Sports Betting For Illinois Residents

Unfortunately, online sports betting in Illinois is an industry that is not very open. Sadly, you will find that the state laws are even less accommodating toward gambling than the federal laws, which essentially make it illegal for people to operate sports gambling sites within the borders of the state. We are going to give you a run down on the laws so you have some insight as to what potential trouble you can face if you decide to gamble online, but one thing we will say is that we do not condone breaking the law under any circumstances, and you might want to just avoid partaking in this form of gaming if you do not want to break the laws.

Legal Sports Betting Sites Accepting Illinois Residents

We have tested out quite a few different sportsbooks in order to figure out where our readers should play. There are many sites that will accept Illinois residents in spite of the tumultuous legal climate of online gambling in the state. We have personally tested each of these sites to make sure it is easy to join, fun to partake, and profitable for those who manage to win the event. We do not want you to worry about getting in trouble, getting ripped off, or otherwise being cheated by these wagering sites, as they are all of the highest quality.

Bovada - 20% Match For All New Depositors Up To $100

Intertops - One of the best Illinois sports betting sites and casinos

BetOnline - This is a new sportsbook that accepts all Illinois residents

5Dimes - Quick sportsbook payouts and big bonuses for all Illinois players

DSI - One of the oldest and most trusted Illinois sportsbooks.

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Sports betting in Illinois has effectively been made illegal by the state laws regarding Internet wagering. The law is somewhat vague, essentially seeming like an Internet-only, Illinoisan version of the Wire Act. Their law states that anyone who transmits information surrounding wagers or betting odds is in violation of the law. They also go on to say that anyone who operates an Internet site permitting betting or wagering is violating the laws. Realistically, you do not want to even test the waters, as you could ultimately get your self arrested if you are not careful. Because of the state gambling laws in Illinois, the federal laws are essentially inconsequential. Just know that there are no federal laws that make it illegal for you to gamble online. The federal online gambling laws have done nothing more than complicate financial transactions and make it illegal to operate a gambling business of your own, not actually bet o sports on the Internet.

Illinois Sports Betting & Gambling Laws

Article 28 under 720 of the ILCS, online sports gambling is technically a crime. Subsections 11 and 12 have made it a crime to bet on odds or place wagers over the Internet. Subsection 11 says that it is a crime to transmit information about wagers or betting odds. Subsection 12 makes it a crime to operate an Internet site that allows players to wager on sports or events. We are not 100% on whether or not these laws will target the player, but we do not think you should run the risk. We simply do not condone breaking the law, so be careful when it comes to betting on sports over the Internet.

On a side note, there are also the federal laws that have made some aspects of gambling on the Internet a crime. At the moment, you will not have to worry about violating federal laws simply for gambling on the Internet. It is a crime to operate a gambling website, while there is nothing that has made it illegal to play the games online. In the meanwhile, just remember that these gambling sites are operating offshore, outside of the States themselves. This is how they can actually operate without having to cause any criminal charges from falling on the player.

Legal Gambling Age For Illinois Residents

Wagering on sports online in Illinois is such a grey area that no real age limit has been put in place. Illinoisans have to be 21 in order to play. Should you decide to gamble under the age of 21 you face the potential trouble of having your account closed and your money being taken away. This means you are gambling without the ability to win if you are not 21 years of age or older.

Land Based Gambling In Illinois

Argosy Alton, Casino Queen and Hotel, Hollywood Casino Joliet, Grand Victor Casino Elgin, Harrah's Joliet Casino and hotel, Harrah's Metrpolis Casino, Hollywood Casino Aurora, Jumer's Casino and Hotel, Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino, Rivers Casino.

There is a lack of live sports betting businesses in the state of Illinois. If you decide you want to wager on sports, you can only do so by way of the Internet, as there are no other options available.

FAQ About Online Sports Betting In Illinois

1) Do the Illinois gambling laws pertain only to those in the business of gambling?

It seems like they do, but we cannot be entirely certain about this as we are not lawyers.

2) Could I get arrested for violating the laws explained above?

Potentially, yes. We do not condone breaking the law, nor do we recommend you do so.

3) How many people have been arrested for gambling online in the state of Illinois?

As far as we know, we have never heard of anyone being arrested for online gambling in Illinois.

4) Has there ever been a federal arrest over online gambling?

We have never heard of anyone being arrested for gambling online, federal or otherwise.

5) Where can I find the laws of the Illinois gambling laws?

You will have to look at the state legislature's website and search for gambling - their site does not allow for direct linking.

6) Are the federal laws available online?

Yes. All of the federal laws can be found directly on the Library of Congress's website.

7) Is Bovada legal in Illinois?

Bovada accepts residents from Illinois, but you could potentially get in trouble for actually participating.

8) Could Illinois actually authorize these sportsbooks?

No. Under the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, it is illegal for sportsbooks to be licensed by the Illinois government.

9) Does it cost anything to sign up to a sportsbook?

No. You do not have to pay anything in order to sign up with these Illinois online sports betting sites.

10) How can I receive my winnings from this gambling site?

You can generally have your winnings shipped back to you by way of a check or a money order, but wire transfers and e-wallets are also eligible for withdrawals.