Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in Illinois?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in Illinois. Skill machines in Illinois bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in Illinois. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Illinois; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Neighboring Indiana keeps cash play for every game except card games. Illinois taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for Illinois, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in Illinois
| Game | Cash play in Illinois | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Illinois |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not Illinois |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not Illinois |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not Illinois |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not Illinois |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Illinois |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Illinois |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Illinois |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Illinois |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Illinois |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows Illinois |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in Illinois
Every game plays free first, so Illinois players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in Illinois
Illinois taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your Illinois return. The Illinois Department of Revenue decides how Illinois treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for Illinois players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering Illinois
In Indiana, card games lose cash play but other games keep it.
Questions about skill-game apps in Illinois
Can I play Atay games for cash in Illinois?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in Illinois. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in Illinois I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so Chicago and Springfield get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from Illinois into Indiana?
In Indiana, card games such as Solitaire Real Cash and Gin Rummy Cash switch to free play, while other games keep cash play. Back in Illinois, card games return to normal.
Does Illinois tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and Illinois has a state income tax; check the Illinois Department of Revenue's guidance for your situation.
Illinois status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.