Illinois online sportsbooks
On this page, you will read about the best sportsbooks in Illinois, the deposit options you have, all the different types of bonuses you can get, and much more. Since sports betting became legal in 2019, residents of the Prairie State can choose between 8 different online sportsbooks to legally place their bets.
By: Mikhael Aram 
Fact checked by: Phil Naessens Top Illinois sportsbooks
Best online sportsbooks in Illinois
Other IL sportsbooks to consider
Do any new sportsbooks plan to open in IL?
Are sportsbooks legal in Illinois?
List of Illinois sportsbooks
With what criteria we rate Illinois sportsbooks
How to register and start betting on sportsbooks in Illinois
Deposit options on IL bookies
Different types of bonuses on IL bookmakers
Popular sports you can wager on using IL sportsbooks
Locations of retail sportsbooks in Illinois
10 facts about online bookmakers in Illinois
Benefits of making bets with an Illinois bookie
What is the difference between retail & online sportsbooks?
Offshore vs. legal sportsbooks in Illinois
Best sportsbook offers in IL
FAQ
Top Illinois sportsbooks
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On this page, we have gathered the best sportsbooks in Illinois, so that you have all the details in one place and can decide which one is better for you.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois
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- Visit in person: Casino Queen
DraftKings probably don't need any introduction. It is one of the most prominent and legitimate online sports betting operators in the business and one of the first that set up the bar high for others to follow. So, it is no surprise that their sportsbook entered the Illinois market. In this case, DraftKings signed a partnership with Casino Queen, leading to the rebranding of the whole property.
DraftKings offers all sorts of sports bets and waging types. Furthermore, it offers various bonuses and promotions, for both regular bettors and new ones. The DraftKings mobile app is well-designed and easy to use if you do not want to bet from your desktop.
What we think: DraftKings is the best in class when it comes to bonus offers and promotions. They often offer quite big incentives to new players, and as an existing customer, you can take advantage of their rewards program called DraftKings Dynasty Rewards.
2. Caesars Sportsbook Illinois
- Promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $1000
- Visit in person: Grand Casino Victoria in Elgin
Caesars launched its online sportsbook in Illinois in September 2020. The odds and betting options at the bookmaker are one of the best in the business. Caesars' sportsbook provides a wide range of market and wagering options to players. Moreover, the sportsbook has all the features of the website.
Caesars, like all other legal online sportsbooks in Illinois, also has a brick-and-mortar location where you can bet in person. The Grand Casino Victoria in Elgin not only allows sports betting but also has a full casino, a restaurant, and a number of entertainment options that are open around the clock.
What we think: The online sportsbook is easy to navigate, and the odds tend to be good. The best feature of Caesars is the "Watch and Bet" function which lets you stream NFL games for free.
3. BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois
- Promo: Second Chance Bet Up To $500
- Visit in person: Rivers Casino Des Plaines
BetRivers was the first sportsbook to launch in Illinois when sports betting was legalized. Given that they are funded by Rush Street Interactive, a huge company in the industry, it may not surprise anyone. Rush Street’s Rivers Casino Des Plaines was the first retailer that accepted a legal bet, on March 9th, 2020.
BetRivers offer great promos from time to time, but their website could be a bit smoother in terms of user experience. It is though, one of the most trustworthy online sportsbooks in many states.
What we think: Even if BetRivers' website could improve in many areas, their sportsbook app really outshines the competition. It offers pretty advanced in-play betting functions and it feels modern and innovative.
4. PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois
- Promo: Up To $1000 in Second Chance Bets
- Visit in person: Hawthorne Race Course
PointsBet Sportsbook is one of the newest additions in Illinois. It first launched in September 2020 in New Jersey, but it fast became a popular betting operator. In Illinois, PointsBet has a partnership with Hawthrone Race Course where you can visit to place bets in person.
This operator has a unique approach to sports betting, that attracts more customers every season. Plus, its easy-to-use application provides an excellent experience.
What we think: One of the best features of PointsBet is their live betting function, which can be found under the 'Live' tab. The sportsbook offers a fast-paced type of wager called Lightning Bet that allows you to bet on what you think will happen in the next minute of the game.
Other IL sportsbooks to consider
Apart from the sportsbooks discussed above, there are a few more options available for Prairie State residents:
FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois
FanDuel recently partnered up with a racetrack in Illinois, Fairmount Park, in order to launch its online sportsbook in the state. If you are a first-time player, you can take advantage of exclusive welcome bonuses.
Moreover, FanDuel accepts many payment methods, from the classic ones (MasterCard, VISA, PayPal, etc.) to more new ones (Venmo, PayNearMe).
