Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are easily Illinois’ best-known NFL team. They also enjoy a deal with DraftKings as official betting partner. The Bears have only won the Super Bowl once – in 1985 – but they won the NFC North recently in 2018.
Looking for the best in Illinois sports betting? Check out this detailed review and find great deals and the top sportsbooks in Illinois. With the in-person registration order lifted, bettors will now be able to download an app or sign up online with selected operators and place bets wherever they are in The Prairie State as from March 2022.
REGISTRATION NO: 9904-889
All Operators on this List are Licensed by Illinois Gaming Board
Sports betting in Illinois has been legal since 2019. Since the Sports Wagering Act was signed, several Illinois sportsbooks have opened their doors to gamblers from Chicago to Peoria. All of our top-rated Illinois sports betting sites offer 1000s of markets, juicy deals, and a welcome bonus.
As a part of the MGM Resorts International, BetMGM Sportsbook launched in 2018 and quickly became one of the top sports betting brands among US legal operators. Offering its services across several states, BetMGM Sportsbook provides a unique user experience and a vast of available betting markets. As of March 2022, bettors in Illinois are allowed to register online with BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook and enjoy betting without prior in-person registration with a land-based partner. Bettors in Illinois able to benefit from regular bonuses and promotions that can be claimed by both new and existing players. Bonus codes for BetMGM are frequent and available not only for the sportsbook, but for casino and poker as well.
A new name on the market, Caesars Illinois Sportsbook offers a range of excellent features and betting markets. You can download a Caesars Sportsbook app or sign up online to enjoy a big welcome bonus and a great rewards program.
Like DraftKings, FanDuel is one of the leading daily fantasy sports providers in the USA. FanDuel now operates legal online sports betting in Illinois and many other US states. One of the main bonus features of FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook is its risk-free betting offer. You can claim up to $1,000 back as a free bet if your first wager loses.
PointsBet launched in the Fall of 2020 in partnership with Hawthorne Race Course. It’s an Australian gambling firm that uses a unique spread betting model. However, at PointsBet’s Illinois sportsbook, you can still enjoy fixed-odds gambling on NFL, NHL and much more.
BetRivers Illinois was the first IL sportsbook to open its doors back in 2020. It enjoys a partnership with Rivers Casino Des Plaines under the Rush Street Interactive umbrella. You can bet on all major US sports using BetRivers’ awesome Kambi platform, but there’s also room for regular promotions such as free bets and a deposit match bonus.
DraftKings are best-known for their online daily fantasy sports site, but they’ve been busy launching sportsbooks in many regulated US states. DraftKings Illinois went live in August 2020 and it offers one of the biggest welcome bonuses around. You can also use your funds to enter daily fantasy contests on a host of US sports.
As the Illinois market continues growing, we can expect other brands to join the sportsbook race. One of the brands to consider in the Illinois sports betting market is Barstool. It operates under a Penn National Gaming license, the owners of three casinos in Illinois. However, it's very likely that we'll see many more join the market due to the sheer size of the Prairie State.
Illinois sports betting went live in 2019 but it’s been a slow process getting a bunch of sportsbooks up and running. In 2021 there are around half a dozen Illinois sportsbooks offering markets online or via mobile apps. theScore has secured access to the Illinois sports betting market in partnership with Harrah’s Casino in Joliet. However, the app has yet to launch.
Illinois sports betting apps are 100% legal in the state. Download a dedicated sportsbook apps and make deposits or place bets wherever you are in the state. You can also set up deposit limits before you play.
Illinois online sports bettors have a choice of Android apps to download. Some are available from the Google Play Store but many are available for download direct from the sportsbook homepage. Click on the download link and install the .apk file, remembering to allow downloads from Unknown Sources. You’ll need to be running Android 5.0 or higher but we advise Android 6.0 if you can.
Most Illinois sportsbook apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store. Pay attention to the minimum OS required as you may have to update before downloading. Also ensure you have enough memory to handle the app space. Many sportsbook apps can take up over 100MB.
Illinois online sports betting might be in its infancy but there are already some standout operators open for business. Our team of reviewers has examined the best online sportsbooks to find the one that delivers on betting options, features and promotions. Ready for our top-rated app for betting in Illinois?
With Caesars sportsbook, you can now enjoy some of the best features and software coupled with superb NFL promotions. Join now and claim a risk-free bet or join the Caesars Rewards program to earn credits every time you gamble.
The top Illinois sports betting operators offer a range of promotions including free bets, enhanced odds and reward programs.
Start your journey by downloading an app or signing up online and completing your registration in person at a partner retail sportsbook. You’ll need to bring some photo ID with you too.
Once you’ve signed up, you’re free to make a deposit and claim a welcome bonus including free bets. Earn money back on your first wager if it loses or get free bets to use on football, hockey or any of your favorite sports.
