Online sports betting in Illinois

Online sports betting is now legal in Illinois and there are plenty of operators to choose from. Let IL Betting guide you with expert reviews, the latest news & unique bonus offers.

Mikhael Aram By: Mikhael Aram
Fact checked by: Phil Naessens
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1 DraftKings
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2 Caesars
Caesars review
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3 BetRivers
BetRivers review
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4 FanDuel
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Latest news

Illinois state symbol

Best betting sites in Illinois

  1. DraftKings Illinois: Best betting site for promos
  2. Caesars Illinois: Best betting site for NFL
  3. BetRivers Illinois: Best betting site for smartphones
  4. FanDuel Illinois: Best betting site for beginners

DraftKings logo

1. DraftKings Illinois

  • Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $200
  • Retail location: Casino Queen
  • Live in Illinois since: 2020

DraftKings started in New Jersey but has since expanded to several states such as Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, and Indiana, among others. Their mobile betting app in Illinois has been the main reason behind its success in the Prairie State.

Here, the betting operator has inked a deal with East St. Louis’s Casino Queen to offer both online and in-person sports wagering. You can register your DraftKings Illinois account online from anywhere in the state.

Best feature: Their reward program, called Dynasty Rewards, gives existing users bonuses that other operators can’t match.

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Caesars logo

2. Caesars Illinois

  • Welcome bonus: $1250 in Bet Credits
  • Retail location: Harrah’s Metropolis Hotel & Casino
  • Live in Illinois since: 2020

This exciting betting site went live in August 2020 in Illinois. Caesars holds a license with the Illinois Gaming Board and has a land-based sportsbook at the Grand Victoria Casino. Because of this, players are able to place bets online, via an excellent app, and in person.

Caesars Illinois has a strong theme and a simple layout making it easy to navigate and make sports bets. The betting site has an array of markets available all year round, and there is the Caesars Rewards program that provides ongoing bonuses.

Best feature: The daily odds boosts that pump up the payouts on winnable props and parlays.

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BetRivers logo

3. BetRivers Illinois

  • Welcome bonus: Up To $500 Second Chance Bet
  • Retail location: Rivers Casino Des Plaines
  • Live in Illinois since: 2020

BetRivers is a division of Rush Street Interactive. In addition to Illinois, the betting site is also available in a number of states such as Michigan, Arizona, Colorado, Virginia, and Indiana. The list of betting lines and markets at BetRivers Illinois is huge, so there are many options.

BetRivers was the first online betting site to launch in Illinois and it has a partnership with Rivers Casino Des Plaines in order to offer in-person wagering to anyone who wants to place bets offline.

Best feature: Their app feels blazing fast and has many innovative functions.

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FanDuel logo

4. FanDuel Illinois

  • Welcome bonus: $1000 in Bonus Bets
  • Retail location: Fairmount Park
  • Live in Illinois since: 2020

FanDuel first launched its daily fantasy site in the summer of 2009. The company made its way into the legal Illinois sports betting scene in July 2019 and is available in many other states.

FanDuel built on its popularity as a daily fantasy sports provider to attract an immediate player base. It has grown continually, and this operator is in a truly elite category.

Best feature: Their desktop site has a modern look and is very easy to use, even for beginners.

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Other IL sports betting sites

In addition to our preferred Illinois betting sites discussed above, there are some others:

PointsBet Illinois

PointsBet opened its business in Illinois in September 2020 and was the fourth sports betting site in Illinois to launch. It is an Australian operator that entered the market through a partnership with Hawthorne Race Course, one of the three racetracks in Illinois.

The main selling point of PointsBet Illinois is its unique high-risk and high-reward wagering option known as Points Betting. It offers new players a lucrative welcome bonus once they sign up, and this betting site offers players a wide range of sports on which they can place their bets.

Best feature: The live betting function is well-designed and has many cool features, such as their “lightning bets” that provide instant action.

Barstool Illinois

Barstool Illinois has a simple navy and black theme that’s very easy on the eyes. It’s also very easy to navigate around, with clear menus and an uncluttered design. As such, it’s straightforward to access any of the 20+ sports, check out the different odds, and create a betting slip in just a few clicks.