What we think: The sportsbook website is modern and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners. It is easy to find what you're looking for and many betting markets are available, including Daily Fantasy contests.
Barstool Sportsbook Illinois
The sixth sportsbook to enter IL, Barstool went live in the state in March 2021. In compliance with IGB rules, Barstool is partnered with Hollywood Casino in Aurora as well as Hollywood Casino Joliet and Argosy Casino Alton. This means that the site is fully licensed and legal to operate within the state.
Barstool Sportsbook is very well designed, with everything intuitively placed. In the sportsbook, it's possible to bet on more than 20 sports. There's a wealth of betting options including live bets, as well competitive odds on offer.
What we think: What sets Barstool apart from its competition is the plethora of different bets you can place using the sportsbook. The website is packed with features, making it a great option for advanced players that want to take their sports betting to the next level.
BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois
Legal and licensed in Illinois, BetMGM launched on March 7, 2022, and is home to various sports, odds, and betting markets. The black and gold design of the site lends a classy ambiance to the sportsbook. And it's neatly laid out too, without being overly cluttered. Top US and international sports are available at BetMGM Illinois with top tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup amply covered.
BetMGM is partnered with Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino, a land-based venue within the state. There's an easy-to-use app for on-the-go betting. And there is the option to enjoy various live betting sports.
What we think: If you like to bet on baseball, then BetMGM is a great choice. They are the official partner of the MLB, allowing them to offer unique promotions, boosted odds, and even live streaming of official games.
Circa Sports Illinois
Established in 2019, Circa Sports has quickly become a niche choice for sports bettors in select states. Currently, the sportsbook is live in three other states: Nevada, Colorado, and Iowa. After applying for licensing in Illinois in May 2022, it took a while for the sportsbook to get off the ground, with the online sportsbook finally launching on September 29, 2023.
Circa also has a retail location in Illinois at The Temporary by American Place Casinos in Waukegan.
What we think: Circa's high-limit markets will appeal to a select clientele, but with no welcome bonus and a short list of payment methods, the sportsbook may see a slower start in Illinois than its competitors had.
Do any new sportsbooks plan to open in IL?
Even though there are already seven licensed online sportsbooks in the state of Illinois, there are a few more on the way to provide more competition and choice for bettors in the state.
Below is a list of new sportsbooks in Illinois that most likely will launch soon:
Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois (Coming soon)
After Fanatics purchased the rights to PointsBet’s US-based operations in May 2023, it opened the door for Fanatics Sportsbook to set up shop in Illinois.
Although no IL retail location is in place just yet, the most logical choice would be PointsBet’s former base of in-person operations, Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero, IL.
Fanatics Sportsbook gives its users plenty of bet types to wager on. Users are able to place live in-game bets through Fanatics, and they’ll also be able to stream live games directly through the sportsbook site. Though the bookie is still in its infancy stages, Fanatics’ reputable brand and easy-to-use site interface will still attract newcomers and long-time bettors alike.
ESPN Bet Sportsbook Illinois (Coming soon)
After going into a 10-year partnership with Penn Entertainment in August 2023, ESPN announced the launch of ESPN Bet, a new sportsbook set to hit the market as early as Fall 2023.
Very little is known about the bookie at the time of writing. What we do know is that ESPN Bet will essentially take the place of Barstool Sportsbook – Penn’s former partner.
As more information regarding the bookie drops, we’ll continue to update this page accordingly.
Bally Bet Sportsbook Illinois (Coming soon)
Bally Bet sportsbook has been a staple in the United States sports betting and gambling scene for some time now. Bally Bet sportsbook is currently operational in seven states, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, New York, Ohio, and Virginia.
In short order, Bally will soon be available in Illinois, but the sportsbook site is currently undergoing maintenance to further enhance its users’ experience. According to sources, Bally Bet sportsbook will re-launch on a state-by-state basis.
Bally Bet already has two retail locations in place in IL, Bally’s Casino Chicago, and Bally’s Quad Cities Casino and Hotel.
Betway Sportsbook Illinois (Coming soon)
Founded in 2006, Betway Sportsbook has cemented itself as a premier sports betting operator in the United States. Betway received regulatory approval from the Illinois Gaming Board in July 2023, paving the way for Betway to make its way to IL in the near future.
Betway presents one of the best-looking sports betting sites in the industry, with a sleek, user-friendly interface packed with enough depth to satisfy long-time bettors. Their live in-game offerings along with their stellar parlay bonuses should give Betway IL users plenty of opportunities to boost their bankrolls.
