Best Illinois Sportsbooks | Guide to Illinois Sports Betting 2025

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Looking for the best Illinois sportsbooks? Check out our experts' detailed guide to Illinois sports betting to find great deals at top sportsbooks.

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    Fanatics Sport
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  2. 6
    FanDuel Sports
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Our Experts' Top Illinois Sportsbooks

IL SportsbookOur Overall Rating
1. FanDuel9.1/10
2. DraftKings8.9/10
3. bet3658.9/10
4. BetMGM8.6/10
5. Fanatics Sportsbook8.15/10
6. Caesars Sportsbook7.1/10

Since Illinois betting launched in June 2020, Illinois residents have been given access to some of the US sportsbooks

The best platform for you depends on what you're looking for. If you're a big fan of the MLB, you may want to sign up with FanDuel for its generous betting lines on these events. Meanwhile, a budget player looking for a high-value welcome bonus might consider DraftKings Illinois the best choice.

Use our expert guidance on this page to choose a legal Illinois sports betting site, and click the links to sign up and get your welcome offer.

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1. FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois

Launch DateAug. 28, 2020
Licensing PartnerPar-A-Dice Hotel & Casino
Retail LocationsFanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, Par-A-Dice Sportsbook

FanDuel, a prominent daily fantasy sports provider, has established itself as a top player in the legal online sports betting arena, including in Illinois. In fact, it was named the Online Sportsbook of the Year at the American Gambling Awards in 2024.

Our experts graded it as one of the best-designed sports betting sites in Illinois. The site is simple to use, with upcoming live events displayed at the top and an A-Z sports tab for specific searches

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

FanDuel consistently posts some of the earliest odds for any contest and usually remains relatively competitive. We found that point-spread prices generally offer the best value for you.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

Some of my favorite FanDuel features are in its live betting offering: live streaming with real-time odds and no lag, live same-game parlays, and early cash outs.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Great user experience & strong app performance
  • Competitive odds
  • Low minimum bet to activate bonuses
  • Efficient payments methods & near-instant withdrawals
Cons
  • No loyalty scheme for sports bettors
  • No phone customer support
  • Added surcharge on every bet

2. DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois

Launch DateAug. 5, 2020
Licensing PartnerCasino Queen
Retail LocationsDraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field

DraftKings has been named the official sports betting partner of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Blackhawks with a dedicated retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field. Our experts have graded it as a top Illinois sportsbook for its overall functionality and ease of live betting.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

One thing that really separates DraftKings from our No. 1 Illinois sportsbook, FanDuel, is its Dynasty Rewards program, which you're automatically enrolled in as soon as you create your account. You can earn points that can be redeemed for exclusive and custom merchandise, travel, and other live experiences. DraftKings will even match your rewards status at different sportsbooks.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

DraftKings provides a seamless and intuitive software experience with a user-friendly site design. Its dedicated Stats Hub offers detailed notes to help me get pre-game insights and place better bets.

I'm a big fan of DraftKings' MLB live streaming, particularly on mobile.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Intuitive site & smooth mobile app experience
  • Wide range of bet types, especially props, on all major sports
  • Excellent loyalty program
  • Best range of payment methods in Illinois
  • Extensive customer support options
Cons
  • Slower withdrawals for some payment methods
  • Added surcharge on every bet

3. bet365 Illinois (8.9/10)

Launch DateMarch 16, 2024
Licensing PartnerWalker’s Bluff Casino Resort
Retail LocationsN/A

bet365 is a relatively new sportsbook in Illinois, offering elite live betting, extensive market depth, highly competitive odds, and top-tier streaming capabilities. While the interface can feel dated and the platform lacks a loyalty program, its unmatched breadth of betting options, early-payout features, and strong app performance make it one of the most complete and user-friendly sportsbooks available in the state.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

bet365 delivers one of the best live-betting and streaming experiences in Illinois, with lightning-fast odds updates and deep markets across every major and niche sport. Competitive odds and excellent early-payout features make it a favorite for value-focused bettors.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

While the interface isn’t the flashiest, the sportsbook excels where it matters most—speed, reliability, market selection, and customer support. Promotions are consistently strong across all sports, though the lack of a loyalty program is noticeable.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Massive selection of markets, including niche sports
  • Industry-leading live betting with real-time stats, fast ticker updates, extensive live streaming
  • Highly competitive odds & frequent boosts
  • Early cash-out promos across major sports
  • Fast, reliable payouts with broad banking options
Cons
  • No loyalty or rewards program
  • Mobile app, while functional and fast, is less intuitive or modern-looking
  • Added surcharge on every bet under $10

4. BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois (8.6/10)

Launch DateMarch 5, 2022
Licensing PartnerPar-A-Dice Hotel & Casino
Retail LocationsN/A

As part of MGM Resorts International, BetMGM Sportsbook has quickly risen to prominence among U.S. legal operators since its launch in 2018. With a strong presence across multiple states, BetMGM offers a unique user experience and a wide range of betting markets.

