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Poker In Illinois
With Illinois expanding its gambling offerings, it’s natural to wonder if online poker will be added to the mix. At this time, there are no online poker platforms operating in the state, but promotional sweepstakes sites offer a different way to enjoy gaming.
One particular social site, Global Poker, offers online poker games where players can win cash prizes. In the upcoming sections, we will delve into how this site functions and complies with legal regulations.
If you’re an online poker player in Illinois, you’ve come to the right place. We have all the latest updates on the status of online poker in the Prairie State.
Global Poker accepts Illinois poker players
Is online poker legal in Illinois?
Online poker sites are not allowed to operate within the boundaries of Illinois due to state law.
Why can I find sites to play?
Many unregulated online poker sites are operating outside the US, failing to uphold the same standards and practices as regulated gaming in Illinois.
Visiting these operators comes with various risks. It can be difficult to determine if they are legitimate, as they may not be running a fair or secure site for your money and personal information. Additionally, their operations outside the country make it even harder to confirm their legitimacy.
Because they are located outside of the US, these sites have a questionable legal standing. A loose interpretation of the law and proactive law enforcement could easily restrict your access and prevent you from accessing the funds in your account.
Currently, the best decision is to either use a promotional sweepstakes website or wait for the legalization of online poker for real money in your state. While it may be frustrating, it is the most practical choice.
Will Illinois regulate online poker?
It is challenging to predict when online poker will be legalized in Illinois, as there is ongoing legislative efforts to make it happen, but the exact timing of this decision is still unknown.
On the bright side, bills were introduced in 2021 by both the House and Senate in Illinois that included provisions for online poker within the framework of online casinos. So, it is difficult to envision a scenario where online poker would be left out if online casinos are eventually regulated in the state.
Both online casino bills were not approved during the May legislative session, however, the topic is expected to be revisited in future sessions.
In the meantime, let’s talk about the poker choices you have in Illinois right now.
What are social poker sites?
Promotional sweepstakes poker sites may seem confusing, as they mimic traditional online poker sites but are actually legal in many states. How is this permitted?
It is important to have a clear understanding of what sweepstakes are. While you may have entered contests like Publishers Clearing House or McDonald’s Monopoly, you may not be able to accurately define what a sweepstakes contest entails beyond it being a type of prize giveaway.
All sweepstakes contests and social sites must follow specific rules, with the most important being that entry must be free. Therefore, every sweepstakes game you encounter will state that a purchase is not necessary.
Next, the advertised prize must be awarded as required. This means that even if you haven’t been visited by the PCH Prize Patrol, someone else has. It is worth noting that these giveaways are legally required to be genuine and not fraudulent.
Sweepstakes must adhere to a specific timeframe with a defined start and end date, and cannot be run indefinitely.
You may be wondering how this relates to a poker website. The answer lies in the site’s practice of using two different currencies.
The site will offer its virtual currency for sale. Players who buy this currency will receive it in their account. In addition to the purchased currency, players may also receive bonus chips that can be exchanged for various rewards.
You can also request the site directly for some of its currency. Although the site may make the process challenging, it is legally required to provide real entries to anyone who makes such a request.
The social poker site of choice – Global Poker
Global Poker is the top choice for poker games, especially for US players, among the many promotional sweepstakes websites available. As a member of the VGW Holdings family, Global Poker offers games using Gold Coins for play money and Sweeps Coins for sweepstakes currency.
Individuals with Sweeps Coins can use them to play games on Global Poker and have the chance to win additional Sweeps Coins. Any Sweeps Coins earned from promotions can be converted into real prizes.
On the other hand, Gold Coins have no value outside of Global Poker and are only used for playing games on the platform.
Global is known for its modern interface and wide variety of games. Players can access games around the clock, with the most popular being hold’em. Additionally, Omaha High games are regularly played, and there are even occasional tournaments for Crazy Pineapple.
Global offers a variety of games including cash games, sit and go’s, jackpot sit and go’s, and fast fold poker, all with various buy-in levels.
