This is a guide for online poker players in the America who want to know where they can play online poker and when they might be able to play in their home states. For states where online poker is legal, this is a guide for US online poker room reviews, poker sites available in your area, deposit bonuses, and online poker announcements.
- Online Poker Illinois News
- Online Poker Legislation Illinois Tollway
- Online Poker Legislation Illinois
- Online Poker Legislation Illinois 2020
- Online Poker Legislation Illinois Lottery
- Online Poker Legislation Illinois Laws
US online poker laws seem to be changing monthly since government attorneys announced that the Wire Act cannot be used to prohibit states from allowing online poker. Online poker rooms and online gambling sites are clamoring for state licenses, and the US online gambling landscape is going through a major change.
Illinois Poker Law Illinois has some pretty strict laws regarding gambling, and unlike in many other states, they actually include provisions specifically mentioning real money gaming over the internet. These codes are contained in 720 ILCS 5, Article 28. Turning to 28-1, we find out how the state defines gambling.
- The Illinois Senate has just passed a bill allowing regulated online gambling, including poker, within the state. It still needs to meet with the approval of the House of Representatives first before becoming law, but we're cautiously optimistic about the possibility of legalized online poker in Illinois.
- The closest the state ever got to legalizing internet games was on May 31st, 2017, when the Senate passed a bill to regulate online poker with 42-10 votes in its favor. The bill has yet to be approved by the Illinois House of Representatives and signed into law. In the aftermath of the US Supreme Court ruling in favor of sports betting.
For a select few Americans, online poker is here already. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware are leading the United States into the billion-dollar-a-year industry, and many more states are looking to get into the game in the very near future.
By the end of 2015, as many as a dozen states could allow their residents to play on legal online poker sites. That number may be higher if a federal bill, the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, is approved in 2014. But since the odds of that happening are less than hitting a one-outer on the river, all the online poker news concerning legislation is coming from individual states.
American online poker laws are about to go through drastic revision, and US online poker sites will pop up as the laws change. Laws are changing fast, and this guide promises to remain up to date on all possible movements concerning online poker legislation.
A brief overview of each state's stance on online poker is below, but click through for a full update on the state's online poker laws, and gambling laws in the state in general.
Alabama
Alabama doesn't even have a state lottery. It's home to some of the most morally strict policymakers in the country, so poker is not coming anytime soon. Read more ..
Alaska
Online poker legislation remains frigid in the great white north, but the game has a few fans who are elected officials, and although lawmakers resisted expanding almost any type of gambling in here, online poker has a chance. Read more ..
Arizona
Despite a thriving Indian casino industry — or more like because of it — lawmakers are being cautious with online poker. Also, the governor is a tough opponent of any type of gambling expansion, poker included. Read more ..
Arkansas
Online poker legislation may be far off, but unlike some of its neighboring states, online poker may come to Arkansas with a federal push. Read more ..
California
Online poker will come to California maybe as soon as 2014. A crowded industry split into three factions may delay action on online poker bills already submitted. Read more ..
Colorado
With a steady and strong push from its significant casino industry, online poker legislation is most likely forthcoming in Colorado sometime in 2015. The state is already studying the effects online poker would have. Read more ..
Connecticut
As its neighboring states start to allow their residents access to online poker sites, look for Connecticut to follow suit. As such a small state, it's a prime candidate to contract with other states for shared player pools. Read more ..
Delaware
As of October 2013, online poker is completely legal, regulated, and live in Delaware. Read more ..
Florida
Two powerful casino forces — the racinos and Indian tribes — face off against a conservative state government intent on preventing gambling expansion. The governor has won the first round. Read more ..
Georgia
The official view toward poker here is as rigid as a Georgia pine. Poker is gambling, and gambling is bad in Georgia. Genting fountain park poker schedule. Read more ..
Hawaii
Although one of the few states without any form of legalized gambling, Hawaii is rumored to be looking to get into the online-poker game. Read more ..