Our experts love using the BetMGM mobile app because it provides a seamless betting experience with excellent mobile functionality and live streaming features. Plus, you can instantly start earning MGM Rewards points with every bet.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

BetMGM offers a unique user experience, complete with mobile live streaming options and a wide range of betting markets, which our experts have voted as the best selection in Illinois.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

The site is simple to use, with in-play games prominently displayed and other sports easily accessible. BetMGM particularly stands out for its parlay tools, which are prominently displayed on the home screen. 

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Impressive market selection across major sports
  • Great range of ongoing bonus offers
  • Includes features like Parlay Builder and live streams
  • No added surcharge on bets
Cons
  • Requires $2.50 minimum bet to offset transaction fees
  • Withdrawal processing times can be slow
  • No phone customer support

5. Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois (8.15/10)

Launch DateApril 5, 2024
Licensing PartnerHawthorne Race Course
Retail LocationsN/A

The Fanatics Illinois app is available for both Android and iOS users, delivering a seamless experience across all devices. Fanatics does not have a desktop site, so the mobile app is the only way to play. 

Fanatics offers a FanCash loyalty program, which allows gamblers to earn points on their sports betting activities. In Illinois, users can redeem their FanCash for various rewards, including exclusive merchandise for Illinois teams, game tickets, and dining experiences. 

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

For Bears fans, Fanatics offers a prime platform to engage with the NFL, providing enhanced odds, chances to earn bonus bets, and a variety of other exciting options. Of course, through the FanCash loyalty program, you can use rewards from your betting to claim official Bears merchandise. 

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

Fanatics Sportsbook is an excellent choice for hockey fans in Illinois. Here, they can bet on Blackhawks games. Throughout the NHL season, you can expect to see NHL-related promos, including odds boosts. 

Chicago fans should take note of Fanatics' same-parlay bets, which allow them to combine multiple bets on one event into a single wager, available for all games. 

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Innovative FanCash Rewards program provides win-or-lose rewards
  • Easy-to-use mobile app
  • Unique bonuses available to ongoing users
Cons
  • Added transaction fee for every bet
  • No phone support

6. Caesars Sportsbook Illinois (7.1/10)

Launch DateMarch 9, 2022
Licensing PartnerGrand Victoria Casino
Retail LocationsGrand Victoria Casino; Harrah's Metropolis

Caesars Illinois offers an array of exceptional features and diverse betting markets. You can enjoy a substantial welcome bonus, ongoing promos, and a rewarding loyalty program in Caesars Rewards.

In Illinois, Caesars is a sports betting partner of the Chicago White Sox.

Our Expert User Reviews

Shannon Lane
Shannon Lane

Caesars Sportsbook offers an excellent mobile app with exclusive features, including live NFL streaming on Sundays. The desktop site and app are both extraordinarily easy to use. Overall, it provides a seamless betting experience with an intuitive interface and fairly good odds.

Peter Mooney
Peter Mooney

Caesars shows a mixed performance in terms of odds compared to BetMGM and DraftKings. It offers some of the best odds when backing the favorite, but long-shot odds on underdogs compare less favorably to DraftKings.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Intuitive, multi-functional platform with robust & responsive app
  • Generous Caesars Rewards program
  • Competitive odds, especially for favorites
  • Multiple banking options with near-instant withdrawals
  • No added surcharge or transaction fee on bets
  • Live betting features include Watch & Bet NFL live streaming, early cashouts
Cons
  • No phone support available
  • Does not always match competitors in overall odds or features

More Great Illinois Sportsbooks to Explore

IL SportsbookPartnerRetail Location
BetRiversRivers Casino Des PlainesBetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino
Circa SportsFull House ResortsCirca Sports Illinois Sportsbook at The Temporary by American Place Casino
Hard Rock BetHard Rock Casino RockfordHard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino Rockford
theScore Bet (formerly ESPN BET)Hollywood Casino AuroraESPN BET Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Joliet

How We Rate & Review Illinois Sportsbooks

It is essential to choose a reputable legal sportsbook in Illinois to ensure a safe and secure betting experience. These regulated platforms offer numerous advantages compared to unlicensed or offshore operators. They contribute to maintaining the integrity of sports by detecting and preventing illegal activities such as match-fixing.

