The state of Illinois has become a significant player in the US sports betting scene. It was one of the first states to legalize sports betting and has since seen a surge in Illinois online sportsbooks.
This guide will take a closer look at all available online sports betting options in Illinois, focusing on the various aspects of top-rated sports betting platforms. By the end of this guide, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where to place your next bet in Illinois.
The state of Illinois is a major player in the U.S. sports scene. Due to the multiple options available in the state, it can be overwhelming to find the best Illinois sportsbooks. Let’s take a closer look at what each of the legal IL sportsbooks are known for in the table below:
Let’s take a look at the sportsbooks in Illinois stand out for and what you can expert when signing up:
| Feature | Best Sportsbook |
|---|---|
| 💰 Best Sign Up Bonus | BetMGM |
| 📈 Most Competitive Odds | FanDuel |
| 🏈 Biggest Choice of Markets | DraftKings |
| 🤝 Best Loyalty Promos | Caesars |
| 🎯 Best Same Game Parlays | BetRivers |
| 🆕 Newest Sportsbook | Fanatics |
| 📱 Best Mobile App | ESPN Bet |
| ⏳ Best for Live Betting | DraftKings |
| 💳 Most Trusted Payments | BetMGM |
| 💬 Best Support | FanDuel |
Sports betting became legal in the state of Illinois after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn PASPA in 2018. The state of Illinois passed legislation in June 2019, and many retail sportsbooks were opened in March 2020. The first legal IL online sports betting platform to launch was BetRivers, and this took place in June 2020.
Since then, the Illinois sports betting scene has been quite competitive with multiple brands competing for market share. Illinois residents can bet on a number of professional sports and leagues, including popular and niche sports as well as local and international leagues. As always, there are some restrictions on what you can and cannot bet on, which will be discussed in the sections below.
Here’s a list of all Illinois sportsbooks that are the legal and active in Illinois:
Check out all the top Illinois sportsbook promo codes currently available to players in IL:
| Bet365 Illinois Bonus Code | Caesars Illinois Bonus Code |
| BetMGM Illinois Bonus Code | DraftKings Illinois Bonus Code |
| FanDuel Bonus Code for Illinois | Fanatics Illinois Promo Code |
Due to the vast amount of betting sites available in the state of Illinois, it can be hard to decide where to start. This is why we’ve taken the time to thoroughly research and review the top seven legal Illinois sportsbooks list to bring you all the information you need regarding each platform’s offerings, so you can make a well-informed decision on where to play. So let’s get straight into reviews of the top seven IL sportsbooks:
BetMGM is a huge name in the US online gambling industry, which is why it’s also functional in multiple US states. The first thing you’ll notice when signing up to the BetMGM sportsbook is that they offer an impressive welcome betting bonus in the form of a first bet offer. Essentially, you’ll receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if you don’t win your first wager. As always, terms and conditions apply, and this bonus bet expires in 7 days and is only open to new members.
Additionally, they do have quite an exciting refer-a-friend program, rewarding you with a $100 bonus for referring friends and family members to the platform. In order to qualify for this offer, your friend or family member will just need to sign up and make their first deposit. Additional bonuses and incentives include the Swing for the Fences promotion, Grand Slam jackpot, as well as tennis odds boosts, and multiple other BetMGM rewards.
There’s no shortage of payment methods on this platform, and you’re free to use fiat payment methods such as Visa and Mastercard, as well as some other common banking methods like American Express and Apple Pay when making deposits. When requesting withdrawals of your winnings, you can do so using e-checks, Skrill, and PayPal.
While there are many reasons to wager on this platform, some of the most noteworthy features include a comprehensive live betting section focusing on both international and local sports and leagues, as well as the live streaming function. If you’re looking to minimize your losses, you can make use of BetMGM’s early cash-out feature, and if you prefer to bet on the go, then the BetMGM mobile app is designed to do exactly that.