Global Poker is probably the top choice for players in Illinois. It is known for its transparency and consistently provides ample gaming opportunities. If Global Poker is the best online poker option available to you, you are in good hands.
Poker apps vs. downloading a poker site
In today’s world, almost everyone relies on a smartphone or other mobile device to manage a significant portion of their daily lives and provide entertainment.
Therefore, it is not surprising to discover that there are online poker apps designed for both Apple and Android devices. In states where online poker is legal for real money play, users usually have the option to either download an app that is compatible with their mobile device or install a poker client on their computer.
Promotional sweepstakes sites are more inclined to offer an optimized browser version of their site rather than develop an app. For example, Global has chosen not to create an app or client, focusing solely on providing a user-friendly browser experience.
Online poker is most optimal when played on a traditional computer due to the extensive graphics needed and the difficulties of multi-tabling on a mobile device. Using a mouse for gameplay is often preferred by many people.
This doesn’t mean the app is unusable or not worth using. Poker is a visually intense game with a lot going on at the table, involving cards and other players. Compared to other gambling games, poker requires you to have more information readily available. This is why the larger display offered by computer screens is very helpful.
Online poker tournaments in Illinois
Poker tournaments are typically more attractive than cash games because they are cost-effective and offer the chance to win big prizes. Unlike cash games where you may only double or triple your money on a good day, tournaments allow you to potentially earn prizes that are much greater than what you initially invested, while also capping the amount you can lose.
Online tournaments are extremely popular, operating in a similar fashion to major live poker events like the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour. Players contribute to a prize pool, begin with the same number of chips, and continue competing until one player emerges with all the chips.
No Limit Texas Hold’em tournaments are usually the most common, but other games like Pot-Limit Omaha, stud, limit poker, and Omaha Hi-Lo can also be found. Global Poker, the preferred platform for Illinois players, offers tournaments in hold’em, PLO, and the unique game of crazy pineapple.
However, the impact of regulated online poker on tournament opportunities in Illinois would be substantial. While it is possible to make money through promotional sweepstakes tournaments on Global Poker, the potential for earnings could greatly increase with full access to regulated poker sites.
Moreover, by joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), Illinois could pool its liquidity with other states, allowing residents and visitors to participate in some of the biggest online poker tournaments. This would greatly enhance the chances of winning substantial prizes, including six and seven-figure payouts.
Should the WSOP choose to debut in Illinois after real money online poker becomes legal, players could have the opportunity to compete for the coveted WSOP gold bracelet, the most prestigious prize in poker. With the WSOP now offering bracelet events exclusively online, residents of Illinois may have the chance to make their mark in poker history without ever leaving their homes.
Real money poker vs. play money poker
You may have come across online poker before, as there are plenty of free platforms where you can play to your heart’s content. If you’ve played live poker at an Illinois casino, you probably know the games and features that you’ll find online.
However, it is important for you to grasp the fundamental differences that may arise if online poker is legalized in Illinois. It is worth noting that this version of the game varies significantly from other variations you may be familiar with.
Gameplay
When first playing online poker, you will notice a much faster pace compared to traditional live games. Whether you are playing for free, in a promotional sweepstakes, or on a real money site in Illinois, you can expect to see at least twice as many hands dealt in the same amount of time.
The fast pace of online poker is frequently used as evidence that the game is fixed. While it is true that unfortunate hands and unlucky situations happen more often in online games, so do favorable outcomes. We tend to overlook the increased occurrence of strong starting hands, successful flops, and unexpected victories that we experience, choosing instead to dwell on the losses.
Additionally, the online gaming experience is elevated due to the increased level of competition and faster pace of play. In essence, players can improve their skills more rapidly by being dealt a higher volume of hands. Many players even opt to play at multiple tables at once, allowing them to see a greater number of hands compared to those playing in a live setting.
Improving skill in online poker is not just about playing more hands. Regular players can use various tools to track their own and their opponents’ gameplay. While some sites are restricting the use of HUDs, hand charts, and hand history software, players have been using these tools for years and have seen great improvements in their performance as a result.
