Poker Writer
Online poker in Illinois has had a resurgence in the last few years, and there are now more options than ever. As players flock to the digital felt, we’ve found the top sites with millions of dollars in guarantees every month.
On top of that, you can unlock some serious bonuses when you join poker sites in Illinois, and access everything from Hold’em to Stud. And, in case you have any concerns about accessing these sites legally, you’ll get a full breakdown of why it’s 100% safe to play poker in the Prairie State specifically.
Best Illinois Online Poker Sites for 2026 Reviewed
Check out the best online poker sites in Illinois at a glance, with highlights on what they do best—and where they fall short so that you can select the one that fits your standards.
Best for Illinois Online Poker Players Using Crypto – CoinPoker
CoinPoker has quickly emerged as one of the best crypto poker sites in the world, never mind the United States. So, if you’re looking for a safe online poker site in Illinois, this is the place to be.
Welcome Bonus: 150% up to $2000- Promo Code: PSCOUT
- Minimum Deposit: $10 USDT
Welcome Bonus: 150% up to $2000- Poker Games Variety: NLHE, PLO, and MTTs
- Rakeback: 33%
- Mobile Version: Android
Features
CoinPoker has busy Hold’em cash games at stakes suitable for all bankrolls, including high-roller tables frequented by co-owner Tony G and other top pros. And all tables use USDT as the default currency.
The biggest MTTs are the Sunday Specials, with $100,000 GTD in the Nemesis. The site has very low fees compared to other Illinois online poker rooms.
The software uses a simple but stylish design for both the desktop client and the Android mobile app. It’s feature-rich and highly customizable, with intuitive navigation and support for multiple languages.
CoinPoker is well-known for being a leader in crypto payments. it has 10+ fast-paying cryptocurrency options, including BTC, ETH, SOL and USDT. Use CoinPoker’s proprietary ERC-20 token CHP (Chips) to earn 33% rakeback.
Pros
- Busy tables with high-stakes games
- Multiple cryptocurrencies for super-fast payouts
- Enjoy 33% rakeback when using CHP
- Below-average rake and tournament fees
Cons
- Can’t use a debit card in all regions
- Need to understand crypto and exchanges
Our Verdict
CoinPoker is quickly becoming a dominant force in the online poker scene. Its MTT schedule is catching up with the already-successful cash games, and it continues to make crypto payments faster and more lucrative than competitors, especially with the 33% rakeback when using CHP.
Top Online Poker IL Site For Niche Games – BetOnline
The variety of games at this online Illinois poker site is brilliant, as it includes niche games like 6+ Hold’em – something you wouldn’t expect from a site which is mainly known for sports betting.
- Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $1,000
- Promo Code: N/A
- Minimum Deposit: $50
- Poker Games Variety: NLHE, PLO, PLO5, PLO6, OFC
- Rakeback: 25%
- Mobile Version: iOS, Android
Features
BetOnline has a strange combination of features which genuinely appeals to both new and experienced players. The low-stakes events and in-game throwables are fun for newbies, while relatively obscure game options such as Six-Plus Hold’em will attract a lot of existing Hold’em players.
If you’re looking for the absolute biggest prizepools around, BetOnline might not quite meet your expectations. But the day-to-day tourney prizes are perfect for low- and mid-stakes players. Plus, they have six-figure Sunday Majors and big-money series, like the $2.5m GTD Championship Series.
There’s a mixture of players at BetOnline, including a decent proportion of inexperienced players drifting over from their sportsbook. The site was established in 1991, so has one of the biggest and oldest player bases among the poker sites in Illinois.
You can deposit in over 20 ways, including crypto payments such as BTC, ETH, BNB and more.
Pros
- Niche game options like 6+ Hold’em
- High number of new players
- Lots of low-stakes options
- Fun tables with throwables and more
Cons
- Fewer super-high-stakes events than some IL poker sites
- Rake is a little high
Our Verdict
BetOnline takes a ‘best of both’ approach. A simple and user-friendly lobby helps keep inexperienced players interested, while more advanced users have a tasty selection of customization options available to edit your in-game experience. In short, there’s a reason BetOnline has been successful for over 35 years.
Most Popular Illinois Online Poker Site for Low Rake – Bovada
Bovada is one of the best Illinois poker sites thanks to its low rake and inexperienced players.
- Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $500
- Promo Code: PWB500
- Minimum Deposit: $20
- Poker Games Variety: NLHE, PLO
- Rakeback: Bovada Rewards
- Mobile Version: iOS, Android
Features
Bovada has a fun mixture of Hold’em, Omaha, MTTs, cash games, bounties, jackpots, and even Zone Poker, at both high and low stakes. And the rake is notably lower than many other sites, which means you’re losing the minimum on each cash game hand.
This online Illinois poker room offers players more than $2 million in guarantees every week, including a $200k GTD event every Sunday. But there are plenty of low buy-ins for newcomers, too.
This is arguably the best thing about Bovada, as they have so many amateur players with little-to-no experience. Games here are way more fishy than some other popular sites for online poker in Illinois.
You can play instantly with no need to download, which helps bring in casual players, but there’s also a full app available. The bright blue background makes it instantly recognizable, as does the simple layout and gameplay.
While it lacks the rakeback which you’ll find at the likes of CoinPoker and ACR, Bovada does have a strict cap in place on rake. This means the house will only ever take a limited cut of any cash game pot you play, or any tournament you enter.
Pros
- Over $2m in weekly guarantees
- Limited rake cap
- Multi-tabling on mobile
- Lots of casual players
Cons
- Lack of freerolls
- Quite a loud table design
Our Verdict
The minimal rake at Bovada makes it appealing if you want to jump into some cash games and have the house take the minimum. The quality of players is also beatable, so it’s a great choice if you already have a bit of poker experience and want to find games where you’re not surrounded by sharks.
Best Illinois Poker Site for Major MTTs – ACR Poker
ACR, formerly known as Americas Cardroom, is known for hosting some of the biggest online poker tournaments in the world – including the record-breaking Venom with $12.5M+ GTD.
- Welcome Bonus: 100% up to $2,000
- Promo Code: N/A
- Minimum Deposit: $10
- Poker Games Variety: NLHE, PLO, 7-Card Stud, and MTTs.
- Rakeback: 27%
- Mobile Version: iOS, Android
Features
A lot of the sites we’ve listed have relatively easy competition, but not ACR. This is a site for serious players who aren’t afraid to come up against the best. In exchange, you get to play for some of the biggest guarantees in online poker.
There are many formats, including Jackpot SNGs and Mystery Bounties. It’s also home to the record-breaking Venom tournaments, including a $12.5 million guarantee and additional seven-figure events. Most tourneys are Hold’em or Omaha, but ACR has more choice than most sites, including some Seven Card Stud and Eight or Better events. Five Card Omaha is also an option.
ACR is part of the long-standing Winning Poker Network. After lagging behind for a while, it gave its app a massive upgrade and how has some of the most visually impressive mobile software around. Third-party tools are allowed, including HUDs.
One of our favorite aspects of ACR Poker is the 27% direct rakeback program. You can get paid out in crypto, too. You have four cryptocurrencies to pick from, including BTC. The low minimum deposit of only $10 is a noteworthy pro.
Pros
- Eight-figure guarantees with Venom tournaments
- 27% direct rakeback program
- Use HUDs and other software
- Leading Android app
Cons
- Some bot accusations
- Tricky standard of opposition
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for online poker in Illinois but you’re not locked into ACR, you’re going to be missing out on some of the biggest and best poker tournaments around. Even if you don’t like the look of the buy-ins. ACR has plenty of satellites with a lot of inexperienced and impatient players, giving you a shot at cut-price entry.
Top Illinois Online Poker Site for Soft Hold’em Tables – Ignition Poker
If your number one priority is to find the Illinois poker site with the softest players around, make sure you check out Ignition Poker. It’s packed with casino players.
- Welcome Bonus: 150% up to $1,500
- Promo Code: N/A
- Minimum Deposit: $20
- Poker Games Variety: NLHE, PLO, Hi/Lo
- Rakeback: Ignition Miles
- Mobile Version: iOS, Android
Features
Although Ignition is licensed in Curaçao, there’s no problem playing online poker in IL. The regulator ensures fair gaming and permits cryptocurrency payments, leading to ultra-fast withdrawals.
Enjoy a potentially rewarding loyalty program, download-free mobile play, and millions of dollars in monthly tournament guarantees.
What makes Ignition special is the number of causal players. Many of them come over from the Ignition casino and sportsbook, which means your opponents won’t be as experienced as they are at other poker sites.
Even though the players here aren’t the best, there are still some major prizes on the line. Ignition Poker boasts a $100,000 GTD tourney ever Sunday, with at least $17,000 for the winner. At the opposite end of the scale, you’ve got the Weekly Crypto Depositor’s Freeroll, which has a respectable $2,500 guaranteed. And, of course, entry is free after you make a crypto deposit.
Pros
- High traffic poker network
- Very beatable games
- No need to download mobile software
- User-friendly desktop client
Cons
- No direct rakeback scheme
- Not the prettiest mobile design
Our Verdict
Ignition is a major online poker site which is sometimes overlooked due to how well-known it is for its casino. But that would be a mistake, because it actually offers tremendous value, both in terms of MTT guarantees and the level of opponent you’ll be coming up against.
Top Online Poker Games in Illinois
You’ve seen our recommended sites for playing poker online in Illinois. But which game types and formats do they offer?
Texas Hold’em
More commonly known as Hold’em, this game offers an intoxicating blend of psychology, math and situational awareness – which explains why learning how to play Texas Hold’em has become essential for anyone enjoying online poker for real money in Illinois.
Use both, one, or none of your two personal hole cards, with up to five shared “community” cards, to form as strong of a hand as possible. And if all else fails, you can bluff your way to victory.
No Limit Hold’em is the format for most of the world’s biggest tournaments. But it’s also possible to play the game with a Fixed Limit or Pot Limit structure.
Omaha
A relative of Texas Hold’em, Omaha uses an almost identical set of rules. The key difference, though, is the four-card starting hand, from which precisely two must be used.
This affects strategy more than you might think. With so many additional cards in play, you’ll need to be extra patient when it comes to hand selection. If you’re looking to play for real money, it’s essential to choose from the best real money Omaha poker sites that offer a variety of stakes and game types.
Most commonly played with a Pot Limit setup, you’ll find Fixed Limit and the occasional No Limit games online, too. Variations like Five Card Omaha also exist, as well as Omaha Hi-Lo.
Cash Games
Sometimes called “ring games”, cash games use chips with real values. Unlike tournaments, everything on the table can be exchanged for its equivalent value in dollars at any time.
There’ll almost always be an upper limit to the amount you buy in for. In addition, pots that reach a certain size will be subject to deductions, called “rake”. This is the poker room’s hosting fee.
Many cash games allow unusual house rules, such as adding a third blind, placing a straddle or running bomb pots.
MTTs
Although they come in many shapes and sizes, all multi-table tournaments (MTTs) are based on the same fundamental premise.
Players pay a fixed fee to enter, known as a “buy-in”, which earns all entrants the same number of starting chips. Once these are lost, you’re out of the tournament.
Whoever’s left at the end is crowned the winner. They’ll win the lion’s share, but most MTTs pay the top 10-20% of finishers, so you’ll still win a smaller prize if you get knocked out after coming close.
Some tournaments allow rebuys, meaning you can re-enter after busting by paying an extra buy-in. Others include unusual twists, such as prizes for knocking specific players out (Bounties) or blind levels which increase quicker than usual (Turbos).
How to Play Online Poker in Illinois
Not sure how to get started? Follow this simple walkthrough and you’ll be up and running in no time.
Choose a site
Read our reviews to help select the right site for you. We recommend CoinPoker, but all of the online poker rooms featured on this page are ideal for players based in Illinois.Register an account
Load the website and download the software. Once installed, you’ll need to create a new account. Choose a memorable username and password, then provide a few personal details to get started.Deposit some funds
You can’t play real money poker in Illinois without funding your wallet first. Visit the cashier, choose a payment option and follow the on-screen instructions. We recommend a cryptocurrency like bitcoin for secure and fast transactions.Choose a table
Browse the lobby to find a cash game or tournament that looks interesting. Pay the required buy-in, then wait for the game to begin. It’s a good idea to start out playing freeroll tournaments, as you can learn the game for free against other amateur players.
Bonuses at Illinois Online Poker Sites in 2025
The best online poker rooms for Illinois players offer a number of rewarding bonuses. Keep your eyes peeled for the following deals.
Welcome Bonuses
Any signup incentive that’s exclusively awarded to new players could be described as a “welcome” bonus.
More often than not, this will be a deposit match offer. The exact amount of your first deposit dictates the size of the reward. A 200% match, for example, would result in a $50 bonus if you deposited $25.
