Illinois sits in an open dispute over sweepstakes casinos. Its criminal code exempts games that need no purchase, but the Gaming Board says online sweepstakes sites break Illinois criminal law. Clovr found no court ruling that settles the dispute.
Every Clovr partner still accepts Illinois players aged 21 and over. The top three Illinois picks are Mega Bonanza, SpinBlitz and PlayFame. Verify current laws in your jurisdiction before playing.
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Best Sweepstakes Casinos in Illinois
All 20 sites below allow prize play from Illinois under their Terms, and none requires a purchase. The welcome offer column shows what a new account receives, with GC meaning Gold Coins and SC meaning Sweeps Coins.
| Rank | Site | Clovr Sweeps Score | Prize coin | Redemption minimum | Welcome offer | Library |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mega Bonanza | 7.0 | Sweeps Coins | 50 SC cash, 10 SC gift card | 5,000 GC at sign-up, plus a 150% extra coin offer | Games from 51 studios |
| 2 | SpinBlitz | 7.3 | Sweeps Coins | 75 SC cash, 10 SC gift card | 5,000 GC, plus a 150% extra coin offer | Games from 58 studios |
| 3 | PlayFame | 7.2 | Sweeps Coins | 75 SC cash, 10 SC gift card | 7,500 GC, plus a 150% extra coin offer | More than 1,800 games |
| 4 | Hello Millions | 7.1 | Sweeps Coins | 75 SC cash, 10 SC gift card | 7,500 GC and 2.5 free SC after verification | Over 1,500 games |
| 5 | McLuck | 7.5 | Sweeps Coins | 75 SC cash, 10 SC gift card | 7,500 GC and 2.5 free SC at registration | Over 1,500 games |
| 6 | DexyPlay | 4.9 | Super Coins | 25 SC | 1 free Super Coin after verification | 2,916 games |
| 7 | Playtana | 4.9 | Sweeps Coins | 25 SC | 100% extra coins in its welcome pack | 2,831 games |
| 8 | Sweepico | 4.7 | Sweeps Coins | 25 SC | 125,000 Gold Coins | 1,458 games |
| 9 | SweepShark | 4.6 | Sweeps Coins | 25 SC | 115% extra coins in its welcome bundle | 1,276 games |
| 10 | FireSevens | 4.9 | Super Coins | 100 SC | 1 free Super Coin after verification | 3,097 games |
| 11 | VegasWay | 4.9 | Super Coins | 100 SC | Welcome package; amounts not disclosed by the operator | 2,661 games |
| 12 | MrGoodWin | 4.9 | Sweeps Coins | Not stated in the rules | 125,000 free coins, plus 100% extra coins | 2,700 games |
| 13 | FunzCity | 4.8 | City Coins | Not disclosed by the operator | Welcome wheel worth 25,000 to 175,000 Fun Coins or 2 to 5 City Coins | 1,642 games |
| 14 | Fortune Wheelz | 4.7 | Site prize coin | Not disclosed by the operator | An extra 100% for new players | 3,342 games |
| 15 | StormRush | 4.7 | Sweeps Coins | Not disclosed by the operator | 500,000 Gold Coins | 2,927 games |
| 16 | NoLimitCoins | 4.6 | Super Coins | Not disclosed by the operator | Free extra coins and a 300% boost | 3,067 games |
| 17 | Funrize | 4.3 | Promotional Entries | Not disclosed by the operator | 125,000-coin welcome gift | 1,397 games |
| 18 | Tao Fortune | 4.2 | Secret Coins | Not disclosed by the operator | 100,000-coin welcome gift; coin type not named | 1,723 games |
| 19 | Scarlet Sands | 4.0 | Super Coins Mode | Not disclosed by the operator | An extra 100% welcome drop | 1,406 games |
| 20 | Jackpot Rabbit | 4.0 | Not disclosed by the operator | Not disclosed by the operator | 125,000 free Gold Coins | 1,501 games |
Offers and minimums change often, so confirm them in each site’s rules when you sign up. Clovr also keeps a state-by-state tracker for readers in other states.