Look out too for wagering requirements. Some promotions require you to gamble your winnings once or twice over before you withdraw them to your account.
Sports betting in Illinois is all about claiming free bets and generous promotions. You can normally claim a welcome bonus when you open your account and download the app.
Welcome bonuses vary from sportsbook to sportsbook but usually include one or all of the following deals:
You should also be aware of any wagering requirements. Before releasing any winnings from a free bet, you may have to wager them several times over on other markets. For instance, it’s normal for a free bet bonus to carry a wagering requirement of 1-2x.
FanDuel sportsbook offers a pair of cool promotions to Illinois bettors.
You can claim $150 free bets just by opening your account and depositing $5 at FanDuel’s retail sportsbook. This in-person registration requirement is enshrined in Illinois sports betting law and won’t be revoked until 2022.
You’re required to make a minimum deposit of $10 in order to withdraw any winnings from your free bets.
Illinois sports betting sites offer 1000s of markets covering US sports and overseas games. Bet pre-game on the night’s NFL clash or bet months in advance on the winner of the Super Bowl.
Under Illinois gaming law, you can bet on single games, parlays and combos covering most US sports. Overseas games such as European soccer, cricket and rugby are also permitted, as is e-Sports.
You’re allowed to wager on college basketball and football at Illinois betting sites. However, you won’t be able to gamble on any games featuring Illinois college teams playing at home.
As with most legal betting sites in the US, Illinois sportsbooks also prohibit betting on politics and some novelty markets such as TV and music.
All of the most popular sports betting options are available, including:
You’re only a few steps away from making your first wager at Illinois sports betting sites. First, you’ll need to download an app or sign up for an account online. Once you’ve completed your registration you can make a deposit, enter a promo code and claim your very first bonus!
It’s easy to start your registration process at IL sportsbooks. First, you’ll need to download an app through the App Store or Google Play Store. Alternatively, you can sign up for an online account.
You will need to create a username and password first to use as a login every time you want to access the sportsbook. Then, enter some personal details, including:
Under the original IL gambling law, you had to register your account in person at a participating casino or sportsbook. That rule was waived in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since April 2021, however, the in-person registration requirement has been reinstated. You’ll have to visit a retail sportsbook to complete the registration. Just bring some valid ID and your username. Bring the mobile phone with the app installed too. You can then log in and place bets from anywhere in Illinois.
There’s another change to in-person registration, however. Illinois is set to scrap the requirement altogether for some mobile operators from March 2022.
You will need to make a deposit before you start betting in Illinois. Under IL law you can use a range of payment methods to fund your account. Use a trusted card such as Visa or MasterCard or open a PayPal account to send money anonymously over the web.
Some US banks still frown upon online and mobile gambling transactions. So be prepared for declined payments from your bank. If that happens, you can use some alternative banking options such as PayNearMe or a prepaid card such as Play+.
Most electronic deposits are processed within minutes. Minimum deposits are usually in the $10-20 range, and you’ll be able to set deposit limits before you start betting in Illinois. Illinois sportsbooks allow players to deposit or withdraw funds from their account at any time.
Debit/Credit cards:
e-Wallets:
Prepaid cards
In-person payments
Online banking
Generally, you can make withdrawals using the following methods:
It’s easiest to withdraw funds using the same method utilized for deposits, though credit/debit cards are generally not accepted as a withdrawal method.
Withdrawals take longer to process than deposits. For example, the FanDuel Illinois site estimates the following withdrawal times, which are typical:
All Illinois sports betting apps offer some sort of welcome bonus. You may need to enter a promo code to access the promotion. However, in most cases you just need to have a valid account and make a qualifying deposit.
To use a promo code, either enter it on the registration form or on the cashier page when you make a deposit. Once it’s been validated, the sportsbook will credit free bet tokens or bonus funds to your account.
With free bets in your account, you’re ready to start betting on sports in Illinois. Place your bets on eligible sports and keep in mind the minimum odds requirement. For instance, you may only be permitted to bet on single games at odds of -120 or higher. Always check the bonus terms and conditions first.
Sportsbook apps in Illinois offer a wide range of betting options for gamblers. You can scroll through an A-Z of sports or cut straight to the chase by selecting all available moneyline bets for that day. Good mobile apps in Illinois also offer a host of special features such as live streaming, match visualizers and game statistics.
Gambling.com’s experienced team reviews betting sites from around the world. Our reviewers sign up for accounts, place wagers and use a specific methodology to evaluate the overall mobile and online betting experience. Among the key factors we consider:
Gambling.com only reviews sites that are legal, licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. Offshore-based sportsbooks lack proper regulation and oversight, are not reviewed, and never recommended.
