Last Updated: Nov 15
Looking for the best in Illinois sports betting? Check out this detailed guide and find great deals and the top sportsbooks in Illinois. With the in-person registration order lifted, Illinois bettors can now sign up with selected operators and place bets wherever they are in The Prairie State.
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Can you create your own personalised bets?
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Can you create your own personalised bets?
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Can you create your own personalised bets?
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Can you create your own personalised bets?
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
Is there live streaming of sporting events?
The number of sports with in-play betting available
Can you create your own personalised bets?
Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?REGISTRATION NO: 9904-889
All Operators on this List are Licensed by Illinois Gaming Board
Online and retail sports betting are both legal in Illinois and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. After a few years of significant market changes thanks to the initial in-person registration requirements and the Covid-19 pandemic, the Illinois market is now settled, with no major changes expected in the future.
There are seven top online sportsbooks available in IL, each providing benefits for players that sign up. Our experts have selected the 5 best Illinois sportsbooks and compared them across a variety of categories using our fair and unbiased review process.
ESPN BET Illinois is an exciting new sportsbook option for bettors in the state. As a rebrand of Barstool, it's now available in 17 states, including Illinois. With the exclusive promo code 'GAMBLING', users can bet anything and get up to $250 in bonus bets. ESPN BET ensures a secure betting environment with state-of-the-art encryption and promotes responsible gambling with features like self-exclusion and deposit limits.
Part of MGM Resorts International, BetMGM Sports quickly rose to prominence among US 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.
Caesars Illinois offers an array of exceptional features and diverse betting markets. With the option to download the Caesars Sportsbook app or sign up online, you can enjoy a substantial welcome bonus, ongoing promos and a rewarding loyalty program.
DraftKings, famous for their daily fantasy sports site, has expanded into the sports betting market in multiple regulated US states. In August 2020, DraftKings Illinois went live, featuring one of the most generous welcome bonuses. Although you do not need a Draftkings Promo Code Illinois, you can still benefit from their welcome bonus.
Not only can you enjoy sports betting, but you can also utilize your funds for daily fantasy contests in various US sports. Experience the best of both worlds with DraftKings Illinois, combining sports betting and fantasy sports in one platform.
FanDuel, a prominent daily fantasy sports provider, has established itself as a top player in the legal online sports betting arena, including both IL and various other US states. Notably, FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook stands out with its no sweat betting offer.
Operated under the Rush Street Interactive umbrella, it proudly collaborates with Rivers Casino Des Plaines. With the impressive Kambi platform, BetRivers offers a wide range of betting options on major US sports.
By registering with multiple IL betting sites, you get the ideal combination for your needs. Each platform offers its own features, allowing you to explore and wager on a diverse range of options. Whether you prefer traditional bets like moneyline or specialized wagers like props, having multiple accounts expands your betting horizons.
One of the significant advantages of signing up for multiple Illinois sports betting sites is the ability to compare and secure the most competitive odds. Each platform sets its own odds, and they can vary from site to site.
By having multiple accounts, you can easily compare the odds offered for a particular event and choose the platform that provides the most favorable payouts. This allows you to optimize your potential winnings.
When you register with the best Illinois sports betting sites, you can take full advantage of the promotions and bonuses offered by each platform. Sportsbooks often provide exciting sign-up bonuses, bonus bets and ongoing promotions to attract and reward their Illinois customers. By diversifying your accounts, you can access a wider range of promotional offers.
When you sign up for multiple sports betting sites, you will have a larger selection of bet types. Each platform offers its own unique range of wagering options. Exploring different platforms allows you to embrace a wider variety of betting opportunities, adding excitement and potential profitability to your sports betting endeavors.
By trying out various brands when wagering on sports in Illinois, you can assess factors such as ease of use, customer support quality, available payment options, and overall satisfaction. This allows you to find the platform that best suits your preferences, ensuring an optimal betting experience tailored to your needs.