How Clovr Ranks Illinois Sweepstakes Casinos
Mega Bonanza holds first place as Clovr’s featured partner. The other 19 start from their Clovr Sweeps Score, which weighs the six factors below.
| Factor | Share of the score |
|---|---|
| Redemption reliability | 25% |
| Terms fairness | 20% |
| Free SC value | 15% |
| Game library | 15% |
| Trust and transparency | 15% |
| Support and player protection | 10% |
Clovr then splits the sites into two groups: the five scored above 7 and the 15 scored below 5. Because the Gaming Board has told sweepstakes sites to block Illinois residents, two Illinois adjustments apply within those groups.
- A site reported by trade press as a letter recipient moves to the end of its group. That applies to McLuck and Jackpot Rabbit until they state their Illinois plans.
- Among sites scored below 5, those that publish a redemption minimum of 25 SC or less rank first. A low, published minimum lets you redeem sooner if a site leaves Illinois.
Remaining ties follow the redemption reliability score, then the game library score. Each full review, such as Clovr’s Mega Bonanza review, shows all six sub-scores.
1. Mega Bonanza
Mega Bonanza is Clovr’s featured partner, so it sits first on the Illinois list. It carries games from 51 studios and holds a 7.0 Sweeps Score.
New accounts open with 5,000 Gold Coins. The store then offers new players 150% extra coins on a Gold Coin package.
A Refer a Friend program adds 15 free SC for each friend who joins and spends $30 or more on Gold Coins. It covers up to ten friends a year.
Mega Bonanza requires players to be 21. Illinois players can request cash from 50 SC here, while the next four sites on this list ask for 75 SC. Visit Mega Bonanza.
2. SpinBlitz
SpinBlitz scores 7.3 and draws its library from 58 studios. That studio count ties PlayFame for the most on this page.
A SpinBlitz account opens with 5,000 Gold Coins. Its store then extends a 150% extra coin deal to newcomers.
The lobby groups its own Blitzed Exclusives next to Jackpot Slots and scratch-offs. Many games feed a social jackpot shared with sister sites.
SpinBlitz accepts players aged 21 and up. Its daily login reward can reach 2.50 free SC. Visit SpinBlitz.
3. PlayFame
PlayFame earns a 7.2 from Clovr, and its catalog tops 1,800 games. Only PlayFame offers the 7 Seats live blackjack tables.
Sign-up puts 7,500 Gold Coins in a new PlayFame account. A 150% extra coin deal waits in the store after that.
Regular players climb its Loyalty Club, and each weekly draw has 100 or more winners. Social media contests on Instagram and Twitter run twice a week or more.
PlayFame’s minimum age is 21. A gift card prize needs only 10 SC. Visit PlayFame.
4. Hello Millions
Hello Millions earns a 7.1 Sweeps Score and offers more than 1,500 games. Each Sweeps Coin is worth $1.00 when you redeem it.
Once you verify, Hello Millions credits 7,500 Gold Coins plus 2.5 free SC, with no code needed. A first purchase brings 120,000 Gold Coins plus 60 free SC.
The same purchase unlocks one Bronze Wheel spin, which can pay as much as 500 extra free SC. Weekly draws reward 100 or more players.
Hello Millions sets its minimum age at 21. A correct mail-in request adds 4 SC to your balance. Visit Hello Millions.
5. McLuck
McLuck has the highest Clovr Sweeps Score on this page, at 7.5 out of 10, and offers more than 1,500 games. It sits fifth for Illinois because of the letter noted below.
McLuck credits 7,500 Gold Coins plus 2.5 free SC when you register. Its store follows up with a 150% extra coin deal.
All players join a Gold Coin jackpot with four tiers, and the top Grand tier is seeded at 200,000,000 Gold Coins. McLuck pools tournament prizes with its sister sites.
Players must be 21 or older. CasinoBeats reported that McLuck received one of the February 2026 letters, but its Terms dated October 14, 2026 still accept Illinois. Visit McLuck.
6. DexyPlay
DexyPlay holds 2,916 games from 31 studios, and 107 of them are live games. Its Clovr Sweeps Score is 4.9.