You can navigate a user-friendly lobby crammed with different sports and markets. Swipe through sports via the carousel feature, tap on selections and add them to your bet slip. You can also add sports or bets to a Favorites list for easier access later on.
Good IL sportsbook apps also offer buttons that let you get straight to the cashier or live chat operator. All betting apps are not the same. We test each sports betting app to determine ease to use, layout, number of wagering options and overall mobile betting experience.
Looking for a price fast? The sportsbook will list a full selection of odds on all markets for a particular game. Click on a game to see prices on moneyline, point spread and totals, plus odds for correct scores and player prop bets. You can also filter by sport to find odds on every game taking place that night or week. Pricing is key to sports betting success. Illinois bettors should always be on the lookout for the sites that offer the most player-friendly odds and prices.
Online sportsbooks offer a variety of gambling bonus offers and promotions to sign up new players. We help determine which are the most lucrative and restrictive.
In-play betting is a massive feature of legal gambling apps in Illinois. With live betting, you can gamble on games and matches as they happen. The odds will change in real time as the circumstances of the game change. Track the odds in the lobby or via your selection in the bet slip. You can choose to accept the odds change or wait for a better price.
Some IL sportsbooks offer live streams on selected games. Alternatively, you can follow the action live via a graphic visualizer. The in-built visualizer displays in-game stats such as possession, shots on goal and score. It offers another tool for savvy gamblers who want as much information as possible.
Many games display graph icons alongside the prices. Click on this icon to bring up full stats on a game or team. You’ll find team form, head-to-head stats and league standing.
Sports bettors want a site that offers convenient deposit and withdrawal options.
Good customer support is essential if you want help fast. All sportsbooks in Illinois will offer customer help via live chat, email or phone. Ideally, support should be available 24 hours a day.
Mobile and online betting in Illinois is easy and more accessible than ever. That’s why it’s vital you stay safe when you bet online. Here are some quick tips for safe Illinois sports betting.
It’s only legal to gamble on sportsbooks that are regulated and licensed in Illinois. While offshore sportsbooks are available to gamblers in Illinois, they are unlicensed and unregulated in the US. You are taking a huge risk with your money and there is no guarantee you’ll ever receive any winnings or bonus cash.
It’s easy to make a deposit at online sportsbooks in Illinois but you should always maintain a bankroll when you gamble. Decide on a total bankroll and level of stakes before you start betting. You should also consider setting deposit and gaming limits when you sign up.
Illinois sportsbooks offer a range of bonuses but all promotions carry strict betting conditions. It’s important you read the terms and wagering requirements before you opt in. If the playthrough requirements seem unachievable, steer clear.
Don’t get sucked in to betting on any market before you understand how the bets and odds work . Getting to grips with moneyline bets, point spreads and totals bets doesn’t take long, but it’s important to understand how payouts are calculated. It will make you more profitable in the long run.
There are several Illinois sports betting sites up and running in 2021. Odds and promotions can differ from sportsbook to sportsbook, so we advise opening multiple accounts. You don’t have to use every account but it gives you options when you want to find more competitive odds and bonuses.
Illinois bettors have access to a huge range of markets and sports. Bet on the weekend’s NFL games or a Saturday match in the English Premier League. You can also bet on major events that only take place once a year. You may be offered free bets on the biggest sporting events and get access to enhanced odds and special prop bets.
You can bet on hundreds of sports teams at Illinois sportsbooks. Plus, of course, you’re allowed to bet on local pro and college football teams.
The Chicago Bears are easily Illinois’ best-known NFL team. They also enjoy a deal with DraftKings as official betting partner. The Bears have only won the Super Bowl once – in 1985 – but they won the NFC North recently in 2018.
Chicago’s Major League Baseball team have had a resurgence of late. The Cubs won the World Series in 2016 and bagged the Central Division title in 2020.
Chicago’s other world-famous baseball team won the World Series in 2005 and most recently took down the AL Central Division title in 2021. The White Sox are perhaps best-known for their role in the gambling scandal at the 1919 World Series.
The Chicago Bulls compete in the Eastern Conference Central Division of the NBA. They have 6 championship titles to their name, the most recent of which came in 1998.
The ‘Hawks’ are a professional hockey team based in Chicago. They have won six Stanley Cups since their inception in 1926. Those included a run of three Cups in five years (2010, 2013, 2015).
Sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. They are responsible for issuing betting licenses to approved operators and ensuring that everything is done to protect gamblers. Under the current IL gaming law, there could be up to 23 master licenses that will be eventually issued.
Online and mobile sports betting might be 100% legal in Illinois but sadly the same can’t be said for Illinois online casinos. The Internet Gaming Act (IGA) has been introduced, which would add legalized online casinos and poker to the existing gambling laws. However, any such expansion is unlikely to happen any time in 2022.