Available poker games
One key difference between live and online poker is the ease of access to games. Online tables may have a short wait time of just a few seconds, while live poker rooms can require waiting for several minutes or even hours.
If all tables at your chosen site are full, you can easily create a new one. The poker site has no problem with this, and unlike a physical poker room, there is no need for additional staff. This allows you to start a new game promptly.
The site will constantly have tables open and there is no need to worry about space limitations. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the types of games available. Unlike live poker rooms, online sites have the flexibility to offer a wide variety of poker games at any time.
Most players tend to choose No Limit Texas Hold’em as their favorite game, but many websites also offer Pot-Limit Omaha. Bigger sites may include options for Limit Hold’em, Omaha Hi-Lo, stud, stud hi-lo, crazy pineapple, or razz. Occasionally, sites will introduce their own special game variations.
Many websites also provide different table sizes for gameplay, such as two-handed, six-handed, or nine-handed tables.
The stakes in online poker can vary greatly. While many sites offer games for just a few cents, there are also high-stakes games available. Online poker attracts a significant number of professional players who compete for substantial winnings. This diversity in stakes is something you won’t find in a traditional casino setting.
Furthermore, you will be able to select the specific game you want to play. Cash games are always available, and there is usually a tournament starting at any time.
Moreover, most websites offer sit and go tournaments that begin once a specific number of players have entered. Another type of tournament, known as the jackpot sit and go, is becoming more popular. These tournaments are fast-paced, winner-takes-all events where you compete against two to three opponents. The prize pool is randomly determined at the start of the tournament and can be much larger than the entry fee.
Fast fold games are the last type of online game you will come across. In these cash games, you are swiftly moved to a new table after each hand, regardless of the outcome. This efficient approach reduces the time spent waiting for hands to conclude, making for a more enjoyable gaming experience.
Account management
One potential drawback that may be perceived as a disadvantage is the absence of anonymity in online poker. In contrast to simply taking a seat in a brick-and-mortar casino, players must create an account and provide personal information in order to participate on their chosen website. This departure from the traditional casino setting may deter some individuals.
Furthermore, in order to play for real money, you must provide specific financial information to fund your account. Depositing funds is necessary to participate in real money games, and the only accepted methods for this are those offered by poker sites.
Before you commit to a website, make sure to check out the deposit and withdrawal methods that are offered. If you can’t find a banking option that works for you, don’t hesitate to look for another site. Fortunately, most sites offer multiple deposit methods to accommodate different needs and preferences. Typically, you will have the following options available:
- Credit or debit cards
- Electronic checks (ACH)
- Rewrite: Online payment platforms like PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller
- Online banking/wire transfers
- Prepaid cards
- PayNearMe (via 7-Eleven)
- Cash at a physical store’s checkout counter
Not all websites will have these options available, especially the cage deposit option which may not be consistently offered. It is advisable not to rely on it as your primary method from the start.
Before making your initial deposit, it is advisable to visit this site to see if there are any bonus codes or promotions for new players. Online poker sites often provide free credits, tournament tickets, or other incentives to encourage you to join, and we typically have the top offers.
Warning about playing free money poker games
If you wish to play poker online for free, feel free to do so. There are many social casinos and play money sites like PlayWPT, Zynga, and Big Fish that you can easily access.
Nevertheless, we feel it is important to caution against using these sites as practice for actual gameplay. The free money games contain a critical flaw in their gameplay that could spell disaster for aspiring online poker players.
Because play money chips hold no actual worth, players frequently engage in games without employing any form of strategy or logic. In games where free money is used, players tend to bet all of their chips on every hand, leading to a situation where some players consistently place their “money” in the pot each round.
Hence, while it may be tempting to play and aim for big wins on free money sites, it is important to remember that treating a real money site as if it were free money will not result in much success.
Illinois poker laws
The Riverboat Gambling Act of 1990, the primary legislation governing poker in Illinois, was passed during a period when casinos were scarce outside of Nevada and Atlantic City. This law laid the foundation for the introduction of casinos in Illinois.
The Illinois Gaming Board was granted the authority to distribute 10 casino licenses by law. Originally, the bill required that each casino be a real riverboat that sailed along an Illinois waterway. However, in 1999, the boats were allowed to permanently dock at a fixed location.
All 10 licenses in Illinois have been allocated and put to use for the creation of casinos. Midwest Gaming and Entertainment was awarded the last license in 2005, leading to the development of Rivers Casino Des Plaines.
The Riverboat Gambling Act has been the cornerstone of Illinois gambling laws since its establishment. Through the years, various amendments have been made to expand its scope, including provisions for online lottery, video gambling terminals, and the newest addition, sports betting.
Nevertheless, despite all the changes made to the law, poker has not been significantly addressed. The 2019 expansion of gambling, which allowed for online and retail sports betting, did not mention anything about online poker.
In 2021, bills for internet gaming, including online poker, were introduced by both the House and Senate. Unfortunately, these bills did not garner enough support to be passed. However, the strong interest shown in the legislature indicates that this topic will likely resurface in future sessions.
At present, individuals in Illinois have access to four poker rooms situated in retail casinos for both residents and visitors to enjoy.
Are home poker games legal in Illinois?
Home poker games are not legal in Illinois, even though the state has poker rooms and allows gambling in other forms.
Hosting a home poker game is not a small offense; it is considered a Class A misdemeanor. The consequences for this violation may involve imprisonment for up to one year, multiple years of probation, and hefty fines totaling thousands of dollars.
Illinois cardrooms near me
Illinois is home to four cardrooms located within casino properties: Rivers, Grand Victoria, Hollywood Aurora, and Bally’s. Standalone poker facilities are not permitted in the state, with Harrah’s Joliet and Harrah’s Metropolis poker rooms having been permanently closed.
Illinois has strict gambling laws, making these four cardrooms the exclusive legal venues for playing poker.
| Poker Room | Address | To Reserve A Seat | Number of Tables | Games Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Victoria Casino – Elgin | 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 | 847-531-7753 | 13 | NLHE, PLO, LHE | Open 10 a.m.-4 a.m., Wednesdays-Sundays |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W. New York St., Aurora, IL 60506 | 630-801-7471 | 14 | NLHE, LHE | Open 3 p.m.-3 a.m., Wednesdays-Sunday |
| Bally’s Quad City Casino & Hotel | 777 Bally Blvd., Rock Island, IL 61201 | 309-756-4600 | 6 | NLHE, PLO, LHE, O8/B, STUD | Open 4 p.m. to midnight, Wednesdays-Sundays |
| Rivers Casino | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | 888-307-0777 | 22 | NLHE, PLO, LHE, O8/B, STUD | 24 hours |
Future regulated online poker in Illinois
Online poker is set to be introduced to residents of Illinois, with plans currently in progress. While not all individuals support this idea, online poker is expected to be included in the online casino legislation as a package deal.
This is demonstrated by the fact that online poker was mentioned in the 2021 House and Senate internet gaming bills. While these bills did not pass in the most recent legislative session, it is evident that some members of the legislature are interested in and actively pursuing this initiative.
It is probable that online poker will be regulated in Illinois in the future, but the timing is uncertain. The legalization of online poker in other states may have a positive impact on this development. However, for now, online poker in Illinois will remain unregulated.
Wrapping up
Overall, online poker is mostly banned in Illinois, especially in the traditional form. Major companies like PokerStars and WSOP are currently not allowed to operate in the state.
Illinois is moving closer to embracing online gambling as the IL Legislature has been steadily expanding the state’s gambling offerings since 2010. It is likely that another bill related to online gambling could be introduced in the near future. While proposals for online casino and poker were put forth in 2021, they did not receive enough support to be passed into law.
Illinois residents have several options for gambling, including four cardrooms, Global Poker, 10 casinos, two racetracks, various off-track locations, video gambling terminals, and the state lottery.
Illinois residents have a range of options available to them, such as online access to lottery and sports betting sites, providing ample activities to enjoy. While online poker may not be available yet, it could potentially become an option in the future, so it’s best to stay patient.