Unibet sportsbook Illinois (Coming soon)
Although Unibet Sportsbook has partnered with Penn National’s Argosy Casino Alton for online sportsbook market access in Illinois, the sports betting operator has not yet gone live in IL.
When Unibet officially arrives in the state, IL users will be able to place wagers on 19 sports markets through Unibet, as well as gain access to their wealth of promotional offers. These promos may include weekly parlay boosts, along with profit boosts on select games every week. Unibet also offers their users live in-game betting, early cash-out features, and same-game parlay builders.
Hard Rock sportsbook Illinois (Coming soon)
Hard Rock Bet is inching towards launching its IL sportsbook after receiving a four-year license in the state to provide both retail and online bookmaker services. With the online bookie already up and running for players in Arizona, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia, an Illinois launch would be a benefit to both Hard Rock and IL sportsbook enthusiasts alike.
The sportsbook site offers new players a spin of a mystery wheel with a chance to win a massive bonus bet of up to $1,000. The website is easy to navigate between your favorite sports, leagues, and players to complement Hard Rock Bet’s sleek design.
Are sportsbooks legal in Illinois?
Yes, sportsbooks are legal in Illinois. The passing into law of Bill 230 ILCS 45 made sports betting legal in 2019. However, the first legal bet in a physical sportsbook was staked on March 9th, 2020, at Rivers Casino Des Plaines. In June 2020, online sports betting websites in Illinois became available as well.
Since then Illinois has become the top grossing revenue state post PASPA and the main players in the industry are operating in the Land of Lincoln.
Which bookies are legal in IL?
As of now, there are 8 legal online sportsbooks in Illinois: BetRivers, PointsBet, Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings, Barstool, FanDuel, and Circa Sports.
They've all got their sports wagering license approved by the Illinois Gaming Board and can legally accept players from the Prairie State.
List of Illinois sportsbooks
Below is a full list of all legal sportsbooks in Illinois, together with the date they got their license approved:
| Sportsbook | Company name | Legal since |
|---|---|---|
| BetRivers | Rush Street Interactive LLC | 2/21/2020 |
| PointsBet | PointsBet Illinois LLC | 7/14/2020 |
| Caesars | American Wagering Inc | 5/4/2020 |
| BetMGM | BetMGM LLC | 1/27/2022 |
| DraftKings | Crown IL Gaming LLC | 7/17/2020 |
| Barstool | Penn Sports Interactive LLC | 3/2/2020 |
| FanDuel | Flutter Entertainment plc | 8/28/2020 |
| Circa Sports | FHR-Illinois LLC | 6/15/2023 |
With what criteria we rate Illinois sportsbooks
When we compile our list and rate the sportsbooks in Illinois that we think are the best, we have a methodical approach based on a few different factors that we take into account when making our comparisons. We base our list on the following criteria:
How to register and start betting on sportsbooks in Illinois
There are a few steps you have to follow in order to start betting on sportsbooks in Illinois. They are all very simple and do not take much time.
Deposit options on IL bookies
Online bookies in Illinois offer a great variety of payment methods for you to choose from. Besides the basic ones, such as credit cards and bank transfers, they also include different kinds of eWallets.
Each sportsbook has its own payment options, and you have to check them out before signing up. Also, there might be extra charges on certain payment options or the money transfer might take longer.
Credit & debit cards
Credit and debit cards are the most common payment method everywhere online, not only on sportsbooks. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are some of the most popular ones. At the same time, prepaid cards are also pretty common and convenient, as you do not have to provide personal details if you are not comfortable.
| Payment method | Deposit time | Withdrawal time |
|---|---|---|
| VISA | Instant | 1-5 day(s) |
| MasterCard | Instant | 1-5 day(s) |
| American Express | Instant | No withdrawal |
| Discover Card | Instant | No withdrawal |
eWallets
Paypal, Skrill, and Neteller are examples of eWallets that are accepted on online sportsbooks. You basically make an account on any of them, including your banking information, and then make all of your transactions through it. It is a very popular payment method because transactions usually happen instantly, and it keeps your banking information private.
| Payment method | Deposit time | Withdrawal time |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal | Instant | 2-7 day(s) |
| Skrill | Instant | 1-5 hour(s) |
| Neteller | Instant | 1-5 hour(s) |
| Venmo | Instant | 2-5 day(s) |
Online banking
Online banking is one of the safest payment methods to use when making transactions on the internet. All major sportsbooks in Illinois accept online banking, making it one of the most used payment methods.
| Payment method | Deposit time | Withdrawal time |
|---|---|---|
| Wire transfer | 1-3 day(s) | 1-3 day(s) |
| Direct online transfer | Instant | Instant |
Different types of bonuses on IL bookmakers
Every online sportsbook in Illinois offers promos either to attract new customers or to keep the already existing ones. Each sportsbook has different terms and conditions on their bonuses, so make sure to always read them first.
