Best Casino Apps Illinois: Top Apps for Android and iPhones

Fact Checked by Shannon Lane
21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA 1-800-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500

Although it is more than three years since the first online sportsbooks in Illinois launched, there is no legal online casino gaming in the Prairie State. However, there is cautious optimism that efforts to legalize online casinos here may be successful in 2024. What would be the best real-money casino apps Illinois in the near future?

Best Casino Apps in Illinois Ranked by Users

Casino AppApp Store/Google Play Store Ratings
📲 BetMGM4.7 | 4.3
📲 Caesars Palace Online4.7 | 2.7
📲 DraftKings4.8 | 4.4
📲 FanDuel4.8 | 4.6
📲 BetRivers4.4 | 2.9
📲 Hard Rock Bet4.8 | 4.3
Last VerifiedNovember 6, 2024

Are casino apps legal in Illinois?

Casino apps are not legal in Illinois. The Illinois sports betting market has been legal for online gambling enthusiasts since June 2020, and there are several riverboat casinos and other in-person sites across the state.

Therefore, there is hope that renewed efforts to make online casinos legal in the near future may not be in vain.

When will casino apps be available in Illinois?

We don't know when casino apps will be available in Illinois. Efforts to add Illinois online casinos to the list of legal gambling options in the state did not get very far in 2023.

However, we are confident there will be a further push to make this form of online wagering legal in 2024; if that happens the first legal Illinois online casinos could be in operation by the end of the year.

Are there any legal Illinois casino apps?

As things stand there are no legal casino apps in Illinois. You may find some operators that offer you the chance to play online casino games; however, these companies do not hold a license from the Illinois Gaming Board. We do not recommend that you visit these sites or apps to play casino games online.  

Most Likely Illinois Casino Apps to Launch

Online casino apps are now available in half-a-dozen states. Some companies offer apps that also include an online sportsbook, while others create a dedicated online casino mobile platform.

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IL. In partnership with Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 53342. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Best Overall Illinois Casino App: BetMGM

📲 Google Play Downloads:500K+
⭐️ Android Rating:4.3
📝 Google Play Review Total:17K+
⭐️ App Store Rating:4.7
📝 App Store Review Total:62K+
Last Verified:November 6, 2024

The BetMGM Casino Illinois app is one of the top online casino apps players will be able to visit. It’s a casino-only app, with access to a huge number of games, including up to 1,500 online slots, many of which are progressive slot games. You’ll also find a generous selection of table games and live dealer games, as well as a loyalty program. It’s all delivered through a well-designed app that is notably fast.

iOS Available?Yes
Android Available?Yes
Live Casino?Yes
🚫 App-Only Offers?No

📲 MORE: BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook App

Illinois Casino App with Best Bonuses: Caesars Palace Online

📲 Google Play Downloads:10K+
⭐️ Android Rating:2.7
📝 Google Play Review Total:120+
⭐️ App Store Rating:4.8
📝 App Store Review Total:100+
Last Verified:November 6, 2024

By the time the Caesars Palace Online Casino Illinois app is launched, some of the growing pains of the recent relaunch and rebranding should have been fixed. We are confident this will in time be one of the best Android casino apps Illinois players can visit.

This is a brand known for its excellent bonuses and strong focus on the customer experience. The top-notch user interface and rewards program underpin a range of online casino games that includes several hundred slot machines, classic table games and live dealer games.

iOS Available?Yes
Android Available?Yes
Live Casino?Yes
🚫 App-Only Offers?No

📲 MORE: Caesars Illinois Sportsbook App

Illinois Casino App with Top Exclusive Games: DraftKings

📲 Google Play Downloads:500K+
⭐️ Android Rating:4.4
📝 Google Play Review Total:14K+
⭐️ App Store Rating:4.7
📝 App Store Review Total:38K+
Last Verified:November 6, 2024