Verification unlocks 1 free Super Coin. DexyPlay also promotes a welcome package but does not publish the amounts.
Spins on the Dexy Wheel raise your progress as much as 300%, and Lucky Streak rewards consistent play. DexyPlay tournaments last 58 minutes, with up to 2,000,000 Tournament Coins split among the top 10.
You must be 21 to join DexyPlay. Redemptions are normally capped at $100 a day, and payment may take as long as 30 days. Visit DexyPlay.
7. Playtana
Playtana carries 2,831 games from 30 studios, with Evolution among them. Clovr scores it 4.9.
Playtana’s Wild Welcome Pack includes 100% extra coins. Verifying your account adds 1 free coin.
Between games, players can try Wild Scratch, catch Prize Drops or claim the Daily Playback reward. Playtana hosts tournaments too.
Players must be 21. A redemption needs 25 Sweeps Coins, and Playtana normally pays out no more than $25 a day. Visit Playtana.
8. Sweepico
Sweepico draws 1,458 games from 15 studios, and Clovr scores it 4.7. You can request a refund within 24 hours of a purchase.
New Sweepico players start with 125,000 Gold Coins. Verification adds 1 free coin.
The Bonus Reactor and Cosmic Run features pay free rewards between games. Referring a friend adds 800,000 coins and 10 entries to your account.
You must be 21 to play. Sweepico lets you redeem from 25 SC, normally up to $100 in one day. Visit Sweepico.
9. SweepShark
SweepShark’s library holds 1,276 games from 15 studios, and Clovr scores the site 4.6. Four of those games are live.
Its welcome bundle adds 115% extra coins, and a verified account receives 1 free SC. The Shark League ranks regular players, and Battles match players head to head. Prize Drops, a Piggy Bank and the Captain’s Wheel add free rewards.
SweepShark requires players to be 21. Redemptions open at 25 SC. Visit SweepShark.
10. FireSevens
With 150 live titles inside a 3,097-game catalog, FireSevens draws on 38 studios. Clovr gives it a 4.9.
FireSevens adds 1 free Super Coin once a new account is verified. Daily check-in levels reward each return visit.
Regular players can work toward its VIP Club and Jackpot Hub. Arcade touches include a 777 Booster and a claw machine.
FireSevens accepts players 21 and older. Redemption opens once you hold 100 Super Coins. Visit FireSevens.
11. VegasWay
VegasWay has 2,661 games from 34 studios and 113 live titles. Its Clovr score is 4.9.
VegasWay promotes a welcome package but keeps the amounts off its public pages. Verification earns 1 free Super Coin.
Rewards grow as your status level rises, and a piggy bank collects coins during play. A successful referral pays 800,000 coins plus 10 entries.
VegasWay admits players from age 21. You need 100 Super Coins to redeem, and VegasWay allows itself up to 30 days to pay. Visit VegasWay.
12. MrGoodWin
MrGoodWin offers 2,700 games from 30 studios, and 113 of them are live. Clovr scores it 4.9.
MrGoodWin starts newcomers with 125,000 free coins. Its welcome bundle comes with 100% extra coins.
Free rewards come from Lucky Cards, Crack the Safe, Fortune Quest and the Grand Wheel. A referral pays 800,000 coins with 10 entries.
MrGoodWin requires players to be 21. It accepts a new redemption request only once every 5 days. Visit MrGoodWin.
13. FunzCity
City Coins are FunzCity’s prize coin, and its 1,642 games come from 19 studios. Clovr scores it 4.8.
A single welcome wheel spin greets new players. Possible results run from 25,000 to 175,000 Fun Coins, or from 2 to 5 City Coins.
FunzCity says it runs a tournament every hour. A four-level jackpot climbs from Red through Silver and Gold to Diamond.
FunzCity accepts players 21 and older. Its Trustpilot score stands at 4.4, based on 5,083 reviews. Visit FunzCity.
14. Fortune Wheelz
No site on this page lists more games than Fortune Wheelz, at 3,342 titles with 176 live ones. Clovr scores it 4.7.
