Illinois is an interesting state when it comes to gambling laws. While the state does allow for some forms of gambling, others are strictly prohibited.
One question that often comes up is whether or not you can play poker for money in Illinois. In this article, we will explore the answer to that question and provide some additional information about Illinois gambling laws.
First and foremost, it is important to note that Illinois does allow for some forms of gambling. The state has a number of casinos and horse racing tracks, as well as a state lottery. However, when it comes to poker specifically, things become a bit more complicated.
Technically speaking, playing poker for money in Illinois is illegal. This is because the state considers poker to be a game of chance rather than a game of skill. According to Illinois law, any game that involves chance rather than skill falls under the category of gambling and is therefore prohibited.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are playing poker in a private residence where no one is profiting from the game (i.e., there is no “rake” being taken by the host), then it may be legal. Additionally, there are certain types of charitable organizations that are allowed to host poker games as fundraisers.
Another exception to the rule is online poker. While online gambling was once prohibited under federal law (with the exception of horse racing), this all changed in 2011 when the Department of Justice issued a ruling stating that individual states could legalize online gambling within their borders if they so choose.
Illinois has yet to legalize online poker specifically, but there have been some efforts made to do so over the years. In 2017, a bill was introduced in the state legislature that would have legalized and regulated online gambling (including poker) within Illinois borders. However, the bill ultimately failed to pass.
So what does all of this mean for someone who wants to play poker for money in Illinois? Essentially, it means that you need to be careful about where and how you play.
If you are playing in a private residence, make sure that no one is profiting from the game. If you are playing at a charitable event, make sure that the organization is registered and authorized to host such events.
If you are interested in playing online poker, your options may be limited depending on where you live. However, there are some offshore online poker sites that accept players from Illinois (and other states where online gambling is not yet legal). Just be aware that these sites may not be regulated or supervised by any US government agency.
In conclusion, while playing poker for money in Illinois is technically illegal, there are some exceptions and workarounds that may allow you to do so legally. However, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations governing gambling in Illinois (and any other state where you may be playing) to avoid any legal trouble.