Illinois betting sites can have distinct rules and regulations. Factors such as bet settlement, wagering requirements, cash-out options, and bonus terms can be impacted by these regulations. By registering on multiple sites, you gain the flexibility to select the platform that best matches your individual needs and preferences.
This allows you to find the ideal betting site that suits your requirements and offers the features and conditions that align with your expectations.
Sports betting has been legal in Illinois since Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690 in 2019. Over this time, IL has developed into one of the biggest sports betting markets in the country. Illinois sports betting handle regularly tops over $1 billion in a month, and 2022 saw revenue of over $800 million and Illinois generated $120 million of tax revenue generated for the state.
Sports gambling in Illinois is seasonal, with the two most significant events being March Madness and the NFL season. In 2023, March Madness saw record betting levels, with almost $1.1 billion wagered, with only New York seeing larger betting numbers.
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, Caesars, and PointsBet Illinois.
Illinois is the sixth most populated state in the US 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 US.
Missouri's sports betting landscape is evolving, but how do its neighbors fare in this sector? Let's delve into the sports betting updates from the states surrounding Missouri.
While no further Illinois sports betting updates are expected for state regulations, the betting market could still see some changes with the launch of new online sports betting platforms. Recent Illinois sports betting news has suggested sportsbooks like Bally Bet and Circa Sports have applied for licensing. Caliente Interactive, a leader in Mexico's online casino and sports betting market, has also applied for a license.
It is essential to choose legal sportsbooks in Illinois to guarantee a safe and secure betting experience. These regulated platforms offer numerous advantages compared to unlicensed or offshore operators.
Illinois is home to five major league sports teams based in the Chicago area. With betting legal in Illinois, each team has an official betting partner.
Mobile sportsbook apps provide convenient, on-the-go betting with user-friendly interfaces, live updates, and secure payments for Illinois bettors. Bet anytime, anywhere from your smartphone for a seamless betting experience. Enjoy flexibility and accessibility at your fingertips with mobile sportsbook apps.
Ensure you have the latest version of Android installed on your device. The required Android version for the sportsbook app can be found on its Store page. Stay up to date to increase compatibility and optimal performance when using the sportsbook app.
When using the latest Apple smartphones, you can easily place sports wagers by visiting the App Store and downloading your preferred betting apps, provided your device operates on the correct OS version. Most sportsbooks typically require iOS 13.0, so it's important to verify the compatibility with your iPhone or iPad before proceeding. Here's a step-by-step guide:
In sports betting, promotions and sign-up bonuses are essential. They provide attractive incentives for new IL users and can significantly boost your initial bankroll. Illinois sports betting promos include a variety of bonuses, including deposit matches and bonus bets.
Returning members can also enjoy the advantages of ongoing bonuses, such as loyalty rewards, reload bonuses, and exclusive promotions for special events. You can take advantage of these offers to maximize your betting experience.
Residents of Illinois have the chance to take advantage of reload bonuses that allow them to increase the funds in their betting accounts. As an example, an Illinois sportsbook might provide a reload bonus of 50%, capped at $100, for the second deposit made by users. As a result, if Illinois bettors deposit $200, they would be awarded an additional $100 in bonus funds.
In Illinois, users can receive Bonus bets as part of promotional deals or welcome offers. As an illustration, when new users register with a sportsbook, they may be granted a $20 bonus bet. This bonus bet allows users from Illinois to place a wager without using their own funds. In the event of a win, users receive the winnings, excluding the initial stake.
Enhanced odds promotions provide improved betting odds for specific events or outcomes. For instance, a sportsbook might offer enhanced odds of +300 for the Chicago Bulls to win a basketball game, whereas the regular odds are +200. This presents an opportunity for users to potentially win higher payouts if the Bulls emerge victorious in the game.
