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Sports betting apps in Illinois

In June 2020, Illinois witnessed its first sports betting app when BetRivers began accepting online customers. Right now, more than 7 brands have launched their own mobile applications in the state. On this page, we will discuss the best betting apps Illinois residents can enjoy.

Table of contents
1 DraftKings
(4.5) DraftKings review
$200
in Bonus Bets
GET BONUS
(+7)
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
2 Caesars
(4.5) Caesars review
$1250
in Bet Credits
GET BONUS
(+7)
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
3 BetRivers
(4.5) BetRivers review
$500
in Free Bets
GET BONUS
(+5)
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
4 FanDuel
(4.5) FanDuel review
$200
in Bonus Bets
GET BONUS
(+5)
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Best betting apps in Illinois

  1. DraftKings Illinois - Best betting app for beginners
  2. Caesars Illinois - Best betting app for high odds
  3. BetRivers Illinois - Best betting app for live wagering
  4. FanDuel Illinois - Best betting app for iOS
  5. PointsBet Illinois - Best betting app for unique wagering types
  6. Barstool Illinois - Best betting app for advanced players
  7. BetMGM Illinois - Best betting app for fast transactions

In the fast-growing market of online sports betting in Illinois, we examined all the apps that are available in the state to create a list with the best of them.

We expect other sport betting apps that will be launched soon, but for now, these are the best legal sports betting apps in Illinois:

DraftKings logo

1. DraftKings app Illinois

DraftKings is Casino Queen's land-based associate which offers one of the best sports betting apps in the state of Illinois. DraftKings was created to serve mobile users as their primary focus, and its site is highly friendly for such devices. Knowing this, it is expected for DraftKings' app to offer a high-quality experience.

It has a clean and easy interface with the best promotional offers being listed at the top. Furthermore, its app can be downloaded on iOS, Android, and even desktops. DraftKings entered the Illinois market on August 5, 2020.

Top feature: The best feature of the DraftKings betting app for Illinois is its ease of use, which makes it suitable for beginners. It has a sleek and intuitive design, making it easy to find the games and markets you're looking for. The app also provides a wide variety of sports betting options, including live betting, parlays, and futures.

Caesars logo

2. Caesars app Illinois

Despite Caesars launching in August 2020 in Illinois, it wasn't until the following month that the betting app became available within the state. This app recreates the desktop betting site exactly, offering all the same betting options, features, functions, and so on. This makes it possible to switch back and forth between the two platforms easily.

The Caesars betting app is compatible with both Android and iOS systems. Placing a bet is also very easy thanks to the efficient and intuitive betting slip that is provided. As with the desktop site, over 20 sports are available, odds are updated regularly, and you can access the Caesars Rewards scheme, earning and using the points you have accrued.

Top feature: The Caesars Illinois betting application offers competitive odds which make it stand out from the competition. With better odds, bettors can get more value for their money and increase their chances of winning big. The app also makes it easy to monitor and compare odds across different markets, giving users the ability to make informed decisions.

BetRivers logo

3. BetRivers app Illinois

BetRivers is not only one of the leading names in sports betting in the US, it was actually the very first company to launch its online betting app in Illinois on June 18, 2020. Their app is available on every device, be it a smartphone or a tablet, and can be downloaded on both Android and iOS.

BetRivers' betting app is responsive and perfect for wagering on the go. It is packed with lots of features making it highly interesting to use. The app has a great section with lots of information on the main page. It has everything you want in an app, including live streaming of sports and live betting.

Top feature: The best feature of the BetRivers Illinois app is its live betting function. This allows you to make bets during the game, giving you the chance to react to the action as it happens. The live betting interface is easy to use and provides a wealth of information, including detailed stats and up-to-date odds. You can also follow the action on the live streaming feature which provides access to select sporting events.

FanDuel logo

4. FanDuel app Illinois

FanDuel first launched its app for betting in Illinois on August 24, 2020, becoming the third operator to go live in the state. Their reputation as a top sports betting brand is well-earned, as the mobile application offers a top-flight overall user experience. FanDuel offers an amazing bonus offer when you sign up at its site for the first time.

Their mobile app is highly easy to navigate and has a clean and intuitive interface, so you won't face any problems when using it for the first time. Another feature of FanDuel's app is that it gives you the option of turning your bet into a teaser or round-robin when you place a wager by just clicking once. Its app can be downloaded on Android and iPhone devices and even desktops.

Top feature: The FanDuel Illinois betting app has a great user interface, especially on iOS. It is easy to navigate, with a simple and intuitive design. You can quickly find what you are looking for. The app also has helpful menus, so you can quickly get to the exact betting markets you are interested in.

Pointsbet logo

5. PointsBet app Illinois

  • Available on: iOS & Android
  • Welcome bonus: $250 in Second Chance Bets

PointsBet is an Australian sports betting company that has made inroads in the US market over the past few years. It was the fourth mobile sports betting application in IL to launch on September 9, 2020.

The PointsBet mobile app is pretty stylish with black and dark red colors, but still, it's not hard to use and is fully readable. It has a menu that lets you view the most recent promotions or even change your odds preference. Its app is available on iOS, Android, and desktop.

Top feature: The best feature of the PointsBet betting app is Points Betting, which is unique to this operator. It allows users to win or lose more than traditional fixed-odds betting. The potential winnings or losses are based on how correct a user's prediction was and the stake they placed. This makes for a much more exciting and unpredictable betting experience.

Barstool logo

6. Barstool app Illinois

  • Available on: iOS & Android
  • Welcome bonus: Risk-Free Bet Up To $1000

Mobile betting from Barstool went live in March 2021 in Illinois. This means that players in IL can access all the same betting options as the desktop site when they are out and about. The app itself is compatible with both Android and iOS devices too. Better still, it's downloadable from either of the relevant app stores as well as via links from the Barstool home page.

The Barstool betting app has a wealth of features, including the ability to place and edit bets. Jumping between the online platforms is simple too, just make sure you've logged in with the same account. It's possible to also use this app inside land-based partner venues such as Argosy Casino Alton, Hollywood Casino Joliet, and Hollywood Casino Aurora.

Top feature: The best feature of the Barstool betting app in Illinois is its variety of betting types, making it ideal for advanced bettors. These include fantasy sports, live in-play betting, and pool betting. With fantasy sports, users can create their own teams and compete for real money prizes. Live in-play betting allows users to place bets on live games as they unfold. Pool betting offers users the chance to join and compete in a variety of pool-style bet games.

BetMGM

7. BetMGM app Illinois

  • Available on: iOS & Android
  • Welcome bonus: Up to $1000 Risk-Free Bet

Slower to the Illinois betting market than other sportsbooks, BetMGM launched its app in the state on March 7, 2022. This means that players can now access all the same sports and betting options on the go as they can via the desktop. BetMGM Illinois is also partnered with Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino, enabling players to place bets in person if they wish.

The BetMGM betting app offers the same features as the desktop site. Players in IL can customize any futures, live, or pre-game bets quickly and easily on the app. BetMGM Rewards can also be accessed via the app, allowing players to earn points as they play. To get the app, just head to the BetMGM home page.

Top feature: The BetMGM Illinois mobile sports betting app offers a fast and secure payment processing system. Transactions are processed quickly and securely, with no hidden fees or extra charges. It also offers a variety of payment methods, including major credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets and more. This makes it easier and more convenient to get your funds quickly and securely.

Unibet app Illinois (Not live yet)

Despite having a good presence in a number of other states, Unibet has yet to launch in Illinois. However, the sportsbook has already made a deal with the Illinois Gambling Board, so it's likely it will launch in early 2023.

It's going to be exciting when it does, as the Unibet betting app has some of the best features around. Unibet was founded in Sweden in 1997 and has been a major player in Europe for many years.

Ratings of Illinois betting apps

With more than 7 different mobile betting apps to choose from in Illinois, it is crucial to know what other users have to say about them before downloading one. Below is a table showing the ratings of all apps on both the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).

Betting app

iOS rating

Android rating

FanDuel

4.8 ⭐

4.7 ⭐

DraftKings

4.8 ⭐

4.5 ⭐

BetRivers

4.6 ⭐

3.8 ⭐

PointsBet

4.8 ⭐

4.7 ⭐

BetMGM

4.8 ⭐

4.4 ⭐

Barstool

4.8 ⭐

3.2 ⭐

Caesars

4.6 ⭐

4.3 ⭐

Unibet

4.0 ⭐

3.3 ⭐

Bonuses on mobile betting apps in IL

Some apps offer betting bonuses for Illinois players if you download and sign up for a new account. These welcome bonuses are sometimes different from the sign-up promotions offered on the web-based sportsbook.

There are different types of promotions offered, but the most common bonuses on betting apps in Illinois are:

  • No deposit bonuses - This is a bonus you'll get without making any real money deposit.
  • Free bets - Place a wager with free credits given by the betting operator.
  • Risk-free bets - Wager with your own funds, but get them back if you lose.
  • Matched deposit bonuses - Make a deposit and get it matched up to a certain percentage.

What is a mobile sports betting app?

A mobile sports betting app lets you wager on your favorite sports using your smartphone instead of having to access the sportsbook from a web browser. Many online gambling operators have launched their own applications on iOS and Android, and many others are expected to launch over the next coming years in Illinois.

It is the best convenient way to reach bettors for sportsbooks. They can be used on the go and are perfect for live betting or live streaming. Mobile sport betting apps are not hard to use either, all you have to do is go to your App Store or Play Store and download the application.

Then, create an account, deposit your money and select the odds you want to bet on. The mechanics of mobile sports betting are just easy as that.

Different types of mobile bets

Through mobile apps, you can make bets of all types, such as moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays, props, and many more. Sports betting apps also allow you live game betting and live streaming.

This means that you can bet on every game, down, play, pitch, and shot while the match is happening. In-game betting constantly updates the odds and allows you to bet as the action unfolds in front of your eyes.

Pros and cons of betting from your phone

With mobile betting apps in Illinois becoming more and more embedded in the market, you may be wondering what the benefits and drawbacks of using mobile devices to bet are, as opposed to using your computer or going to a physical sportsbook. Below is a list of some pros and cons:

Pros:

  • Convenience - Betting apps provide an incredibly convenient way to place bets. With a few taps on your phone, you can access your favorite betting sites, log in and place bets quickly and easily. You don't have to worry about finding a computer or being tied to your desktop. This makes betting more accessible than ever before.
  • Ability to stream sports - Betting apps allow you to stream sports directly from your phone. This is a great pro as you can watch and bet on sports at the same time. It is convenient and time-saving, and you can watch the game wherever you are. You don't have to be near a TV or laptop to watch the game, and you can access it from anywhere.
  • Quicker payments - With apps, you can make deposits and withdrawals with a few taps on your phone, making it faster and easier than having to physically go to a betting shop. You can also use a range of different payment methods, such as debit cards, credit cards, or even e-wallets, giving you the option to find the payment method that works best for you.

Cons:

  • Problem gambling - Betting apps make it easier to access online gambling, leading to the risk of becoming addicted. The convenience of wagering applications can make it easier to place bets, leading to a loss of control and greater losses.
  • Can be less clear than sportsbook sites - Betting apps could be less clear than sportsbook websites due to the limited space available on a mobile device. It can be difficult to fit all the necessary information on the app's layout, leading to a design that is less intuitive and easier to get lost in. This can make it difficult to locate the information you need quickly.

What to consider while selecting online betting applications?

When choosing which betting apps to use in Illinois, there are many factors that could go into your decision. Below is a list of some of the most important ones:

  • Bonuses and promotions - The biggest advantage to certain apps is the quality and amount of bonuses they provide both new and existing customers. These promos can range from welcome offers to loyalty programs and are designed to entice players to keep betting but offering some additional credits or other advantages in return.
  • Ease of use - Another factor to keep in mind when choosing an Illinois betting app is how easy it is to use. If the layout is hard to follow and it’s not well-structured, then using the app is not going to be a pleasant experience, so it’s important for betting apps to have user experience at the top of their priorities.
  • Safety and security - It is essential for betting apps to be safe and secure in order to protect users' personal data, financial information and funds. It is also important that user accounts are secure so that only authorized users can access them. Without secure systems in place, users may be exposed to fraud or identity theft, which could have devastating consequences. Therefore, it is essential for betting apps to provide secure and reliable services in order to protect their users.
  • Different betting types - Having a variety of betting types is important for betting apps as it enables customers to be able to choose the type of bet that suits them best. These bet types can include over/unders, totals, futures, and middle bets. This also increases customer satisfaction, as they can choose the type of bet that is most suitable for their needs and preferences.
  • Functionality - Betting apps must have strong functionality to ensure that users can access their accounts securely and quickly, place bets accurately and efficiently, and receive timely notifications about their account activity or bet results. This gives a smooth and enjoyable betting experience that keeps bettors playing.

The difference between a sports betting app and a web-based sportsbook

The differences between a sports betting app and a web-based sportsbook are pretty clear and simple to notice. A browser sportsbook website can be accessed through a browser only and is mostly used on PC, while sports betting apps are downloaded on mobiles and used everywhere on the go.

A mobile sports betting app lets you access everything you normally would on a web-based desktop version, but this time, you can enjoy every feature in the palm of your hand.

Of course, when you use the desktop version of the site, you will have more information available. Meanwhile, the mobile version has to fit every feature information on a tiny screen. This makes web-based sportsbooks easier to use.

Another difference is that when you are on your PC, you can open different tabs on your computer. This won't happen with the app version, and you have to hop in and out of it to do your research. You can also use a research-based app.

How to download a mobile betting app in IL

Downloading a mobile sport betting app is a quick procedure that doesn't take much of your time or even phone space. Just follow the steps below and get ready to make your first ever mobile app bet.

  1. Download the app. Go to App Store if you have an iPhone or Google Play if you have an Android, and search for the name of the betting app you want to download. You can also go to the sportsbook's site and download the app from there.
  2. Register an account. After you have downloaded the app, you have to complete the registration process by selecting register. To do so, you have to create a username and password and provide a relevant email address, social security number, and other personal and financial information. Be sure to give an email address that you use because they will send a confirmation link there, plus you will get notified via email for many promotions. By giving a relevant email address, you won't miss any important promo campaign. Sometimes sportsbook apps ask you for more verification steps, for example, sending a utility bill.
  3. Make a deposit. Go to your personal account section and select the 'Deposit option'. Then choose a payment method and the amount you want to deposit.
  4. Place a wager. Now you can freely bet from a mobile app and benefit from bounty welcome bonuses. Pay attention to the bonus terms thought.

Best betting app bonuses in IL

DraftKings $200
in Bonus Bets
Claim
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Caesars $1250
in Bet Credits
Claim
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
BetRivers $500
in Free Bets
Claim
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
FanDuel $200
in Bonus Bets
Claim
21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

FAQ

Are mobile sports betting apps legal in Illinois?

Mobile sports betting apps are totally legal in Illinois. The first discussion to make them legal was made in 2019 and were officially authorized on June 2020. BetRivers was the first sportsbook to go live with their betting app, followed by others.

What is the age requirement to download betting apps in IL?

You have to be at least 21 years old to be allowed to gamble in the United States, including Illinois. So only if you are 21 or above, you can download a betting app and place wagers on it.

Are sportsbook apps in Illinois safe?

Betting apps in Illinois that are regulated and licensed are safe to play on and your personal and financial information will be secured. Some trusted apps where you can play on if you live in Illinois are Fanduel, DraftKings, PointsBet and BetRivers.

Which sports in IL can I bet on using a mobile betting app?

You can bet on different sports and leagues in IL like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and even daily fantasy sports. You can bet on local state-based teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, etc.

Are there any new betting apps coming to Illinois?

Seven wagering apps in Illinois were granted licenses that allow them to ask for mobile betting approval. Unibet could be the next betting app to launch in the state.

Which sports betting applications are legal in Illinois?

The full list of legal sports betting apps in Illinois is: BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, DraftKings, Barstool, FanDuel, and BetRivers. After the landmark passing of sports betting in Illinois in 2019, plenty of betting apps have made their way into the market, with competition increasing every year.