The account verification process required at Illinois sports betting sites is another measure to keep players safe, preventing underage gambling and identity theft.

That's why every sportsbook we recommend has been licensed through the Illinois Gaming Board and correctly verifies accounts.

We register with every legal Illinois betting site, assessing each platform's features, markets, bet types, customer support, and payments. This enables us to evaluate its overall user experience and determine whether we should recommend it to our users.

Our experts have selected the six best Illinois sportsbooks and compared them across various categories using our fair and unbiased review process. Using the trust factors detailed below, in addition to some other key criteria, we average each sportsbook's grade to get the final ratings you saw above.

  • Sports & Markets

    Sports & Markets

    Each platform offers its own unique range of wagering options. We explore every platform's betting markets and menus to ensure depth and breadth across all the sports you care about.

  • Promotions

    Promotions

    Sports betting promotions and sign-up bonuses are essential. Illinois sports betting promos include a variety of bonuses. We claim welcome and ongoing offers to ensure you can take full advantage of the sportsbook promos offered by each platform.

  • Payments

    Payments

    We check each sportsbook's limits, transactions feeds, and processing times. The best sportsbooks should offer a variety of payment methods, secure transactions, and prompt withdrawal times.

  • Reputation & User Feedback

    Reputation & User Feedback

    The best sportsbooks should prioritize protecting your funds, ensuring fairness, and offering robust customer support. We ensure that all our recommended Illinois sportsbooks adhere to these standards by evaluating their reputation in the industry and among their current users.

  • Mobile Product

    Mobile Product

    Mobile sports betting apps offer convenient, on-the-go betting with user-friendly interfaces, live updates, and secure payment options for Illinois bettors. We download every app in Illinois to test the betting experience on mobile.

  • Odds Value

    Odds Value

    Each platform sets its own odds, and they can vary from site to site. We compare the most competitive betting odds and assess each sportsbook's odds value.

How to Start Betting in Illinois

Getting started with sports betting in Illinois is a simple procedure. Here, you'll find a clear and concise step-by-step manual to assist you:

  1. Choose a Licensed Sportsbook: Choose a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated in IL. This makes sure your betting experience is safe and fair.
  2. Download the Mobile App: Visit the iOS App Store or Google Play Store and search for the name of the app. Click "Get" or "Install" to download it to your device.
  3. Create an Account and Use Welcome Bonus: Sign up for an account on your chosen sportsbook. Most offer a welcome bonus, which can increase your initial betting funds.
  4. Verify Your Identity: To ensure security, confirm your identity. This usually means providing a copy of your ID or passport.
  5. Deposit Funds: Put funds into your account. Most sportsbooks accept different payment methods, like credit cards, debit cards, and e-wallets. Ensure you make a minimum qualifying deposit to activate your bonus and unlock its benefits.
  6. Understand Bonuses & Promotions: Familiarize yourself with the available bonuses and promotions. These can give extra betting funds or bonus bets. If your bonus is associated with a specific bet, remember to place your sports wager at the required qualifying odds.
  7. Explore Betting Markets: Look at the different betting markets available. These can range from game results to individual player performances.
  8. Place Your Bets: Once you've done your homework, it's time to place your bets. Remember to bet responsibly and enjoy the process.
  9. Claim Winnings and/or Bonuses: Once you have met all the requirements, your bonus should be promptly credited to your account.

Illinois Sports Betting at a Glance

Is IL Sports Betting Legal?Yes
Launch DateJune 18, 2020
No. of IL Sportsbooks10
Legal Betting Age21+
Sports Betting BillSenate Bill 690
Total Licenses20
Sports Betting Revenue$4,375,873,069 (through June 2025)
Regulatory BodyIllinois Gaming Board
IL Population12.7M (2024)

Sports betting has been legal in Illinois for individuals 21 years of age and older since Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690 in 2019. This legalized both online and retail sports betting. Betting is permitted on professional, collegiate, and international sports, but restrictions apply for IL collegiate teams online. 