Loyalty programs are designed to motivate and acknowledge Illinois users for their consistent betting engagement. Through placing bets, users accumulate loyalty points that can be exchanged for a range of rewards, including bonus bets, merchandise, and exclusive promotions. These loyalty points serve as a valuable currency, allowing users to access exciting benefits and enhance their overall betting experience. As users continue to bet, their loyalty level increases, unlocking more enticing rewards as they advance through the program.
Refer-a-Friend bonuses in Illinois and other states serve as incentives for users to encourage their friends to join a sportsbook. When a referred friend from Illinois signs up and meets specific criteria, such as making a deposit or placing bets, the user who referred them receives a bonus as a reward for their successful referral. This bonus can take the form of bonus funds, adding extra value for both the referrer and the referred friend.
Event bonuses are exclusive promotions directly linked to specific sporting events or special occasions. For instance, in Illinois, a sportsbook might present a special bonus, wherein users who bet on the Chicago Cubs during a particular event receive additional perks. These bonuses can include extra free bets or enhanced odds on related markets, heightening the excitement and value of major sporting events in IL.
Sports betting encompasses a range of bet types that provide diverse wagering options for games and events. Each bet type carries its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from others. Below are several common bet types you may encounter:
In points spread betting, a team is either favored or considered an underdog by a predetermined number of points. To win the bet, the favored team must win by more than the spread, while the underdog must win or lose by fewer points than the spread. For example, if the Chicago Bears have a spread of -6.5 against the Green Bay Packers, they must win by at least 7 points for the bet to be successful.
Moneyline betting involves selecting the team that will win the game outright, without any consideration for the point spread. The odds associated with each team indicate the payout potential. For instance, if the Chicago Bulls have a moneyline of -150 against the Milwaukee Bucks, a successful $150 bet on the Bulls would yield a $100 profit if they win the game.
Parlay bets allow you to combine multiple individual wagers into a single bet. All selections within the parlay must be correct for the bet to win. For example, you could create a parlay bet by combining the moneyline wagers of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Chicago Bears to win their respective games. If all three teams win, the parlay bet is successful, resulting in a higher payout.
In over/under betting, you predict whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a specific number determined by the sportsbook. For instance, if the total for an Illinois Fighting Illini basketball game is set at 150.5 points, you can bet on whether the final score will be above or below that threshold. If the total score is 146, an under bet would be successful.
Futures bets are wagers that are placed on outcomes that will be determined at a later time, typically focusing on events such as championship winners or season-long achievements. These bets involve predicting the outcome well in advance, allowing bettors to speculate and potentially earn winnings based on their accurate predictions. For example, you can place a futures bet on the Chicago Blackhawks to win the Stanley Cup at the beginning of the NHL season. If the Blackhawks go on to win the championship, your futures bet will be successful, resulting in a potentially significant payout.
Live betting, or in-play betting, allows you to place wagers in real-time as the game is being played. You can react to the unfolding action and place bets on various aspects of the game, such as the next team to score or the outcome of the current drive. For example, during a Chicago Fire soccer match, you can bet on whether the next goal will be scored by the Fire or the opposing team. Live betting adds an exciting interactive element to sports wagering.
There are many Illinois sports teams to bet on. If you like professional sports, you can bet on the Chicago Bears in football, the Chicago Blackhawks in hockey, the Chicago Bulls in basketball, and the Chicago Cubs or the Chicago White Sox in baseball.
If you like soccer, you can bet on the Chicago Fire FC. In college sports, the University of Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats are popular. Always remember to check the updated local laws before betting on sports.
The Chicago Bears are a beloved NFL team in Illinois, and betting on them is a tradition for many. Sportsbooks offer various types of bets, such as point spreads, money lines, and over/under totals. Bettors can also make prop bets on specific players, like the team's star quarterback, predicting the number of passing yards or touchdowns.
The Chicago Bulls, with their rich history, are a favorite for Illinois bettors. You can bet on regular game outcomes or even specific player performance with prop bets. A prop bet might involve a player like the team's leading scorer and whether he will exceed a certain number of points in a game.
