Best Illinois Sportsbooks March 2024

Illinois Sports Betting - Illinois Players Accepted

Sports betting is officially approved for mobile betting. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the original sports betting bill in June of 2019. The first land-based sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook took its first bet in March 2020.

Illinois registration went fully online March 5th, 2022! Betting will finally make its way back to mobile devices.

Updated on : 03/28/2024

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Online Sportsbooks · States · Illinois

In 2019 the Illinois Gambling Act legalized Illinois online sports betting. In March 2020, the first online sports wager was placed in Illinois, signifying the start of a new era in gambling.

Sports betting has arrived in Illinois, and not a moment too soon! Illinois sportsbooks have been permitted, provided that users register in-person. That restriction was temporarily changed by an executive order from Governor Pritzker. However, the in-person registration requirement was lifted on March 5th, 2022!

Now we'll give you all the information you need about Illinois sportsbooks, betting types, odds, betting markets, and the legal details you should know before wagering.

🗓 STATE OF ILLINOIS SPORTSBOOKS

Each month, legal betting states release information regarding handle (amount of money in accepted wagers), gross revenue, taxes, leading sportsbooks, etc. The latest data from the Illinois Gaming Board is from December 2023.

Metric December 2023
💰 Total Handle $1,314,056,821
🏉 Adjusted Sportsbook Revenue $128,430,319
⚖️ Taxes $19,264,548
⭐️ Top Illinois Sportsbooks DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers

Come check out other states' sports betting handle and revenue.

CONTENTS

Best Illinois Betting SitesBEST ILLINOIS SPORTSBOOKS

As sports betting is still relatively new to the online world, sportsbooks must currently partner with a brick and mortar casino to offer online betting.

Here are some top providers offering sports betting:

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

BetMGM Illinois

Known as "The King of Sportsbooks", BetMGM is one of the premier sports betting apps around. New players in Illinois can get online today and take advantage of a superb welcome offer upon signup with bonus code INSIDER1600. If you're not new to BetMGM, you still have exclusive odds boosts, promos, and prop bets at your disposal!

(Exclusive offer has a 10x wagering requirement and is only available in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.)

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Illinois FanDuel

FanDuel is well known for its fantasy sports offering, and it’s a prominent feature on the IL sports betting site. When Illinois opened its doors opened to sports betting, FanDuel grabbed the opportunity to excel in online sports betting. Fantasy sports remain popular, but FanDuel is proving to be a force to be reckoned with.

Their sports betting apps are compatible with both Android and iOS operating systems. Download the app to your Android mobile device directly from the website, or visit the App Store on your iPhone.

FanDuel Sports Markets and Betting Options

FanDuel focuses on mostly American sports, with some international soccer in the mix. College basketball and football are available, in addition to a wide variety of niche sports including including darts, table tennis, and MMA.

Betting options in Illinois include boosts on some matches, which potentially increase your win. One of the most popular bets at FanDuel is a spread. Odds on spreads are usually around 11-10. You bet $11 to win $21, a profit of $10.

FanDuel Payment Methods

FanDuel has a decent number of deposit methods, similar to most Illinois sportsbooks: credit/debit card, PayNearMe, PayPal, online banking, and wire transfer. You can also deposit at Par-A-Dice Casino, the land-based casino for FanDuel.

While FanDuel accepts Visa and Mastercard debit and credit cards, it doesn’t accept Amex or Discover cards.

CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Caesars Sportsbook

Shortly after Illinois went back to remote registration in early March 2022, Caesars Sportsbook launched its sports betting product in the state. With solid promos and fantastic boosts across all sports and leagues, Caesars brings something unique to the table for Prairie State bettors.

DRAFTKINGS

Illinois DraftKings

DraftKings is an American company with sports betting in several states, including Illinois. It has a fully-functional app compatible with Android and iOS devices and is available for download from the DraftKings site. Read on for more details about betting in Illinois on DraftKings.

Draftkings Welcome or Deposit Bonus

New players and eligible visitors can redeem the welcome offer which is Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Instantly! If you bet $5 you’ll receive bonus bets 30x your initial wager. No code is needed, bonus bets expire in seven days – therefore, you should use them before they expire.

Must be physically located in AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY or WV. (“each an “Eligible Jurisdiction” or, collectively, the “Eligible Jurisdictions”).

Other time-limited promotions and bonuses are available at this IL sports betting site throughout the year.

