Legal Online Poker For Illinois Residents
There is good news if you live in the state of Illinois and are looking to play poker online. The fact of the matter is that across the United States, you won't find very many poker rooms on the Internet that are regulated at any level. That's because for the large part, online poker sites do not operate in the country. But, there are legal ways in which online poker can be played as a resident of Illinois.
This page is dedicated to explaining how and why online poker can be legally played if you live in Illinois. If you don't think it can, you need to think again! Trust us, it can. And what's more, is that playing poker on the Internet can be done very easily as a wide range of great and high quality sites all over the world. Get the latest information on the laws in place relating to online poker in the U.S., as well as the safe and legal poker sites that are in operation for Illinois players to join, further down below.
Is Online Poker Legal In Illinois?
Yes, Illinois players can legally play online poker. But no, there are no online poker sites regulated by the state which residents can sign up and join. So in that respect, Illinois residents are out of luck. Having said that, there are tons of offshore online poker rooms that welcome USA players like those from the state of Illinois. And with no legislation currently prohibiting Illinois players from playing online poker at these sites operating abroad, it's completely legal.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is the driving force behind the ban of Internet gambling in the U.S., targeting the financial transactions for betting. However, the individual player is not a target of this law. Therefore, Illinois players who do choose to sign up and play at a site that allows them to do so are not breaking the law.
Learn More: Is Online Poker Legal In The United States?
Legal Illinois Poker Rooms | U.S.A. OK? | USA Poker BONUS | Full REVIEW | PLAY NOW |
SportsBetting Poker | Yes - 50 States | Up To 25% Each Deposit | ||
BetOnline Poker | Yes - 50 States | New 200% Match / To $1K | ||
5Dimes Poker | Yes - 50 States | No Bonuses For Poker | ||
SportsBetting Poker Room - Best Illinois Poker Site
Any Illinois resident that is just thinking about joining an online poker room will want to consider SportsBetting above all others. That is because this poker room has a reputation of being one of the best, and very accepting of USA players including from the state of Illinois. The age to play online poker at SportsBetting is 18, but in Illinois that requirement is 21 so make you are of legal age to play.
Signing up is a breeze, and take a few short minutes before you can fund your account and play for real cash! Do this with a VISA branded cards, Bitcoin, or through a wire transfer service like Rapid Transfer (Western Union) or Money Transfer (Moneygram). Most deposits are instant, and will get you on your way to play legal online poker. A deposit bonus option is also offered, for a 100 percent match up to a $1,000 deposit.
Overall Thoughts About Legal Online Poker In Illinois
In short, online poker can be legally played if you are living in Illinois. There are plenty of offshore sites that welcome American players at their sites. While there are no specific Illinois state-regulated Internet poker sites, that still doesn't mean residents can't play poker online. USA legal poker sites like SportsBetting and others ensure that those in Illinois looking to play some online poker will be able to do so. Online poker offshore is highly regulated, to ensure safety and security, so Illinois players can rest easy.