As of early 2025, legislation that may change the industry is currently under consideration, causing sweepstakes sites to stop offering services in the state. SB 1705 would change state laws and redefine terms to ensure that sweepstakes gaming is considered an illegal activity.
Illinois sweepstakes casinos are available and operate under existing sweepstakes laws. These sites and apps feature casino-style games and use a dual-currency system—Gold Coins for free play and Sweeps Coins for a chance to win real prizes. Because no purchase is required to participate, sweepstakes casinos remain compliant with current legal standards in the state.
This page is intended to provide you with a list of the best sweeps sites in Illinois, regular updates on the market and top bonus offers for new players.
✅ Best sweeps casinos in Illinois
- New players get 100000 Gold Coins + 2 Sweeps Coins on sign-up.
- Up to 625,000 Gold Coins + 125 SC Free + 1,250 VIP Points bonus on first deposit.
- Wins redeemed in 1-5 days
- Get 250,000 Gold Coins + 5 Sweeps Coin. Use exclusive link to claim promo
- First purchase gets 1.5 million WOW Coins (WC) and 30 Sweepstakes Coins (SC) for $9.99
- Wins redeemed in 1 day
- Get 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC with promo code SWEEPSY
- 150% boost on first purchase, 25 (SC) + 50,000 GC for $9.99
- Wins redeemed in 1-5 days
- New players get 2000000 GC + 2 FREE SC upon signup.
- First purchase bonus of 10,000,000 GC for $10 (Normally $30). Plus 30 FREE SC
- Wins redeemed in 5-10 days
- Welcome bonus of 7777 Gold Coins + 10 free SC.
- 50,000 Gold Coins for $4.99 (Normally $10). Plus 10 FREE Sweeps Coins
- Wins redeemed in 3-5 days
As of mid-April, the sweepstakes industry is still operating as normal in Illinois. SB 1705 is slowly moving forward as lawmakers amend the bill language. It would not be surprising to see additional changes to the measure over the coming weeks as lawmakers weigh in on how the gambling industry should evolve.
🟠 Sweepstake casino status in Illinois
| 🍕 Available in Illinois: | Yes (though legislative efforts may change that) |
| 🎰 # of sweeps casinos: | 60+ |
| ❗️Tax on winnings: | Tax rates based on income bracket (10-37%) |
| 💳 Max prize payout: | $5,000 |
| 📌 Minimum Age: | 21+ |
⚖️ Are sweepstakes casinos legal in IL?
Currently, sweepstakes casinos are legal in Illinois thanks to local and federal sweepstakes laws. Illinois sweeps casinos let players sign up for free and play casino-style games like slots, table games, and live dealer options using Gold Coins for fun and Sweeps Coins for a chance to win prizes.
Unlike traditional online casinos, purchasing Gold Coins is optional, making sweeps and social sites a popular and accessible form of online entertainment in the state.
Recently, the growth of these platforms has faced increased scrutiny from real-money gaming regulators and lawmakers across the US, including Illinois. Legislation was introduced in 2025 to change gambling laws to define gambling devices more clearly.
SB 1705 would apply to sweepstakes gaming, making it a felony for operators to offer such services in the state.
Details of SB 1705
Introduced by Senator Bill Cunningham, SB 1705 would amend the Illinois Criminal Code to clarify the definition of a gambling device. The new definition is any electronic device that offers an entry to a contest, competition, or sweepstakes scheme with an element of chance and rewards players with an item of value for winning.
The bill is slowly moving through the state legislature, with small amendments made via the Committee. It was recently amended in the state Gaming, Wagering, and Racing Committee to specify that the exemption does not apply when gaming is done anywhere online.
SB 1705 also sets a precedent by classifying violations as a Class 4 felony charge. In Illinois, this classification can signify from one to three years in prison, with the potential for longer sentences.
📖 Illinois casino and gambling laws
Currently, Illinois offers players a wide range of gambling activities both online and in-person. Sports betting and lottery gaming are featured via retail and online outlets. Casinos are prevalent throughout the state, but Illinois real money casino have not been regulated. Efforts were made in 2025, but the measures remain in committee.
For now, Illinois sweepstakes casinos, are currently legal under state law, allowing players to play free sweeps slots and table games. However, this could change if SB 1705 is passed or other legislation is introduced.
Let’s examine the legal framework for sweeps casinos in Illinois more closely to better understand what you can expect from these sites.
In Illinois, sweepstakes casinos work like contests, allowing you to play casino-style games and win prizes without spending money.
These casinos offer a free way to enter, known as an “alternative means of entry” (AMOE). Players can earn Sweeps Coins (SC) for free through various promotions like:
- No-purchase welcome offers
- Mail-in entries
- Social media giveaways
- Daily log-in bonuses
You can use these SC to play games; if you win, you can exchange the coins for real prizes. While you can buy Gold Coins (just for fun play), there’s always a free way to get SC.
Be sure to check the “Sweepstakes Rules” section on the casino’s website to learn how it works at each site.
Sweepstakes casinos must clearly explain the contest rules before you play. This includes details on how Gold Coins (for fun) and Sweeps Coins (for cash prizes) work, how to earn and use the coins, and how to claim prizes.
Sweepstakes casinos cannot tell players they’ve been “specially selected” to win a prize. So, if you see a message claiming you’ve already won, be aware that it’s not legal for sweepstakes sites to say that.
The sweepstakes sponsor is the company running the contest and awarding prizes. They ensure the sweepstakes site adheres to gaming laws and provides a no-purchase necessary format.
🇺🇸 Illinois sweepstakes at the Federal level
Sweepstakes casinos are available in most U.S. states, including Illinois, with a few exceptions, such as Idaho, Michigan, Montana, and Washington. Each operator decides where to offer its services, so availability can vary based on brand.
Casino players in Illinois should be aware that sweepstakes laws differ slightly from other states. For example, winnings may be subject to state income tax, and all players across the U.S. must pay federal taxes on larger wins.
Under federal law, IL sweepstakes casinos must follow certain rules:
- Prizes must be awarded by chance, not skill.
- Entry must be free—no purchase is allowed to be required.
- Official rules must be posted before the contest starts and cannot be changed once it’s underway.
- Sweepstakes wins of $5,000 or more are subject to a 24% federal income tax withholding.
Always check the official rules of any sweepstakes casino for full details before playing.
View all state laws and updates
🧍Responsible gambling in Illinois
While Illinois does not yet offer real money casinos, sweepstakes sites still adhere to responsible gaming measures. Sites feature tools and services to help players practice safe gaming sessions, with limits on play time and Gold Coin purchases.
Services are available in the state for any player who needs assistance with a gambling problem. Use the resources below if you or a loved one needs help.
- Illinois Problem Gambling Helpline: Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537), text “GAMBLER” to 833234, or chat at 1800gamblerchat.org — free, confidential, 24/7 support.
- Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG): Call 833-937-4274 or visit illinoisproblemgambling.org for education and treatment resources.
- Illinois Gaming Board – Self-Exclusion Program: Learn about voluntary self-exclusion from casinos and sports betting at igb.illinois.gov.
- Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS): Find state-funded problem gambling services at dhs.state.il.us.
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG): National support and Illinois-specific help at ncpgambling.org.
Final thoughts
Illinois has yet to approve traditional real-money online casinos, but sweepstakes casinos provide a legal and entertaining option for players in the state. These sites offer casino-style games that can be played for free, with no purchase required, keeping them compliant with Illinois regulations.
At Sweepsy, we aim to connect Illinois players with reputable, verified sweepstakes casinos. Visit us regularly for news, updates, and new opportunities in the sweepstakes gaming space.