Popular sports you can wager on using IL sportsbooks
There is a vast variety of sports you can bet on using sportsbooks in Illinois. Here are some of the most popular ones:
NFL
The NFL is by far the most popular league in Illinois. The National Football League offers amazing opportunities for Illinois residents to place bets while they are watching their favorite football players and teams do battle each week from September through the February Super Bowl.
NHL
The National Hockey League is another favorite for Illinois punters. The NHL is an action-packed sport with many pregame and in-game betting markets and played from October to the June Stanley Cup Finals.
NBA
The NBA is not just a national phenomenon, but a global one, and the NBA is the second most wagered sport in Illinois. The NBA season begins in October and runs through the June NBA Finals with several betting markets available for Prairie State gamblers.
MLB
Baseball is considered America's Pastime and this daily sport is extremely popular from the Spring Training games beginning in late February through the November World Series. Prairie State sportsbooks offer a variety of betting markets for pregame and in-game MLB contests.
Horse racing
Horse racing in the USA dates back to the middle of the 17th century and is one of the oldest and most loved sports. Many players enjoy betting on horses in Illinois as it is a very exciting and thrilling experience to see the races in real time.
Locations of retail sportsbooks in Illinois
Illinois is home to 11 retail sportsbooks where you can visit and place bets in person.
If you prefer wagering in a more classic fashion and paying with traditional payment methods, you should consider a visit to one of the retail sportsbooks in Illinois.
Barstool at Argosy Casino Alton
There is a Barstool sportsbook inside the Argosy Casino Alton. It is located in the St. Louis area, and it provides services for the broader Missouri and Illinois areas.
It has 36 big-screen TVs, as well as private rooms, and the monitors with the odds are practically visible from anywhere in the store. The self-service counters are available on a daily basis from 9 to 3 AM, just like the casino. Note that Argosy Casino Alton Sportsbook does not have an application. It is only on-site.
Address: 1 Piasa St, Alton, IL 62002.
DraftKings at Casino Queen
The retail sportsbook of DraftKings at the Casino Queen in East St Louis launched on the same day as the online one. One of the great things about the sportsbook in the casino is that it offers resources and tips for new players, such as a complete guide on sports wagering.
Address: 200 S Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201.
Caesars at Grand Victoria Casino
Grand Victoria's sportsbook launched in August 2020, and it functions under the Caesars Entertainment name, previously known as William Hill.
Caesars Sportsbooks teamed up with Grand Victoria Casino and became one of the most hyped places for sports betting. By visiting the store, you can also sign up personally in order to use the application.
Address: 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120.
Barstool at Hollywood Casino Aurora
Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Aurora launched in August 2020. It has self-service booths for betting, a few tellers, and of course TV screens to watch the games and the odds. Barstool Sportsbook is in a central place in the casino. Therefore, you can also play various casino games, not just places sports bets.
Hollywood Casino Aurora does not have an online sportsbook yet. However, it provides a Bet Builder tool, with which you can generate a digital ticket that has all the bets you wish to place.
The first step is to choose your bets. After that, you will get a QR code, which you have to show to the teller in order to place the bets you have saved.
Address: 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506.
Barstool at Hollywood Casino Joliet
Barstool has a retail sportsbook at the Hollywood Casino Joliet as well. The betting facility is bigger than the one in Aurora. Again, it is located in the center of the casino, but it has more self-serve booths, more big-screen TVs, and more tellers.
Hollywood Joliet and Hollywood Aurora, as well as Argosy, cooperate with Penn National. Thus, the offers and the odds will probably be similar, if not the same, in all three of them.
Address: 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436.
BetMGM at Par-A-Dice Casino
Par-A-Dice in East Peoria is probably the most fun casino on the list, as it is a riverboat casino located in East Peoria. BetMGM opened its doors at Par-A-Dice in 2022. Even though it is interesting to visit a riverboat casino, opening a sportsbook on it was challenging because of the limited space.
Even though it is not as spacious as other retail sportsbooks in casinos, you can still place your bets. BetMGM at Par-A-Dice is open from Monday to Friday from 3 to 11 pm and on weekends from 9 am to 11 pm.
