Sportsbook sign-up bonus in Illinois

What is a sportsbook sign-up bonus?

A sign-up bonus is a popular kind of welcome offer that most online sportsbooks and casinos give to new players when they register for the first time on their platform. A sign-up bonus can come in many forms and include risk-free bets, matched deposit bonuses and no deposit bonuses.

While it may seem counterintuitive initially to be offering players free credit or bets, it can pay off in the long run. And this is because players are likely to stick around after having a good sign-up bonus experience.

So, let's take a look at the different types of sign-up bonuses that players in Illinois are likely to receive.

Different types of sports betting sign-up bonuses

There are a number of different options when it comes to a sign up bonus Illinois. Each of these bonuses offers something a little different. So, at the end of the day, it's really up to you which one you like the look of. Below is the outline of each type of sign-up offer:

Deposit bonuses

There are mainly two kind of deposit bonuses: The matched deposit bonus and the no deposit bonus.

A no deposit bonus means that you will get free credits to play for, without having to make an actual deposit. These bonuses are typically only offered to new players as a sign-up bonus.

The match deposit bonus matches the amount that you make as a deposit. The percentage that is matched and the total value it matches up to, depends on the individual sportsbook or casino.

These bonuses tend to be anywhere from 50% through to a whopping 400%. On top of that, the matched amount can be as much as $1000.

Free or risk-free bet

Free or risk-free bets are another type of sign-up offers that many online bookies in Illinois offer. They are usually attached to a first deposit, making this first deposit will then mean that the site will award you with a free bet to use.

Alternatively, it will be a risk-free bet so that you will initially use your own money to bet on an event. But if you lose, the wagered amount will be returned to you as site credit. You can then use this site credit to place another bet.

Free credits

Some sports betting sites will go one step further and simply offer free credits. This can be simply for signing up or offered once a deposit has been made. These credits must be used on specific bets on the site and cannot be instantly withdrawn.

How to claim a sign-up bonus in Illinois

Once you have chosen a sportsbook to play at in Illinois, it's then time to actually sign up. Signing up at one of these sites is easy, all you need to do is make sure that you're within the state of Illinois.

Then, you will need to follow the sign-up process carefully. This means inputting your full name, address, email and the last four digits of your social security number.

During the sign-up process, you will then be able to claim the sign-up bonus. However, there are often different ways to claim these bonuses. Because of this, it's very important that you know how to claim the bonus at your chosen site otherwise you risk missing out on the offer completely.

1. Automatic bonuses

In some cases, the sign-up bonus will actually be added to your account automatically. Depending on the type of bonus you have accepted and whether you need to make a qualifying deposit. These bonuses will be automatic, but even so, they will only be added to your account once the sign-up and verification of your account is complete.

2. Using promo codes

A more common way to get your hands on a sign-up bonus is through the use of betting promo codes in Illinois. Most operators will display the required promo code alongside an explanation of the sign-up bonus so that you know exactly what it is and how to claim it.

Promo codes can be a mix of numbers and letters. You will be prompted to input this code at some point during the sign-up. Failing to do so when asked will mean that you won't be able to claim the bonus when the sign-up is complete.

It's worth pointing out that some of these sign-up bonuses don't require a promo code, but they will require you to check a box during the sign-up to opt-in. With this in mind, make sure you read all the details carefully when creating your account so that you don't miss it.

3. Following links to special promotions

Some bonuses will be offered only in the form of a special offer. In order to claim these types of sign-up offers, you will need to follow and click on a specific link. Signing up via that affiliate link will then get you the additional sign-up offer at that betting site.

Regarding terms & conditions

While sign-up bonuses are a great way to get started, there is always a catch to be found. With bonuses, this is in the form of wagering requirements and terms and conditions. Most bonuses will have wagering requirements attached which are the number of times you will be required to play through the bonus before you can withdraw any winnings from it.

On top of that, there's usually a time frame that this must be completed in. Additionally, there's usually a minimum and maximum bet value allowed when using the bonus.

There's usually a cap on the amount that can be won too. This can be a downside and often catches many players out. However, if you are aware of these terms and conditions and check them thoroughly before signing up to the site, you will have no trouble making the most of your bonus offer.

Does retail sportsbooks in IL offer welcome bonuses?

While we have been discussing online sportsbooks, we should not overlook retail sportsbooks as well. Retail sportsbooks are the land-based counterparts of their online website and in Illinois, there are a few of these as well.

These venues allow players to go in person and place bets on sporting events, often actually watching the event play out — for instance, placing a bet at one of the racetracks in the state. But, the big question here is whether players can get sign-up bonuses and other perks from placing bets here too.

In Illinois, this is slightly more complicated. The law actually states that each sportsbook needs to have a land-based retail partner in the state in order to offer an online betting service.

This means that all online betting sites in Illinois are actually linked to a land-based venue. Once the account has been verified in this manner, players are awarded the sign-up bonus for their online account.

Excitingly, there are also sign-up bonuses when placing their very first bet in person. Most of these come in the form of a risk-free bet though. So, this does mean you will need to place a bet, but if it loses you will get bet credits to use. However, not all retail sportsbooks offer this type of promotion, but all online sites do.