New Fortune Wheelz accounts get an extra 100% when they sign up. Live game shows like MONOPOLY Big Baller and Funky Time sit in its Live Lounge. Tournaments at Fortune Wheelz last 58 minutes.
Players must be 21 or older. By mail, each correct request is worth 1 Fortune Coin or 5 Free Plays. Visit Fortune Wheelz.
15. StormRush
Evolution supplies 66 of the 2,927 games at StormRush, which works with 36 studios. Clovr scores it 4.7.
StormRush credits 500,000 Gold Coins to a new account. No other partner on this list starts players with more free Gold Coins.
Its Coin Battery, Daily Charger and Thunder Wheels build up rewards over time. StormRush also runs a Jackpot Hub and daily tournaments.
StormRush is limited to players 21 and up. It does not publish its redemption minimums on public pages. Visit StormRush.
16. NoLimitCoins
Its 3,067 games come from 36 studios, and Evolution supplies 68 of them. NoLimitCoins holds a Clovr score of 4.6.
New accounts unlock a 300% boost along with free extra coins. Players can spin the Lucky Wheel two times a day. Its Vegas Rush race pays 15 places from a prize fund of 10,000,000 coins.
NoLimitCoins accepts players aged 21 or older. A payments phone line that runs 24/7 appears in its site footer. Visit NoLimitCoins.
17. Funrize
Prizes at Funrize come from Promotional Entries rather than Sweeps Coins. The site offers 1,397 games, and Clovr scores it 4.3.
A 125,000-coin gift welcomes each new Funrize player. Funrize advertises over 10 special events every day.
Rewards in its VIP Club increase with your play. Scratch Mania cards, a daily wheel and Races give more ways to collect coins.
Players must be 21. By mail, every correct request brings 1 Promotional Entry, or 5 Free Plays instead. Visit Funrize.
18. Tao Fortune
Secret Coins are the prize currency at Tao Fortune. Its 1,723 games include 75 live titles, and Clovr scores it 4.2.
The sign-up form promises a 100,000-coin welcome gift but does not say which coin it pays. Each 58-minute tournament awards Tournament Coins to its ten best finishers.
Tao Fortune accepts players 21 and up. It holds a 3.5 rating on Trustpilot. Visit Tao Fortune.
19. Scarlet Sands
Scarlet Sands lists 1,406 games, 64 of them live, from 17 studios. Clovr gives it a 4.0.
New players receive an extra 100% welcome drop. Its VIP program is called the Royal Club. Players can spin the Legendary, Elite and Scarlet wheels daily and claim the Daily Blaze for logging in.
Scarlet Sands sets its minimum age at 21. Players can set purchase limits, take a cool-off period or self-exclude. Visit Scarlet Sands.
20. Jackpot Rabbit
Jackpot Rabbit works with 15 studios for its 1,501 games, and 58 of them are live. Clovr scores it 4.0.
Every new account receives 125,000 free Gold Coins. The site advertises more than 100 activities and features.
Regular players can earn VIP Club rewards. Extras include scratch cards, Bingo Lottery, a Piggy Bank and Rabbit’s Fortune.
Players must be 21 or older. CasinoBeats reported that Jackpot Rabbit received a February 2026 letter, but its Terms do not exclude Illinois. Visit Jackpot Rabbit.
Which Sweepstakes Sites Accept Illinois Players
None of Clovr’s 20 partner sites lists Illinois as an excluded state. Clovr re-opened each site’s Terms on October 18, 2026.
| Sites | Illinois status | Source checked |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Bonanza | Available for prize play | Terms v2.9, clause 3.4, dated October 5, 2026; its help center names Illinois as a served state |
| McLuck, Hello Millions, PlayFame and SpinBlitz | Available for prize play | Terms dated October 14, 2026 |
| 15 sites run by UTech Solutions and A1 Development | Available for prize play | Clause 3.4 of each site’s Terms, which lists 14 other states |
A partner could add Illinois to its excluded list at any time. Read the excluded-state clause in its Terms before buying coins.
