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.
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:
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.
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 ⭐ |
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:
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.
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.
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:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.