Illinois Sports Betting: Sign Up For Legal IL Sportsbooks Today

Legal Illinois Sportsbooks

There are eight online sportsbooks in Illinois as of November 2024: BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet (soon to be Fanatics), FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers, Circa, and ESPN BET. These are some of the biggest names in the industry, which is a great thing for Illinois sports bettors. Illinois sportsbook promos provide new bettors welcome offers to entice them to try their sportsbook. 

Best Overall Illinois Sportsbook

ESPN BET Illinois is not only the newest sportsbook in Illinois, it is one of the best too. This sportsbook has it all from a great user interface, promotions, betting options, and more.

🏆 Top Feature	The Best Mobile Experience
🎁 Welcome Offer	$1,000 First Bet Net
⭐ App Rating	4.9/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	Hollywood Casino Aurora & Joliet

Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: ILLBETS

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IL. In partnership with Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 53342. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Best IL Sportsbook For Mobile Experience

Caesars Illinois is the choice if you are looking for the best mobile experience. The rewards program is the best on the market. You earn points for each bet that you place.

If you are new to the sportsbook, you can claim a $1,000 First Bet on Caesars with the code ILB1000.

🏆 Top Feature	Rewards Program
🎁 Welcome Offer	First Bet on Caesars
⭐ App Rating	4.6/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	Grand Victoria

Best New IL Sportsbook

The Fanatics sportsbook is live in Illinois. Fanatics' intuitive interface makes navigating through various sports markets effortless. The platform's robust features, including live betting and competitive odds, enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, the seamless integration with Fanatics' merchandise store allows users to redeem loyalty points for sports-related products, adding a unique twist to the traditional sports betting experience.

🏆 Top Feature	Rewards Program
🎁 Welcome Offer	Up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets
⭐ App Rating	4.7/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	Online Only

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Promo Code: ILB1000

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Best IL Sports Betting Rewards Program

A product of MGM Resorts, BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook's top feature is the unbelievable rewards program.

You earn points on everything you play. These rewards can be redeemed for bonus credits or even things like food, beverages, entertainment, and hotel stays at MGM Resorts.

🏆 Top Feature	Best Ongoing Promotions
🎁 Welcome Offer	$1,500 in Bonus Bets
⭐ App Rating	4.8/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	Online Only

Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: ILLBETS

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IL. In partnership with Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 53342. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Most Popular IL Sportsbook

DraftKings Illinois shines with a variety of ongoing promotions that cater to both new and existing users. On any given day, there are risk-free same game parlays, odds boosts, or bet tokens to take advantage of.

If you are a new user, you are eligible for a bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets + No Sweat NBA SGP Every Day of the Playoffs.

🏆 Top Feature	Ongoing Promotions
🎁 Welcome Offer	Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly
⭐ App Rating	4.8/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	Casino Queen & Wrigley Field

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Easiest To Use IL Sportsbook

FanDuel Illinois is the leader in market share amongst sportsbooks legal in Illinois. A big reason for this is the wide variety of bets you can make. This sportsbook has the most options on the market from player props, same game parlays, team props, and more.

The current welcome offer is Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins.

🏆 Top Feature	Sports Betting Variety
🎁 Welcome Offer	Bet $5 Get$150
⭐ App Rating	4.8/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	Par-A-Dice, FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, & United Center

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Best Illinois-Based Sportsbook

BetRivers Illinois is unique because it is the only sportsbook to originate from the state. Bettors who have a particular pride in the Prairie State may find a particular liking to this sportsbook.

The current welcome offer is a 2nd Chance Bet Up To $500 with the code SPORTS.

🏆 Top Feature	Based in Illinois
🎁 Welcome Offer	2nd Chance Bet Up To $500
⭐ App Rating	4.4/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	Rivers Casino Des Plaines

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Promo Code: ILB1000

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

Best High Limit Illinois Sportsbook

Circa Sportsbook Illinois made its way to the state earlier in 2023 after originating in Nevada. Circa Sports prides themselves on having the best odds and highest limits. If you like to make big bets, or bet the opening market this is the sportsbook for you.

🏆 Top Feature	Best Odds & Limits
🎁 Welcome Offer	N/A
⭐ App Rating	3.6/5.0
📌 Retail Location:	New American Place

Illinois Sportsbooks Coming Soon

In the last year, Fanatics purchased PointsBet's U.S. operations and, as a result, will take over its licenses across the states where PointsBet was already live. That means bettors should see Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois by the end of 2023.

There are more Illinois sportsbooks planning to expand in the state in the coming months. One of those is Bally Bet Illinois Sportsbook. Its temporary retail sportsbook is already open in Chicago, but the online app is expected to go live soon, too.