Registering an online account without prior in-person registration is now available in the state of Illinois. Bettors in the state will now be able to register an account with BetMGM as of March 5, 2022. Caesars Sportsbook and other brands are expected to accept online registration in the coming days.
Illinois is live for online sports betting, however, the state is still moving to get rid of in-person registration. This in-person registration is set to end on March 2022. after which you will be able to register online and start placing bets. There are currently six sportsbooks taking IL bets: BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, Fanduel, Barstool, and Caesars.
The Illinois General Assembly signed off amendments for the HB 3136 bill. Mainly indicating that in-person registration for online or offline bets will end on March 5, 2022. As well as opening up betting on college sports - but only in-person at casino sportsbooks. The bill now needs Gov. Pritzker to sign it off.
Illinois Records $400.3 Million August Sports Betting Handle. After four months of a sharp decline, the Handle finally begins to bounce back, according to the monthly report from the gaming board. Attributed to baseball bets and the start of NFL season.
NFL season opens with seven retail and three online sportsbooks operating in the state. Several more are expected to join the marketplace before the end of the year.
DraftKings and FanDuel announce partnerships with existing Illinois gambling entities, allowing both to immediately offer online sports betting, instead of enduring state’s 18-month “penalty box” period.
Governor issues emergency order temporarily suspending in-person registration requirement. BetRivers becomes state’s first online sportsbook to launch. The emergency order would lapse and eventually be reinstated through at least Sept. 19.
First retail sportsbook wager is accepted at Rivers Casino Des Plaines. Less than a week later, casino and sportsbook are ordered to temporarily close due to coronavirus.
New and revised sports betting legislation is introduced. With many potential stakeholders involved, passage seems like a long shot, though Gov. J.B. Pritzker publicly supports a bill and includes sports betting revenue in his proposed state budget. Sports betting bill is passed on last day of legislative session and signed into law in June. The law provides for both online and retail sports betting (at casinos, racetracks, sports venues), but bettors must first register at a physical casino to set up an online account. Online-only platforms are limited to three license-holders, and each must wait 18 months before entering the marketplace.
The US Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting. Sports wagering bills are introduced in Illinois Legislature.
All legalized companies in the Illinois sports betting market must adhere to proper responsible gambling checks. Customers must have access to sportsbook tools which let them setpersonal deposit limits and gaming session times. You should also be able to request a time-out period or go for a complete self-exclusion. In addition, IL sportsbooks will list available local resources such as Gamblers Anonymous contacts.
Total handle | Mobile Handle | Revenue | |
---|---|---|---|
August | $564.837M | $540.038M | $47.789M |
July | $516.415M | $496.147M | $46.080M |
Change | Up 9.4% | Up 8.8% | Up 3.7% |
Updated October 28
LATEST NEWS: Illinois Sports Betting Revenue Down 46% in February
No, Illinois sports betting legislation was signed into law in 2019. In 2020, online sports betting went live. As of 2022, there are around a half dozen online sportsbook taking bets in IL. Check out the top 5 Illinois sportsbooks and our bonus codes here.
There are several legal sites offering online betting odds on major sports in Illinois. Download an Illinois mobile sports betting app now, use one of our exclusive Illinois betting bonus offers and you can start to bet online for real money.
You can bet online from Illinois on BetMGM IL, DraftKings IL, Fanduel IL, PointsBet IL, Barstool Sportsbook IL, Caesars IL, and BetRivers IL. Follow our secure sign-up links on this page to download one or multiple desktop or mobile sportsbook apps and start betting online for real money.
You will have to download a mobile app or sign up at an online sportsbook. You must prove that you are 21 or over when you open your account by providing photo ID and potentially other documentation too.
You must be aged 21 or over to bet for real money on sports in Illinois. You’ll have to provide your Social Security Number in order to verify your details.
Betting on sports in Illinois with the state’s regulated providers will be safe. No matter what you wager on with the best sportsbooks in Illinois, you’re not taking any bets on your safety.
No, but you will have to be inside Illinois when you log on and place a bet. IL sportsbooks use geolocation tools and GPS in order to verify your exact whereabouts. Just make sure you’re physically located within the state’s borders when you’re placing bets.
Unregulated and offshore Illinois sports betting sites are unlicensed in the US so there’s little protection for gamblers if something goes wrong. Only join reputable sportsbooks that are licensed in Illinois.
All legal sports betting in Illinois is under the regulatory oversight of the Illinois Gaming Board. The board also regulates gaming at the state’s many riverboat casinos.
Every one of Chicago’s professional sports teams can be bet on with the state’s licensed sports betting platforms. The Bears are an obvious hometown choice. And, with MLB betting, you can always bet on the Cubs and White Sox.
"Two decades covering sports and the evolution of online betting. My experience as a handicapper uniquely qualifies me to evaluate which operator is best."
Reviewer since August 2019