Ready to shout a virtual “All in”? We’ve got some good news then – our team played thousands of hands to bring you the best Illinois online poker sites.
The most stand-out IL poker platform turned out to be Ignition Casino, thanks to its dedicated poker bonus, feature-rich poker app, and anonymous tables.
Read on to see just how well Ignition stacks up against the other nine poker powerhouses.
🥇 Best overall
🤑 Tons of Knockout Tournaments
💸 Unique types of cash games
🚀 Top pick for crypto poker
🤓 Great tools for new players
💰 $2,000 welcome package
⚽️ Impressive multi-table tournaments
🔝 Top pick for 7-card stud
🎁 200% match bonus
🃏 Tons of casino poker games
Read on to find out more about each site’s tournament offering, cash games, casino-style poker games, and bonuses for new players.
1. Ignition – Best Online Poker Site in Illinois Overall
Pros:
- $3,000 welcome bonus
- Weekly freerolls
- Anonymous tables
- Fast-seat cash games
- Zone Poker feature
- Tons of tournaments
- $100,000 GTD weekly tournament
Cons:
- Bonus split between poker room and casino
- Low weekly limits on fiat withdrawals
The Ignition Casino poker app is a thing of beauty, giving you access to a wide range of Hold’em and Omaha cash rooms, cut-throat tournament play, and one of the best welcome bonuses in the business.
Real Money Poker – 5/5
Ignition offers a robust selection of real money online poker games, including Omaha, Hi/Lo, and Texas Hold’em format cash games.
We found a mix of 6 and 9-seat format tables with table limits low enough that even casual players should feel comfortable but with plenty of high-stakes options to keep the high-roller crowd smiling.
Among the wide range of features built into the Ignition Poker app is what they call “Zone “Poker,” which is a nice little setting that instantly moves you to a new table the moment you fold your hand, letting you increase your hands-per-hour by an impressive amount.
The app also hosts a wide range of engaging tournaments, including Sit & Go Jackpot tournaments, Knockout tourneys, and weekly freeroll tournaments for crypto players.
All of this is handled on Ignition’s fully anonymous tables, ensuring that nobody can use annoying HUDs to track your playstyle and take advantage of your weaknesses — lending to a much fairer experience overall.
Welcome Bonus – 4.9/5
Ignition offers new players a generous welcome bonus that should be enticing to both poker enthusiasts and slots fans alike.
New players making their first deposit using Visa or Mastercard can enjoy two 100% match bonuses, each valued at up to $1,000. The first bonus is available for use in the poker app, gradually being released to you through playing online poker room games and tournaments.
The second bonus is earmarked for Ignition’s impressive collection of slots and table games and comes with a stellar 25x wagering requirement attached.
Even better is that if you use crypto for making that first deposit, both bonuses will be boosted to a whopping 150% match worth up to $1,500 each instead — with identical terms and wagering requirements to what we outlined above.
Banking Methods – 4.8/5
Like all the best poker apps, Ignition accepts a mix of fiat and crypto banking options, letting you load up your account using Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Tether.
The casino also accepts MatchPay transactions, letting you transfer money through Zelle, Venmo, and even CashApp.
2. Bovada – Top Illinois Poker Site for Knockout Tournaments
Pros:
- 100% match up to $500
- $1.5 million in tournament GTDs
- Knockout and bounty tournaments abound
- Quick-Seat system
- Zone Poker
- 24/7 support
Cons:
- No e-wallet payment options
- Welcome bonus could be bigger
While Bovada might be more well-known for being one of the premier Illinois betting apps, it deserves a lot of recognition for its excellent real-money poker app.
We found plenty of exciting cash games and tournaments – and the whole platform is surprisingly easy to navigate, making it a breeze to find the perfect game in just a few clicks.
Real Money Poker – 5/5
Bovada’s poker app serves up a comfortable mix of Texas Hold’em and Omaha, skipping Stud and Draw games entirely. The Quick Seat system ensures easy table access, putting your perfect poker game within easy reach (a few simple clicks at most).
You’ll also find a ton of great tournaments, with emphasis on the bounty-based Knockout style tournaments. These are some of our favorite games due to the added thrill of knocking another player out of the competition and claiming their bounty for your own.
Like with Ignition, there are also plenty of Jackpot Sit & Go and other tournament formats, ensuring a well-rounded poker experience.
