Illinois Gambling & Gaming Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for gambling & gaming in the state of Illinois. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 6 different categories.
Daily Fantasy Sports
LEGALDaily Fantasy Sports are legal in Illinois. In 2025, Illinois regulators have increased their focus on pick'em games, leading some operators to cease offering those specific products in the state.
DFS Rules
Legal
Licensed Operators
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Minimum Age
18+
Gambling Age
RESTRICTEDThe minimum gambling age in Illinois is 21 for casino gambling and sports betting. State law sets the minimum gambling age at 21 for casino gambling.
Casino Minimum Age
21+ for casinos/sports betting; 18+ for lottery
Lottery/Other Gambling Age
Legal
Penalties
Underage gambling is a misdemeanor; venues face license revocation.
Minimum Gambling Age
18-21 depending on type
Online Casinos & Poker
LEGALIllinois has legalized and regulates online casino gambling and poker under the Illinois Gambling Act (230 ILCS 10/). The Illinois Gaming Board oversees licensing and regulation of online gambling operators.
Online Casino Rules
Possession of licensed online gambling software is legal.
Licensed Platforms
Sale or distribution of licensed online gambling software is legal under state regulation.
Penalties
Unlicensed operation or participation is a Class 4 felony under 230 ILCS 10/22-10.
Minimum Age
21 years old for online casino and poker gambling.
Online Gambling / Sports Betting
UNVERIFIEDLegal status of Online Gambling / Sports Betting in Illinois has not yet been verified. In early 2026, the Illinois Gaming Board cracked down on sweepstakes casinos and declared prediction markets illegal.
Online Gambling Rules
Unverified
Licensed Operators
Unverified
Penalties
Unverified
Minimum Age
Unverified
Poker Home Games
ILLEGALPoker home games exist in a legal gray area in Illinois. No significant changes have been made to Illinois gambling laws regarding social games.
Home Game Rules
Technically prohibited but rarely enforced
Rake/House Cut Rules
N/A
Penalties
Could face misdemeanor gambling charges if reported.
Age Requirements
N/A
Sports Betting
RESTRICTEDSports betting is legal in Illinois. The in-person registration requirement for online betting was removed in March 2022.
In-Person Betting
Legal for 21+. Illinois launched sports betting in March 2020 under the Sports Wagering Act (PA 101-0031). Online/mobile and retail available. Major market with FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and others. Illinois is one of the largest sports betting markets by handle. College sports betting allowed with some restrictions (no player prop bets on Illinois college teams).
Online/Mobile Betting
Online/mobile betting available statewide. Retail sportsbooks at casinos and racetracks. In-person registration requirement was removed in 2022. Operator tax rate: 15% (graduated rate up to 40% proposed in 2025).
Penalties
Unlicensed sports betting operations face felony charges under 720 ILCS 5/28-1. Individual bettors using licensed platforms face no penalties.
Minimum Betting Age
21+