Idaho
Completely in the middle ground, there is no pending online poker legislation in Idaho. A grassroots effort would help here. Read more ..
Illinois
Online poker is being talked about by state officials. look for an online poker bill sometime in 2015. Read more ..
Indiana
With a conservative governor and minor casino industry, it's going to take a political campaign by its online poker players to move online poker forward. Read more ..
Iowa
Since 2011, certain lawmakers have pushed for online poker legalization. Now with states going live, watch for Iowa to join the game in 2014 or 2015. Read more ..
Kansas
A significant political shift is necessary for online poker to even be considered in the Sunflower State. Read more ..
Kentucky
Now that the powerful horseracing industry has wedged itself into the multi-state casino industry, watch for online poker legislation to move fast once more states go live. Read more ..
Louisiana
An online poker debate should come to Louisiana in 2014, with significant movement in 2015. Online poker does face some opposition here. Read more ..
Maine
Brand new to the casino game, and with such a pretty face, Maine would make a lovely interstate online poker partner. However, it remains a wallflower. Read more ..
Maryland
With a healthy paranoia that it is missing out on the online poker industry, lawmakers began to push for it in 2013. Look for another push in 2014 and beyond. Read more ..
Massachusetts
Cautiously optimistic is how online poker players in Beantown should feel. Online poker won't come there as quickly as it should, but it's likely coming at some point. Read more ..
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Michigan
A large casino industry will fuel the push toward online poker. State lawmakers seem to be wary, though. Read more ..
Minnesota
With a strong casino industry, it would seem Minnesota would be further along with online poker legalization than it is. It may catch up soon. Read more ..
Mississippi
An online-gambling bill failed to make it out of committee in 2013, but a multi-billion dollar casino industry will have a say. Read more ..
Missouri
Another state with a significant casino industry, but with no real movement toward online poker or gambling legalization. It will join the game sooner rather than later. Read more ..
Montana
Poker is considered gambling here, and online gambling was outlawed in the state in 2005. With no pending legislation, it may be awhile. Read more ..
Nebraska
Poker-playing multi-billionaire hedge-fund manager Warren Buffett lives here and he hates the thought of online gambling. Poker is sadly included in his categorization. Read more ..
Nevada
Online poker is legal in Nevada, and several rooms are live for real-money play. Read more ..
New Hampshire
For such a small state, New Hampshire has more online poker players per capita than anyone else. Still, there's no pending legislation. Read more ..
New Jersey
Online poker and gambling is legal in New Jersey. Online poker will be available in November 2013. Read more ..
New Mexico
New Mexico's 20 Indian casinos will have a say in the legislation of online poker here. Tribes have threatened to stop payments to the state if it legalizes online gambling. Read more ..
New York
New York may very well be the fourth state to legalize online poker in 2014. It has the support of the governor, as well as many lawmakers. Read more ..
North Carolina
No real online poker push is coming from North Carolina. Check back once other states start to go live. Read more ..
North Dakota
This was once the first state to try to legalize online poker in 2005; the feds put an end to that. Online poker legalization is on the backburner. Read more ..
Ohio
A state late to the casino game, online poker legalization has a real chance in 2015 or 2016, particularly if Pennsylvania beats Ohio to the market. Read more ..
Oklahoma
This state allows tribes to operate online poker rooms, with one major caveat: They can only do business with people living in other countries. What a rub. Oklahomans will have online poker sooner rather than later. Read more ..
Oregon
Once California begins to offer online poker, watch for Oregon's Indian casinos to begin applying pressure to lawmakers. They have shown to be a savvy lobbying group. Read more ..
Pennsylvania
With one scrapped bill that would have legalized online poker and gambling, be sure another will come in 2014. Although facing resistance in committee, online poker should be here by 2016. Read more ..
Rhode Island
A prime candidate to partner with Delaware. Industry insiders say a contract is in the works. Read more ..
South Carolina
The online-poker industry faces major resistance here. Any talks of gambling expansion are immediately quashed. Read more ..