The Chicago Cubs, one of the oldest teams in 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.
The Chicago Blackhawks are a popular choice for NHL Illinois betting. Various betting options exist, including predicting game outcomes or prop bets on a star player's performance, like goals scored. As always, bettors should understand the odds and wager responsibly.
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 for a top player.
In Illinois, college sports betting is very popular. Teams like the Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats see a lot of action. You can bet on overall game outcomes or even make prop bets on standout players.
Other betting options in IL include Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), horse racing, and esports, all of which are legal and offer unique wagering opportunities. In DFS, you create a team of players and earn points based on their performances. Horse racing is a long-standing tradition, with bets placed on race outcomes. Esports betting is growing rapidly, with bets on teams and individual players. Always remember to bet responsibly and understand the nature of the bet you're placing.
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:
Banking options at IL sportsbooks include various methods for deposits and withdrawals.
It's essential to consider fees and other factors when selecting banking options.
Illinois sports betting laws have changed since sports betting was launched in 2020, but the market has now settled, and rules around what you can bet on in IL are clear. You can place a wager if you are 21 years or older and physically located in IL.
When sports betting was introduced in 2020 after SB 690 was signed, online and retail betting was allowed. However, you could only open an Illinois sportsbook account online after registering in person at a land-based Illinois casino. This requirement was criticized when 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 realized how much this requirement was costing the state in tax revenue, and as a result, the in-person sign up for online accounts was removed in late-2021.
You can only bet on sporting events in IL, so occasions like the NFL Draft or the Academy Awards are ineligible. Betting on in-state college teams is allowed, but under a quirk in Illinois law, you can only place these bets at retail sportsbooks.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) is overturned by the US Supreme Court. This landmark decision means that each US State can determine the legality of sports betting in the state.
After a smooth passage through the legislature, SB 690 is signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The bill allows for online and retail betting. An unpopular clause among bettors is the requirement for in-person registration for online accounts. To use betting apps in Illinois, you must first register at a land-based casino. Betting on any IL collegiate team is banned.
BetRivers opens the first land-based sportsbook at Rivers Des Plaines Casino. The sportsbook closed a week later as all Illinois casinos were forced to shut down due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.
The ongoing pandemic causes Gov. Pritzker to temporarily remove the in-person registration requirement for online Illinois betting sites.
Facing internal pressure due to the loss of potential tax revenue, Gov. Pritzker signs HB 3136. This permanently removes the need for in-person registration for online Illinois betting sites and allows wagering on in-state college teams. However, college betting on Illinois-based teams remains available in retail sportsbooks only.
Sportsbooks launching in Illinois can apply for a land-based or online sportsbook license. If you apply for a land-based license, 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.
The Illinois Gaming Board oversees gambling in the state. 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.
The Board is comprised of five members who the State Governor appoints. After SB 690 was passed, the Board was responsible for implementing the framework and infrastructure that brought legal sports betting to Illinois. Any company wishing to open an Illinois online sportsbook will require thorough vetting from the Illinois Gaming Board to ensure the company is fit to operate a sportsbook in the state.
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. This form ensures compliance with tax regulations and assists in accurately reporting your gambling income. IL sports betting sites can also withhold up to 25% of your winnings as tax.
You need to include your sports betting winnings in your state tax as well as paying the IRS. Illinois has a flat tax rate of 4.95% for this.
IL shares a land border with five US States, and these states treat sports betting very differently. Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana all offer legal sports betting, similar to the State of Illinois. While Indiana and Iowa both allow online and retail sportsbooks, you can only bet in Wisconsin if you visit land owned by local Native American tribes.
Kentucky will offer legal sports betting from the start of 2024 onwards. Missouri is the final state that shares a border with IL and the only state which does not have legal sports betting available. Missouri residents can cross the border to join other IL sports betting users if they wish to place a sports bet.
