Quick Facts About Illinois Betting Apps
✅ Are IL Betting Apps Legal? | Yes |
📱 Total IL Betting Apps: | 10 |
🔞 Legal Gambling Age: | 21+ |
🏛️ Gambling Regulator in Illinois: | Illinois Gaming Board |
📞 Problem Gambling Help Line: | 1-800-GAMBLER |
Illinois Betting App Ratings: May 2025
I have assigned each operator a rating out of 10 stars. These ratings are based on my experience with each Illinois sportsbook. I considered factors like the welcome bonus, the user experience, and more.
1. Caesars Sportsbook IL App | 9.8/10 ⭐️ |
2. Fanatics Sportsbook IL App | 9.7/10 ⭐️ |
3. bet365 Sportsbook IL App | 9.5/10 ⭐️ |
4. DraftKings IL App | 9.4/10 ⭐️ |
5. BetMGM IL App | 9.2/10 ⭐️ |
6. FanDuel IL App | 9.1/10 ⭐️ |
7. ESPN BET IL App | 8.9/10 ⭐️ |
8. Hard Rock Bet IL App | 8.4/10 ⭐️ |
9. BetRivers Sportsbook IL App | 8.1/10 ⭐️ |
10. Circa Sportsbook IL App | 7.9/10 ⭐️ |
Ratings Last Updated: | May 29, 2025 |
☝️ More: Best Illinois sportsbook promos
1. Caesars Illinois Betting App
Caesars boasts one of the best apps in the Illinois sports betting scene. The live streaming feature is a personal favorite of mine, but it's still an excellent choice for users who want a simpler experience. The rewards program is something you don't want to miss.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 9.8/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.6 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.2 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | Live Streaming |
📲 Download Size: | 97.12 MB |
✅ States Active: | 20+ D.C. |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | Caesars Illinois |
Caesars Illinois App Pros & Cons
2. Fanatics Illinois App
The calling card of the Fanatics platform is the rewards program. The company is a giant in the sports merchandise industry, and they've leveraged that nicely here. If you want a fresh Caleb Williams jersey, make sure to start earning FanCash.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 9.7/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.7 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.1 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | FanCash Rewards |
📲 Download Size: | 206.6 MB |
✅ States Active: | 19 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois |
Fanatics Illinois Sports Betting App Pros & Cons
3. bet365 Illinois Betting App
If you're living in Illinois but are a fan of the Premier League or other international sports, bet365 is the app for you. The platform has a number of international markets I just couldn't find anywhere else. But even if you're more of a local bettor, this app is still an excellent choice.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 9.5/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.8 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.6 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | International Markets, Live Betting, Odds Boosts |
📲 Download Size: | 51.8 MB |
✅ States Active: | 13 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | bet365 Illinois |
bet365 Illinois App Pros & Cons
4. DraftKings Illinois Betting App
The DraftKings app is one of the biggest players in the industry for a reason. It's hard to find any holes in the platform, making it an excellent choice for sports bettors of all skill levels.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 9.4/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.8 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.7 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | Live Betting |
📲 Download Size: | 392.6 MB |
✅ States Active: | 22 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois |
DraftKings Illinois Betting App Pros & Cons
5. BetMGM Illinois App
BetMGM offers one of the strongest rewards programs in the market. The "LION'S BOOST" feature is a great way to supercharge your experience, and the app works smoothly and loads quickly.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 9.2/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.8 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.4 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | Rewards Program |
📲 Download Size: | 184.4 MB |
✅ States Active: | 21, + D.C. & P.R. |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | BetMGM Illinois |
BetMGM Illinois Sports Betting App Pros & Cons
6. FanDuel Illinois App
The FanDuel app offers the most well-rounded experience in the market. The app is fast, loads quickly, and aesthetically, it's my favorite user experience. Factor in the unique props, the ease of building your own bet slip, and convenience factors like Apple Pay, and this is clearly one of my favorite apps in the industry.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 9.1/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.8 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.7 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | Unique Prop Markets |
