Online Casinos in Illinois 2024 - Best Sweepstakes Casinos IL

Legal online casinos in Illinois

Illinois is still without licensed and regulated real money online casinos in 2024 but you can use any of the following top-rated sweepstakes casinos: 

Top 3 Illinois sweepstakes casinos reviewed

Social and sweepstakes casinos are a great alternative while Illinois waits for real money online casinos.

Sweepstakes casinos run on virtual currencies — often called Gold Coins (GC) and Sweeps Coins (SC) — which hold no monetary value. GC are used to play for fun, while SC can be redeemed for gift cards or various cash prizes. 

See below for the top three Illinois online sweepstakes casinos in 2024:

1. HelloMillions Casino

65,000 GC + 27.5 FREE SC

Code: COVERSBONUS

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Covers Verdict

Hello Millions' playful, comic-book style has won a lot of fans, quickly. While predominantly a slots casino, it's pushed the boundaries of sweepstakes casinos by adding live table games. Follow HelloMillions on social media for frequent bonus drop codes, too.

Who it's for

Hello Millions is for players looking for social interaction, frequent promotions and live table games. The sweepstakes slots menu is growing with plenty of industry standards, not to mention a Snoop Dogg-themed slot and some of the biggest Megaways.

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.1/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.4/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 3.8/5
Software and games	⭐ 3.8/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.1/5
Mobile experience	⭐ 4.3/5

Player reviews  

Editor's note: Player reviews may be edited for clarity. 

"I was reluctant to play because of some of the reviews I've read were not so good but ever since I had started using Hello Millions I've hit the wheel jackpot twice and had no problems whatsoever getting my money. It is one of my favorite casinos."

- Niki Long, Google Play Store

Hello Millions at a glance

💰 Hello Millions welcome bonus	65,000 GC + 27.5 FREE SC
🤑 Hello Millions no-deposit sign-up bonus	15,000 GC + 2.5 FREE SC
💸 First-purchase bonus	50,000 GC for $9.99
📟 Hello Millions promo code	COVERSBONUS
💵 Coin bundles price range	$1.99-$99.99
🏦 Purchase methods	Visa, Mastercard, Discover
🎁 Redemption methods	Cash bank transfers or gift cards
🕒 Redemption speed	1-3 days
🤩 Return to Player %	97.10%
🏅 Best Feature	Engaging comic-book theme
👑 VIP program	N/A
🕹️ Most Popular Games	Buffalo King Megaways, Fire Stampede, Sugar Rush, Big Bass, Snoop Dogg
App Store rating	N/A
Google Play Store rating	4.1/5 ⭐ (1.8K reviews)
❇️ Trustpilot rating	3.3/5 ⭐ (898 reviews)
⛔️ Restricted States	AL, DE, GA, ID, KY, LA, MI, MT, NV, WA
✅ Last verified	Nov. 21, 2024

Hello Millions Social Casino

What we like

Social live casino: Great social media presence and bonus drops plus live-streamed roulette, blackjack, and baccarat.

Progressive jackpots: Progressive jackpot includes mini, minor, major, and grand prizes up to 200 million GC.

Playful branding: Clever, punchy, and fun.

What we don't like

Still building out game menu: Besides a few prominent slots titles they haven't built out the kind of range and variety we've come to expect from online casinos in general.

No iPhone App: Playing on any web browser is fine but there's nothing better for your phone than a dedicated app. They have an Android app, though, so you can except one for your iPhone soon.

Use our exclusive 'COVERSBONUS' code to claim your Hello Million no-deposit bonus.

2. RealPrize Casino

450,000 GC, 72 SC + 700 VIP points

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Covers Verdict

RealPrize is a new player in the sweepstakes casino game (launched in 2023) but has grown its player base quickly. If you follow RealPrize on Instagram you'll be the first to hear about new game and bonus code drops. Among the 200 free-to-play games are popular slots including Sugar Rush and Panda Fortune. Thumbs up for free coin bonuses and affordable coin bundles.