Barstool went live in Illinois in March 2021, making it the sixth operator to do so. In accordance with the Illinois Gaming Board’s rules and requirements, the betting site has gotten a license from the state to operate.

Best feature: We like the orderly, well-organized online betting platform layout.

BetMGM Illinois

Launched on March 7, 2022, BetMGM Illinois offers an array of betting options to players within the state. Importantly, it holds a license with the Illinois Gaming Commission, ensuring it is legal within the state. Additionally, it also partners with Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino. Players can access the betting site in person and via a laptop.

BetMGM has over 20 sports on its betting menu, covering various events and tournaments. Odds are regularly updated, and there are live betting opportunities as well.

Best feature: BetMGM is an official partner of the MLB, making baseball betting extra interesting through constant promotions such as boosted odds.

Unibet Illinois (coming soon)

While Unibet has a very strong European presence, it’s currently still working to enter the US market on a wider scale. Currently, Unibet Illinois is not yet up and running though there is a partnership deal in place.

When it does launch, Unibet is ready to unleash a wealth of exciting features that have been well-received in other states.

Best feature: They place an emphasis on the live betting function that covers plenty of different sporting events.

Facts about Illinois sports betting

Sports betting legal since: 2019
Number of online betting sites: 7
Number of retail sportsbooks: 12
Legal betting age: 21
Total betting handle 2022: $10 billion
Governing body: The Illinois Gaming Board

Yes, online sports betting is now legal in the state of Illinois. As of 2019, the state passed a bill legalizing sports wagering under the leadership of Governor J.B. Pritzker. In 2020, the first online sports betting site to operate legally in Illinois was BetRivers, which was followed later by a plethora of other betting brands.

Anyone that is at least 21 years of age can legally register and place bets with a betting site that has a license from the Illinois Gaming Board.

woman thinking

Professional sports teams to bet on in Illinois

The state of Illinois has a vast variety of successful teams in most major sports. The most popular teams include:

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs are one of the oldest and most popular teams in professional baseball. The three-time champion Cubs have existed since 1870 and are part of the National League Central division. They have played their games since 1916 at legendary Wrigley Field, and 51 former Cubs are enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are one of just two original charter members of the NFL still in existence. Before the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Chicago Bears were six-time champions and won their first and only Super Bowl in 1985. The Bears are part of the NFC North, have played their games since 1970 at legendary Soldier Field, and 30 former Bears are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox are one of the eight original Major League Baseball charter members and have won three world titles since 1900. They play their home games at Guaranteed Rate Field as part of the American League Central Division. Also, 39 former Chicago White Sox players are enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the “Original Six” members of the National Hockey League and are six-time Stanley Cup Champions. Founded in 1926, the Blackhawks compete in the Western Conference Central Division and play their home games at the United Center with 33 former Chicago Blackhawks players enshrined in the NHL Hall of Fame.

Chicago Bulls

Founded in 1966, the Chicago Bulls compete in the Eastern Conference Central Division and have won six Larry O’Brien Championship Trophies. The Chicago Bulls were the first National Basketball Association franchise to win 70 games in a single season. They play their home games at the United Center and have 11 players enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Latest events in Illinois sports betting

There is always something new happening in the world of Illinois sports betting. We keep a finger on the pulse of evolving events and share them here. This timeline is updated on an ongoing basis, so you can check back with us periodically to stay up to date:

  • May 31, 2023 – Illinois Gaming Board Special Agent Bryan Hileman receives the Illinois Law Enforcement Medal of Honor. Hileman extracted an elderly couple from their burning car just before it exploded in February 2020.
  • May 25, 2023 – Illinois lawmakers extend the ban on placing wagers on in-state college teams online. Players can still place Tier 1 bets (point spread, moneyline, and totals) on in-state college teams at brick-and-mortar sportsbooks.
  • May 19, 2023 – The Illinois General Assembly session adjourned without advancing HB2239 and HB2320, bills that would establish the Internet Gaming Act that would legalize online casino gaming.
  • May 19, 2023 – Illinois Gaming Board released its monthly revenue report, with the total handle for the month of March exceeding $1 billion.
  • May 14, 2023 – Fanatics announced the acquisition of the PointsBet United States betting operation for $150 million. The three PointsBet retail facilities in Illinois and the sports betting site and app with be converted to the Fanatics brand over the coming months.
  • May 9, 2022 – Circa Sports announced an agreement with Full House Resorts to operate a retail sportsbook at the planned American Place gaming resort in Waukegan, Illinois. The Temporary by American Place will be the first stop for Circa while the main project is under construction.  
  • April 27, 2023 – The Chicago Bears select offensive lineman Darnell Wright from Tennessee with the tenth overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. 

