While Illinois hasn’t legalized online poker, there are still viable options for residents interested in playing it.
There are several online poker sites offering sweepstakes in the state, and players looking for real-money poker can also access offshore sites.
Big welcome bonus
33% rakeback
Action packed games
Leading crypto site 
Very soft games
Free SC every day
Legal in the US
Trusted brand 
Super-soft games
5% instant rakeback
Quality web-based software
Great casino offer Whether you’re new to online poker or you’ve clocked countless hours already, this guide on the best online poker sites in Illinois will help you discover the top options where you can enjoy your poker sessions.
Can I Play Online Poker in Illinois?
You can play online poker in Illinois, but only on a platform that is not state-licensed or regulated. Instead, you can sign up with sweepstakes poker sites that use virtual currencies or register with a trusted and reputable offshore poker site.
Illinois Online Poker Facts
| Available options | Sweepstakes operators & offshore sites |
| State-regulated poker sites | Not available |
| Age limit for Illinois online poker | 18+ |
| Best IL poker site | CoinPoker |
Best Online Poker Sites in Illinois
While Illinois players still can’t sign up with any state-licensed poker platforms, that doesn’t mean they don’t have options for playing poker online on safe, trusted sites. Here are the top three online poker sites in Illinois that we recommend:
#1. CoinPoker – The Best Pick for Illinois Players
CoinPoker delivers a crypto-friendly poker experience that stands out for players comfortable with digital currencies. The platform boasts a wide variety of games, including No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and 5-Card PLO. It also features a strong rake-back program, with 33% rakeback.
It also features action-packed games and has daily & monthly cash game and tournament leaderboards. Overall, for Illinois residents looking for full-on real-money poker and comfortable with crypto, CoinPoker is a solid choice.
#2 ClubWPT Gold – Casual-Friendly Trusted Brand
ClubWPT Gold combines the sweepstakes model with the World Poker Tour’s well-known brand. Game structures are designed for both casual and serious players, with low buy-ins and frequent freerolls.
If you’re looking for a sweepstakes site with a focus on cryptocurrency over fiat, ClubWPT Gold is an excellent choice. You can find cash games and tournaments running around the clock and plenty of MTTs to choose from.
#3. Stake US – Great For Low-Stakes Recreational Players
Stake US offers a sweepstakes poker model that appeals especially to Illinois players seeking low-stakes, recreational online poker. It offers ring games and tournaments in Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha at affordable entry levels. With that in mind, high-stakes grinders may find the competition softer.
It also features a low prize redemption threshold and 5% lifetime rakeback for all players. The latter is especially useful, as Stake US has a fairly high rake compared to many of its competitors.
Free Poker vs Real-Money Games
Sweepstakes online poker and real-money online poker share the same gameplay and competitive appeal, but they differ dramatically in how money flows and how they’re regulated. Real-money poker involves direct wagering. You deposit funds, buy into games, and cash out winnings, all of which require state authorization.
Sweepstakes poker sites, on the other hand, operate under U.S. promotional contest laws. Instead of betting real cash, you use virtual currencies. This structure allows sweepstakes poker sites to legally serve players in most U.S. states, including Illinois, even without gambling legislation.
Sweepstakes Model Explained
To understand how sweepstakes poker works, let’s look at a practical example using simple numbers. Suppose you purchase a $20 Gold Coin package on a site like ClubWPT Gold. Along with your 200,000 Gold Coins for entertainment play, you also receive 20 free Sweeps Coins as part of the promotion.
Gold Coins can be used for casual games that don’t award real prizes, while Sweeps Coins are used in special tournaments or ring games with redeemable rewards. If you enter a Sweeps Coin tournament with a 1 SC buy-in and finish first, you might win 10 SC.
Once your balance reaches 50 SC, for instance, you can redeem them for approximately $50 in real cash value. You never “buy” Sweeps Coins directly. Instead, they’re granted as bonuses, giveaways, or through mail-in entries.
Regulation Landscape in Illinois
Illinois has a long history with gambling and has been one of the more progressive states when it comes to expanding gaming options. The state legalized riverboat casinos in 1990, opened the Illinois Lottery decades ago, and launched regulated sports betting in 2020. Despite this progress, real-money online poker remains unregulated.
Lawmakers are aware of the revenue potential from regulated online poker, especially as neighboring states like Michigan and Pennsylvania participate in multi-state player pools. Looking ahead, most industry analysts expect Illinois to revisit online poker legislation within the next few years. This will likely come as part of a larger online casino expansion effort rather than a standalone poker bill.