Who it's for

RealPrize casino delivers when it comes to bonus drops for both new and existing players. The game menu is a work in progress but new titles are coming. There isn’t a RealPrize app, if you prefer playing on your phone, but you can access the whole game list with any web browser. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 3.9/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.1/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 3.4/5
Software and games	⭐ 3.9/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.4/5
Mobile experience	⭐ 3.8/5

Player reviews  

Editor's note: Player reviews may be edited for clarity. 

"I enjoy playing games on RealPrize.com. I frequently engage on social media to earn free SC, in addition to the daily free SC. I have had an excellent experience with RealPrize.com so far."

- Nicole Orman, Trustpilot user

RealPrize at a glance

💰 RealPrize welcome bonus	450,000 GC, 72 SC + 700 VIP points
🤑 RealPrize no-deposit sign-up bonus	100,000 GC + 2 SC
💸 First-purchase bonus	Spend $35, get 350,000 GC, 70 free SC + 700 VIP points
📟 RealPrize promo code	No code required
💵 Coin bundles price range	$3-$100
🏦 Purchase methods	Visa, Mastercard, instant bank transfer, Skrill
🎁 Redemption methods	Prizeout, instant bank transfer, credit/debit card
🕒 Redemption speed	1-5 days
🤩 RTP	96.72%
🏅 Best Feature	Unique table games like Video Poker and Teen Patti
👑 VIP program	VIP Points program
🕹️ Most popular games	Treasure Mania, Gates of Olympus, Panda's Fortune, Cash Pig, Sugar Rush
App Store rating	N/A
Google Play Store rating	N/A
❇️ Trustpilot ratings	4.3/5 ⭐ (3.3K reviews)
⛔️ Restricted States	ID, MI, NV, WA
✅ Last verified	Nov. 21, 2024

RealPrize Social Casino

What we like

200+ games from top providers: RealPrize has over 200 appealing slots games plus offer video poker and Teen Patti. These are rare for a sweepstakes casino and something they can build on.

Generous free coin bonuses: The RealPrize sign-up bonus of 100,000 GC + 2 SC can go a very long way if you play it right.

Exclusive loyalty program: The seven-tiered loyalty program offers exclusive game access and daily promotions. Social media is also a great follow for bonus drops.

What we don't like

No RealPrize app available: RealPrize games are available on desktop and phones/tablets, but it would still be nice if they had an iPhone app.

Limited customer support options: Customer support at RealPrize Casino is weak. The FAQ page isn’t very intuitive and live chat/phone support aren’t offered yet. 

Be sure to check out the Real Prize bonus code page for the latest offers.

3. High 5 Casino

5 SC, 250 GC and 600 Diamonds

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Covers Verdict

High 5 Casino is a rising star in the social casino world with over 1,000 Vegas-style slots and all the best casino table games. The exclusive Bonus Pass lets you choose your own bonuses on 10+ slot games, and bonus drops are plentiful on their social media channels. You'll like the social interaction and leaderboards, too.

Who it's for

High 5 Casino is a great for anyone who wants to really feel the "social" in social casino. Look out for new slots games and notifications of new promos and purchase deals on social media. If you also like games that veer off the usual casino menu, High 5 Casino has Slingo and Plinko, among others.

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.3/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.3/5
Software and games	⭐ 4.6/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.7/5
Mobile experience	⭐ 4.1/5

Player reviews  

Editor's note: Player reviews may be edited for clarity. 

"High 5 Casino is awesome and legit. One of the best reward systems I have come across. I've cashed out several times and never had any issues."