Welcome Bonus – 4.8/5
New players can get a 100% match up to $500 when they use the PWB500 promo code while making their first deposit. This bonus keeps it simple.
Instead of rollover requirements, the bonus unlocks $5 at a time as you play cash games and accumulate Poker Rewards points. Keep in mind that you will only have 30 days to clear the whole bonus, however. Any of the bonus that hasn’t been unlocked in that time will be forfeited.
Banking Methods – 4.7/5
Players can load up their Bovada accounts by depositing with Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Bitcoin SV, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Tether.
All methods are fairly fast in terms of payout speed, but if you want to avoid transaction fees, we recommend you stick with one of the forms of cryptocurrency.
3. BetOnline – Best Online Poker Site in Illinois for Cash Games
Pros:
- 100% match up to $1,000
- Excellent poker bonus variety
- Bad beat jackpot feature
- Weekly leaderboards
- $150,000 Sunday Majors
- Bad Beat Jackpot bonus
Cons:
- Most bonuses are for sports betting
- Fees on fiat transactions
BetOnline is another all-in-one online casino in Illinois that manages to juggle an excellent sportsbook, a surprisingly deep online casino game library, and one of the best poker sites for Illinois players.
Real Money Poker – 4.8/5
While we’re not as big a fan of BetOnline’s poker app as we are of Ignition’s, it still manages to be slick and modern without being too unwieldy to navigate.
Both hardcore poker fans and their more casual counterparts should find plenty of action thanks to BetOnline’s massive collection of poker tables serving up No Limit Hold’em and Omaha cash games.
The tournament selection doesn’t disappoint either, with plenty of Sit & Go and Knockout tournaments as well as special Windfall and Mystery Bounty tourneys available.
Much like the cash games, these tournaments come in a wide variety of price points, ensuring that no matter how thick your bankroll is, you’ll find a tournament just right for you.
Welcome Bonus – 4.7/5
Using the POKER100 promo code will unlock a generous 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000. You’ll be able to unlock this bonus at a rate of $5 for every $50 you earn in rake playing cash games, making this a fantastic opportunity to get some extra playtime in.
We’re also huge fans of the newly revamped Bad Beat Jackpot bonus BetOnline offers, which gives players part of a jackpot prize when their good poker hand gets beat by an even better one (the minimum requirement is to lose with Aces full of Kings).
We’re not fans of losing, but if we have to, we want it to come with this offer attached.
Banking Methods – 4.8/5
Blockchain enthusiasts will be happy to see that BetOnline accepts over a dozen different forms of crypto, including Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Avalanche, Binance, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Polygon, Ripple, Shiba Inu, Solana, Stellar, Tether, Tron, and USDCoin.
BetOnline also accepts a few more traditional payment methods, including credit cards and bank transfers, but some of these have fees and lower payout limits.
4. BitStarz – Best Poker Site in Illinois for Crypto Casino Hold ‘Em
Pros:
- 5 BTC welcome package
- Various casino-style poker games
- Over 4,000 slots and table games
- Crypto withdrawals in minutes
- Weekly Table Wars tournaments
Cons:
- No poker tournaments
- Live poker games are geo-restricted
A hallmark of the crypto casino world, BitStarz Casino’s inclusion on this list should surprise no one.
Sure, it doesn’t have classic cash games or multi-table tournaments, but this award-winning Illinois online gambling site makes up for it with a massive 5 Bitcoin welcome package, speedy payout times, and a handful of casino-style poker games.
Real Money Poker – 4.7/5
Within BitStarz’s massive 4,000+ casino game collection, poker enthusiasts can explore various Texas and Casino Hold’em variations from several great software providers.
We also found a few stellar video poker games like Jacks or Better and Bonus Deuces Wild, as well as a few other exciting poker table games.
To make things even more interesting, BitStarz hosts a weekly Table Wars tournament where players compete for part of a €10,000 prize pool. There’s no entry required — you just have to play table games to qualify.
Welcome Bonus – 4.8/5
New players will have access to a massive welcome package of up to 5 BTC in bonus cash plus 180 free spins.
Your first deposit will get a 125% match up to 1 BTC plus 20 spins every day for 9 days. The second and third deposits will each get a 50% match (one for 1 BTC and the other for 2 BTC), while the fourth deposit will get a 100% match up to 1 BTC.