On rare occasions, you might even find a no deposit bonus. In that case, simply open your account and start playing right away. This is especially advantageous for newcomers who don’t yet have a bankroll.
Reload Bonuses
Many poker sites reward players who regularly top their accounts up. This type of promotion is known as a reload bonus, and it is one of the most notable poker bonuses.
These are usually deposit match bonuses, too. But they tend to feature smaller percentages than welcome bonuses.
Free Tournament Entries
As we saw in our BetOnline review, selected players get tournament entry tickets. These are essentially free buy-ins, allowing you to play in an event that others have paid to enter.
If you make it past the bubble, the prizes are yours to keep, just as if you’d stumped up a real money buy-in.
Freerolls
Most sites these days run regular freerolls. Nobody pays a fee to enter these tournaments, but there are small prizes awarded to the best-performing players.
Ideal for newbies learning the game, they’re a great way to start putting together a bankroll. New registrants are often invited to exclusive freerolls for this exact reason.
Rakeback
All sites charge rake, which is effectively a fee for spreading the games. But the best poker rooms in Illinois return a percentage of these payments, either on a monthly or weekly basis.
It’s similar to the cashback deals found at online casinos, and is essentially a loyalty reward. You can often withdraw it right away, though you may need to play the funds through before cashing out.
VIP Rewards
Leading poker sites almost always offer some kind of VIP or loyalty program, similar to the air miles you’ll earn for flying.
It usually works in three straightforward steps:
Play games- Pay rake (or buy-in fees)
- Collect points
Play gamesYou points can typically be exchanged for tournament entries, tangible gifts or even cash.
As you climb the loyalty points ladder, you may unlock additional perks. For example, you might gain access to exclusive online tournaments and live events.
Are There Real Money Poker Apps in Illinois?
Mobile apps are extremely common these days. Most of the best online poker sites in Illinois provide native software for both iOS and Android devices when playing online poker for real money in Illinois. But there are a few notable exceptions to this trend.
Sites like Ignition, BetOnline, and Bovada let you play online poker for real money in Illinois from a mobile or tablet without ever needing to download an app. Just log into your account from any up-to-date browser and start playing instantly, just like you would at other online poker sites.
As a rule, using an app offers a better experience. For instance, the graphics will usually be far superior. But playing in a browser is extremely convenient, especially for those with older devices which may have less storage space.
What is the Best Payment Method for Online Poker in Illinois?
Funding an online poker account from Illinois is really easy, but there are many different options to choose from. Let’s see which are the best.
Cryptocurrency
Most of the top poker sites based offshore now accept deposits and withdrawals using cryptocurrency. These digital tokens, like bitcoin, ethereum and tether, are undoubtedly the best way to transact.
First of all, they add an additional layer of security and anonymity. But the main reason to use them is speed. There’s simply no quicker way to receive your winnings.
All of our top-ranked Illinois online poker sites offer same-day crypto payouts, with no fees attached.
E-wallets
Digital wallets like Neteller and Skrill also offer many advantages. They’re a convenient way to separate your bankroll from everyday funds, for instance.
What’s more, you can usually transact for free, while payments are often processed pretty quickly.
But lots of Illinois poker sites exclude e-wallets from their promotions. So, if you’re trying to claim poker bonuses, you might be out of luck.
Debit and Credit Cards
Top poker sites almost always accept the likes of Visa and Mastercard, with some also covering American Express and Discover transactions.
These reputable and experienced payment processors are secure and reliable. But they’re often painfully slow, while certain cards are charged a fee.
Is Online Poker Legal in Illinois?
There are plenty of offshore casinos and poker rooms that accept players from all over the United States, including the Land of Lincoln. But is online poker really legal in Illinois? It’s something of a gray area.
Can You Play Online Poker in Illinois for Real Money?
In short, yes. It’s possible to play real money online poker in Illinois by registering with offshore poker sites and casinos.
These are licensed outside of the country, so the US authorities are powerless to prevent them from letting you play. Nobody has ever been punished for using these overseas operators.
Besides, there’s growing tolerance for online gambling in the Prairie State, as seen by recent attempts to pass new laws. Plus, some of those in power are clearly fans of gambling, as we saw when Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker won $1.4 million on blackjack.
When Will Online Poker Be Legal in Illinois?
There’s no sign of a legal framework for online poker, sportsbooks or casinos in Illinois just yet. However, the Illinois Gaming Board already exists to regulate the operation of video gaming terminals and riverboat casinos.