Address: 21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL 61611
BetRivers at Rivers Casino Des Plaines
BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino Des Plaines is brand-new, and it has all the amenities, such as a wall full of TVs and a bar with 26 seats for video poker. You can place your sports bets every day from 10 to 12 AM. The sportsbook also serves food until 9 PM and drinks until 3 AM. However, the casino is open on a 24/7/365 basis.
At first, Rivers Casino was the only casino that had the option of an online sportsbook application, the BetRivers. However, nowadays, most casinos with sportsbooks have an equivalent online application, so the competition is much bigger.
Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
PointsBet at Hawthorne Race Course
PointsBet signed an exciting partnership with Hawthorne Race Course. So, they became a ball of fire in the betting industry in Illinois.
The retail sportsbook launched in September 2020, and it works closely with PointsBet’s application in order to offer the best possible experience. It has 60 HD TVs and 20 betting booths. It’s the closest retail sportsbook to Chicago.
Address: 3501 S. Laramie, Stickney/Cicero, IL 60804.
FanDuel at Fairmount Park
FanDuel’s sportsbook at Fairmount Park offers a state-of-the-art betting experience, with a wide range of betting options on major sporting events from around the world.
With its easy-to-use interface and fast processing times, FanDuel provides customers with a seamless betting experience. From NFL and NBA to soccer and tennis, the sportsbook covers all major sports and offers a variety of betting types, including live betting, parlays, and more.
Address: 9301 Collinsville Rd, Collinsville, IL 62234.
Bally Bet at Bally’s Quad Cities
Bally Bet Sportsbook is a popular sports betting destination located at Bally's Quad Cities. The sportsbook offers a user-friendly platform for customers to place bets on a wide range of sports, including basketball, football, baseball, and more.
The platform features real-time odds and betting options, with a variety of betting markets available for each event. The sportsbook is known for its reliable and secure platform, making it a top choice for sports bettors.
Address: 777 Bally Blvd, Rock Island, IL 61201.
Circa Sports at American Place
The American Place Waukegan, a $375 million casino and hotel project, is set to enhance the Fountain Square area of Waukegan, IL, located approximately 35 miles north of Downtown Chicago.
The construction is slated for completion in 2025. Meanwhile, "The Temporary by American Place," an interim casino, opened its doors in 2023 and will continue to operate around the clock until the principal facility is complete.
Starting from September 29th, 2023, the on-site Circa Sports sportsbook has welcomed players to place sports wagers.
Address: 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan, IL 60085
10 facts about online bookmakers in Illinois
With more operators coming to Illinois and the market becoming more competitive, here are some facts about sportsbooks in Illinois that you may find helpful:
Benefits of making bets with an Illinois bookie
While physical sportsbooks are incredibly popular and have many benefits to them, the rise of online sports betting in many states around the country has left many players wondering what the benefits of betting online are as opposed to in-person. Below are some of the key advantages:
What is the difference between retail & online sportsbooks?
Retail and online sportsbooks in IL have many differences. Besides the most obvious one, that the first is physical and the second is not, they vary in other characteristics as well.
Offshore vs. legal sportsbooks in Illinois
As you have gathered, sports gambling in Illinois is legal, whether online or in retail. This means all operators follow specific regulations that are overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board.
Most legal sportsbooks in Illinois are transparent about their licensing information, so it should be clearly visible on their website. You can also find all sports wagering licenses in the state of Illinois here.
If you visit a betting site that accepts players from Illinois but does not hold a wagering license from the IGB, they are considered an offshore sportsbook. These operators should be avoided, as they do not necessarily have to follow laws or regulations set by the state.
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FAQ
Are online sportsbooks available in Illinois?
Yes, there are many online sportsbooks available in Illinois. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and BetRivers are examples of sportsbooks that operate in the state.
How old you need to be to register on sportsbooks in Illinois?
According to the state regulations, you have to be 21 years old or older to register on sportsbooks in Illinois. There are some states that have the regulation of only needing to be 18 to gamble on sportsbooks, but Illinois is not one of those.
Which sportsbook in Illinois has the fastest payout?
FanDuel is known to have fast payouts that usually take under 24 hours. However, all online sportsbooks in Illinois have relatively fast payouts, and the difference between them isn't that great.
Are there any sportsbook apps in Illinois?
All sportsbooks in Illinois have their own mobile app. The application is in most cases a reflection of their website, meaning that you can enjoy all the same functions from your smartphone.
Is it safe to wager on IL sportsbooks?
Yes, Illinois sportsbooks are safe to bet on. The sportsbooks that we have provided in our list all have security systems that make them very safe to bet on, and all have licenses from the Illinois Gaming Board to operate in the state.
Fact checked by: Phil Naessens