because it qualifies as a sweepstakes promotion, not gambling. Players enter games of chance without directly wagering real money.
Payment and redemption options vary by platform, but typically include the following ones.
- Online banking transfers
- Cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin)
- Credit and debit card purchases
- Gift card redemptions (available at some platforms)
Once the redemption threshold is met (usually between $50 and $100), you can request a payout.
How Do You Pay Taxes on Sweepstakes Earnings?
You pay taxes on sweepstakes earnings by reporting them as income on both your federal and Illinois state tax returns.
In Illinois, all sweepstakes casino winnings are considered personal income and are taxed at a flat rate of 4.95%. It doesn’t matter whether you win a large jackpot or a smaller prize—every dollar is taxable.
On the federal side, gambling winnings are taxed according to your overall income and filing status, with rates ranging from 10% to 37%. The IRS automatically withholds 24% of your winnings before you even receive them if you win $5,000 or more.
You'll receive a Form W-2G if your winnings meet certain thresholds:
- $600+ if the win is 300 times your wager
- $1,200+ from slot machines or bingo
- $1,500+ from keno
- $5,000+ from poker tournaments
What Casino Games Can You Play in Illinois?
Illinoisans can play casino-style games like slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, live dealer titles and poker. These games are legally available in online sweepstakes casinos, which mimic the games offered in real money casinos.
SlotsSlots
Slot games are the most popular category in Illinois sweepstakes casinos and offer a wide range of formats and features.
Players can choose from classic 3-reel fruit machines to video slots with over 100 paylines. Popular titles include Buffalo King Megaways and Gonzo’s Quest, both of which allow players to win real money through sweeps coin payouts.
Game providers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt and Hacksaw Gaming regularly release new slots, ensuring that casino libraries remain up to date with fresh content.
Some slots feature progressive jackpots, which can grow into six-figure prize pools. Examples include games modeled after Divine Fortune and Mega Moolah, known for offering high-stakes payouts.
Table GamesTable Games
Table games offer a digital version of classic casino experiences, with opportunities to redeem prizes for real money.
Blackjack is the most widely featured game, with variants such as Spanish 21, Perfect Pairs and Atlantic City Blackjack, each adjusting the house edge through different rule sets.
Roulette is available in both European (single zero) and American (double zero) formats, which impact your odds of winning. Baccarat typically follows punto banco rules, while craps simulates dice-based gameplay in a virtual format.
Live Dealer GamesLive Dealer Games
Live dealer games in Illinois sweepstakes casinos connect players to real human dealers through high-definition video streams, allowing real-time interaction and play for redeemable prizes.
Games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat and game-show-style titles are hosted from professional studios like ICONIC21.
Examples of game-show formats include Crazy Time and Monopoly Live, both developed by Evolution Gaming, which combine traditional betting with entertainment-style gameplay.
Video PokerVideo Poker
Video poker combines elements of slot machines and table games, offering high return-to-player (RTP) rates and real money redemption through sweepstakes platforms in Illinois.
The most common version is Jacks or Better, but platforms also feature variants such as Deuces Wild, Bonus Poker and multi-hand video poker. In games like 9/6 Jacks or Better, optimal strategy can increase the RTP to over 99%, giving skilled players a stronger edge.
What Are the Best Local Casinos in Illinois?
Some of the most preferred local casinos in the Prairie State include Rivers Casino Des Plaines, Grand Victoria Casino and Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
There are 12 more brick-and-mortar casinos in the state to pick from.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Rivers Casino Des Plaines is the first casino to open in the Chicagoland area, launching in July 2011 near O’Hare International Airport.
The property is majority-owned by Churchill Downs, with operations managed by Rush Street Gaming. The casino spans 147,000 square feet and features over 1,000 slot machines, with betting options ranging from $0.01 to $100 per spin.
The casino offers more than 65 table games, including variants such as Spanish 21, Mississippi Stud and High Card Flush. A 5,600-square-foot poker room hosts 22 tables with games like Texas Hold’em, Omaha and Seven Card Stud.
The on-site BetRivers Sportsbook allows betting on professional and international sports, including NBA games, NFL matchups and soccer leagues worldwide.
Dining options include Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop House for upscale meals and the Canopy Buffet for casual dining. The venue also hosts live entertainment, with performers such as Michael Bolton.
- Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018
- Phone: (847) 699-1500
Grand Victoria Casino
Grand Victoria Casino is a riverboat-style casino located in Elgin, Illinois, approximately 40 minutes from downtown Chicago.
The casino has been operating since October 1994 and is managed by Caesars Entertainment. It features a 42,400-square-foot gaming floor with over 700 slot and video poker machines, as well as 25 live table games. Available table games include blackjack variants, Dragon Bonus baccarat and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
The WSOP Poker Room includes 20 tables and hosts weekly tournaments. Recent promotions have awarded more than $1 million in bad beat jackpots.
- Address: 250 South Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120
- Phone: (847) 468-7000
Hard Rock Casino Rockford
Hard Rock Casino Rockford is the newest casino in Illinois, opening in August 2024 following a $350 million development.
Owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the property features a 65,000-square-foot gaming floor with 1,300 slot machines and 50 table games. The poker room includes 6 tables, offering a smaller but dedicated space for live poker play.
The sportsbook combines 5 self-service kiosks, 3 betting windows and access to wagers through the Hard Rock Bet mobile app.
Hot Drop Jackpots are available across select machines, with hourly and daily prize pools—some guaranteed to pay out before reaching $250,000.
Dining options include Council Oak Steaks & Seafood for upscale meals, the Hard Rock Cafe for American fare and memorabilia and YouYu at the Market Food Hall, which specializes in Asian cuisine.
- Address: 7801 East State Street, Rockford, IL 61108
- Phone: (779) 269-9010
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
Illinois offers a range of responsible gambling resources designed to support individuals who may be experiencing issues with gaming behavior, whether online or in land-based casinos.
The state provides self-assessment tools that help players evaluate their gambling habits. Most platforms allow users to set deposit limits, loss limits and session time restrictions, which can reduce the risk of problematic behavior when used proactively.
For individuals experiencing difficulty managing their gambling, professional support is available. Licensed counselors offer assistance through telephone hotlines, video consultations and in-person sessions. The National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 operates 24/7 and connects callers with local Illinois services, including crisis intervention and treatment referrals.
Gamblers Anonymous hosts regular meetings throughout the state, following a structured 12-step recovery program. For family members affected by someone else's gambling, Gam-Anon provides group support and educational resources.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Illinois?
Yes, sweepstakes casinos are legal in Illinois because they operate under sweepstakes laws rather than traditional gambling regulations.
Social sweeps casinos comply with legal requirements by offering free entry options, such as an alternate method of entry (AMOE) that allows players to request free Sweeps Coins by mail.
While players may choose to purchase virtual coins, participation is not contingent on payment, which differentiates these sites from real-money online casinos.
Sweepstakes casinos use a dual-currency system to maintain legal separation from gambling. Players use Gold Coins (which have no cash value) for entertainment purposes, and Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for cash prizes.The Illinois Gaming Board monitors operations to ensure compliance with applicable state regulations.