Is online gambling legal in Illinois?

Winnings are subject to federal tax of 24% on wins of $5,000 or more and a flat 4.95% Illinois state income tax. Licensed operators must give easy access to the Statewide Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) and display the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number.

Only what is listed as legal above is licensed. Anything else offered to you online is unlicensed and gives you no protection.

Online sports betting is legal on sites licensed in Illinois. Online casino is banned in Illinois. Online poker is banned in Illinois. The lottery is legal on sites licensed in Illinois.

The minimum age on record for gambling in Illinois is 21+.

Federal 24% on wins ≥$5,000; IL flat 4.95% state income tax.

Always verify a casino holds a valid Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) licence before depositing.

Illinois Gaming Board (IGB)'s website

Prominent operators in Illinois

If a site isn't on the regulator's licensee register, ask the regulator before you play: an unlisted site is usually not licensed here (a register can lag behind a new licence). An unlicensed site is outside the regulator's supervision, so you cannot complain to the regulator about it.

1. 1

   1. Contact the Operator Directly

   Players must first attempt to resolve any dispute with the customer service department of the licensed sports betting operator.

2. 2

   2. File a Complaint with the IGB

   If the issue is not resolved, a player can file a formal complaint with the Illinois Gaming Board. The IGB provides an online form for this purpose on its website.

3. 3

   3. IGB Investigation

   The IGB will investigate the complaint, which may involve requesting information from both the player and the operator. The Board's decision is binding on the licensee.

• ✓
  Check for the IGB Seal

  Every licensed website and mobile app must prominently display the official logo of the Illinois Gaming Board.

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  Verify the Licensee

  Cross-reference the operator's name with the list of licensed entities on the official IGB website (igb.illinois.gov).

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  Look for Illinois-Specific Rules

  Licensed sites will block bets on Illinois college teams and enforce the 21+ age limit strictly using geolocation and identity verification.

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  See Clear Responsible Gaming Tools

  Regulated operators must provide easy access to the Statewide Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) and display the 1-800-GAMBLER helpline number.

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  Use Familiar Payment Methods

  Legal sites use trusted, US-based payment processors like PayPal, major banks (ACH), and Visa/Mastercard, not cryptocurrency or offshore wallets.

• Myth

  I can bet on the Fighting Illini as long as I do it at a casino.
  Reality

  False. As of July 1, 2024, all betting on any Illinois college team is strictly prohibited, both online and at retail sportsbooks.

• Myth

  My gambling winnings aren't taxed in Illinois.
  Reality

  False. Gambling winnings are fully taxable as income. They are subject to a flat 4.95% state income tax in Illinois, in addition to any federal tax obligations.

• Myth

  Online casinos are legal because I see ads for them.
  Reality

  False. Any site offering real-money online slots or table games to Illinois residents is an unlicensed, illegal offshore operator. The IGB recently issued cease-and-desist letters to dozens of such sites.

What you can expect from a licensed site's offers in Illinois. The rules operators must follow are on the operator page.