Additionally, whenever faced with a question or query requiring a speedy response, you can reach out to the 24/7 live chat support channel, and you’ll receive a response within a matter of minutes. That said, if you’re looking for one of the most comprehensive and best IL sportsbook sites, BetMGM is the one.
25+ sports markets. Generous welcome bonus. Frequent odds-boosts. T&Cs and 21+ apply
The FanDuel Sportsbook needs little introduction since it first made its name offering daily fantasy sports options, and it’s safe to say that they are still one of the leading DFS platforms to date.
However, they have since expanded their offerings to various local and international sports and, in addition, offer a variety of features and benefits for sports enthusiasts.
For one, they offer great promotions and incentives to reward both new and existing bettors. The FanDuel welcome bonus rewards new bettors with $150 in bonus bets simply for signing up to the platform and making their first deposit of $5 or more. You will need to make your first wager of at least $5, and if your bet wins, you’ll receive the bonus bets from the sportsbook.
Other promotions come in the form of regular odds boosts, referral programs, bonus bets, and much more.
When it comes to funding your account, you’ll find several banking options available here, including e-wallets like PayPal, traditional wire transfers, as well as e-checks for those options. Withdrawal methods are more limited compared to deposit options, you can still request payouts using e-wallets like PayPal and the check option.
Like the rest of the best IL sportsbooks, FanDuel also offers live betting and live streaming options, simply adding to the excitement of online wagering.
If you’re looking for competitive odds covering major American sports, then this is the best place to be. These competitive odds are further enhanced by the same-game parlays, which you can access by simply clicking on the popular Same Game Parlays tab directly on the FanDuel website. Multiple customer support channels are also available in the event that you run into an issue that needs to be resolved swiftly.
Wagering Needed (WR): 1x Deposit. T&Cs and 21+ apply
The BetRivers Sportsbook is another leading betting site that has been around for quite some time. This platform offers a range of promotional offers and deals for both new and existing bettors.
Upon signing up for the platform, you receive a generous welcome bonus, which rewards you with up to $500 in bonus bets. All you need to do is sign up, verify your account, make a deposit, and place a wager of at least $10. In order to receive the $500 bonus bets, your first wager will have to lose.
Additionally, BetRivers does offer state-specific promotions, so always check the promotions page to find out if a specific offer is available just for residents located in your state. Another unique feature offered by BetRivers is the buy-out option, which is essentially an early cash-out feature but branded as a buy-out on the BetRivers platform.
Some other exciting options include same-game parlays, a 50% profit boost for NFL Sundays during the football season, as well as full access to the iRush Rewards program. One of the perks of the iRush Rewards program includes boosted odds for big matches and events.
If you’d like to sign up and take advantage of the welcome bonus, you can make your first deposit via credit or debit cards such as Visa and Discover, or you can use PayPal or check payment methods. When it comes to withdrawing your winnings from BetRivers, you can use PayPal, check, and a few other options listed on their banking page.
Overall, BetRivers Sportsbook is a well-established and long-standing online gaming platform offering transparency and reliability, not to mention some of the most advanced sports betting features available.
The DraftKings Sportsbook has been around for several years and has a reputation for being a secure and reliable betting platform, which is why it’s made it to our list of Illinois sportsbooks. That said, upon a new player signing up to the platform, they are entitled to receive a DraftKings welcome bonus of up to $200.
Here’s how it works: you’ll need to sign up for the DraftKings platform, verify your account, make a deposit, and place your first wager of at least $5. Once your qualifying bet settles, the sportsbook will give you $200 in the form of 8 x $25 bonus bets. If the welcome bonus sounds attractive, you’ll be pleased to know that DraftKings doesn’t stop there. In fact, they have multiple bonuses and promotions, not just for new bettors but for returning ones as well.
The best part about joining the DraftKings Sportsbook is that you have access to the DraftKings iRush Rewards program, which essentially operates on a tier system, rewarding you with more incentives the higher up the tiers you move.
This brand also offers boosted odds for specific markets, and you can opt-in on the promotions page to place your required bets to qualify. The refer-a-friend bonus rewards you with $25 in bonus bets, provided your friend or family member signs up and makes their first deposit on the DraftKings platform.
To fund your account, you can use debit cards, e-checks, or e-wallets. To withdraw money from DraftKings, you can use PayPal, wire transfer, or check payment methods. Considering its long-standing reputation, you can expect to find many popular features here, including live betting, live streaming, and a unique option called “Rapid Grading.”
The Rapid Grading system works like this: once you place a bet, the sportsbook records the details of your wager, including the bet type, odds, and teams. The sportsbook continuously collects live data from the game, and as soon as the game or event ends, the sportsbook uses the final score or result to determine whether your bet was a win, a loss, or a push. So if you’d like to receive feedback on your wagers and improve your overall online sports betting experience, this is one feature that you should definitely take advantage of.
Multiple betting options. 20+ sports represented. Solid welcome bonus. T&Cs and 21+ apply
The Fanatics Sportsbook offers a range of incentives, rewards, and special offers not just for new members but for existing ones as well. Welcome bonuses and promotions are state-specific, so you’ll have access to them based on your specific state of residence. That said, we did confirm that Fanatics offers various forms of bonus bets, ranging from $100 bonus bets up to $1,500 in bonus bets. All you need to do to take advantage of these offers is become a Fanatics Sportsbook member.
Additionally, after joining the platform, you will have access to the Fanatics Loyalty Program, which functions using something called FanCash, Fanatics’ unique currency. You receive FanCash and once you’ve reached a specific amount, you can then redeem them for sports merchandise, and more directly from the sportsbooks store or partner stores.
When it comes to funding your Fanatics Sportsbook account, you can use bank transfer, wire transfer, or Apple Pay. However, when it comes to withdrawing your winnings, you’ll need to use wire transfer, e-check, or bank transfer. Some other noteworthy advantages of the Fanatics Sportsbook include their selection of live betting options, the early cash-out feature which helps you minimize losses, as well as the live streaming functionality which adds to your online sports gaming sessions.
If you love betting on the go, you absolutely have to download the Fanatics mobile app, which will give you full access to the sportsbook’s offerings directly from your mobile device. Please note that regardless of which state you’re signing up from, you will need to be between 18 and 21 years of age to sign up, participate, and withdraw your winnings from this platform.
High-value welcome bonus. Competitive odds. NFL live streaming. T&Cs and 21+ apply
The Caesars Sportsbook welcomes new bettors to the platform by offering quite a generous welcome bonus. New bettors signing up and verifying their account will receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets. After signing up, you’ll need to make the deposit and place your first wager. If your first bet loses, you’ll receive up to $1,000 in the form of bonus bets, providing one of the most valuable IL sports betting bonuses on the market.
Once you’ve explored the welcome bonus option, you’re free to take advantage of other promotions available on the site. All you need to do is make your way to the promotions tab at the Caesars Sportsbook, dropdown, and you’ll have access to all available special offers. Another benefit of joining Caesars Sportsbook is the benefit of the Caesars Rewards Program, which allows you to claim rewards as you wager.
Additionally, if you’d like to take advantage of the sign-up bonus, you can sign up, confirm your account, and fund it using Venmo, as well as several debit and credit card options. Alternatively, if you’d like to make a withdrawal from the Caesars platform, you’ll need to use e-check, Skrill, or wire transfers among others.
For those who enjoy betting on horse races, this platform has a dedicated Caesars Racebook app that you can download and use on the go. It allows you access to over 300 race tracks in the US, including the Yonkers Raceway, Monmouth Park, and Saratoga. The mobile sports app is also fully functional on both Apple and Android devices. If you’d like to reach out to Caesar’s support for any reason, you’ll have multiple channels at your disposal, starting with a 24/7 live chat, email support, direct phone line, and the option to connect and follow Caesars on X.
Wagering Needed (WR): 1x Deposit. T&Cs and 21+ apply
While ESPN BET’s sportsbook is a relatively new contender in the competitive sports betting landscape, there are a few things that make it stand out. ESPN is a well-known name in the sports betting world even prior to the establishment of the sportsbook and therefore has attracted a wide audience and many sports betting users. The sportsbook prioritizes a user-friendly platform with fast load times and a smooth betting experience.
You’ll find some unique features here such as quick bets for live wagering as well as Parlay Plus for creating same-game parlays. ESPN BET offers a competitive range of odds to attract and also encourages loyalty. That said, the sportsbook aims to integrate ESPN’s extensive sports coverage and therefore provides a comprehensive overall betting experience for fans. It’s also currently legal in 18 US states and offers various bonuses and promotions for both new and existing bettors.
There are a number of payment options to fund your account and process your withdrawals, while you can also take advantage of the early cash-out feature to minimize your losses when wagering. Another unique feature of the ESPN BET sportsbook is that you can share your best bets via social media with other ESPN BET members in real-time.
If you enjoy betting on the go, then you should definitely download the ESPN BET mobile app. It is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. When it comes to reaching the customer service department, you can do so via their live chat, email support option, or request a callback.
Fanatics was the latest sportsbook to launch in the state of Illinois on the 4th of April 2024. The sportsbook is fully legal and live in the state due to its license from the Illinois Gaming Board. Keep an eye out for new IL sportsbooks as they give you the opportunity to take advantage of no deposit bonuses in Illinois, as well as a host of other perks such as: improved odds, more betting markets, better apps, and more.
| Sportsbook | Launch Date | Licensing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Fanatics | April 5, 2024 | Illinois Gaming Board |
Illinois has many sports betting options, including:
These are the restricted sports and markets in IL:
Sports betting is overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board, which is the regulatory body responsible for ensuring that gambling activities are fair and lawful. Aside from issuing licenses to sports betting platforms, they are also responsible for ensuring that these operators meet regulation requirements. Ultimately, this board works to protect consumers by ensuring that gaming activities are conducted responsibly.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 833-937-ICPG or visit www.illinoisproblemgambling.org
Here’s a summary of Illinois Online sportsbooks and how they rank in terms of sports betting offerings:
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 9/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★★☆ | 9/10 |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★★☆☆ | 8/10 |
| Bonus | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Competitive Lines | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| App Experience | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Payment Options | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Market Variety | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Support | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
| Summary | ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ | 7/10 |
Yes, sports betting is currently legal in Illinois and you’re free to place wagers at various Illinois betting sites. The only condition is that Illinois does not allow wagering on in-state college teams or minor league teams. Feel free to have a look at some college football sportsbooks available in other states.
Illinois has seven legal online sportsbooks available to Illinois residents. These betting brands include DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, PointsBet, and Fanatics Sportsbook. This means that the brands mentioned are all Illinois sportsbooks that are 100% legitimate. All you need to do is sign up to the platforms, verify your age and identity, and you’re good to go.
You’re free to bet on any sports or leagues in the state of Illinois, or in other words, professional sports or athletic events. However, according to the Sports Wagering Act, you may not wager on in-state college teams or minor league teams, at any of the online betting sites operating in the state.
Yes, BetMGM is legal in Illinois along with the six other legal online sportsbooks which are FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, Fanatics, BetRivers, and ESPN BET. Online sports betting became legal in Illinois on January 27th, 2022, and the BetMGM app launched in March that same year. That said, BetMGM is one of the latest sportsbooks that is now 100% legal in Illinois.
Yes, Caesars Sportsbook allows you to request payout of your winnings using a number of different payment methods, including PayPal. If you fund your account using PayPal, you can also use the same e-wallet to request a withdrawal of your funds. However, you should know that all withdrawals are subject to review with a focus on customer security.
Loading …