 

There are plenty of leagues and sports to bet on in the Prairie State. Below are some of the most popular ones:

NFL Betting

There is no denying how important football is in Illinois, and betting takes the excitement to another level. Illinois betting apps will provide you with different markets for live or upcoming football games.

NHL Betting

If you’re a hockey fan and understand how the market works, you should be confident enough to place bets on the NHL using Illinois betting sites, as there are multiple ways to wager on the sport.

NBA Betting

The NBA has a huge following across the country, and it is especially popular in Illinois. Sports betting sites in Illinois provide a variety of betting markets for NBA and college basketball.

MLB Betting

Baseball is a longstanding tradition in Illinois, with countless loyal fans of the Chicago Cubs and White Sox. You can also get a piece of this action by placing your wager on your favorite team using an Illinois betting site.

Horse Race Betting

It’s been around for decades, but horse race betting in Illinois has never gone out of style. With hundreds of events taking place around the year, you will always find a race to bet on.

Betting bonuses & promotions

All the best sports betting sites in Illinois have a vast variety of betting bonuses they give to their players. For new users, you can usually take advantage of a deposit bonus or a second chance bet.

There are also other bonuses offered to existing members to keep things interesting. The most popular wagering bonuses in Illinois include:

How to register at an IL betting site

With a higher number of Illinois gambling sites, creating an account is easier and faster than ever. Here is how you register to an IL sports betting site in three easy steps:

Pick a betting site from our list

Once you have chosen your preferred Illinois betting site, the next step is signing up with your credentials. First, you’ll be required to fill in your full name, address, email address, and a strong password.

Verify your account information

When you have created your account, you will need to verify it. This is usually done by either email or SMS, but sometimes the operator might ask you to send your documents in order to verify your identity.

Make a deposit & start wagering

You can use one of the methods of banking offered by the online wagering site to deposit money into your account. The most popular banking options include PayPal, debit cards, and online banking.

Guides for beginners

Are you new to sports betting? Have a look at our guides for beginners created by our betting expert Phil Naessens.

Should I sign up for multiple betting sites?

As the number of online sportsbooks in Illinois currently available is seven, it can be hard to decide which one to sign up for. However, there are many benefits to signing up for multiple operators at the same time. Here is a list of some of the best reasons to do so:

Have different betting options

There is a great benefit to trying out different operators because different sites will have various types of betting options, depending on the sport, team, and player. Special bets will also vary a lot between different sites, so you can always be sure that you’ll find a bet type that interests you.

Get the best odds

Different websites can have different odds for the match that you want to bet on, so being able to compare the odds between various operators can give you the best deal possible when you wager on your chosen match or event.

Claim welcome bonuses

Possibly the greatest benefit of signing up to multiple Illinois betting sites is that most wagering sites try and entice new customers by offering sign-up bonuses, giving you different types of boosts to your betting experience.

Get a feel for different betting sites

You can also benefit by signing up for multiple betting sites by simply seeing how they all look, feel, and work while you’re wagering. This can help you make a decision on which operator you prefer and want to stick with if you decide to do so in the future.

Betting operator laws and regulations in Illinois

The passing of the Illinois Sports Wagering Act opened the door for sports wagering companies to apply for licenses, both for online betting on sports and for retail betting establishments in the state.

Here are some quick facts about the laws and regulations regarding betting operators in Illinois:

  • The fee that companies have to pay for sports betting licenses is up to $10 million and 5% of the total revenue of either the previous or current year, depending on when the license is issued by the IGB. The exclusively-online licenses, however, require a fee of $20 million.
  • There is a four-year validity period for both types of licenses and can be renewed for $1 million if the operator chooses to. There is no penalty for not renewing the license.
  • Currently, there is a 15% tax on gross revenues from sports betting for operators.
  • It is mandatory to use official league data when providing live betting features.