Draftkings Sports Markets and Betting Options

There’s a wide range of sports available at DraftKings for Prairie State betting fans. American football and golf are among the most popular. You can also wager on other sports, including tennis, baseball, basketball, and motorsports.

Whether you prefer to bet before the match starts or wait until it’s in play, you can do so at DraftKings when betting in Illinois. All the main betting types are available. You can go for an outright win, over/under bet, or put a few selections into a Parlay. DraftKings makes betting straightforward.

Draftkings Payment Methods

You have a few options for depositing funds into your DraftKings account. They accept payments by Visa and Mastercard, American Express, and Paypal. You can also deposit money with the cashier at the physical location in Illinois, Casino Queen.

BETRIVERS

BetRivers Illinois

Another excellent option for IL sports betting is BetRivers. They were the first of the Illinois online sportsbooks apps to launch after legalization.

You can download the app to your iOS mobile device from the App Store or from Google Play if you have an Android device. Here’s more of what to expect from BetRivers when betting on sports in Illinois.

BetRivers Welcome or Deposit Bonus

BetRivers offers: 2nd Chance Bet: Get up to a $500 Bonus Bet!. Ensure you enter the correct promo code upon deposit, or you won’t qualify.

Check the website regularly for details of other available bonuses and promotions for IL sports betting.

BetRivers Sports Markets and Betting Options

BetRiver offers a range of sports, adding much to the Illinois catalogue . Choose matches from some of the popular leagues such as the Major League Soccer (MLS), National Football League (NFL), or college football (NCAAF). Cycling, tennis, golf, and baseball feature prominently at BetRivers for betting in Illinois.

Sports betting is made easy at BetRivers. Make sure you understand how sports betting odds work before you place your first bet. The betting terminology is complicated, but once you’ve wagered a few times, you should catch on quickly.

All the standard betting options are available - moneyline, outright, parlays - and you can also choose the exciting prop bets. Place your bets before the games start or during the game as long as in-play betting is available.

BetRivers Payment Methods

Once you’ve registered on a betting site available in Illinois, you must deposit money into your account. At BetRivers, you can do this in many ways. Visa and Mastercards have been firm favorites of the masses for years, and BetRivers also accepts Discover cards.

Payment options have increased for sports bettors as technology has developed. Online banking is often a standard “go-to” payment method. You can also choose an e-wallet like PayPal or an e-check from VIP Preferred. As BetRivers links to Rivers Casino, paying your deposit to the cashier at the land-based casino is another option.

CIRCA SPORTSBOOK

Illinois bettors, are you finally ready to stop being limited on other sportsbook apps? The Las Vegas giant has announced it will be launching in IL with both a retail location, and mobile. If you are not familiar Circa sets the industry standard when it comes to limits, risk assessment, and more. Bettors will have a fair marketplace with odds that beat the competition.

ESPN BET

ESPN BET

The ESPN BET promo code is now live in Illinois! ESPN is a name you know, and that brand authority coupled with a forward-thinking team of experts is bringing legal, online sports betting to a ton of states in the US!

HARD ROCK BET

Hard Rock Bet IL

In late July 2023, Hard Rock Bet received a sports betting license from the IGB, so launch is imminent!

Be on the lookout for a retail location at Hard Rock Casino Rockford and an online go-live.

Stay tuned for more!

Check out current offers in Illinois and how each sportsbook stacks up below!

Operator
Offer
Best For
BetMGM IL
Exclusive Offer: Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus!
(10x wagering requirement. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.)
Huge offering of game lines for domestic and international leagues
FanDuel IL
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins!
Attractive platform, top performer in the market
Caesars Sportsbook IL
Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!
High value welcome offer
BetRivers IL
2nd Chance Bet: Get up to a $500 Bonus Bet!
Versatile platform with tons of features

ILLINOIS SPORTS BETTING SITES FEATURES

OperatorIn-Play BettingLive StreamingParlaysSame-Game ParlaysProp BetsLoyalty Rewards ProgramMobile App
BetMGM
FanDuel
Caesars
BetRivers

ILLINOIS RETAIL SPORTSBOOKS

Illinois went live with legal sports betting in March of 2020. This mix offered both retail sportsbooks at land-based casinos and online betting. When first launched, the state required in-person registration for mobile betting accounts at Illinois retail books.

DraftKings operates a retail sportsbook through a partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis. The Rivers Casino Sportsbook has ties to BetRivers. Penn National’s entry into the retail segment is through the Sportsbook at Argosy Casino Alton. Expansion into retail sportsbooks at Chicago sports venues could be next on the horizon.

