Illinois Sports Betting: Best IL Sportsbooks April 2025

Best Illinois Sportsbooks: April 2025

Our experts reviewed and ranked all Illinois sportsbooks using our unique IllinoisBet.com Rating out of 10 Stars. 

1. Caesars Illinois Sportsbook

We think Caesars Sportsbook is the top betting option in the state given its highly touted features, great app store ratings and a retail betting location to boot.  

Caesars is one of the most recognized names in the industry and uses its experience to deliver a fantastic mobile experience, and we can tell why after we reviewed this great sportsbook. 

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Must be 21+ and present in IL. T&Cs apply.

2. Fanatics Illinois Sportsbook

If you're a sports fan you've most likely heard the name Fanatics a time or two. Now, the sports merchandise giant has it's own sports betting site and app!

The Fanatics Sportsbook has one of the best rewards programs in the industry as every single bet you place earns you FanCash which you can use to redeem additional bonus bets or discounted merch for your favorite teams. 

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

3. bet365 Illinois Sportsbook

Although bet365 may be the new kid on the block in terms of Illinois sportsbooks, this operator brings decades of experience from all over the globe.

Sports bettors will find a lot to love about this brand, including a vast selection of sports wagering markets, user-friendly interface and plenty of daily promos and boosts. 

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Must be 21+ to participate. Gambling problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IA, IL, KY, LA, OH, NC, NJ, PA, TN, VA). Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ). Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Risked amount excluded from returns. New Customer only. T&Cs Apply.

4. DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook shines with a variety of ongoing promotions that cater to both new and existing users. On any given day, there are no sweat same game parlays, odds boosts, or bet tokens to take advantage of.

DraftKings typically has the best sports wagering odds, so make sure to go with this brand if you want to get the highest payouts. 

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GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 5/18/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

5. BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook

A product of MGM Resorts, BetMGM Sportsbook's top feature is the personalized betting experience. Not only can you choose your favorite teams and get specific offers for them, but you'll see your teams at the top of the app every time you sign in. 

And it's a fantastic all-around sports betting platform to boot for anyone in Illinois.

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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.

6. FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook is the leader in terms of market share amongst legal sportsbooks in Illinois. A big reason for this is the wide variety of bets you can make, fantastic user interface and competitive odds - so it's easy to see why it's the highest-rated sportsbook in the Land of Lincoln. 

This sportsbook has the most options on the market from player props, same game parlays, team props, and more.

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

7. ESPN BET Illinois Sportsbook

While not the newest sports betting options to hit the state, ESPN BET is one of the latest Illinois sportsbooks to launch and has held up to the "pre-season" hype. 

This sportsbook offers a great user experience while providing ESPN-centric promos and features, which you won't find anywhere else. 

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

8. Hard Rock Bet Illinois

Hard Rock Bet is one of the newer sportsbooks that have entered the IL sports betting market. A well-known brand across the world in the entertainment space, Hard Rock Bet brings an all-around solid betting experience to the game.

You'll find plenty of unique features at Hard Rock Bet, including our favorite - Flex Parlays - which allow you to lose a leg of your parlay and still win the overall bet!

9. BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois

BetRivers Sportsbook 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 brand, and should be familiar with it given Rivers Casino Des Plaines. 

Our top feature listed here is BetRivers' iRush Rewards program, which rewards bettors simply by wagering with the sportsbook. So head on over and find out more about what makes BetRivers so great!

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

10. Circa Sports Sportsbook Illinois

Making its way to the state earlier in 2023 after originating in Nevada, Circa Sports prides itself on having the best odds and highest limits available among Illinois sportsbooks. 

If you like to make big bets, or bet the opening market, Circa Sports is the sportsbook for you.

What are the Newest Illinois Sportsbooks in 2025?

Illinois' sports betting legislation states that there can be a total of 26 online sportsbooks in the state if all licenses are rewarded, meaning there's plenty of room for more brands to enter the market. 

bet365 is the newest Illinois sportsbook, having gone live in March 2025. Before that, 2024 say the addition of Hard Rock Bet on August 26, 2024 and Fanatics Sportsbook on April 5, 2024 - taking over PointsBet's license. 

Interestingly, Bally Bet IL was one of the first operators to apply for a license back in 2022 but has yet to launch. The company seems focused on expanding in states with iGaming and is currently building out the all-new casino resort Bally's Chicago. That being said, we foresee Bally Bet being the newest sportsbook in Illinois over the coming months. 

All Legal IL Sportsbooks Available Today

If all Illinois sports betting licenses are granted, there could be 26 sportsbooks in IL.

Here are the IL sportsbooks currently in operation:

Online Sportsbooks in Illinois

• bet365
• BetMGM
• BetRivers
• Caesars Sportsbook
• Circa Sports
• DraftKings
• ESPN BET
• Fanatics Sportsbook
• FanDuel
• Hard Rock Bet

Retail Sportsbooks in Illinois

In the section below, I've broken down everything you need to know about Illinois retail sportsbooks. 

• Argosy Casino Alton 
• Bally's Quad Cities Casino & Hotel
• DraftKings at Casino Queen
• DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field
• Fairmount Park
• Grand Victoria Casino
• Hard Rock Casino Rockford
• Harrah's Metropolis Casino
• Hawthorne Race Course
• Hollywood Casino Aurora
• Hollywood Casino Joliet
• Par-A-Dice Casino Hotel
• Rivers Casino Des Plaines
• The Temporary by American Place
• Walker's Bluff Casino Resort

Retail Illinois Sportsbooks vs. Mobile Sportsbooks in IL

Mobile sports betting in IL provides many distinct advantages over retail sports betting. Betting on your phone can be done from anywhere in the state, and it can be done much quicker.

Betting at a retail sportsbook in Illinois 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.

Chicago Sportsbooks

Chicago makes up more than 20% of Illinois' population, so there has to be plenty of sportsbooks serving the Chicagoland market, right? The answer is absolutely - aside from mobile and online sportsbooks that allow you to bet anywhere, you can find plenty of retail sports betting facilities in and around the Windy City:

• BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Des Plaines
• DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field
• Hawthorne Race Course

Which Sportsbooks are Partnered with Local Sports Teams?

One of the quickest ways that sportsbooks can get their brand out there is by partnering with a local sports team. In this case, Illinois is home to professional sports teams in each of the four major leagues, so there's plenty of opportunities for sportsbooks to partner with teams. That includes branding on sports arenas/stadiums, advertising rights on media channels and naming rights. 

Here's our list of IL sportsbooks partnered with local sports teams:

Who Regulates Illinois Sports Betting?

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) regulates and licenses retail, online and mobile sports betting sites in Illinois. The IGB also oversees and regulates the state's casinos and video gaming operations. 

Illinois Sports Betting Licenses

Illinois sports betting law allows for up to 26 licenses to be granted by the Illinois Gaming Board. There are two types of licenses available: Master Licenses and Mobile-Only Licenses. Master Licenses allow companies that operate land-based casinos in the state to offer online sports betting after paying a $10 million license fee. Online-only operators will pay a $20 million fee and can launch 18 months afterward. 

Unregulated Sportsbooks in Illinois

While you have plenty of options to choose from among regulated Illinois sportsbooks, there are still plenty of illegal sports betting operators that bettors may choose to use. However, we at IllinoisBet.com strongly recommend against using these unregulated offshore sportsbooks as they don't provide the safety, trust and precautions built into the regulated sports betting options.

These unregulated sportsbooks include:

• BetOnline Sportsbook
• BetUS Sportsbook
• Bovada Sportsbook
• MyBookie Sportsbook
• Pinnacle Sportsbook

Illinois Sports Betting Taxes

All gambling winnings in Illinois are considered taxable income, and that includes sports betting. It's your responsibility to report gambling income on your tax return. Fortunately, we have an IL gambling tax calculator to help determine how much you owe come tax time. 

Gambling winnings, including those from IL sports betting, are taxed at a flat rate of 4.95%. And that's across all forms of gambling - be it sports wagering, lottery, casino gaming or poker. 

Illinois Sports Betting Revenue

Illinois is the second-largest sports betting market in the United States after generating more than $1.2 billion in revenue in 2024. That amounted to nearly $264 million in tax revenue for the state. 

You can learn more about Illinois sports betting revenue here. 

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

How we Rank the Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites

It can be tough to decide between legal sports betting options. There are plenty of sports wagering brands to choose from, so here are some of the factors that inform how we rate sportsbooks here at IllinoisBet.com. 

Reviews and Ratings

It's always a good idea to check out 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 brand. 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.

Bet Types Allowed

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. Here are the bet types that can be expected at IL sportsbooks. 

• Moneylines
• Point Spreads
• Overs/Unders
• Prop Bets
• Parlays
• Live Bets
• Futures

Competitive Odds and Lines

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 betting odds and lines available.

User Experience

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. Mobile platforms make this feature even more important, and you can notice a major difference with the best Illinois sportsbooks.

Banking Options

This isn't always true, but the more deposit options, the better the site is going to be for you. Sportsbooks 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

Hopefully you won't have any issues at any of the betting 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 sportsbooks 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.

Pros and Cons of IL Sportsbooks

Why Sign up for Multiple IL Sportsbooks?

With the selection of sportsbooks licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board, there are plenty of sports betting brands to choose from. Fortunately, there's no issue with signing up for multiple IL sportsbooks, and we'll tell you why it could be beneficial. 

Get the Best Line

You won't find the same odds at different sportsbooks, but the same sportsbook won't offer the same odds. This is one of the top reasons to sign up for multiple Illinois sportsbooks - in order to get the best odds available on any given sports betting market. Our best advice is to shop around for the best possible odds and betting lines, as that same strategy is used by the most successful sports wagering experts. 

Different Sports Betting Promos

One of the best reasons to sign up for multiple sportsbooks in Illinois is to take advantage of the different sports betting promos offered. You'll find a selection of sportsbook bonuses that vary among sports betting sites and apps, whether that be different levels of odds boosts, no sweat bets and bonus bets. For more about these sorts of bonuses, check out our full review of IL sports betting promos. 

Bet Types

By signing up for multiple Illinois betting sites and apps, you'll find out what types of bets are offered. Not every sportsbook will offer the same wager types, and some may offer more than others, varying among different sports and events. You'll have to find out for yourself, but among all sportsbooks in IL, you can find probably every bet type. 

Sportsbook Rules

Each Illinois online sports betting site, wagering app or retail sportsbook will have rules - some sportsbooks won't allow same game parlays, for instance. You'll find different policies at different operators, so you'll need to shop around to figure out the different sportsbook rules. Fortunately, most sportsbooks don't bar certain bets. 

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21+. New customers in CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, or WV. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in Bonus Bets each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full Promo Terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, LA, MD, OH, WV) 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-888-532-3500 (VA), Call 877-718-5543 or visit morethanagame.nc.gov. (NC), Call or Text 800-889-9789 (TN)

How to Contact IL Sportsbooks

If you ever have to get in touch one of the legal Illinois sportsbooks, there are plenty of resources to help find the right contacts. While the contact methods may differ among operators, some of the best sportsbooks will offer a variety of options. 

Contact methods at IL sports betting sites and sites will typically be found under "customer service" or "help."

Here's what you can find in terms of contact methods at IL sportsbooks:

Contact the Illinois Gaming Board

If you sports gambling goes beyond the level of sportsbooks, you may want or need to contact the Illinois Gaming Board. Here's how to contact the IGB:

• Website: https://igb.illinois.gov/about/contact-us.html 
• Phone: 1-312-814-4700

Sports and Leagues 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

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

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

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

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 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.

Illinois Sports Teams to bet on

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 NBA 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.

Legal Illinois Sports Betting Launch Timeline

• 📅 June 18, 2020: Online sports betting in IL launches. BetRivers becomes the first mobile sportsbook in the state. 
• 📅 March 9, 2020: The first Illinois sportsbook opens at Rivers Casino Des Plaines. Retail betting has now arrived in the Land of Lincoln. 
• 📅 June 28, 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, legalizing sports betting in Illinois. 
• 📅 June 2, 2019: SB 690 passes the Illinois House and now goes to the Governor for final decision. 
• 📅 May 1, 2019: SB 690 is passed by the Illinois Senate, the bill now heads to the House. 
• 📅 January 1, 2019: Sports betting bill SB 690 is filed by Sen. John Cullerton. 
• 📅 April 4, 2018: Legislators introduce five bills with the hope of legalizing sports betting in Illinois.
• 📅 May 14, 2018: The US Supreme Court strikes down PASPA, allowing states like Illinois to legalize sports betting. 

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 Sports Betting: Final Thoughts

Now that Illinois sports betting is here, there's no question that it's become a success. After several years of operation, Illinois is the second-largest sports betting market in the entire nation! 

We've seen sports betting in the Prairie State ebb and flow, and now the market is maturing. With 10 sports betting apps and 15 retail sportsbooks to choose from, the Illinois sports betting industry is well-positioned to continue growing. IllinoisBet.com will remain at the forefront of the latest news and updates on Illinois online sports betting, mobile apps, retail sportsbooks and the Illinois Gaming Board. 

For more information regarding IL sportsbooks, check out the Illinois sports betting FAQ section below.