Hard Rock Bet in Illinois has also come to the state, but so far only at its casino location in Rockford. We're expecting the mobile version to come online soon.

Betway Illinois was orignially on pace to become one of the next legal operators in Illinois. However, Betway Illinois recently removed their license request - so it will not be coming to Illinois any time soon. 

How to Sign Up for Online Sportsbooks in Illinois

Signing up for an online sportsbook is easier than ever. Just follow the simple steps below to sign up today:

1. ✅ Read our expert reviews and select the sportsbook that fits your needs best.
2. ✅ Use our exclusive links to visit the sportsbook you have selected.
3. ✅ Click "Join" or equivalent. 
4. ✅ Fill out the required personal information.
5. ✅ If a promo code is available, enter it in the appropriate space.
6. ✅ Make a deposit and start betting!

Land-based Retail Sportsbooks in Illinois

While online sports betting is legal, some bettors prefer to get their action down in person. The following Illinois casinos accept sports bets in person:

Several locations are planning to open sportsbooks over the next few years, including: Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel in Rockford and Wind Creek Chicago Southland in East Hazel Crest.

How Illinois Sports Betting Compares to the Other Legal States

The Illinois betting industry is one of the largest in the U.S. There are plenty of legal sports betting options available, and some of the top operators in the industry have claimed sports gambling licenses. The fact that Illinois has so many professional sports teams is another factor that has driven this industry.

Illinois Sports Betting Revenue

Illinois sports betting makes a difference: In 2021 alone, the state recorded that Illinois sports betting revenue of more than $525 million. That amounted to more than $85 million in tax revenue for the entire state, and that funds different projects around the state. The total sports betting handle for Illinois was a bit over $7 billion in 2021.

Online sports betting revenue is taxed at a rate of 15%. This is right around the national average, as there are some states with much higher or lower tax rates set. You can use our Illinois gambling tax calculator to see how much of a winning bet you can keep.

Illinois Sports Betting Regulations

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates sports betting sites and the entire sports gambling industry. The IGB also has control over the casino gaming industry. 

All sports betting license applications go through the IGB, which can be a lengthy process. All forms of online or retail gaming must go through the IGB, as they govern Illinois sports betting law. This includes video poker machines that can be found inside of bars and restaurants.

Legal Bet Types

• ✅ Point Spread. This is a bet on the margin of victory in the game
• ✅ Moneylines. Moneyline betting is picking the winner of the game
• ✅ Totals. A total is also known as an over/under, where you bet on the number of points that are scored in the game.
• ✅ Futures. Future bets are bets on an event that will be decided in the future.
• ✅ Player Props. A prop bet is a bet tied to a very specific outcome within the game.

Illinois Sports Betting Restrictions

• ❌ No bettors under the age of 21
• ❌ No bets involving in state schools

Can I Bet On Sports In Chicago?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Chicago as of December 2021. Chicago sports betting was legalized via a city council ordinance, which lifted a previous ban on sports betting in the city. This move allows Chicago sports venues to apply for sports betting licenses. Retail sportsbooks at Illinois' sports stadiums, including Wrigley Field and the United Center, are currently awaiting approval from the Illinois Gaming Board.

Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: ILLBETS

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IL. In partnership with Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 53342. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

How Experts Rank the Best IL Online Sportsbooks

Illinois sports betting in Chicago and all of Illinois has taken off because of the worry-free sports betting apps in Illinois. These apps make your betting experience more personalized because some features provided can't be found on a basic Illinois sports betting site.

Below you are going to find some of the top features on an Illinois sportsbook, and how these features can set an operator apart. Some features will mean more to you than they will mean to others.

Read IL Sportsbook Reviews

It is always a good idea to check out online sportsbook reviews. This allows you to get a sense of other users' experiences and some things to keep in mind if you decide to sign up for the sportsbook. Online sportsbook reviews can encompass a wide range of important information, from customer service options to promotions and bonuses. These apply to both desktop and mobile app platforms. A great review will maintain a positive tone throughout and clearly indicate a liking for the sportsbook. These are the sportsbooks you'll want to use.

Variety of Bets Allowed at IL Sportsbooks

When looking for a top sportsbook, it is important to find one that offers a wide variety of betting options. This includes both bet types, as well as sports that are offered. There won't be much difference when it comes to professional U.S. sports, but there will be some in other areas.

Odds Pricing at IL Sportsbooks

The standard for most betting lines is -110 for over/under and spread bets. Moneyline odds are going to be extremely different, and following those lines can be to your benefit.