IL How to Place a BetHOW TO PLACE A SPORTS BET IN ILLINOIS

The legalization of Illinois betting sites and sportsbooks has opened doors to an exciting new world. For new bettors, there’s a minefield of jargon to wade through before placing your first bet. Those familiar with sports betting understand the lingo but may not be familiar with the laws. For everyone, knowing the laws around sports betting is key to an enjoyable experience.

ILLINOIS BETTING LAWS

The laws around sports betting in Illinois are well-regulated to ensure compliance. Initially, bettors needed to register in person at a casino to bet online at one of the available betting sites. Authorities have temporarily relaxed this law to enable sports betting customers to register online.

You must observe the following legalities:

  • You must be at least 21 years of age to participate in online sports betting.
  • You must be inside the Illinois state lines at the time placing a sports wager. You don’t need to be a permanent resident in the state.
  • You should not be on a self-exclusion list. In other words, you must not have a gambling addiction or be at risk of developing one through betting in Illinois.
  • Sports personnel - coaches, officials, etc. - aren’t permitted to participate in Illinois online sports betting in their sports.

You’re legal to participate in betting in Illinois, provided you don’t tick any of these boxes.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS FOR ILLINOIS ONLINE SPORTS BETTING

Choose Your Sportsbook

Before you make your first bet at one of the Illinois betting sites, decide which sportsbooks you’re going to register with. Factors to consider when choosing are the welcome offer or deposit bonus, the range of sports markets, betting types, and the payment options. Read through the terms and conditions of the sites you’re considering before making a decision.

Register and Create An Account

Registration is a straightforward process. Click on the relevant button that takes you to the screen to create your account. Complete the online form, entering the details requested. Ensure the information you provide is accurate to avoid any problems at a later stage.

Most sports betting sites require certain documents to verify your details. You can either email these or upload them directly from the website. The method depends on the betting platform.

Make Your First Deposit

Follow the instructions provided to fund your account and choose from one of the payment methods provided. Keep in mind that you may need to use the same payment method for withdrawing funds as well.

The payment information is found in the terms and conditions of all betting sites in Illinois. Ensure you select an appropriate payment option so that there’s no hassle when you withdraw your winnings.

If the betting site you’ve chosen has a deposit bonus, make sure that you deposit the right amount to qualify. As a new bettor to a sports betting provider, you only get one chance for a site’s deposit bonus; make it count.

If you’re a visitor to Illinois, you can create an account and bet from within the state. You can also withdraw your funds from outside state lines.

Place a Bet

While Illinois online sports betting markets are slowly opening up after a lean few months, some exciting sports tournaments are underway. What’s available on the offer is a snapshot of what you usually find.

Make sure you understand the various types of sports bets. If you're new to wagering, stick with something simple like a moneyline win or an over/under wager. Points spread is a popular choice when betting in Illinois. It requires a little more thought and knowledge of the competing players or teams.

Log in to your account on the sportsbook app or your desktop. Select the sport, and choose a tournament from the drop-down menu. From there, you can select a specific match and scan through the options and odds.

If the odds are favorable, click on the type of bet, and it will appear in the virtual betting slip on the screen. You can now type in the amount you’d like to wager. You should see what your potential winnings will be at the current odds.

Double-check the bet details - the game, odds, and amount - to make sure they’re correct. To finalize the bet, click the confirm or bet button.

Don’t bet in a hurry. Choose carefully when betting in Illinois and think the wager through before finalizing. If you’re not happy with the odds at the time, don’t place the bet. Recheck the odds at a later stage and only bet when you’re satisfied.

IL Daily Fantasy SportsPLAY ILLINOIS DAILY FANTASY SPORTS

In addition to sports betting, you can take part in daily fantasy sports. You create fantasy teams and compete against other contestants' fantasy teams. You can choose a new team every day, rather than sticking with the same one.

You don’t bet directly on any real-life sporting events. Fantasy sports are available on the sports betting apps and sportsbook websites. You can play for free against friends or enter competitions with a chance to win real money.

FanDuel and DraftKings are the two largest Illinois betting sites for fantasy sports. Your sports options include, but aren’t limited to, football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and golf.

IL Online Sports Betting Markets and EventsILLINOIS ONLINE SPORTS BETTING: EVENTS AND BETTING MARKETS

Illinois online sports betting is taking off, with many bettors wagering on their favorite sports and players. In recent months, the most popular sports were soccer, baseball, boxing, and mixed martial arts. American football is on the rise too now that the season is underway. Here are some of the events that you can choose for betting in Illinois.