- Melissa Ellefson, Google Play Store

High 5 at a glance

💰 High 5 welcome bonus	5 SC, 250 GC and 600 Diamonds
🤑 High 5 no-deposit sign-up bonus	5 SC, 250 GC and 600 Diamonds
💸 First-purchase bonus	N/A
📟 High 5 promo code	No code required
💵 Coin bundles price range	$2-$1,000
🏦 Purchase methods	Visa, Mastercard, MuchBetter, AstroPayCard, PaySafeCard, Ecopayz, Interac
🎁 Redemption methods	Cash or gift card payments
🕒 Redemption speed	1-2 days
🤩 RTP	97.01%
🏅 Best Feature	Bonus Pass
👑 VIP program	High 5 VIP Club
🕹️ Games providers	Da Vinci DeluxeWays, Buffalo Canyon JACKPOT, Platinum Goddess, 88 Drums
App Store rating	4.5/5 ⭐ (5.2K reviews)
Google Play Store rating	4.1/5 ⭐ (95.6K reviews)
❇️ Trustpilot rating	3.6/5 ⭐ (1.1K reviews)
⛔️ Restricted States	DC, ID, KY, MI, MT, NV, WA
✅ Last verified	Nov. 21, 2024

High 5 Social Casino

What we like

World-class entertainment: Big games library includes Book of Destiny, Age of Athena, Platinum Goddess Jackpot and more top slots.

Free daily rewards: Daily bonus coin rewards just for logging into your account. Check social media often for more.

Trusted brand: High 5 Casino is partnered with well-established game providers so expect a steady stream of top slots and new games added monthly.

What we don't like

No phone customer support: 24/7 live chat is fine but sometimes it’s easier to speak with a human to get quick and accurate answers.

Limited table games: As mentioned, the slots lobby is well stocked, but you wont find a big selection of table games yet.

Refer to our High 5 Casino sweepstakes review for extra analysis, and don't forget to check if a High 5 Casino no-deposit bonus is available before creating a new account.

How to start playing at online sweepstakes casinos

New online casino Illinois players can start gaming with any sweepstakes casino after follow these simple steps: 

How we rate and review casino sites

We use our Covers BetSmart Rating system to thoroughly review every Illinois online casino. The rating system evaluates operators on six key factors, compiling a score for each aspect and online casino reviews overall. Below is a brief outline of how we rate online casinos in 2024: 

Bonuses and promotions

Enticing casino bonuses and promotions — from an easy-to-claim welcome offer to an online casino no-deposit bonus — are the best way to draw in new users to a sweepstakes operator and provide instant value for online casino Illinois players. 

Banking and payout speed

We look for fast payout casino sites that offer a wide range of banking options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, cryptocurriencies, and bank transfers.

Software and games

The best online casino Illinois players can access should offer a wide selection of games to enhance the virtual gaming experience. We identify and prioritize online casinos that offer titles from the industry's best software providers, such as IGT and NetEnt. 

Security and trust

Covers treats online security with the utmost importance, ensuring every Illinois online casino we suggest is licensed and equipped with modern data protection measures to safely store your personal and financial information.  

Mobile experience

Having a user-friendly sweepstakes casino app will skyrocket an operator up our rankings. Illinois online casino players should not have to compromise while gaming on the go and should be able to access their favorite sweepstakes casino via a dedicated mobile app or a mobile-optimized website. 

Customer support

We test every customer support communication channel a sweepstakes casino offers to ensure they are knowledgeable and responsive, no matter the severity of the issue. We give extra points if the operator has 24/7 live chat and a phone line. 

Most popular online casino games in Illinois

Sweepstakes casinos offer many games you’d see at traditional casinos, including slots and table games, but do not require a real-money deposit to play.

Here's a closer look at some of the most popular games you can play: 

Game type	Description
Slots	Real money online slots and free online slots are a staple of the iGaming industry, as they are a favorite among seasoned bettors and newbies alike. Just spin the virtual reel to earn prizes. McLuck Casino offers top slot titles. House edge from 2% to 10%.
Blackjack	Blackjack is a 52-card table game where you compete against the dealer, attempting to get the closest to 21 without going over. Check out Pulsz Casino for the best blackjack games. House edge from 1.5%.
Poker	As synonymous with gambling as Nevada, poker is an iconic casino game where you try to get the best five card hand for a lucrative payout. We recommend Stake.us for a unique online poker experience. House edge from 1.5%.
Roulette	Roulette is an accessible online casino table game for bettors of all skill levels, as you just bet where a ball will land on a spinning 37-slot wheel. LuckyBird.io is our pick for solid roulette games. House edge from 1.5%.
Baccarat	Baccarat has three potential outcomes — win, lose, or tie — depending on if you or the banker has the higher score. WOW Vegas sweepstakes casino has a good mix of baccarat titles in 2024. House edge from 1.5%.
Craps	Craps is as simple as it gets, as you just have to roll a pair of dice and try to land a seven or eleven. Look into BetRivers.net social casino for top crap games. House edge from 1.4% to 5%.
Live dealer	Live dealer games are the best of both worlds, as they bring an authentic casino experience to the comfort of your home. You can play popular games with professional live dealers and other real players. Check out High 5 Casino for immersive live dealer options. House edge is game-dependent.