Illinois Sweepstakes Casinos at a Glance
The table sums up the Illinois position on October 18, 2026. Later sections give the detail behind every row.
| Question | Answer for Illinois |
|---|---|
| Partner sites that accept Illinois | 20 of 20 |
| Law written for online sweepstakes casinos | None passed |
| State action against online sites | Cease-and-desist letters from the Gaming Board and Attorney General, announced February 5, 2026 |
| Court ruling on online sweepstakes sites | None found |
| No-purchase exemption in the criminal code | 720 ILCS 5/28-1(b)(13) |
| Player penalty under the statute | Class A misdemeanor, less than one year in jail and up to $2,500 |
| Minimum age at partner sites | 21 |
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Illinois
No Illinois law names online sweepstakes casinos, and Clovr found no court ruling on them. Two official positions point in different directions.
The criminal code exempts games where prizes can be won “but no payment or purchase is required to participate.” Every Clovr partner offers a free mail-in entry, so no purchase is required to play.
The Gaming Board’s February 2026 release takes a different view of online sites. Clovr is not a law firm, and this page is not legal advice.
The February 2026 Cease-and-Desist Letters
On February 5, 2026, the Illinois Gaming Board announced more than 60 cease-and-desist letters, issued with the Attorney General’s office. Trade press counted 65 letters.
The Gaming Board’s release says offering games of chance for prizes over the internet “violates Illinois criminal law.” It does not cite a statute section.
What the Letters Demand
Each letter tells the operator to block Illinois residents or stop offering prizes to Illinois users. The release warns that operators who refuse could face civil or criminal penalties.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul said gaming in Illinois “must be properly licensed and regulated.” Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter said the Board would weigh “all available regulatory and law enforcement tools.”
Which Sites Received Letters
The Gaming Board has not published its list of recipients, and its letters page still shows placeholder text. Trade press reports named some brands, including two on Clovr’s list.
CasinoBeats reported on February 6, 2026, that McLuck and Jackpot Rabbit received letters. Both sites’ Terms, checked on October 18, 2026, still accept Illinois.
What Happened Next
On June 1, 2026, the law firm Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres wrote about the letters. It said many operators had shut down or were closing their Illinois platforms. Clovr found no court ruling or published fine that followed the letters.
What Illinois Law Says
Illinois sets out its offenses for games of chance in 720 ILCS 5/28-1. Three parts of that section matter most for sweepstakes sites.
| Part of 28-1 | What it says | Why it matters for sweepstakes sites |
|---|---|---|
| (a)(1) | A person commits the offense by knowingly playing a game of chance or skill “for money or other thing of value” | This is the offense that covers players |
| (a)(12) | Running an internet site that lets people play a game of chance or skill for money or a thing of value | This is the offense that covers site operators |
| (b)(13) | Games where money or prizes can be won “but no payment or purchase is required to participate” are exempt | Partner sites offer free mail-in entry, so no purchase is required |
Penalties Under Illinois Law
The statute grades first offenses as misdemeanors. Repeat offenses under the operator provisions are felonies.
| Offense | Class | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Playing a game of chance or skill for money or a thing of value | Class A misdemeanor | Less than one year in jail and a fine up to $2,500 |
| A second or later conviction under (a)(3) through (a)(12) | Class 4 felony | Set by the felony sentencing code |
The jail and fine limits come from 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55. Clovr found no Illinois case charging a sweepstakes player.
Illinois Bills on Sweepstakes Gaming
Two Senate bills filed in 2025 and 2026 targeted the Criminal Code and the Video Gaming Act. Neither passed.
| Bill | Subject | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| SB 1705 (2025) | A broader gaming device definition in the Criminal Code and the Video Gaming Act | Re-referred to Assignments on April 11, 2025; died in committee |
| SB 3439 (2026) | Changes to the Criminal Code and the Video Gaming Act | Re-referred to Assignments on May 22, 2026; listed as dead |
A new bill could be filed in a later session. The General Assembly’s bill search lists any new filings.