📲 Download Size: | 140 MB |
✅ States Active: | 20 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | FanDuel Illinois |
FanDuel Illinois App Pros & Cons
7. ESPN BET Illinois Betting App
If you're a fan of the Worldwide Leader in Sports, the ESPN BET app is the platform for you. They've masterfully leveraged their existing content platform to create a totally unique experience. The app is reliable, quick, and its integration with ESPN makes it a worthwhile choice for any bettor.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 8.9/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.9 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.8 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | ESPN Integration |
📲 Download Size: | 226.7 MB |
✅ States Active: | 19 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | ESPN BET Illinois |
ESPN BET Illinois Sports Betting App Pros & Cons
8. Hard Rock Bet Illinois App
The Hard Rock Happy Hours help boost the platform. It's not a big-name operator, so it doesn't quite have the same selection of betting markets available, but the app does the basics well. If you're looking for a new secondary account, this is a great option, but I recommend you supplement it with an account at one of the larger sports betting operators as well.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 8.4/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.8 (Apple/iPhone) | 4.1 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | Happy Hours |
📲 Download Size: | 152.1 MB |
✅ States Active: | 8 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | Hard Rock Bet Illinois |
Hard Rock Illinois Sportsbook App Pros & Cons
9. BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook App
The BetRivers app offers a solid experience that checked most of my boxes. This is a strong platform overall, but I did have to deal with the occasional glitch.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 8.1/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 4.4 (Apple/iPhone) | 3.1 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | iRush Rewards |
📲 Download Size: | 186.8 MB |
✅ States Active: | 14 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | BetRivers Illinois |
BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook App Pros & Cons
10. Circa Illinois Betting App
If you're looking to bet big, Circa is the choice for you. The higher limits are a great option for high rollers and professional or semi-professional sports bettors.
📊 IllinoisBet Rating: | 7.9/10 |
⭐️ App Store Ratings: | 3.6 (Apple/iPhone) | 2.2 (Google/Android) |
🔥 Top Feature: | Higher Betting Limits |
📲 Download Size: | 214.4 MB |
✅ States Active: | 5 |
🚉 Available Platforms: | iOS, Android |
📝 Full Review: | Circa Sportsbook Illinois |
Circa Illinois Sports Betting App Pros & Cons
Are Illinois Betting Apps Legal?
Yes, Illinois betting apps are legal. I have been betting in Illinois since mobile sportsbooks launched in the state on June 18, 2020. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the bill into law a little under a year earlier on June 28, 2019.
What Betting Apps Are Legal in Illinois?
The legal Illinois betting apps are bet365, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, Circa, DraftKings, ESPN BET, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, and Hard Rock Bet.
Full List of Legal Illinois Betting Apps
- bet365
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Circa
- DraftKings
- ESPN BET
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- FanDuel
- Hard Rock Bet
How Many Betting Apps Are Legal in Illinois?
There are currently 10 legal sports betting apps in Illinois. Those 10 IL betting apps first launched in the state on June 18, 2020.
Are There Any New Betting Apps in Illinois?
Yes, bet365 is the newest Illinois betting app, having launched in March 2025. Before that launch, Hard Rock Bet IL had the title of the state's newest betting app, as it launched in August 2024. A few months earlier in April 2024, Fanatics took over PointsBet's license.
Illinois Sports Betting Apps That Could Launch in the Future
There's nothing concrete about any new sports betting platforms launching in the state. But there are a total of 26 licenses available in Illinois and only 10 mobile platforms are live. This means its very possible, if not likely, that new sportsbooks will be added to the IL sports betting industry.
To me, the likeliest option is the Bally Bet IL sports betting app. The operator was one of the first to apply for a sports betting license back in 2022, but they have yet to launch the mobile sports betting app in the state. Plus, they're building out the Bally's Casino Resort, another signal that the mobile platform could be coming to Illinois.