Sports betting

Legal Illinois sports betting launched in 2020, allowing Prairie State bettors to register and wager with several of the industry's best and biggest online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, and Caesars Sportsbook. New to IL's sports gambling scene? Sign up today to score a wide variety of lucrative Illinois sportsbook promos, which are all available via dedicated Illinois sports betting apps. 

Why choose Illinois online casinos?

Though Illinois has 10 retail casinos, online sweepstakes casinos offer a unique experience with several perks they can't match. See below for 5 reasons to give Illinois online casinos a try: 

No travel costs

Accessible anywhere within Illinois

Typically offer more banking options

Receive exclusive welcome bonuses and ongoing promos

Tend to have a larger gaming selection

Latest Illinois gambling news

Online casino Illinois updates

Illinois has proven to be one of the most lucrative U.S. states regarding online gambling, earning a $9.74 billion sports betting handle in 2022. The appetite for Illinois real money online casinos runs as deep as the state's pizza, but even so, legalization is unlikely to occur anytime soon. Read below for the most relevant Illinois online casino updates in 2024:

Oct. 31, 2024: The appetite for games of chance in Illinois is stronger than ever, with the Illinois Lottery reporting sales of $3.86 billion and lottery proceeds of $883.6 million in the 2024 fiscal year. This marks the third consecutive year of record sales and returns in the state.

Sept. 27, 2024: New research from the American Gaming Association (AGA) suggests investments in responsible gaming have reached a new high $472 million annually.

Sept. 17, 2024: The Illinois Gaming Board announces its plan to introduce new advertising and marketing rules for casino gambling, video gaming and sports betting.

Sept. 11, 2024: A collection of sweepstakes gaming companies come together to launch the Social and Promotional Gaming Association (SPGA), dedicated to educating stakeholders and advocating responsible gambling.

Aug. 16, 2024: Securing land-based casino worker employment could be the key to encouraging iGaming legalisation across the United States, according to a well-known gambling lawyer.

Aug. 14, 2024: Legalised iGaming expansion could generate nearly $15 billion in tax revenue across the U.S., according to a new report.

May 8, 2024: Key figures in the iGaming industry insist online casino gaming does not harm existing brick-and-mortar casino revenues.

May 6, 2024: New online casino state launches — such as that being considered in Illinois — could be stalled for 18 months or more, according to a panel of gaming industry stakeholders.

May 3, 2024: Voters in neighboring Missouri are better positioned to be able to approve statewide mobile sports betting on this November's ballot after advocates submitted signatures for a state constitutional amendment. The provision doesn't include online casino gaming.

May 3, 2024: Illinois lawmaker Rep. Daniel Didech gathers support to block Dave & Buster from enabling friendly wagering between patrons on Skee-Ball and other arcade games via its app.

Apr. 17, 2024: A new voluntary self-exclusion program is set to launch summer 2024 in the Northeast with plans to expand to the Midwest in the ensuing months.

Apr. 11, 2024: With Maine's online casino gaming legalization hopes set to fall short, Illinois will again be one of the top targets for iGaming bills, likely starting after the 2024 elections.

Mar. 16, 2024: The odds are growing longer for any U.S. state to pass a new iGaming bill in 2024, although Maryland is most likely to sanction online casinos next after HB 1319 moved passed the House and on to the Senate.