POPULAR EVENTS

  • Kentucky Derby (Horse racing)
  • Masters Tournament (Golf)
  • NFL (American football)
  • Formula 1 Grand Prix (Motor racing)
  • Euro 2020 (Soccer)
  • Grand Slam (Tennis)
  • MLB (Baseball)
  • NBA (Basketball)

COMMON TYPES OF BETS

Sports betting comes with a wide range of bet types. Some make it clear by their name what you’re betting on, but others are a bit more confusing. These are some of the more common bets you’ll come across on some of the best Illinois betting apps and websites.

Straight Bets

These are some of the most common bets. You choose either the favorite or the underdog and wager on the margin of points by which they’ll win or lose. Sports betting apps set a point spread, or betting line, for this type of bet. If the match ends in a draw, no-one wins.

Moneyline (Outright) Bets

Another very straightforward bet is the moneyline. Here, you bet on the team to win the match outright. These are popular bets when betting on sports.

Total Line Bet (Over/Under)

The sportsbook sets a total number of points, goals etc., to be scored in a game. You bet on whether the total will be over or under that number. Your concern here is the number of points and not how a specific team plays.

Parlay Bets

Also known as accumulator bets, they consist of several selections combined into one bet. If one of those selections lose, you lose your accumulator bet. These bets are risky in IL sports betting as a successful outcome depends on each selection winning.

Props (Proposition Bets)

Props are side bets during a game that don’t depend on the outcome of a match. They include such things betting on player performance, when during a game a goal will be scored or which team will have the first yellow card. You place prop bets either before a game or while it’s in play.

Betting on Professional Teams in ILBETTING ON PRO SPORTS TEAMS IN ILLINOIS

Illinois Football Betting | Illinois NFL Betting

NFL BETTING

The NFL remains a popular tournament throughout the United States. With the legalization of Illinois online sports betting, fans can now bet on their home team from the comfort of their chair.

Futures betting is available in the NFL, from training camp through the pre-season period. Bettors can wager at any Illinois outlet on the likely winner of the tournament. Some sportsbooks have welcome bonuses or promotions for NFL betting.

Chicago Bears Betting

Prairie State bettors are very supportive of their home team, the Chicago Bears. The team competes in the NFL as a member of the National Football Conference North Division.

The Chicago Bears have won nine NFL championships. They last appeared in the playoffs in 2018. The Bears are one of the favourites to win the NFC in 2020, but their chances of topping the league are slim. You can find all the odds on your sports betting app of choice.

Illinois Basketball Betting | Illinois NBA Betting

NBA BETTING

As one of the four major professional sports leagues in the USA, NBA features prominently among sports betting enthusiasts. Bettors can wager on the draft picks before the start of the finals. The NBA Draft Lottery determines the order of the top four picks.

The wager that most bettors favor for the NBA is a point spread bet. Betting on the number of points by which the favorite team wins is perceived as less risky than a moneyline bet.

Chicago Bulls Betting

Famously home to Michael Jordan in the 90s, the Chicago Bulls participate in the NBA as part of the Eastern Conference Central Division. While the Bulls are a firm contender to win their conference, their chances in the next round are uncertain.

Futures betting for the next season is already open on plenty of betting sites. You can bet on the Bulls to win their conference, or pick them for the championship win. Better yet, wait for the in-play action and place some prop bets through one of the sports betting apps available in Illinois.

Illinois NHL Betting | Illinois Hockey Betting

NHL BETTING

Ice hockey is among the favored sports at Illinois online sportsbooks. Punters prefer a moneyline bet for hockey, which is purely a bet on the winner or loser. Payouts depend less on the odds than in other betting types.

Another popular option in IL sports betting in the NHL is the puck line. Here you bet on a team to win by a predetermined number of goals. The standard is two goals but can be higher if teams are not equally matched.

Chicago Blackhawks Betting

The state ice hockey team is the Chicago Blackhawks. They are one of the original six NHL teams and compete in the Western Conference. They are a six-time winner of Stanley Club, which is awarded to the playoff champion club each year. Their most recent win was the 2014-2015 season.

You can place your futures bet on the Chicago Blackhawks at any Illinois online sports betting site for the 2021 season. Apps also have futures available.

Illinois MLS Betting | Illinois Soccer Betting

MLS BETTING

Major League Soccer started in 1993 and has grown in popularity. The season runs from February/March through to October, and each team plays 34 games.