Illinois law places unique restrictions on placing bets on in-state college teams. Unlike some states, such as New Jersey and New York, betting on Illinois college teams is legal. However, you must place these bets in person at a retail sportsbook. You also can't place prop bets on any NCAA college events.
Alongside these college sports betting regulations, Illinois betting laws also prevent you from betting on events not approved by the Gaming Board. This includes eSports and the NFL Draft.
According to Illinois sports betting law, retail sportsbooks can only open at licensed land-based retail casinos. Seventy retail sportsbooks have launched since retail sports betting went live in Illinois in March 2020. We've listed all the retail locations available in the Illinois market below.
The Illinois Sports Wagering Act allows for both mobile and retail betting. Both types of wagering have advantages and disadvantages depending on what you want from an Illinois sportsbook.
Online sports betting offers the convenience of betting whenever you want, while retail sportsbooks require extra effort and planning as you have to go to a specific location. However, retail sportsbooks have a fun atmosphere as you bet and watch sports with hundreds of other sports fans. You can also get very fast payouts through the casino cage cashier at retail sportsbooks.
Our experts have listed the main pros and cons for both retail and online sportsbooks so you can choose what type of betting suits you best.
Like many US states, the Illinois Gaming Board has strict measures 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 like time outs, deposit, bet, and spend limits to help bettors manage their betting.
Outside of this, most Illinois online sportsbooks will provide links to responsible gambling organizations that can provide professional help to players, like the 'We Know The Feeling' support. The Board also operates a state-wide self-exclusion program players can join to prohibit themselves from gambling.
The account verification process required at Illinois sports betting sites is another measure to keep players safe, preventing underage gambling and identity theft.
Illinois sports betting was legalized when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690. This legalized both online and retail sports betting.
Illinois sports betting operations commenced on March 9, 2020, when Rivers Casino in Des Plaines opened the first retail sportsbook. Illinois online sportsbooks followed three months after, on June 18, 2020. Once again, BetRivers was the first platform to go live.
The original Illinois sports betting law required Illinois sports bettors to register for an online account in person. However, this regulation was removed by IL lawmakers on March 5, 2022, and now you can sign up using Illinois sports betting apps anywhere in the state.
Since Illinois betting launched in June 2020, Illinois residents have been given access to some of the best US sports betting sites. Yes, the Illinois sports betting market is smaller than most US states, with only seven licensed sportsbooks, but Illinois sports betting apps are some of the best.
Which platform is best 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.
Yes, you can bet on sports legally in IL. There are seven online sportsbooks you can bet on in illinois which you can sign up for using the links on this page. You can also visit one of the seven retail sportsbooks at a land-based casino if you want to bet in person.
Yes, you can use FanDuel to bet on sports legally in Illinois. FanDuel is licensed through its partnership with FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing at Fairmount Park and has been operating in IL since August 2020.
You must be 21 or older to use Illinois betting sites, as well as physically located within state lines. Whether you play online or visit Illinois retail sportsbooks, you must prove your age.
Illinois sports bettors can find loads of online betting markets for a range of professional and college sports, including betting lines for Illinois teams. You can place bets on major league teams anywhere in the state, but you must visit a retail sportsbook to wager on Illinois college teams.
Illinois sports betting apps are legal, and you can choose from seven different sports betting apps. You must allow your Illinois sports betting site to access your geolocation services to prove your location.
There are several top-quality Illinois online sportsbooks, and each has benefits for signing up. By reading our page, you can find more detail about which sites provide the best odds, top bonuses, and fun features.
If you are an Illinois resident, you can legally bet on sports using one of the seven online sportsbooks licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board. Popular sportsbooks include DraftKings, Caesars, BetRivers, and FanDuel.
Yes, you can bet online on college sports in Illinois, but there are some restrictions. Online sportsbooks are prohibited from offering bets on Illinois college teams. This means that while you can bet on college sports, you cannot place these bets online if the teams are from Illinois.
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