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.


Legal betting sites in Illinois
Latest news
Best betting sites in Illinois
Other IL sports betting sites
Facts about Illinois sports betting
Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?
Professional sports teams to bet on in Illinois
Latest events in Illinois sports betting
Popular sports to bet on in Illinois
Betting bonuses & promotions
How to register at an IL betting site
Guides for beginners
Should I sign up for multiple betting sites?
Betting operator laws and regulations in Illinois
List of all online betting sites & retail partnerships in IL
FAQ
Legal betting sites in Illinois
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- Promo: BETT1FULL
- Official NFL partner
- Many betting options
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Best betting sites in Illinois
- DraftKings Illinois: Best betting site for promos
- Caesars Illinois: Best betting site for NFL
- BetRivers Illinois: Best betting site for smartphones
- FanDuel Illinois: Best betting site for beginners
Other IL sports betting sites
In addition to our preferred Illinois betting sites discussed above, there are some others:
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 |
Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?
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.
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:
Popular sports to bet on in Illinois
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:
- No deposit bonuses – Get a bonus without having to make a deposit.
- Betting promo codes – Unlock a variety of different promotions.
- Bonus bets – Place wagers with bonus bets provided by the site.
- Sign-up bonuses – A bonus you get when you create a new account.
- Protected bets – Place a wager and get a bonus bet second chance if you lose.
- Deposit match bonuses – Get your deposit matched by a certain percentage.
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
Get the best odds
Claim welcome bonuses
Get a feel for different betting sites
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:
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
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.