In addition, two bills – SB1565 and HB2239 – were introduced in recent years, by State Sen. Cristina Castro and State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr., respectively.
Neither have been successful so far. Nevertheless, hope remains that some progress could be made before the end of the existing legislative session in 2025.
Are Poker Winnings Taxable in Illinois?
Yes. Even though online poker isn’t currently legal, the Illinois Revenue taxes residents on all gambling winnings. They’re considered part of your personal income, taxed at a flat rate of 4.95%.
Best Live Illinois Poker Rooms
If you ever feel like a break from playing Illinois online poker, check out these popular live card rooms.
Grand Victoria Casino
Address: 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120, United States
Opening hours: 10am to 4am Sunday to Thursday; 10am to 6am Friday and Saturday
This 20-table poker room runs a monthly $600 No Limit Hold’em tournament, plus weekly events ranging from $135 to $300.
$1/$2 and $5/$10 Pot Limit Omaha cash games also run throughout the week, as well as a $1/$2 Omaha Hi-Lo game. There’s even a bad beat jackpot for the $1/$3 and $2/$5 Hold’em cash tables.
Rivers Casino
Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018, United States
Opening hours: 24/7
Operating around the clock with 22 tables, Rivers Casino boasts one of the best Chicago poker rooms for cash game players.
The 5,600 square foot space hosts Fixed and No Limit Hold’em games at stakes from $1/$3 to $25/$50. In addition, Omaha and Omaha Hi-Lo fans can enjoy games from $1/$2 up to $10/$20.
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Address: 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506, United States
Opening hours: 9am to 3am every day
A weekly $160 No Limit Hold’em tournament is held every Saturday afternoon at 1pm. In addition, there’s usually $1/$3 and $2/$5 NLH cash games running, plus the occasional $10/$20 and $20/$40 Fixed Limit tables.
The bad beat jackpot, which boasts a five-figure guarantee, peaked at an impressive $388,573 back in July 2022.
Famous Illinois Poker Players
These players are among the best-known to emerge from the Prairie State.
- Connor Drinan. Hailing from Arlington Heights, Drinan boasts two WSOP bracelets, an EPT High Roller title and almost $12 million in live tournament earnings.
- Jordan Griff. Runner-up in the record-breaking 2024 WSOP Main Event, the Schaumburg native was the only amateur player to reach the final table, where he bagged $6 million.
- Mohsin Charania. Born in Des Plaines, Charania is the proud owner of two WTP titles, a WSOP bracelet and over $6.5 million in live winnings.
Online Poker in Illinois Vs. Other States
We’ve already seen that you can only play online poker in Illinois using offshore sites. But how are things looking in other US states?
At the time of writing, only six have a legal framework in place. It’s currently possible to play online poker in Michigan, Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Doing so is perfectly legal.
The majority of other states are similar to Illinois. It’s not technically allowed to play online poker in Ohio, Maryland, or Texas, for instance. But a legal gray area exists thanks to overseas poker rooms.
But Washington is a major exception to this, as the law clearly states that online poker is a felony.
Online Poker Illinois – Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to remember from our complete guide to playing poker online in Illinois.
- Online gambling isn’t yet legal – This includes poker. But there’s been plenty of legislative activity in IL to try and change things.
- Poker is still available online – A loophole exists allowing residents to use online poker rooms located overseas, such as CoinPoker.
- It’s totally safe to play online poker – There’s no history of anyone ever being punished for using these offshore poker sites in IL.
FAQs
Is it legal to play online poker in IL?
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References
- https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/hollywood-aurora/ (Poker Atlas)
- https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/rivers-casino-des-plaines (Poker Atlas)
- https://www.pokeratlas.com/poker-room/grand-victoria-elgin (Poker Atlas)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=701135 (Hendon Mob)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=167531 (Hendon Mob)
- https://pokerdb.thehendonmob.com/player.php?a=r&n=190283 (Hendon Mob)
- https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2239&GAID=17&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=146644&SessionID=112&GA=103 (Illinois General Assembly)
- https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1565&GAID=16&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=110&GA=102 (Illinois General Assembly)
- https://tax.illinois.gov/questionsandanswers/answer.468.html (Illinois Revenue)
- https://www.politico.com/news/2025/10/18/pritzker-the-poker-pro-illinois-governors-tax-return-shows-a-1-4m-windfall-00614510 (Politico)