The DraftKings Casino Illinois app will, when it launches, be the latest offering from a brand that has long been at the cutting edge of online mobile gambling. You can expect a rich offering of several hundred casino games, most of them online slots. Many of those are exclusive to this operator. That extensive range is backed up by a superlative user experience, regular bonuses, and a loyalty program. This will undoubtedly be one of the best Illinois online casinos.

iOS Available?Yes
Android Available?Yes
Live Casino?Yes
🚫 App-Only Offers?No

📲 MORE: DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook App

Highest Rated Illinois Casino App: FanDuel

📲 Google Play Downloads:500K+
⭐️ Android Rating:4.6
📝 Google Play Review Total:41K+
⭐️ App Store Rating:4.8
📝 App Store Review Total:60K+
Last Verified:November 6, 2024

You’ll find the emphasis at the FanDuel Casino Illinois app is on quality rather than quantity. There are operators with more game options, but the nearly 200 online slots here are all from highly regarded developers. There are also plenty of live dealer games and table games to enjoy.

It’s all wrapped up in an extensively user-friendly package that helps to explain why this is currently the highest rated Android product among the online casino apps Illinois players can expect to visit.

iOS Available?Yes
Android Available?Yes
Live Casino?Yes
🚫 App-Only Offers?No

📲 MORE: FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook App

Best Value Illinois Casino App: BetRivers

📲 Google Play Downloads:100K+
⭐️ Android Rating:2.9
📝 Google Play Review Total:1K+
⭐️ App Store Rating:4.4
📝 App Store Review Total:2K+
Last Verified:November 6, 2024

The BetRivers Casino Illinois app shares its platform with the operator’s sports wagering offering, but is none the poorer for it. Some players have reported issues with the Android version of the app, but this is one of the most respected names in the online gambling industry, so things should improve.

You will find several hundred online slot machines, an excellent choice of live dealer games and table games, and the chance to use one of the best loyalty programs in the market. This will definitely find its place among the range of Illinois online casino apps.

iOS Available?Yes
Android Available?Yes
Live Casino?Yes
🚫 App-Only Offers?No

📲 MORE: BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook App

21+. New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, or WY only. Must apply this promotion in your bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager with odds of - 500 or longer each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you establish your account. Wager must settle as a loss to qualify for Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will equal the amount of the losing wager(s) (up to $100 in Bonus Bets per day) and expire 7 days from issuance. This offer is not available in New York. Terms apply- see Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-522-4700, CT (888) 789-7777, IA 1-800-BETS-OFF, MA 1-800-327-5050, VA 1-888-532-3500

Newest Illinois Casino App: Hard Rock Bet

📲 Google Play Downloads:100K+
⭐️ Android Rating:4.3
📝 Google Play Review Total:1.8K+
⭐️ App Store Rating:4.8
📝 App Store Review Total:7K+
Last Verified:November 6, 2024

The Hard Rock Bet Casino Illinois app comes to you from an operator that is a relative newcomer to the world of online casinos, but the early signs are promising. Choose from more than 500 online slot machines, including some progressives, and a comprehensive selection of table games and live dealer games.

Expect to find plenty of promos if this brand joins the ranks of online casinos in Illinois. You’ll also automatically become a member of the Rockin’ Rewards loyalty program.

iOS Available?Yes
Android Available?Yes
Live Casino?Yes
App-Only Offers?Yes

📲 MORE: Hard Rock Bet Illinois Sportsbook App

How to Sign Up with a Casino App in Illinois

The process of registering for an online casino account should be straightforward; expect to follow these steps:

  1. Visit the app store appropriate to your mobile device, and search for your chosen online casino app Illinois players can use
  2. ✅ When you find the app, click on it to download it to your home screen
  3. ✅ Go to the Join or Sign Up button to start the registration process
  4. ✅ You’ll have to provide information including your full name and address, phone number and ID that proves you’re above the legal gambling age
  5. Make your first deposit, activate your welcome Illinois online casino bonus, and you’re ready to start enjoying your favorite casino games

Illinois Casino Apps vs Mobile In Browser Gaming

Most operators that offer Illinois online casinos will also have a desktop site where you can play games through a web browser on your device. Some, like the Hard Rock Bet online casino, are app-only. There are some advantages to accessing online casino games in this way, and some drawbacks too.