Illinois Sweepstakes Timeline
These dated events explain where Illinois stands today. Bill histories, state releases and operator Terms supply each entry unless a row says otherwise.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 11, 2025 | SB 1705 is sent back to the Senate Assignments committee and stalls. |
| February 5, 2026 | The Gaming Board and Attorney General announce more than 60 cease-and-desist letters. |
| February 6, 2026 | Trade press counts 65 letters and names some recipients. |
| May 22, 2026 | SB 3439 is sent back to Assignments and stalls. |
| June 1, 2026 | A law firm reports that many operators are leaving Illinois. |
| October 18, 2026 | All 20 Clovr partner sites accept Illinois under their Terms. |
What It Means for Illinois Players
Partner sites accept Illinois today, but the Gaming Board has told such sites to block Illinois residents. These habits protect your balance if a site leaves.
- Redeem eligible coins when you reach a site’s minimum instead of building a large balance.
- Save the emails for every purchase and every redemption.
- Read any notice a site sends about Illinois, and redeem before its stated cut-off date.
- Request coins by mail when you would rather not make a purchase.
How Sweepstakes Casinos Work in Illinois
Every partner site gives Illinois players two coin balances. One is for fun play only, and the other can be redeemed for cash prizes after you play it through once.
| Feature | Gold Coins | Sweeps Coins |
|---|---|---|
| Main use | Fun play | Play for prizes |
| Prize value | None | $1.00 per SC at Clovr’s top five Illinois picks |
| How you get them | Free, or in purchased packages | Free, by mail, or as a bonus with Gold Coin packages |
| Playthrough before redemption | Not redeemable | Once |
No partner site requires a Gold Coin purchase. Each one offers a free way to receive prize coins, known as the alternative method of entry (AMOE).
How to Get Free Sweeps Coins in Illinois
Clovr’s top five Illinois picks offer three free ways to collect Sweeps Coins. Each route appears in the sites’ sweepstakes rules.
- Each of the five gives a new account up to 3.55 free SC across its first three days of logins.
- McLuck, SpinBlitz and PlayFame pay up to 2.50 free SC on each day you log in.
- Each of the five credits 4 SC for every valid handwritten request sent by mail.
A mail-in request must follow the rules exactly, or the site can reject it. Clovr’s Sweeps Coins explainer explains both coin types.
How to Redeem Sweeps Coins in Illinois
Redeeming a prize from Illinois takes four steps at Clovr’s top five picks. The steps follow those sites’ published rules.
1. Play your Sweeps Coins through once so they count as eligible. 2. Hold at least 10 SC for a gift card. Cash prizes need 50 SC at Mega Bonanza and 75 SC at the other four. 3. Pass the site’s identity checks, which can include photo ID and proof of address. 4. Submit the request and allow up to 10 days for processing.
Processing times and any fees are set out in each site’s own rules. Check both before you submit a request.
Legal Gaming in Illinois
The Gaming Board’s February release lists the forms of gaming Illinois licenses. Online casinos are not on that list.
| Activity | Status in Illinois | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Lottery, including online ticket sales | Legal; online lottery purchases are exempt under 28-1(b)(6.1) | 18 |
| Online and retail sportsbooks | Legal under the state’s 2019 sportsbook law | 21 |
| Riverboat and land-based casinos | Legal with a Gaming Board license | Set by state rules |
| Video gaming terminals | Legal at licensed locations under the Video Gaming Act | Set by state rules |
| Online casinos | Not licensed | Not applicable |
Taxes on Sweepstakes Prizes in Illinois
Illinois taxes income at a flat 4.95%, and the Comptroller confirmed that rate for 2026. Redeemed prizes count as income on your federal return.
- Starting with 2026, a site generally files Form 1099-MISC once your prizes from it reach $2,000 in a year.
- From 2026, you can deduct only 90% of losses from licensed casino play, and never more than the casino income you report.
- Keep the date and value of every prize you redeem.
Clovr does not give tax advice. Ask a tax professional how to report prizes on your return.
Responsible Gaming Resources in Illinois
Illinois points players to 1-800-GAMBLER, and you can also text ILGAMB to 833234. The state’s AreYouReallyWinning.com site offers more help.
