Illinois Online Casino

Although upstanding citizens and the Protestant clergy in Illinois were opposed to gambling, the stigma attached to the games of chance seemed to contribute to gambling popularity, especially among the deprived groups and the immigrants. Easy money and the possibility of independence that this activity could potentially bring had a natural appeal for any man who had to work for a living – on the other hand, the risk element and excitement were the two components that attracted more affluent Illinois residents, who did not have any financial motives to partake gambling.

All this led to a rapid increase in the number of gambling houses and the 19th-century gambling scene in The Prairie State included horse racing wagering, card games, prize fights, checkers, backgammon, policy, cock and rat fights, etc. 

By 1850, different types of gambling facilities spread through Illinois like fire, including classy and elegant venues for those whose financial status could easily endure such an expensive habit.

In the last decades of the century, gambling syndicates were formed and the most notable members of the community were known to gamble, which made it difficult for the government officials to actually enforce the anti-gambling laws. This partly prevented the crackdowns of illegal gambling houses, and the growth of the industry was, for the most part, undisturbed. In 1927, pari-mutuel betting was legalized, whereas the post-Great Depression era popularized bingo as a means of raising funds.

For a long time, illegal gambling was the center of organized crime operations, until it was replaced by more profitable and sinister vices. In the 60s, laws were applied in a much more uncompromising manner and the 80s were remembered as the decade during which the states successfully dealt with a large portion of the illegal gambling market, thanks to anti-racketeering laws.

As the gambling was gradually leaving the black market, the demographics changed and females become just as involved in this type of activity as men.

The 70s brought the lottery and Illinois has stepped into a new millennium with private (licensed) casinos, off-track sites, fantasy sports scene and a welcoming attitude towards online gaming.

Once gambling in Illinois online casino started to take its legal form, pari-mutuel horse racing and charitable bingo were the first gambling activities that were legally permitted within the state.

The lottery was established in 1972 and is currently running multiple casino games, including jackpots, instant games, and raffles. More than 60% of the lottery money goes to the winners, while the rest of the proceeds (excluding the operational expenses, commissions and selling bonuses) is directed towards Common School Fund, Capital Projects Fund, and Specialty Tickets.

Online gaming is permitted to Illinois residents (Lottery can also be played online) however, running an online gambling site is not legal in The Prairie State. The Illinois casinos, such as Argosy Casino Alton and Hollywood Casino Joliet, have an online platform offering Vegas-style video and classic slots.

Sports betting is limited to the above-mentioned pari-mutuel horse racing and the expansion of this form of gambling is still being discussed.

Slots, poker, roulette, blackjack, roulette, baccarat are all available inside the licensed Illinois casinos, whereas bonafide and contest of skill form of gambling are allowed outside the gambling premises.