South Dakota
Online poker isn't on the lips of any lawmakers here. But with a strong Indian casino industry, look for that to change in 2014. Read more ..
Tennessee
A strong religious base makes it difficult to move online poker legislation anywhere. Like, harder than shoving a mule through keyhole. Read more ..
Texas
Home of the congressman behind the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, several bills that affect poker, online and otherwise, currently reside in committees. Texas looks like it wants to finally acknowledge the game. Read more ..
Utah
Online poker players in Utah at least have Nevada just over the border. Other than that, Utah is a desert for online poker players. Read more ..
Vermont
The tiny state may be game to contract with Delaware, New Jersey, and/or Nevada and allow its residents access to online poker sites. Once more states allow online poker, watch for Vermont to follow. Read more ..
Virginia
Online poker players must hope for political change statewide in order to eventually access online poker sites. It has a law on the books that outlaws Internet gambling. Read more ..
Washington, D.C.
Online poker was set to come to its citizens in 2013, but politics played its part and it was delayed. Online poker will definitely come to D.C. eventually. Read more ..
Washington
The only state that criminalizes the online poker player, a grassroots movement stemming from that law is growing. Plus, Indian casinos are now in favor of legalization. Read more ..
West Virginia
State officials are most likely looking to contract with other states, probably Delaware. It may happen as soon as 2014. Read more ..
Wisconsin
The Indian casinos have yet to show their hand as to where they stand on online poker. There is no legislative chatter concerning online poker rooms. Read more ..
Wyoming
Kentucky
Now that the powerful horseracing industry has wedged itself into the multi-state casino industry, watch for online poker legislation to move fast once more states go live. Read more ..
Louisiana
An online poker debate should come to Louisiana in 2014, with significant movement in 2015. Online poker does face some opposition here. Read more ..
Maine
Brand new to the casino game, and with such a pretty face, Maine would make a lovely interstate online poker partner. However, it remains a wallflower. Read more ..
Maryland
With a healthy paranoia that it is missing out on the online poker industry, lawmakers began to push for it in 2013. Look for another push in 2014 and beyond. Read more ..
Massachusetts
Cautiously optimistic is how online poker players in Beantown should feel. Online poker won't come there as quickly as it should, but it's likely coming at some point. Read more ..
Recommended Blackjack Casinos. The Wizard endorses these 3 casinos to play blackjack for real money. Blackjack for Beginners. Our beginner's guide to Blackjack is an introduction into the world's most popular casino game. Blackjack Tools. Wizard of Odds Blackjack. Blackjack is one of the most common casino games in the world. The rules of the set are simple to master making the game enjoyable to just about anyone. Wizard of Odds blackjack gives a comprehensive review of the game. It provides the rules of the game, the strategy of playing on the table, and instructions on how to play the set online. Wizard of blackjack.
Michigan
A large casino industry will fuel the push toward online poker. State lawmakers seem to be wary, though. Read more ..
Minnesota
With a strong casino industry, it would seem Minnesota would be further along with online poker legalization than it is. It may catch up soon. Read more ..
Mississippi
An online-gambling bill failed to make it out of committee in 2013, but a multi-billion dollar casino industry will have a say. Read more ..
Missouri
Another state with a significant casino industry, but with no real movement toward online poker or gambling legalization. It will join the game sooner rather than later. Read more ..
Montana
Poker is considered gambling here, and online gambling was outlawed in the state in 2005. With no pending legislation, it may be awhile. Read more ..
Nebraska
Poker-playing multi-billionaire hedge-fund manager Warren Buffett lives here and he hates the thought of online gambling. Poker is sadly included in his categorization. Read more ..
Nevada
Online poker is legal in Nevada, and several rooms are live for real-money play. Read more ..
New Hampshire
For such a small state, New Hampshire has more online poker players per capita than anyone else. Still, there's no pending legislation. Read more ..