Moneyline bets, point spread, and total line bets are common types for this league. Betting enthusiasts also enjoy the excitement of prop bets during the game. Place your bet at any betting site with odds on the MLS teams.

Chicago Fire FC Betting

Chicago Fire is a member of the Major Soccer League’s eastern conference. They won their first MLS Cup in 1998, the first year of competition in the league. No further cup wins have come their way, but they have a firm fan base throughout Illinois.

Betting options abound for Chicago Fire matches. There are many prop bets, and some of the best Illinois sportsbooks allow parlay bets on the same game.

Other IL Teams to Bet OnOTHER ILLINOIS TEAMS TO BET ON

Illinois sports betting laws now allow wagering on Illinois college teams or in-state schools. If you're betting in Illinois, you can also wager on out-of-state college teams playing in Illinois. Here are some of the teams representing Illinois colleges in football and basketball.

Illinois NCAA Football Betting | Illinois College Football

BETTING ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Wildcats

The Wildcats are the team at Northwestern University. They’re a Division 1 team and part of the Big Ten Conference, which they’ve won three times.

Huskies

The Huskies represent Northern Illinois University. They are part of the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and play in the Mid-American Conference.

Fighting Illini

The Fighting Illini is the football team at the University of Illinois. They are also in the Football Bowl Subdivision and are a founding member of the Big Ten Conference.

Redbirds

The Redbirds hail from Illinois State University. They compete in the NCAA Division 1 subdivision, where they’ve appeared in the playoffs eight times.

Illinois NCAA Basketball Betting | Illinois college basketball

BETTING ON COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Wildcats

The Wildcats are a Division 1 college basketball team. They represent Northwestern University in the Big Ten conference.

Huskies

The Huskies from Northern Illinois University currently play basketball in the Mid-American Conference.

Fighting Illini

The University of Illinois’s basketball team, the Fighting Illini, is a Division 1 college team and competes in the Big Ten Conference.

Redbirds

The Redbirds represent Illinois State University. They are part of the NCAA Division 1 basketball and play in the Missouri Valley Conference.

IL Sports Betting FAQIL ONLINE SPORTS BETTING FAQ

Take a look at the FAQ about IL online sports betting below. You might find a piece of information you are looking for.

ARE SPORTS BETTING SITES LEGAL IN ILLINOIS?

Yes, sports betting was legalized in 2019, and the first Illinois sportsbooks opened in 2020.

WHAT DO I NEED TO REGISTER AT AN ONLINE BETTING SITE IN ILLINOIS?

In order to register at any legal online gambling website (or app) in Illinois, you’ll need to be 21 or older and physically located in the state specified by the website or app. Additionally, you’ll need to provide identity verification details and share your location in order to stay compliant with state and federal laws.

CAN I BET ONLINE ON MY PHONE IN ILLINOIS?

Yes, you can. Download the Illinois sports betting apps linked to sportsbooks, or place your bet through the Illinois betting sites online.

WHERE CAN I BET ON SPORTS IN ILLINOIS?

You can take part in betting at any Illinois sportsbook, online or land-based. You can also use one of the Illinois sports betting apps to place your bet.

Casinos in IllinoisILLINOIS CASINOS

If you prefer slot machines and table games, like blackjack, poker and roulette, visit one of the land-based casinos in Illinois. There are currently almost twenty that you choose from, with a range of games and slots for your entertainment.

Even though sports betting is legal, online casino gambling isn’t. Casino lovers have to make do with playing social casino games online if they can’t visit a brick and mortar establishment.

Currently, online casinos are still illegal. You may only access Illinois online betting through sportsbooks or lottery games. Illinois online casinos are only available through sweepstakes sites. Look for this to change soon.

BEST CASINOS IN ILLINOIS

Now, if you want to get into Illinois online casinos, first you will want to look into the casinos that are already in the state. You will want to do this because many times the already existing casinos will become the best online casinos.

Here is a list of the best casinos located in Illinois:

  • Harrah's Joliet Hotel and Casino / Harrah's Metropolis Hotel and Casino
  • Hollywood Hotel and Casino Joliet
  • Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Illinois Sports Betting ConclusionFINAL THOUGHTS ON BETTING IN ILLINOIS

Illinois online sports betting is a growing market, and the legalization of Illinois sportsbooks is a massive step in the right direction. Sports fans have embraced this access to IL sports betting, and we look forward to seeing what further developments arise.

Illinois Sports Betting