Mar. 6, 2024: Rush Street Interactive (RSI) CEO Richard Schwartz identifies Illinois, in addition to New York, Maryland, and Alberta in Canada, as one of the regions the company is monitoring closely for the future. Speaking in his opening statement on RSI's Q4 2023 earnings call, he said: "As we look ahead, these [markets] have us very excited about the future.”

Feb. 16, 2024: A new report, commissioned by Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (EKG), confirms iGaming boosts revenue for brick-and-mortar casinos.

June 21, 2023: Bally's receives approval from the IGB to begin the process of opening a temporary casino inside the old Medinah Temple in River North.

Feb. 8, 2023: Representative. Edgar Gonzalez Jr introduces HB 2239, the state's Internet Gaming Act. Though the bill did not pass in session, it remains on the table for the upcoming 2024 legislative season.

Feb. 8, 2023: State Senator Cristina Castro files The Internet Gaming Act Senate SB 1656 with the Illinois General Assembly but generates little movement. The bill remains active for the upcoming 2024 legislative season.

May 22, 2022: Bally’s was tapped as the preferred bidder for a $1.7B casino project by the City of Chicago. Plans for Bally’s Chicago include a 500-room hotel and sprawling entertainment center.

Feb. 18, 2021: Rep. Robert Rita files HB 3142, which would legalize iGaming and allow operators to offer legal services within the state.

March 9, 2020: Rivers Casino opens the first Illinois sportsbook in history.

June 28, 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker amended the River Boat Gambling Act, allowing 10 Illinois riverboat casinos to move operations to dry land. 

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Illinois blacklisted casinos

Covers have been reviewing online gambling sites for over 28 years, and any online casino Illinois players can access that does not meet our expectations is included in our blacklist. We strongly recommend against using the following offshore casinos:

• Allegations of unprofessional behaviour
• Withholding withdrawals
• Unwarranted account suspension

• Accepts players from restricted regions
• Reports of confiscated winnings
• Spammy advertising strategy

• No evidence of a valid license
• Unresolved payment complaints
• Account verification issues and payout delays

See all blacklisted casinos

Responsible gambling in Illinois

Problem gambling is a serious issue for many people. Illinois has various available programs, resources, and services to assist anyone struggling with gambling issues in 2024. 

The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, the Illinois Gaming Board, and the Illinois Department of Human Services provide access to gambling counselors and therapy, as well as tools to help combat problem gambling. The state also operates a free, voluntary self-exclusion program. 

The National Council on Problem Gambling provides assistance nationally and is accessible 24/7 via phone (1-800-GAMBLER), text (800GAM), or live chat. You can choose to remain anonymous when inquiring about services, which are also free of charge.

Affiliate Disclosure: Covers boasts more than 25 years of sports betting experience. Our long-standing relationship with regulated, licensed, and legal gaming sites allows our active community of 20 million users to access expert analysis and recommendations. Covers may receive an advertising commission if you visit a sportsbook or casino betting site via select affiliate links across our site, create an account, and make a deposit. However, no amount of money ensures that an operator will get listed.

Is online casino gambling legal in Illinois?

Though Illinois lawmakers have considered authorizing real money online casinos in the past, under current state laws, they remain off-bounds. For now, social and sweepstakes casinos, which operate on virtual currencies that hold no monetary value, are the only IL iGaming option in 2024. 

Currently, seven U.S. states have licensed and regulated online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.

Gamblers north of the border should check out our online casinos in Canada or our Ontario online casinos pages to read about the best betting options in the Canadian market.

Illinois bettors can register with the industry's top betting sites to score the best sportsbook promos in 2024. Use our legal U.S. sports betting tracker page to see the next operator to land in the Prairie State. 

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) contests operate in Illinois' legal grey area, but you can sign up and claim the exclusive Thrillz Sportsbook promo code, Betr Picks promo code, ProphetX promo code, and ParlayPlay promo code today.

List of all Illinois live casinos

Illinois has a wide range of brick-and-mortar and riverboat casinos with an enormous selection of slots, table games, and poker.

Here are your current Illinois retail casino gambling options in 2024:

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