New Jersey
Online poker and gambling is legal in New Jersey. Online poker will be available in November 2013. Read more ..
New Mexico
New Mexico's 20 Indian casinos will have a say in the legislation of online poker here. Tribes have threatened to stop payments to the state if it legalizes online gambling. Read more ..
New York
New York may very well be the fourth state to legalize online poker in 2014. It has the support of the governor, as well as many lawmakers. Read more ..
North Carolina
No real online poker push is coming from North Carolina. Check back once other states start to go live. Read more ..
North Dakota
This was once the first state to try to legalize online poker in 2005; the feds put an end to that. Online poker legalization is on the backburner. Read more ..
Ohio
A state late to the casino game, online poker legalization has a real chance in 2015 or 2016, particularly if Pennsylvania beats Ohio to the market. Read more ..
Oklahoma
This state allows tribes to operate online poker rooms, with one major caveat: They can only do business with people living in other countries. What a rub. Oklahomans will have online poker sooner rather than later. Read more ..
Oregon
Once California begins to offer online poker, watch for Oregon's Indian casinos to begin applying pressure to lawmakers. They have shown to be a savvy lobbying group. Read more ..
Pennsylvania
With one scrapped bill that would have legalized online poker and gambling, be sure another will come in 2014. Although facing resistance in committee, online poker should be here by 2016. Read more ..
Rhode Island
A prime candidate to partner with Delaware. Industry insiders say a contract is in the works. Read more ..
South Carolina
The online-poker industry faces major resistance here. Any talks of gambling expansion are immediately quashed. Read more ..
South Dakota
Online poker isn't on the lips of any lawmakers here. But with a strong Indian casino industry, look for that to change in 2014. Read more ..
Tennessee
A strong religious base makes it difficult to move online poker legislation anywhere. Like, harder than shoving a mule through keyhole. Read more ..
Texas
Home of the congressman behind the Internet Poker Freedom Act of 2013, several bills that affect poker, online and otherwise, currently reside in committees. Texas looks like it wants to finally acknowledge the game. Read more ..
Utah
Online poker players in Utah at least have Nevada just over the border. Other than that, Utah is a desert for online poker players. Read more ..
Vermont
The tiny state may be game to contract with Delaware, New Jersey, and/or Nevada and allow its residents access to online poker sites. Once more states allow online poker, watch for Vermont to follow. Read more ..
Virginia
Online poker players must hope for political change statewide in order to eventually access online poker sites. It has a law on the books that outlaws Internet gambling. Read more ..
Washington, D.C.
Online poker was set to come to its citizens in 2013, but politics played its part and it was delayed. Online poker will definitely come to D.C. eventually. Read more ..
Washington
The only state that criminalizes the online poker player, a grassroots movement stemming from that law is growing. Plus, Indian casinos are now in favor of legalization. Read more ..
West Virginia
State officials are most likely looking to contract with other states, probably Delaware. It may happen as soon as 2014. Read more ..
Wisconsin
The Indian casinos have yet to show their hand as to where they stand on online poker. There is no legislative chatter concerning online poker rooms. Read more ..
Wyoming
Lawmakers here are resistant to any form or gambling expansion, including online poker. If recent history is correct, online poker has a tough fight here. Read more ..
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Home» US Poker Laws » State Laws » Illinois Poker Laws
Relevant state code: 18-3801 et seq.; 54-2501 et seq.
Illinois offers gamblers a diverse array of regulated gambling options. The trade-off is that Illinois takes a very dim view of unregulated gambling, meaning a very strict approach to enforcing such gambling and a very broad definition of what activity can be classified as gambling:
Section 28-1
(a) A person commits gambling when he:
(1) Plays a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value
Note that the definition explicitly includes games of chance and skill. In Illinois, the act of the wager is apparently the primary violation, so the question of whether or not a game is governed by skill or chance is largely moot. The statutory definition goes on to include a variety of specific actions that would also be considered illegal under Illinois law, including: Wagering on political races, pools and unregulated lotteries. There are several exceptions that we'll discuss below.
