How to stop online betting in Illinois, in four steps
- Self-exclude with the Illinois Gaming Board. You do it in person, it takes 30 to 45 minutes, and it lasts at least five years. It doesn't end on its own: removal takes a request and a clinician's letter.
- Block the betting apps and sites on your phone today. Self-exclusion needs a trip, and your phone doesn't have to wait.
- Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 833234 to get connected to state-funded treatment.
- Make a plan for video gaming machines, because self-exclusion doesn't cover them yet.
Facts on this page were checked in October 2026 against the Illinois Gaming Board and the Illinois Department of Human Services. For the general plan that works in any state, see how to stop gambling.
The Illinois Gaming Board self-exclusion program
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) runs the state's Self-Exclusion Program. It started with casinos in 2002 and added sports betting after the Sports Wagering Act passed in 2019 (IGB Self-Exclusion Program).
| Covers | Every Illinois casino and all Illinois sports betting, in person and in the apps |
|---|---|
| Not covered yet | Video gaming terminals in bars, restaurants and truck stops. The Illinois Lottery isn't part of it either. |
| Term | A minimum of five years |
| Where to enroll | In person only. Any IGB office inside an Illinois casino takes walk-ins, and other enrollment sites are listed by ZIP code on the IGB page. |
| Time and cost | 30 to 45 minutes, no fee |
| Bring | A valid driver's license or state ID card |
| Outside Illinois | Caesars, Boyd, PENN and MGM apply it at their casinos in other states. Some sportsbooks apply it outside Illinois too. |
You're not the only one doing this. As of December 2025, 16,062 people were enrolled (IDHS). If you have questions first, the program director's line is (312) 814-8832, or 1-877-968-7848 from an Illinois area code (IGB FAQ).
Changes the Gaming Board has proposed
In September 2026 the IGB proposed shorter terms of six months, one year and three years. It also said it plans to use ID card readers at video gaming locations to keep people on the list from playing. These rules still need state review, which can take six months to a year, so the program above is what applies today (CBS Chicago, September 2026).
Video gaming machines: the gap in the program
Illinois allows video gaming terminals in licensed bars and restaurants, truck stops, and fraternal and veterans clubs. Towns can vote to ban them (IGB video gaming FAQ). Self-exclusion doesn't cover these machines today, so you need your own plan.
- Write down the places you go that have machines. Change the route or the hangout where you can.
- Carry less cash and leave the debit card at home when you're going somewhere with machines.
- Tell one person you trust which places are hard for you.
- Have something ready for the moment you walk in. The panic button takes you through six steps, ending with a text to someone you trust.
What the per-bet tax means for you
Since July 1, 2025, Illinois has taxed sportsbooks on every bet: 25 cents each on a company's first 20 million bets in a year, and 50 cents each after that (Nelson Mullins, July 2025). That comes on top of a tax on sportsbook revenue that runs from 20% to 40% (Covers, October 2026).
The tax is charged to the sportsbook, not to you. Some books pass it on. FanDuel brought back a 50-cent fee per bet in October 2026. It skips the fee on parlays of $10 or more, straight bets of $25 or more, and bets placed with bonus bets, according to the same Covers report.
If you're trying to stop, look at how that works on you. The fee goes away when you bet more. If you catch yourself raising a stake just to skip 50 cents, write it down. It's useful to know when the habit is making the call.
Free help in Illinois
- Illinois Helpline: call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 833234. The Illinois Department of Human Services licenses and funds gambling treatment across the state, and this line can connect you to it (IDHS Gambling Help). The state's campaign site is AreYouReallyWinning.com.
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738), or chat through the National Council on Problem Gambling.
- Illinois Council on Problem Gambling: resources for people who gamble and their families (ICPG).
- Gamblers Anonymous: the GA hotline for Chicago, Peoria and Silvis is 855-2CALLGA (855-222-5542) (GA hotlines). Search Illinois meetings on the GA meeting finder.
- Gam-Anon: for family and friends. The Illinois Gam-Anon hotline is (708) 802-0105, listed by the IGB. Meetings are in the Gam-Anon directory.
Your phone, today
Self-exclusion means a trip to a casino. Your phone can be locked down tonight. NoGambling blocks the betting apps you pick through Apple's Screen Time. Since version 1.3.0 it also blocks the most popular gambling sites in your country in Safari, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Fanatics. Blocking needs iOS 16 or later. If those two are your main apps, see how to block DraftKings and FanDuel.
Late at night, when no meeting is running, the community lets you read what other people quitting are going through. The debt tracker lays out a payoff plan with the snowball method, so the real cost of betting turns into a plan.
NoGambling is free to try. After that you pick a monthly, yearly or one-time lifetime plan, with prices shown on the App Store.
Illinois questions
How do I self-exclude from gambling in Illinois?
Go in person to an Illinois Gaming Board enrollment site, such as the IGB office at any Illinois casino. Bring a valid driver's license or state ID. It takes 30 to 45 minutes, costs nothing, and covers every Illinois casino and all Illinois sports betting.
Can I self-exclude online in Illinois?
Not yet. As of October 2026 enrollment is in person only, and the Gaming Board says it has no online portal running. You can still block betting apps and sites on your phone today.
How long does Illinois self-exclusion last?
At least five years. The Gaming Board proposed shorter options of six months, one year and three years in September 2026, but those rules still need state review and are not in effect yet.
Does Illinois self-exclusion cover video gaming machines?
No, not yet. Video gaming terminals in bars, restaurants and truck stops are not part of the program. The Gaming Board has said it plans to use ID card readers to keep people on the list from playing them.
What is the Illinois gambling helpline?
Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 833234. The Illinois Department of Human Services lists this line, and it can connect you to state-funded treatment. You can also call or text the national helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Why do some Illinois sportsbooks charge 50 cents per bet?
Since July 2025 Illinois taxes sportsbooks 25 cents per bet on their first 20 million bets each year and 50 cents per bet after that. The tax is on the sportsbook, but some books pass it on to customers as a per-bet fee.
Other states
Don't wait for the enrollment trip
Block the betting apps you pick and the most popular gambling sites in Safari tonight, get through urges with a six-step panic button, and turn your debt into a plan. Free to try, then monthly, yearly or a one-time lifetime purchase.
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