It will be to your benefit to sign up for an Illinois sports betting account at several different sites. This will give you the opportunity to "shop" around and find the best Illinois sports betting odds and lines available.

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Promo Code: ILB1000

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Must be 21+ to participate. T&Cs apply.

UX & User Interface at IL Sportsbooks

Because you could be looking to place a bet against the clock, it's important to find one with a good user interface, and one you like to use. The look and feel is extremely important, but you also want one that is fast and responsive.

Online betting apps in Illinois make this feature even more important, and you can notice a major difference with the best Illinois sportsbooks.

IL Sportsbook Deposits & Withdrawals

This isn't always true, but the more deposit options, the better the site is going to be for you. Illinois sports betting sites continue to come up with new options, and we rank sites based on what will be available.

When we are ranking our best Illinois sports betting sites, we take a close look at the time it takes each site to make a withdrawal payment.

Customer Service at IL Sportsbooks

Hopefully you won't have any issues at any of the sites in Illinois, but on the chance you do encounter an issue then you'll have to reach out to customer service.

All of the betting sites on this list have some sort of customer support. Typically live chat is the best to use, because you can get an answer right away.

Why Sign Up For Multiple Illinois Sportsbooks

Since there are so many great options in Illinois, choosing just one Illinois sportsbook can be hard. In fact, you don't have to register at just one, but instead can set up multiple sports betting accounts to try things out and see what you like. Here are some things to consider when you are looking for the best Illinois sports betting site.

• Diversify Your IL Sportsbook Options If you are going to give yourself the best chance to win, then you want to diversify your betting options. This means finding a sportsbook that has a wide range of options available is essential to your success.
• Get a Feel for Different Illinois Sportsbooks Every sportsbook is unique across a variety of dimensions. Signing up for multiple sportsbooks allows users to get a sense of which is the best option for them. Only through using multiple sportsbooks is it possible to find the best option for you that suits your specific needs.
• Explore All Illinois Sportsbook Rules There are a number of specific rules and policies unique to each online sportsbook. While most of the time these rules might seem negligible, there are moments where they may in fact influence your ability to place the bets you want. Features like minimum deposit requirements, withdrawal options, promo terms or bet types may vary between sportsbooks.

Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: ILLBETS

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Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IL. In partnership with Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 53342. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Retail Illinois Sportsbooks vs. Mobile Sportsbooks in IL

Mobile sports betting provides many distinct advantages over retail sports betting. Betting with Illinois sports betting apps can be done from anywhere in the state, and it can be done much quicker.

Betting at a retail sportsbook is going to require some travel, and there could be some limited betting options. Most would agree that online sportsbooks are the best way to go when placing a bet in IL.

Up to $1500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses

Bonus Code: ILLBETS

Visit Site

Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Must be 21+ to participate & present in IL. In partnership with Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or text ILGAMB to 53342. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. US promotional offers not available in NY, NV, or Puerto Rico.

Sports To Bet On In Illinois

Sportsbooks need betting markets to attract wagers, and there are some great options in this state. Not only are the professional sports popular, but Illinois has a professional team in each of the major sports.

NFL Betting in Illinois

Football, especially the NFL, is the largest betting market in Illinois. From August-February each year, NFL betting sites in Illinois see most of the betting action coming from this sport. The Super Bowl is clearly the biggest football event offered, but the entire NFL regular season is popular. Sportsbooks will feature more betting options for football than any other sport. 

NBA Betting in Illinois

Illinois residents love basketball, especially at the NBA level. It helps to have a popular NBA team like the Chicago Bulls, but there's action being taken on all NBA matchups. This action really heats up when the NBA Playoffs begin, and the All-Star Weekend is another major event for Illinois sports bettors and most Illinois NBA betting sites. 

MLB Betting in Illinois

Baseball is a popular sport in Illinois with two professional teams, the Cubs and the White Sox. While MLB doesn't see a ton of betting action nationally, Illinois MLB Betting is huge, especially when the crosstown rivals play each other. Baseball also carries the total handle during the summer when the other professional sports aren't in action. The MLB Playoffs, especially the World Series, and the All-Star Game generate plenty of attention.

NHL Betting in Illinois

Hockey is the fourth-most popular professional sport in the U.S., and that applies to betting as well. The NHL is the leading league for hockey bets, especially during the playoffs each year. NHL Illinois betting sites always see a boost when the Chicago Blackhawks make the postseason.

College Sports Betting in Illinois

Betting on Illinois college sports teams isn't allowed as of now, but that could change in the future. Illinois college teams like Northwestern and DePaul are not under the legalized sports betting umbrella.