Additionally, I think the Underdog IL sports betting app could be a real possibility in the not-too-distant future. The popular DFS platform is putting more resources into its betting arm, having launched its sportsbook in North Carolina. This is an emerging operator to monitor, though they have yet to apply for a sports betting license to launch an app in IL.
Illinois Sports Betting App Rating Comparison
In my opinion, one of the best ways to get a feel for an app is by reading user-generated reviews. While each individual review may not be reliable, these ratings can be very telling when you're dealing with hundreds or thousands of scores. Below, I listed each IL betting app's Google Play rating and its App Store Rating.
📲 Platform | 🍏 Apple App Store Rating | 🤖 Google Play Rating |
Caesars App | 4.6/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.2/5.0 ⭐️ |
Fanatics App | 4.7/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.1/5.0 ⭐️ |
bet365 App | 4.8/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.6/5.0 ⭐️ |
DraftKings App | 4.8/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.7/5.0 ⭐️ |
BetMGM App | 4.8/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.4/5.0 ⭐️ |
FanDuel App | 4.8/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.7/5.0 ⭐️ |
ESPN BET App | 4.9/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.8/5.0 ⭐️ |
Hard Rock Bet App | 4.8/5.0 ⭐️ | 4.1/5.0 ⭐️ |
BetRivers App | 4.4/5.0 ⭐️ | 3.1/5.0 ⭐️ |
Circa App | 3.6/5.0 ⭐️ | 2.2/5.0 ⭐️ |
How to Sign Up With IL Betting Apps
Each platform will have a slightly different sign-up process. However, I've detailed what you should generally expect:
- ✅ Use any of the links on this page to go to the operator of your choice.
- ✅ Complete the registration form. I had to enter details like my SSN and date of birth. However, some apps required me to upload my driver's license.
- ✅ Choose a username, password, and a security question (if applicable); agree to all necessary terms and conditions.
- ✅ Enter the promo code I've listed (if applicable).
- ✅ Make a deposit.
- ✅ Explore the betting markets and place a wager!
How to Download iOS Betting Apps in IL
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for the application of your choice.
- Once you've found your app, click the blue "Get" button.
- If required, enter any password or comply with Face ID or Fingerprint ID.
- If done correctly, the download process will start. Pro tip: Ensure you're on Wi-Fi to avoid data overages.
- Once downloaded, you're all done!
How to Download Android Betting Apps in IL
- Navigate to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- Search for the sportsbook app of your choice.
- Once you have found it, click on it and hit "Install"
- If needed, enter any password or authentication necessary.
- The app in question should start downloading. I recommend you're connected to Wi-Fi to avoid data overages.
- Once the download is done, you should be able to start betting!
Key Rules & Regulations of Illinois Betting Apps
The Illinois Gaming Board is in charge of regulating Illinois betting apps. This means that there's a trustworthy governing group that performs regular evaluations to confirm that responsible gambling practices are in place and that players are safe.
For example, in order to legally use these platforms, sports bettors must:
- ✅ Be at least 21 years of age
- ✅ Be physically located within state lines when betting
- ✅ Have enabled geolocation settings to confirm the above
Prohibited Wagers at Illinois Sports Betting Apps
In keeping with the Illinois Gaming Board's efforts to maintain player safety, there are some bet types that aren't allowed at Illinois sports betting apps. I've provided a list of bet types the Illinois Gaming Board doesn't allow on these platforms:
- ❌ Betting on Illinois college teams
- ❌ E-Sports Wagers
- ❌ Political Wagers
Sports Available on Illinois Betting Apps
Now that Illinois sports betting operations are legal, Illinois bettors have pretty much every league available to them. I'll break down everything you need to know in the section below:
NFL Betting
The top option is undoubtedly the NFL. The Chicago Bears are generally the most-bet franchise among all Illinois sports teams. All standard options like moneylines, spreads, and props are available on the apps and you can always wager on the Chicago Bears Super Bowl odds as well.