The Gaming Board’s self-exclusion program covers every Illinois casino and every licensed sportsbook, and enrollment is free. Each top pick also offers spend limits, Time-Out and Self-Exclusion, explained on Clovr’s responsible gaming page.
Sources for This Illinois Guide
Clovr checked the sources below from October 12 to October 18, 2026. Trackers and other review sites were used only as leads.
- 720 ILCS 5/28-1 and 730 ILCS 5/5-4.5-55.
- The Gaming Board’s February 5, 2026 release, its letters page and its self-exclusion page.
- The SB 1705 and SB 3439 bill histories, and the Comptroller’s 2026 payroll bulletin.
- Trade press reports from February 6, 2026, including CasinoBeats, used as reported.
- Each operator’s Terms, rules and homepage, checked in October 2026.
Sweepstakes Casinos in Illinois FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in Illinois right now?
No sweepstakes casino ban is in effect in Illinois as of July 2026. The legal status is actively contested, not settled.
The IGB and Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued 65 cease-and-desist letters in February 2026, arguing that cash-redeemable platforms violate 720 ILCS 5/28-1(a)(12). No court order has been issued and most platforms remain accessible.
-
What did the Illinois Gaming Board's 2026 enforcement campaign do?
The IGB and Attorney General jointly issued 65 cease-and-desist letters in February 2026. The letters demand that named operators block Illinois residents or stop offering redeemable prizes.
These letters are legal demands, not court orders. Only JefeBet and Jumbo88 complied. Copies were transmitted to the Illinois State Police Statewide Gaming Command.
-
Which sweepstakes casinos still accept Illinois players?
Several platforms remain accessible as of July 2026, including McLuck, Crown Coins, Hello Millions, SpinBlitz, Funrize, FunzCity, Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, Global Poker, and Pulsz Casino. All were named in the IGB letters and continue operating.
Availability is volatile and can change without notice. Verify each platform’s current status against its own Terms of Service before signing up.
-
Which platforms have left or restricted Illinois?
Mega Bonanza lists Illinois on its restricted-states page. JefeBet and Jumbo88 restricted access after the February 2026 letters. Rolling Riches added Illinois to its ineligible states despite not being named.
Stake.us moved Illinois accounts to redeem-only status in May 2026. Blazesoft withdrew Sweeps Coins games from Illinois across its brands, including Zula Casino, Yay Casino, and Sportzino. Shuffle operates in Gold-Coin-only mode for Illinois players.
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What is SB 1705 and would it ban sweepstakes casinos in Illinois?
SB 1705 would effectively ban the sweepstakes model in Illinois if enacted. It redefines “gambling device” to include dual-currency platforms and attaches Class 4 felony penalties of up to 3 years imprisonment.
The bill was introduced in 2025 by Sen. Bill Cunningham and referred to committee. It did not pass before the Illinois session closed on May 31, 2026. It can be reintroduced in a future session.
-
Do I owe taxes on Sweeps Coins redemptions in Illinois?
Yes. Sweeps Coins redemptions are treated as taxable income by the IRS. The federal reporting threshold is $600 in annual winnings, with 24% withholding on individual prizes over $5,000.
Illinois applies a 4.95% flat state income tax to all taxable income, including sweepstakes winnings. This is factual information only and does not constitute tax advice.
Related Reading
These Clovr guides cover the coins, the law and the states around Illinois.
- Clovr’s sweepstakes legality guide explains the prize, chance and consideration test.
- The free SC coins guide lists ways to collect Sweeps Coins with no purchase.
- The Indiana sweepstakes guide covers the 2026 ban next door.
- Clovr’s Wisconsin sweepstakes guide covers Illinois’s neighbor to the north.
- The Missouri sweepstakes guide covers Illinois’s neighbor across the Mississippi.
Clovr may earn a commission when you sign up through affiliate links on this page. This never affects our reviews, which stay independent and unbiased.
Sweepstakes play should stay fun. If you or someone you know needs support, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling at ncpgambling.org or call 1-800-GAMBLER.