Prohibited Betting in Illinois

Esports is growing almost as fast as sports gambling, but it's not a market that can be wagered on in Illinois. Since awards shows aren't classified as a sport, it can't be offered by online sportsbooks in Illinois, either. You won't find any election odds offered in Illinois as betting on elections is illegal in the U.S.

Can I Bet on Illinois Sports Teams?

Yes, you can bet on pro Illinois sports teams like the Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, and more. 

The only limitation is that you cannot bet on in-state college teams online. The state law restricts online sports betting in Illinois, as you are able to bet on Illinois college teams only in person at a retail sportsbook.

Popular Teams To Sports Bet On In Illinois

Illinois has some terrific professional sports teams, and all of them are extremely popular. It is these teams that drive the Illinois sports gambling industry, but betting can also be done on teams from outside of the state.

• Chicago Bears As a charter member of the NFL, the Bears have a long history in this sport. The last Super Bowl championship for the Bears came in 1985, but it was a memorable one. That '85 Bears team is known as one of the best in NFL history. You can keep up on the latest Bears playoff chances with our experts this season.
• Chicago Bulls The Bulls are one of the most recognized brands in all of the NBA, largely because of the six championships during the Michael Jordan era. While the Bulls haven't reached that level of success since then, they are still beloved by the city of Chicago. You can keep an eye on the Bulls odds throughout the season.
• Chicago Blackhawks The Blackhawks were an Original Six team in the NHL and therefore have a storied history in the league, boasting 51 Hall of Famers. The Chicago Blackhawks dominated the NHL in the 2010s, and instantly became a hugely popular team in Illinois. The Blackhawks Stanley Cup chances are less than ideal for this season, but the latest Connor Bedard odds show that he could be the next Blackhawks Hall of Famer.
• Chicago Cubs There are two MLB teams in Illinois, but it is the Cubs that are the most popular. The Cubs play their home games at Wrigley Field, one of the most iconic venues in all of the sports. The Chicago Cubs captured the 2016 World Series, ending a drought of 109 years between titles.
• Chicago White Sox The Chicago White Sox are the second-most popular MLB team in Illinois, but not on the Southside of Chicago. Allegiances are pretty well split in the Windy City, but the White Sox just don't have as big of a following in other parts of the state. The White Sox have won three World Series titles, with the most recent in 2005.

Alternatives to Sports Betting in Illinois

There are still some other gambling options available in Illinois aside from sports betting.

Horse Betting in Illinois

Horse racing enthusiasts in Illinois have the exciting opportunity to engage in legal horse race betting. This adds a thrilling dimension to the state's sports betting landscape. The horse racing scene is anchored by venues like the esteemed Hawthorne Race Course, renowned for its history, tradition, and the adrenaline-pumping races it hosts. But whether you are at the track, or online horse race betting remains a captivation pursuit that bridges tradition with innovation for Illinois sports betting.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) sites are legal in Illinois, but it took a long legal battle to get to that point. Illinois betting apps can come with DFS options if that operator specializes in both options. DraftKings sportsbook and FanDuel are two of the best DFS sites on the Illinois sports betting scene.

Illinois Casinos

While Illinois online casinos have not been legalized yet, there are several brick-and-mortar casinos available for Illinois gamblers. These casinos offer a range of games, including poker, table games, and roulette.

Illinois Lottery

The in-person lottery in Illinois started in 1974. The Illinois online lottery has been around since March 25, 2012. 

Illinois Sportsbook Payment Options

It is now easier than ever to get money into your sports wagering accounts, and you'll find plenty of depositing options. Illinois sportsbooks apps will have up to 10 different payment methods, and you can simply choose the one that works the best for you.

Using a credit card is one way to fund an account, but you can also use options such as, Neteller, Prepaid Cards, an online bank transfer, or Illinois sportsbooks that accept PayPal. All of the banking processes are safe and secure, and you won't have to worry about your money being stolen.

Requesting a payment from a site is easy as well, and you could receive your winnings in 24 hours or less. Using PayPal or requesting an online bank transfer are two of the best ways to get your winnings from the site.

You can also visit one of the retail sportsbooks and request your winnings be paid out in cash.

Things to Consider: Legal Sports Betting in Illinois

The legal sports betting industry has really taken off since 2020, and there are no signs of slowing down. Ever since the first legal sports bet was placed, there has been growth at a rapid pace.

Betting on mobile sports betting apps is the way to go, and Illinois has some of the best options in the industry. Betting apps in Illinois will continue to evolve and improve as well, making it even easier to get in on the action.