Casino Apps

Pros
Convenience of being able to access online casino games wherever you are
You'll be able to start the action more quickly when you want to play
Ability to select favorite games so you can access them faster
Cons
Every casino app you download takes up storage space on your device
You're reliant on having a mobile signal, which may not be available in some parts of the state

Mobile Browser

Pros
No need to fill up your valuable storage space with casino apps
You can bookmark your page to allow easy access every time
Most online casino sites are mobile optimized, so there should be no loss of game quality
Cons
It takes longer to access online casino games this way than through an app
You need a stable internet connection to be able to play

How You Are Safe on a Casino App in Illinois

All Illinois online casinos will operate under license from the Illinois Gaming Board, which will impose strict conditions relating to customer security. You should be able to play online casino games safe in the knowledge that your data, including your payment information, is safe.

Review the data safety section at your app store for more information about Android and iPhone casino apps Illinois players can visit.

Data is Not Shared with Third Parties 

When you sign up to play at Illinois online casinos, you should be reassured that the operator will not pass your details on to any other organizations.

Data is Not Collected

The only data collected will be the information essential to open and operate your account. Illinois online casinos will not collect any extra data from you.

Data is Encrypted

All leading Illinois online casinos should employ state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption technology which ensures that every transaction is protected at all stages.

Data Can Be Deleted

If you want your data held by an online casino site to be deleted—if you close your account, for instance—you will be able to contact the operator, and your will be granted.

Games Available on a Mobile Casino App in Illinois

Every licensed Illinois online casino operator should offer a rich choice of casino games. You should find a healthy range of options when it comes to the following types of games.

🎁 Learn More: Illinois Sportsbook Promo Codes

Slots

Slot games will make up the vast majority of titles at most online casinos in Illinois. They’re easy to play on the best online casinos’ apps, and you may have several hundred options to choose from.

Table Games

Table games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat will be well represented at top online casinos in Illinois, as they are at brick-and-mortar locations. Expect numerous variations on the traditional themes of each game so that you can find a way of playing that suits you.

Video Poker

Online poker games are immensely popular at many online casinos, and there are numerous twists on the various forms of the old game.

Check that online poker is permitted at online casinos in Illinois when they launch, because some states impose restrictions on the game.

Live Dealer

Many visitors to online casinos in Illinois will wish to sample a taste of the atmosphere of a real-life casino. The ability to play casino games with a live dealer adds to the excitement, and most leading online casinos have a healthy selection of such games.

Scratch Offs

Scratch-off games are lottery games, much like the ones organized by the Illinois Lottery. Some states permit such games to be offered by online casinos, so it will be worth checking whether or not Illinois casinos will be able to offer scratch-offs in the future.

Poker

As well as online poker games, Illinois online casino operators may be able to offer poker games with a live dealer. Some online casinos are so committed to the game that they offer a separate app dedicated purely to poker.

However, some states do not permit any form of online poker.

Should I Download Illegal Casino Apps?

We strongly recommend you do not use illegal casino apps to gamble online.

It is possible to find online casino sites and apps that claim to offer legal online gambling to people in Illinois right now. These brands are based outside the state and are working without a license from the Illinois Gaming Board.

Among the many issues with illegal casino apps are:

  • ❌ Offshore operators have been known to use misleading marketing messages
  • ❌ Standards of customer support likely lower
  • ❌ Lack of security measures
  • ❌ Likely no legal recourse in the event of a dispute

Illinois Casino Apps FAQs

Author

Martin Booth

Award-winning contributor covering sports betting and casino gaming around the world for decades, Martin Booth is one of the most trusted voices in online gambling. From legislative updates in Illinois to breaking down the top betting apps in IL, Martin covers a gambit of topics for IllinoisBet.com.

Cited by leading media organizations, such as: