Illinois sports betting apps
In June 2020, Illinois witnessed its first sports betting app when BetRivers began accepting online customers. Right now, 8 operators have launched their own mobile applications in the state. On this page, we will discuss the best betting apps Illinois residents can enjoy.
By: Mikhael Aram 
Fact checked by: Phil Naessens Recommended Illinois betting apps
Best Illinois sports betting apps
Other Illinois sports betting apps
Ratings of Illinois betting apps
What promotions are available on Illinois betting apps?
What are sports betting apps?
Pros and cons of betting on sports from your phone
What should I consider while selecting apps for Illinois sports betting?
What is the difference between a sports betting app and a web-based sportsbook?
How do I download an Illinois sports betting app?
Best betting app bonuses in IL
FAQ
Recommended Illinois betting apps
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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 that other sport betting apps will be launched soon, but for now, these are the best legal sports betting apps in Illinois:
1. DraftKings app Illinois
- Download DraftKings app
- Available on: iOS & Android
- Welcome bonus: Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
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 in Illinois.
DraftKings 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.
2. Caesars app Illinois
- Download Caesars app
- Available on: iOS & Android
- Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000
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 for Illinois bettors.
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.
3. BetRivers app Illinois
- Download BetRivers app
- Available on: iOS & Android
- Welcome bonus: Second Chance Bet Up To $500
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' Illinois sports 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.
4. PointsBet app Illinois
- Download PointsBet app
- Available on: iOS & Android
- Welcome bonus: Up To $1000 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 Illinois 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 for Illinois residents.
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.
Other Illinois sports betting apps
While we consider the Illinois sports betting apps mentioned above to be the best, there are a few other options available:
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 Illinois residents 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 for Illinois bettors 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.
Barstool app Illinois
Mobile betting from Barstool went live in March 2021 in Illinois. This means that players in Illinois 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 wagering, 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 app Illinois
Slower to the Illinois betting market than other applications, 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 Illinois 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.
Circa Sports app Illinois
Circa Sports is a Nevada-based sportsbook that is still relatively new to the sports betting app space. After a September 29, 2023 launch in Illinois, Circa's live state total count is up to four, joining Nevada, Colorado, and Iowa (Kentucky is expected to join the fray before the end of 2023).
Given how new Circa’s app is, there are a few key things missing that could leave users wanting more. First and foremost, Circa does not offer a welcome bonus for new users; something that’s become a staple in the sports betting world.
They do, however, offer competitive odds and their mobile application is very easy to sift through. Circa doesn’t shy away from big winners either. They do not place limits on how much a bettor can potentially win through their app, allowing users to wager almost any amount of money on whatever type of bet they choose.
Top feature: Circa Sportsbook allows players to include features bets in their parlay wagers, leading to potentially massive payouts for winning slips.
Fanatics app Illinois (Not live yet)
Fanatics finalized its purchase of PointsBet’s U.S. betting operations in the summer of 2023. The former is in the process of converting the newly-acquired platforms to the Fanatics branding and is rolling out the new sites at a rate of three state conversions per month, scheduled from August 2023 to May 2024.
The company hasn’t yet announced when the Fanatics betting app will be live in Illinois, but their previously announced timeline gives us a window of expectation. From what we’ve seen with other Illinois sports betting apps, Fanatics will likely assume PointsBet’s retail location at Hawthorne Race Course.
ESPN Bet app Illinois (Not live yet)
Announced in August 2023, ESPN Bet will be the new brand face of PENN Entertainment’s IL sports betting app, replacing the previous Barstool Sportsbook branding. PENN is actively working to convert the bookmaking software to the ESPN Bet identity but has not announced a date at which the online betting app is likely to relaunch in Illinois.
The ESPN Bet app has not yet launched in any other states.
Bally Bet app Illinois (Not live yet)
Bally Bet paused all app services in June 2023 while converting its bookmaking service to Kambi, a betting platform that will reduce costs and deliver a superior wagering experience for Bally Bet users. The software will be integrated with Bally’s existing programs, but a relaunch of the sports betting app is in the works.
To date, Bally’s has not announced when it plans to begin accepting bets again or when the new sports betting app will be available for download.
Betway app Illinois (Not live yet)
The Betway Sportsbook app provides users with a sharp interface, along with an easy-to-navigate design tailored to every bettor. Now that Betway has received regulatory licensing from the Illinois Gaming Board, their betting application will soon be available in The Prairie State.
Betway’s app offers competitive odds across several betting markets, from American football all the way across the spectrum to table tennis. The Betway betting app also has all the standard bet types we’ve come to expect from mainstream betting applications, like moneyline wagers, parlays, and spreads.
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 operator has already got approval from the Illinois Gambling Board, so it's likely it will launch in 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 betting in Europe for many years.
Hard Rock app Illinois (Not live yet)
The Hard Rock Bet sports betting app is nearing its Illinois debut, bringing an excellent mobile betting platform that is sure to be a hit. The app’s layout is easy to navigate, making it a smooth pickup for new and experienced players alike.
With a generous sign-up bonus and a high-quality user interface, the IL Hard Rock Bet app will be an excellent addition to your sports betting app arsenal.
Ratings of Illinois betting apps
With 8 different Illinois sports betting apps to choose from, it is crucial to know what other users have to say about them before downloading on of these apps. Below is a table showing the ratings of all apps on both the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android) in Illinois.
| 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 ⭐ |
| Circa Sports | 3.6⭐ | 1.6 ⭐ |
What promotions are available on Illinois betting apps?
Most apps offer betting promos for Illinois players if you download and sign up for a new account. These welcome bonuses sometimes differ from the sign-up promotions offered on the web-based sportsbook in Illinois.
There are different types of Illinois sports betting promotions offered, but the most common ones on sports betting apps in the Land of Lincoln are:
What are sports betting apps?
A sports betting app lets you wager on your favorite sports using your smartphone or tablet instead of having to access the sportsbook from a web browser. Many online gambling operators have launched their own sports betting app on iOS and Android, and many others are expected to launch over the coming years in Illinois.
An Illinois sports betting app is the most convenient way to reach bettors for betting operators. The app can be used on the go in Illinois and is perfect for live betting or live streaming. Mobile sports betting apps are not hard to use either – all that’s required is to 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 sports betting on your mobile are just as easy as that.
Different bet types for betting from your mobile in Illinois
Through sports betting apps in Illinois, you can make bets of all types, such as moneyline, spreads, totals, parlays, props, and many more. Sports betting apps in Illinois 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 on sports 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 apps to bet are, as opposed to using your computer or going to a physical betting location. Below is a list of some pros and cons:
Pros:
Cons:
What should I consider while selecting apps for Illinois sports betting?
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:
What is 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. Most online sportsbooks in Illinois can be accessed through a browser and are mostly used on PCs, while sports betting apps are downloaded on smartphones or tablets.
Sports betting apps let 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.
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 operators in Illinois 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 do I download an Illinois sports betting app?
Downloading an Illinois sports betting app is a quick procedure that doesn't take much time. Follow the steps below:
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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 operator to go live with their betting app, followed by others.
What is the age requirement to download an Illinois sports betting app?
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 betting apps for sports betting 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 an app for sports betting?
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.
Which betting applications are legal in Illinois?
The full list of legal sports betting apps in Illinois is: BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, DraftKings, Barstool, FanDuel, BetRivers, and Circa Sports. 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.
Fact checked by: Phil Naessens