Illinois Online Poker Rooms
Is Poker Legal In Illinois?
Yes, poker is legal in Illinois so long as you follow certain standards. You can play live poker at licensed casinos such as Rivers Casino and Hollywood Casino Aurora, all of which are regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) under the Riverboat Gambling Act (230 ILCS 10). The IGB sets the standards for poker room operations, game integrity, and responsible gambling measures. Charity poker games are also permitted under the Charitable Games Act, administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, provided the hosting organization is licensed.
When it comes to online poker, operating an unlicensed gambling site is illegal. However, individual players are not targeted for playing on offshore poker platforms. These poker sites that accept Illinois players are legal in the state due to federal trade laws. So, while there are no IL-regulated poker sites, there are platforms with legal online poker in Illinois.
What Is Legal Poker Age In Illinois?
The legal age for playing poker in Illinois is 21 for those looking to play in-person. That minimum is in line with 230 ILCS 5/1. Online poker sites in Illinois, like Bovada and Ignition, accept players who are 18+.
Live Poker Rooms In Illinois
| Casino/Poker Room Name | Address | Phone Number | # Of Tables | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines | 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | (847) 795-0777 | 22 | www.riverscasino.com/desplaines/gaming/poker |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506 | (630) 801-7471 | 7 | www.hollywoodcasinoaurora.com/casino/poker |
| Grand Victoria Casino Elgin | 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120 | (847) 888-9180 | 14 | www.grandvictoriacasino.com/gaming/poker |
| Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel | 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201 | (309) 756-4600 | 6 | www.hollywoodcasinoaurora.com/casino/poker |
| Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel | 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432 | (815) 740-7800 | 8 | www.caesars.com/harrahs-joliet/casino/poker |
| Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611 | (309) 699-7711 | 5 | www.paradicecasino.com/gaming/poker |
| Hollywood Casino Joliet | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436 | (815) 927-2468 | 4 | www.hollywoodcasinojoliet.com/casino/poker |
| DraftKings at Casino Queen | 200 S Front St, East St. Louis, IL 62201 | (618) 874-5000 | 2 | www.casinoqueen.com/east-st-louis/gaming/poker |
Closest Live Poker Rooms
Illinois has poker rooms spread well across the state, giving players in major cities a few options for in-person poker.
In the western suburbs, Hollywood Casino Aurora is a convenient option with 7 poker tables and a steady flow of local players. Meanwhile, downstate players near Rock Island can find action at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino, which features 6 tables and provides a poker option for players closer to the Iowa border.
For those located in Central Illinois, Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria offers a smaller, 5-table room that's ideal for a more relaxed poker experience without the bustle of the northern rooms. Nearby, Hollywood Casino Joliet offers an additional 4 tables, and while smaller, it's another option for players in that region.
Residents looking for Illinois poker rooms in the Metro East area near St. Louis can use DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis. It offers a modest 2-table poker room, serving as a convenient option without needing to cross state lines.
For even more options, there are a variety of poker rooms in Michigan as well for those that enjoy the drive.
Closest Poker Room To Chicago
Rivers Casino Des Plaines is the closest and most robust poker room to Chicago, it is located just outside the city and has 22 tables. It's one of the most active poker scenes in the state, drawing a large number of players daily. Also within reach of the Chicago metro area are Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin, which features 14 tables, and Harrah’s Joliet, offering 8 tables. Keep in mind that you can also cross into Indiana to play poker at Horseshoe Hammond Casino (12 tables) or Ameristar Casino Hotel East Chicago (6 tables).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Play Poker At Home For Money
Illinois law does not provide a social gambling exemption, making home poker games for money technically against the law. The Illinois Criminal Code defines gambling broadly and does not distinguish between games of chance and skill. In People v. Mitchell (1983), the court ruled that poker falls under the state's definition of gambling, and while enforcement is typically focused on operators rather than players, hosting a home poker game for money could lead to legal issues.
- Note: Online poker in Illinois is legal from home at offshore gambling sites. Some of the most popular IL poker sites that pay real money in the state are Bovada, BetOnline, and Ignition.
What Deposit Methods Are Offered At IL Poker Sites
The next step after learning how to play poker in Illinois is to get familiar with the poker deposit options. Whether looking to deposit and play real money poker in Illinois with a debit card, credit card, e-Check, PayPal, Venmo, or other method, the online casinos on this page have you covered.
Can I Play On PokerStars In Illinois?
PartyPoker is not available in Illinois and only accepts U.S. players in select states with poker markets that regulated, like New Jersey. If PartyPoker were to expand to Illinois, players could enjoy a packed schedule of multi-table tournaments, lightning-quick fastforward games, and casual-friendly Club Games.
Is Ignition Poker Legal In Illinois?
Illinois residents can legally play on Ignition Poker, as the state does not regulate or restrict access to offshore platforms. While operating an online site in-state is illegal, players themselves face no legal risk when playing on sites like Ignition. The Illinois poker site offers a healthy mix of recreational traffic and regular tournament action, including Triple Header Sundays with over $235K guaranteed. It supports a wide variety of cash game stakes, Sit & Go’s, and zone poker. The site’s support for Bitcoin banking, plus 24/7 access on mobile, makes it one of the most convenient poker sites available.
Is Bovada Legal In Illinois?
Illinois residents can legally play on Bovada Poker since there are no specific laws banning access to offshore poker platforms. While the state prohibits running online poker rooms in Illinois, individuals are not targeted. At Bovada, players can find poker tournaments including Knockouts, Turbos, and unlimited re-entry events. Bovada Poker also hosts two flagship series (the BDPO and GSPO) that draw massive fields and high-stakes action. Combine that with fast crypto payouts and reliable software, and you’ve got an Illinois online poker room built for serious play.
Is Poker In Illinois Legal At BetOnline?
BetOnline Poker is legal and is one of the best poker rooms in Illinois that is online. Residents can sign up, deposit, and claim some of the best online poker bonuses in the business at BetOnline. They also offer all of the poker games that a player could ever want. Find a full tournament slate with Sunday majors, daily power challenges, and reward-packed leaderboards. Boost tables provide fast action while Triple Threat tourneys offer layered payouts through bounties and jackpot knockouts. The poker HUD and player-style insights offer a strategic edge to serious poker players in Illinois.