The Illinois Gaming Board oversees gambling in the state. The Board is comprised of five members whom the State Governor appoints. The Board's purview includes sports betting, video gaming, and the regulation of any online casino Illinois in the future. The Board's primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and integrity of gaming in the state.

Over time, IL has developed into one of the biggest sports betting markets in the country. As with most other states, the IL market is led by DraftKings and FanDuel. These two sportsbooks account for almost 70% of bets in Illinois, followed by BetRivers and Caesars.

Illinois Sports Betting Laws & Legislation

Senate Bill 690, also known as the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, was signed into law in June 2019. 

Initially, the law's language required users to register in person for an online sportsbook account at a land-based casino. This requirement was criticized at the time SB 690 was signed, and the COVID-19 pandemic only made this requirement more problematic as the world was placed in lockdown soon after sports betting was launched. The Illinois Department of Revenue recognized the significant cost to the state in tax revenue due to this requirement, and as a result, in-person sign-up for online accounts was removed in late 2021.

Here are some more critical guidelines bettors in Illinois should know:

  • College Betting: Betting on Illinois college teams is legal. However, you must place these bets in person at a retail sportsbook. You can't place prop bets on any NCAA college events, regardless of where the teams play.
  • Restricted Bets: Illinois laws prevent you from betting on events not approved by the Gaming Board. Any requests to wager on events that are not professional sports or college sports must receive prior approval.
  • Taxes: You must pay taxes on sports betting winnings in IL from both online and retail sportsbooks. If you win more than $600 from an Illinois sports betting site, it is necessary to report your winnings to the IRS and complete a W-2G form.

Illinois Sports Betting Licensing

Sportsbooks launching in Illinois can apply for a land-based or online sportsbook license. If you apply for a land-based permit, you can only operate in partnership with a land-based casino or racecourse. While most operators choose to partner with a land-based location, Illinois sportsbooks can launch online without an agreement with a local gambling location. A land-based sportsbook license requires an initial license fee of $10 million. An online sports betting license in the Prairie state costs even more, with a $20 million license fee required, followed by a $1 million renewal payment every four years.

After SB 690 was passed, the Board was responsible for implementing the framework and infrastructure that brought legal sports betting to Illinois. Any prospective online sportsbook in Illinois must undergo thorough vetting by the Illinois Gaming Board to obtain a license.

Illinois Sports Betting Timeline: How We Got Here

  • Sept. 2, 2025: bet365 announces a $0.25 surcharge on bets less than $10.
  • July 1, 2025: The new tax rate goes into effect, requiring sportsbooks to pay a rate of 20% to 40% based on adjusted gross revenues.
  • June 27, 2025: Fanatics announces a $0.25 transaction fee on all sports bets in Illinois.
  • June 12, 2025: DraftKings announces a $0.50 charge for every bet placed in Illinois.
  • June 10, 2025: In response to the tax rate increase, FanDuel announces a $0.50 surcharge on every Illinois bet.
  • June 1, 2025: Illinois lawmakers pass a state budget that includes a progressive tax rate hike on sportsbooks.
  • July 1, 2024: Betting on in-state teams online is banned. Bettors must place bets on in-state teams in person at retail locations.
  • Sept. 29, 2023: Circa Sports launches online in Illinois.
  • March 5, 2022: The requirement that bettors must register in person for an online account is eliminated, allowing users to register from anywhere in the state.
  • June 18, 2020: BetRivers becomes the first Illinois sportsbook to launch online.
  • March 9, 2020: Rivers Casino in Des Plaines opens Illinois' first retail sportsbook.
  • June 28, 2019: The Illinois Sports Wagering Act is signed into law by J. B. Pritzker, establishing the regulatory framework for legal sports wagering in Illinois.

Where Can I Bet in IL?: Retail IL Sportsbooks

The Illinois Sports Wagering Act permits both mobile and retail wagering. Retail sportsbooks offer a fun atmosphere where you can bet and watch sports alongside hundreds of other sports fans. You can also get speedy payouts through the casino cage cashier at retail sportsbooks.

Knowing where you can bet at retail sportsbooks is extra important in Illinois, considering there are some bets that can only be placed in person.