NBA Betting
The NBA is generally the second-most popular league to wager on at IL betting apps. The Chicago Bulls may not have the same pull that the Chicago Bears do in the state, but there are plenty of NBA markets available at the top sports betting apps. Sports bettors should find no shortage of NBA betting options.
MLB Betting
Baseball is generally not quite as popular as the NBA or NFL when it comes to sports betting, but Illinois bettors have plenty of options available to them. The state has both the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, and the best sports betting apps offer a heap of markets geared toward both franchises. Of the two, the Chicago Cubs tend to be the most-popular option.
NHL Betting
The Chicago Blackhawks lead the way when it comes to NHL wagers on IL betting apps. Sports betting markets like moneylines, spreads, props, and more are available on your mobile device. If you're a hockey fan, there are plenty of betting opportunities for you to consider.
College Sports Betting
The NCAA isn't quite as popular in Illinois as it is in other parts of the country, but it's still one of the more popular markets in the state. Namely, college football, which tends to be the most-bet option. However, I did find that there are a couple of catches. You cannot bet on Illinois college teams in the state, and I wasn't able to wager on prop bets, either. These details were hammered out in the Illinois sports wagering act back in 2020.
How I Evaluate Illinois Sports Betting Apps
If you're curious about what goes into my reviews of each platform, I've got you covered. My reviews are completely impartial. I'm a bettor just like the rest of you, and I'm always looking for the best mobile betting experience. Here's a quick-hitting look at how I rate IL betting apps, and what factors I consider:
- App speed
- App functionality (number of glitches)
- Available markets
- Customer support options
- Payment options & payment process
- User interface / user experience
Responsible Wagering With IL Sports Betting Apps
Though online wagering is a different experience than in-person betting, it's important to ensure you're betting responsibly, regardless of how you choose to play. In my opinion, because mobile betting is so much easier, it's even more important to make sure you're doing it safely. Below, I've provided some resources for those who need them:
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800 GAMB
- Gambling Anonymous National Hotline: (855) 222-5542
Why Sign Up With Illinois Sports Betting Apps?
If you're an Illinois-based bettor like me, you'll find that apps are a more convenient and easy way to place bets. I don't have to worry about traveling to a casino or sportsbook anymore – I have best-in-class sportsbooks at home now. Plus, there are plenty of betting markets or boosts that are only available on apps.
Simply put, Illinois betting apps have transformed my betting experience. If you're a sports fan, be sure to sign up!
Illinois Betting Apps FAQs
Yes, betting apps have been legal in Illinois since June 2020. As long as you are at least 21 years old and physically located in Illinois, you can download and use betting apps from anywhere in the state.
There are 10 legal Illinois betting apps available for bettors in the state. This includes BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Circa, and Hard Rock Bet.
No, Illinois did away with in-person registration in March 2022. I was able to sign up for legal Illinois sports betting apps using my phone or computer from anywhere within the state.
Yes, college sports wagering is legal with Illinois betting apps, but with a few exceptions. Team props and player props are prohibited as well as wagering on in-state college teams. This means you can't place bets on in-state college teams like Illinois or Loyola.
No, you don't need to be a resident to use Illinois sports betting apps. Travelers from out-of-state can sign up and place bets as long as they are at least 21 years old and are standing within state lines.
Yes, you can use Illinois betting apps on a tablet. The functionality is more or less the same as it is on a phone, with the added screen size being a big plus. This is yet another plus of mobile betting!
This will depend entirely on personal preference, as I can't claim one app is definitively better than the others. Right now, BetMGM is my app of choice in IL, but there are no shortage of excellent alternative choices, like Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, or FanDuel.
No, there's no limit to how many betting apps you can use in Illinois. In fact, I recommend signing up for multiple apps to ensure you're getting the best value on your desired market and are taking advantage of bonuses.
Author

Blake Weishaar is a content strategist and fact-checker for IllinoisBet.com. He's been at the forefront of the gaming industry for close to a decade, including the rapid expansion of sports betting with the repeal of PASPA in 2018. You can rest assured that Blake will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information on Illinois' sports betting market.