Coupled with this far-reaching definition are fairly severe penalties for players and operators. Individuals who simply participate in games can face misdemeanor charges; those who run the game, advertise the game or otherwise facilitate illegal gambling can face misdemeanor to felony charges, and repeat offenses trigger harsher charges.
What Gambling is Legal in Illinois?
Online Poker Illinois News
Several forms of gambling are regulated or licensed by the State of Illinois. The state administers a lottery and permits pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing at approved facilities. Illinois also allows riverboat gambling; riverboat casinos in Illinois can offer a full range of casino games including poker.
There is no explicit exemption in Illinois law for social gambling.
Illinois does allow a wide variety of charitable gambling to be provided by license-holders. Charitable gambling events may only offer roulette, blackjack, poker, pull tabs, craps, bang, beat the dealer, big six, gin rummy, five card stud poker, chuch-a-luck, keno, hold-em poker, and merchandise wheel. Charitable gambling in Illinois is overseen by the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Can I Legally Play Real Money Poker in Illinois?
If you're playing poker at a licensed charitable game or in a riverboat casino, you don't have any problems. However, individuals playing poker for real money in any other setting in Illinois may technically be in violation of state law.
Remember, the law in Illinois makes no distinction between games of chance and games of skill. Additionally, case law in Illinois (People v Mitchell, 1983) has concluded that Texas Holdem falls under the state's definition of gambling. Finally, with no explicit exemption for social gambling on the books in Illinois, even private games and home games could potentially be subject to criminal enforcement action.
With that said, authorities in Illinois seem to have little interest in pursuing charges against individual players. A recent example: A 2012 raid on an illegal poker game in Champaign, IL resulted in charges against the operators of the game, but no charges for participants.
What About Online Poker? Is it Legal to Play Online Poker in Illinois?
Illinois is one of a few states with laws that specifically addresses Internet gambling and online poker. In 2009, Illinois revised its definition of a gambling offense to include the following provision:
Section 28-1(12)
Knowingly establishes, maintains, or operates an Internet site that permits a person to play a game of chance or skill for money or other thing of value by means of the Internet or to make a wager upon the result of any game, contest, political nomination, appointment, or election by means of the Internet.
Note that the provision applies specifically to operators and not to individuals using online sites to gamble. That aside, many would argue that current Illinois law de facto prohibits individuals from playing poker at an Illinois poker site or otherwise gambling online, as it generally prohibits any form of wagering that is not explicitly permitted by law.
Illinois Gambling Laws: Fun Facts
There is no tribal gambling in Illinois.
Riverboat gambling is allowed on 'any navigable stream' in Illinois - except for Lake Michigan.
Online Poker Legislation Illinois Tollway
Illinois has offered select lottery tickets for online purchase since at least 2001.
Online Poker Legislation Illinois
Illinois Online Poker Laws: Recent News
Online Poker Legislation Illinois 2020
Illinois made online gambling news early in 2012 when two residents were charged with running an online gambling business.
Online Poker Legislation Illinois Lottery
In May of 2012, State Senate President John Cullerton caused a stir by introducing legislation to regulate various forms of online gambling, including poker. Cullerton's legislation failed to meet a procedural deadline in late May, essentially killing the bill for the time being.
Will Illinois Regulate Online Poker Soon?
Many would have considered Illinois something of a dark horse in the online poker regulation race prior to Cullerton's surprise bid, but the state now must be considered as a more serious contender than most. Favoring regulated online poker in Illinois: The state already offers lottery over the Internet, and the population concentration of Chicago alone could provide a viable player pool.
Working against regulated poker: The state is currently engaged in a bit of an internal battle over land-based gambling expansion, and pushing through both that expansion and an aggressive move into online gambling at once could prove politically difficult.
Online Poker Legislation Illinois Laws
With all of those factors considered, we conclude that there is a reasonable chance of Illinois regulating online poker within the next three years.