NameFeatures
Bally Bet Sportsbook in the Quad Cities20-ft. LED video wall, 25 big-screen TVs, 3 betting windows, 5 kiosks
BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers CasinoHi-def LED TV wall, TV screens, 26-seat bar, bartop poker, kiosks, betting windows
Caesars Sportsbook at Grand Victoria CasinoKiosks, seating, TV screens
Circa Sports Illinois Sportsbook at The Temporary by American Place CasinoKiosks, betting windows, live odds board, 36 TVs
DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook6K-sq-ft, 60-ft. video wall, 28+ LED TVs, live odds board, 5 betting windows, 38 betting kiosks, food & bar
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field2K-sq-ft HD LED display with directional sound, 300 seats, food & bar, private rooms available
Fanatics Sportsbook at Hawthorne Race CourseTVs, leather seats & couches, bar
FanDuel Par-A-Dice SportsbookBetting windows
FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing at Fairmount Park30+ TVs
Hard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino RockfordLED TV wall, food & bar, 5 kiosks, 2 betting windows
Sportsbook at Argosy Casino Alton35 HDTVs, individiual viewing stations, live odds board
Penalty Box Sportsbook & Bar at Hollywood Casino Aurora20+ big-screen TVs, 10 kiosks, betting windows, luxury seating, food & bar
ESPN BET Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Joliet42-ft video wall, betting windows, food & bar

Popular Sports & Teams to Bet on in Illinois

Illinois is the sixth most populous state in the U.S. and is represented by a Chicago team in every major sports league. The fact that all five major league teams have won a championship in the past 40 years further fuels the desire for more success and championships. Chicago sports will forever be synonymous with Michael Jordan and the Bulls, but the Bears, Blackhawks, White Sox, and Cubs also receive massive support. 

IL natives love to back their Illinois professional sports teams, and it’s no surprise that Illinois is one of the biggest sports betting markets in the U.S.

Football

  • NFL Teams: Chicago Bears
  • Prominent College Football Teams: Illinois Fighting Illini, Northwestern Wildcats, Eastern Illinois Panthers

The Chicago Bears are a beloved NFL team in Illinois, and betting on them is a tradition for many. You can bet on overall game outcomes or even make prop bets on standout players.

Basketball

  • NBA Teams: Chicago Bulls
  • WNBA Teams: Chicago Sky
  • Prominent College Basketball Teams: Illinois Fighting Illini, Northwestern Wildcats, DePaul Blue Demons

The Chicago Bulls, with their rich history, are a favorite for Illinois bettors.

Baseball

  • MLB Teams: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox

The Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, offer numerous betting opportunities. Along with game outcomes, you can make prop bets on key players, such as predicting a star pitcher's strikeouts.

Hockey

  • NHL Teams: Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are a popular choice for NHL betting in Illinois. Various betting options exist, including predicting game outcomes or prop bets on a star player's performance, such as the number of goals scored. 

Soccer

  • MLS Teams: Chicago Fire
  • NWSL Teams: Chicago Stars FC

Soccer fans in IL often place bets on Chicago Fire FC games. Alongside typical game outcome bets, prop bets on players are also popular, such as predicting the number of goals or assists a top player will score.

Alternatives to Legal Illinois Sports Betting

  • Horse Racing Betting: Horse racing is a long-standing tradition, with bets placed on the outcome of races. 
  • Daily Fantasy Sports: In DFS, you create a team of players and earn points based on their performances. 

Always remember to bet responsibly and understand the nature of the bet you're placing.

Responsible Gambling with Legal Illinois Sportsbooks

Like many US states, the Illinois Gaming Board has strict regulations in place to ensure that gambling platforms keep players safe. All Illinois sportsbooks provide responsible gambling information, including tips on how to stay in control. Each platform also provides account tools, such as time-outs, deposits, bets, and spend limits, to help bettors manage their betting.

The Illinois Gaming Board assists individuals struggling with problem gambling. The Board also operates a state-wide self-exclusion program that players can join to prohibit themselves from gambling. Details of support groups and problem gambling tools are available, as well as instructions on how to self-exclude from all Illinois betting sites. 

Additionally, most Illinois online sportsbooks will provide links to responsible gambling organizations that offer professional help to players.

Illinois Sports Betting FAQs

Can I bet on sports in Illinois?

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Do you have to be 21 to sports bet in Illinois?

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Can you bet on Illinois teams if you live in Illinois?

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Are Illinois online sports betting apps legal?

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Can you bet online on college sports in Illinois?

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