List of all online betting sites & retail partnerships in IL

Below is a list of all legal and licensed online betting sites that operate in Illinois, together with their retail partnerships throughout the state.

BetRivers: Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Barstool: Hollywood Casino Aurora, Hollywood Casino Joliet & Argosy Casino Alton
Caesars: Grand Victoria Casino Elgin, Harrah’s Joliet & Harrah’s Metropolis
BetMGM: Par-A-Dice Casino
DraftKings: Casino Queen
FanDuel: Fairmount Park
PointsBet: Hawthorne Race Course
Bally Bet: Bally’s Quad Cities

FAQ

questions

How many sports betting sites are available in Illinois?

There are 7 online sports betting sites in Illinois and 12 physical betting locations. However, more are expected to join the party.

What is the age requirement for sports betting in Illinois?

You have to be 21 years of age to be allowed to wager on sports in Illinois. The age requirement is the same for both online and retail sports betting.

What is the revenue of Illinois sports betting?

In 2022, the state of Illinois recorded over $9.7 billion in handle from sports betting. The figure is expected to rise in the coming years, with many more Illinois residents taking part in mobile sports wagering.

Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in IL?

All winnings must be reported when you file personal income taxes. You should declare your winnings when filing taxes, even when you haven't received a form from the betting site. You can also deduct the losses as itemized deductions.

Are there any physical sports betting locations in Illinois?

Yes. Retail sports betting locations in Illinois allow people to walk in, analyze the day’s games, and place their wagers. As an example, DraftKings has a retail betting location at the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois.

Who regulates sports betting in Illinois?

Sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. The Board regulates all aspects of sports betting and online gambling activities, including licensing, taxation, and enforcement. It also works to protect the interests of both players and operators by ensuring fair and honest gambling practices are followed at all times.

How does sports betting in Illinois compare to other states where it is legal?

The Illinois sports betting industry is one of the largest in the U.S.

Can I wager on college teams that are located in the state of Illinois?

Yes, you can bet on college teams that are located in Illinois but only at retail wagering locations. This includes teams like the Illinois Fighting Illini and the Northwestern Wildcats. Betting on in-state college games at online betting sites is still illegal.

Who can apply for a sports betting license in Illinois?

Any registered and licensed gaming company can apply for a sports betting license in Illinois. They have to pay up to $10 million if they are awarded a standard license and $20 million if they are awarded an online-only license.

Can I bet online in Chicago?

Yes, you can bet online in Chicago. Sports betting has been legal and live in the whole of Illinois, including Chicago, since March 2020. There are currently seven online sports betting websites to choose from if you want to bet on sports online in Chicago, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetRivers.

Do I still have to register in person if I bet online in Illinois?

No, you do not need to register in person when betting online in Illinois anymore. This rule was rescinded in March 2022, so you can now register online if you want to use betting apps in IL.

Can I participate in daily fantasy sports contests in IL?

Yes, you can play daily fantasy sports contests in Illinois. DraftKings and FanDuel are the two biggest DFS platforms in the state, and they provide top daily fantasy sports betting for Illinois residents.

What do I need to open an online sports betting account in Illinois?

In order to create an online sports betting account in Illinois, and depending on the operator, you need proof of identification, a physical address, an accepted payment method, an email address, and potentially a phone number and/or bank statement matching the address on the ID.

Do I have to be within Illinois state lines to bet on a betting site?

Yes, you have to be within Illinois state lines to bet on a betting site. This is part of the Illinois Sports Wagering Act that was passed in June 2019. You don’t have to have permanent residency in IL, but you do have to be in the state in order to bet on sports online at Illinois betting sites.

Author Details

Mikhael Aram

Mikhael Aram

Mikhael is a researcher and editor at IL Betting. He is an expert at analyzing betting apps & sportsbook promotions. Mikhael covers a variety of different topics within the world of Illinois sports betting.

Fact checked by: Phil Naessens