You can claim a bonus using a cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, but the value will be lower.
Banking Methods – 4.7/5
While BitStarz does accept credit card payments, its crypto-centric design makes blockchain-based payments the preferred choice.
You can deposit using Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Dogecoin, Cardano, Binance Coin, Tron, and Tether.
Payments are simple, secure, and super fast. Most crypto withdrawals process in just a few minutes, which is great for players who are lacking in patience.
5. SportsBetting.ag – Top Online Poker Site in Illinois for Beginners
Pros:
- Up to $1,000 in bonuses
- Easy-to-use poker app
- Cash games and tournaments
- Poker 101 guides for newbies
- Excellent banking options
Cons:
- Lower payout limits on some options
- App UI can feel busy
Wrapping up our top five online poker sites in Illinois is Sportsbetting.ag. This impressive all-in-one betting platform offers crypto sports betting, casino games, and some of the best poker you’ll find anywhere — with plenty of tools to make sure you know what you’re doing.
Real Money Poker – 4.7/5
Sportsbetting.ag boasts a rich collection of cash poker rooms featuring Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Hi/Lo games ripe for all manner of bankrolls.
You’ll also find a nice collection of tournaments, including Sunday Majors, Progressive Bounties, Weekday Tournaments, and a special Money Builders format — plus plenty of specialized and seasonal tournaments throughout the year.
This is also a fantastic poker site for new players, thanks to some well-done Poker 101 guides, tools, and a practice function that lets you play games without risking any of your cash.
These tools will get you up to snuff and prepared to take on high-stakes cash games in no time.
Welcome Bonus – 4.7/5
New players will have access to a variety of welcome bonuses for the sportsbook, casino games, and online poker. New poker players can use the NEWSB promo code to get a 100% match up to $1,000 when they make their first deposit of $50 or more.
This bonus releases much like some of the others we have looked at at a rate of $5 for every $50 earned in rake. You will have 30 days to unlock the entire bonus — after those 30 days, you’ll forfeit any unrealized bonus cash.
Banking Methods – 4.7/5
Sportsbetting.ag is one of Illinois’s most crypto-friendly poker sites. Not only can you load up your account with most major credit cards, cashier checks, and bank transfers, but you’ll also be able to use Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Avalanche, Binance, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ethereum, and several other popular forms of crypto.
How We Ranked the Top Illinois Online Poker Sites
Real Money Poker Games
From casual video poker titles to high-stakes poker tournaments, we’ve made sure to bring you a massive list of exciting poker sites in Illinois to ensure at least one of them offers the experience you are looking for.
Welcome Bonus
Every Illinois poker site worth a darn understands the importance of a good welcome bonus — and you’ll find that every casino on this list gets it. Not all bonuses are created equal, however, so make sure you choose one that has the right bonus-to-terms balance that suits your needs.
Banking Methods
All the bonuses in the world won’t do you any good if you can’t make a deposit. So we’ve ensured that each casino on this list accepts a wide range of trusted payment options, so you should have little trouble finding one that will take your money.
Why is Ignition the Best Website for Illinois Poker Players?
Ignition Casino has become the go-to choice for a great many Illinois players looking for exciting online poker action.
Offering fast-paced poker against real opponents, the app ensures an authentic poker experience from end to end thanks to its multitude of thrilling tournaments and innovative features like fully anonymous tables, handy note application, and Zone Poker.
Ignition blows the competition out of the water and is a fantastic online poker platform for casual and serious players alike.
Besides, Ignition was also our top pick for online poker in California – so it’s pretty much a great choice for players from all states.
Online Poker in Illinois: FAQs
What is the Best App for Playing Poker in Illinois?
- Ignition: Best overall
- Bovada: Best for Knockout Tournaments
- BetOnline: Top pick for cash games
- BitStarz: Top pick for Casino Hold ‘Em
- SportsBetting.ag: Great tools for new players
We found that Ignition Casino is the best real-money online poker app in Illinois. From the anonymous tables to the quick-seat cash rooms, Ignition has too many features to ignore.
Can I Play Online Poker in Illinois?
Yes, you can play online poker in Illinois using any of the online casinos listed above. We recommend Ignition Casino, but any of the poker sites reviewed in this article would be a fantastic choice for most players.
Can You Win Real Money Playing Poker Online?
