Are Online Casinos Legal In Illinois?
Online casinos have been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more people turning to the internet for their gambling needs. However, there is still some confusion surrounding the legality of online casinos in certain states, including Illinois. In this guide, we will explore the laws and regulations surrounding online casinos in Illinois to help answer the question: Are Online Casinos Legal In Illinois?
Overview of Online Gambling Laws in Illinois
Gambling in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, which was established in 1990. The state has a long-standing history with gambling, with the first lottery being established in 1974. In 1991, the Riverboat Gambling Act was passed, allowing riverboat casinos to operate in Illinois. In 2014, online lottery sales were also authorized, but online casino gambling is not explicitly mentioned in the state's gambling laws.
Under Illinois law, gambling is defined as the “intentional conduct of playing or engaging in any game at cards, dice, on a board or any other gambling device for something of value.” This definition can be applied to both land-based and online gambling.
The Legality of Online Casinos in Illinois
As mentioned earlier, Illinois gambling laws do not explicitly mention online casinos. This means that there are no laws specifically prohibiting or authorizing online casino gambling in the state. However, this does not mean that online casinos are legal in Illinois.
In 2019, the Illinois Attorney General issued an opinion stating that online gambling, including online casino gambling, is illegal under Illinois law. The opinion cited the state's definition of gambling and argued that games played with random number generators, such as online slots or blackjack, fall under this definition and are therefore illegal.
While this opinion does not have the force of law, it does show that the state is taking a strict stance on online gambling. As of now, there have been no major changes or updates to the state's stance on online casinos, so it is safest to assume that online casinos are not legal in Illinois.
Potential Changes in the Future
With the rise of online gambling in general, many states are considering legalizing and regulating online casinos. Illinois has shown some potential in this area, with multiple bills being introduced in the past few years to legalize and regulate online gambling in the state.
One of these bills, House Bill 3142, was introduced in January 2020 and sought to legalize online poker and casino games in Illinois. However, the bill did not progress and ultimately failed to become law during the 2020 legislative session.
Another bill, Senate Bill 7, was also introduced in January 2020 and sought to expand gambling in Illinois by legalizing online sports betting. This bill also failed to become law during the 2020 session, but it does show that some progress is being made towards legalizing online gambling in the state.
Risks of Playing at Illegal Online Casinos in Illinois
As mentioned earlier, online gambling is not explicitly legal in Illinois. While this may not stop some players from accessing and playing at online casinos, there are potential risks involved in doing so.
First and foremost, playing at an illegal online casino is a violation of state law. This could result in fines or even criminal charges. Additionally, there is no regulation or oversight for these casinos, meaning that there is a higher risk of fraud or manipulation of games.
Furthermore, players have no legal recourse if they encounter issues with an illegal online casino. Any disputes or complaints with the casino would not be protected by state laws or regulations.
In Conclusion
At this time, it is safest to assume that online casinos are not legal in Illinois. While there is potential for the state to legalize and regulate online gambling in the future, as of now, online casinos are not explicitly authorized by state law. Players should exercise caution when considering playing at online casinos, as they may be operating illegally and carry potential risks.
It's important to stay updated on any changes or updates to Illinois gambling laws to ensure that you are informed and making responsible decisions when it comes to online gambling. Thank you for reading our guide on the legality of online casinos in Illinois. We hope this has helped answer the question: Are Online Casinos Legal In Illinois?