Yes, it is entirely possible to win real money by playing online poker. Illinois has a ton of great options for cash games, multi-table tournaments, and even some exciting real-money online casino games.
Which Illinois Poker Site Offers the Best Bonuses?
Ignition Casino offers our favorite poker bonus, with new players getting up to $1,500 in bonus cash for the tables.
After that, we recommend checking out BitStarz’s 5 BTC crypto welcome package, which is broken up over four deposits and comes with 180 free spins.
Comparison of the Top 5 Online Poker Sites in Illinois
Ignition: Our favorite Illinois poker site offers cash games and tournaments, anonymous tables, and the fast-paced Zone Poker option to move you straight to a new table when you fold. You’ll also get up to $1,500 in poker bonuses with your first deposit.
Bovada: More than just a good sports betting site, Bovada offers a poker app that we like nearly as much as Ignition’s. You’ll find plenty of Hold’em and Omaha tables, knockout tournaments, and an easy-to-use interface. New players will get a 100% match up to $500 to start.
BetOnline: A fantastic, competitive poker app perfect for cash game action. New players can get up to $1,000 in bonus cash on their first deposit and take advantage of cool features like Bad Beat Jackpots and Royal Flush Bonuses.
BitStarz: This award-winning crypto casino has over 4,000 games, including some of the best Casino Hold ‘Em and video poker titles you’ll find anywhere. We’re also big fans of the 5 Bitcoin welcome package that comes with a side of 180 free spins.
SportsBetting.ag: If you’re just getting started in the world of online poker, SportsBetting.ag is a great place to be. Not only does it have a wide range of cash games and tournaments, but you’ll find easy-to-use tools and guides to make learning easier – along with a $1,000 bonus.
How to Play Poker Online in Illinois
To take some of the pressure off of figuring out how to get started, we’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide to creating an account at Illinois online poker sites.
Step 1: Choose a Poker Site
- Choose a poker site from our list or head to Ignition – our top pick
- Click “Play Now”
- Wait for the form to load
Step 2: Create an Account
- Fill out the form with your name, phone number, date of birth, and ZIP code
- Create a password and agree to the terms and conditions
- Click “Register” to finish
Step 3: Verify Your Account
- Check your phone messages for a code
- Copy and paste the code in the appropriate field
- Click ‘Verify’ to proceed
Step 4: Claim Your Bonus & Play Poker
- Click the “Rewards” link under the hamburger menu
- Choose your preferred bonus from the “Bonuses” tab
- Select your payment method and follow the instructions
- Once you complete the transaction – you are ready to play poker online!
Tips for Finding the Best Illinois Online Poker Site for You
Choosing the right real-money poker site can be challenging amid the multitude of apps and online casinos available. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of questions to help guide you through the process of weeding out the bummers.
How do you like your poker?
Are you crazy about Hold’em? Do you need the thrill of big-pot tournaments? Or are you just looking for a simple casino game of five-card-draw poker?
No matter what you want, being able to answer this question is key to finding the right Illinois poker site for you.
What does your ideal bonus look like?
The best online Illinois poker sites offer generous welcome bonuses to bring new players in, so it’s a good idea to know what a great bonus looks like to you.
Do you need a massive deposit match offer and are not worried about stiff rollover requirements? Or are you more interested in simple rakeback bonuses that require little effort on your part?
Determine what you want first – and then find a poker site that will accommodate you.
What are other players saying?
Pull a quick internet search to see what other players are saying about where you’re planning to set up an online poker account. This is a great way to peel back the curtain and get an idea of how the poker site treats its clientele.
If you’re traveling often, then you also may want to check this guide that outlines New Jersey’s best poker sites.
Ready to Play Online Poker for Real Money in Illinois?
Now you know everything there is to know about how to play online poker in Illinois — or at least you know enough to make an educated decision about where to play.
We feel that Ignition Casino is the overall best pick thanks to its generous poker welcome bonus, feature-rich poker app, and the sheer number of tables and online poker tournaments ready and waiting for you.
No matter where you play, however, just remember to focus on having fun and always wager responsibly.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with its fair share of risks, and it’s important to recognize that when using online gambling sites.
All gambling sites on this page are 21+ only. Check your local laws to ensure that online gambling is legal in your jurisdiction.
If you have a gambling addiction problem or anyone you know does, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. In addition, the following free gambling addiction resources can be of help:
