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Illinois sports betting is legal in person and online. As of May 2024, there are eight legal Illinois sportsbooks in operation and IllinoisBet.com has everything you need to know about IL sports betting.
Below you will find the basics on what you need to know about Illinois sports betting.
✅ Is Sports Betting Legal in IL? | Yes, online and in person |
🚨 Latest News: | Fanatics becomes the eighth sportsbook in the state |
🔞 Legal IL Betting Age: | 21 |
⚖️ Who Regulates IL Sports Betting? | Illinois Gaming Board |
📲 Legal IL Sportsbooks: | BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, ESPN BET, BetRivers, Circa Sports, Fanatics |
🚀 IL Sportsbooks Coming Soon: | Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, Bally Bet |
💰 IL Gambling Tax Rate: | 15% in 2024 |
📞 Problem Gambling Help Line: | 1-800-662-4357 |
✍️ Data Last Verified: | October 2024 |
Yes, Illinois sports betting has been legal since June 28, 2019, when Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed HB 3308 into law.
Bettors have been able to use sportsbooks in Illinois since 2020. The first retail Illinois sportsbook at Rivers Casino Des Plaines opened the following year on March 9, 2020. Online Illinois sports betting apps went live on June 18, 2020, with BetRivers.
The legal Illinois sports betting age is 21, according to Illinois sports betting law. This is similar to other states' age requirements. You'll be required to verify your age when place a sports bet in-person or online in Illinois.
No, you don't need to be an Illinois resident to bet online or in person. You simply need to be located within state lines in order to place a sports bet.
There were five sports betting bills introduced all the way back in 2018, but none of received much attention. It wasn't until 2019 when a new governor led the charge for legalizing sports betting.
Illinois bettors can trust us to provide the latest news around the industry. We cover new online sports betting sites launches, the latest Illinois sports betting promos, and monthly sports betting tax revenue reports.
There are eight online sportsbooks in Illinois as of October 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.
🏈 Illinois Sportsbook | ⭐ Best Feature | 🎁 Welcome Offer |
---|---|---|
ESPN BET | Best Mobile App | $1,000 First Bet Net |
Caesars | Best Mobile Experience | $1,000 In Bonus Bets |
BetMGM | Best Rewards Program | $1,500 In Bonus Bets |
Fanatics | Best For Unique Betting Options | $1,000 In Bonus Bets |
FanDuel | Best Betting Variety | Bet $5, Get $150 |
DraftKings | Best for Live Betting | Bet $5, Get $150 |
BetRivers | Best Illinois-Based Sportsbook | $500 2nd Chance Bet |
Circa Sports | Best Odds & Limits | N/A |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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.
Signing up for an online sportsbook is easier than ever. Just follow the simple steps below to sign up today:
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:
⭐ Sportsbook | 🎰 Casino | 📌 Address |
BetRivers | Rivers Casino Des Plaines | 3000 S. River Rd, Des Plaines |
Caesars | Grand Victoria Casino | 250 S. Grove Av, Elgin |
Caesars | Harrah's Casino | 100 E Front St, Metropolis |
ESPN BET | Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W New York St, Aurora |
ESPN BET | Hollywood Casino Joilet | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet |
ESPN BET | Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa St, Alton |
DraftKings | DraftKings at Casino Queen | 200 Front St, East St Louis |
FanDuel | FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (Fairmount Park) | 9301 Collinsville Rd, Collinsvilee |
FanDuel | Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria |
PointsBet/Fanatics | Hawthorne Race Course | 3501 S Laramie Ave, Cicero |
PointsBet/Fanatics | Club Hawthorne Prospect Heights | 1250 River Road, Prospect Heights |
PointsBet/Fanatics | Club Hawthorne Crestwood | 13148 Rivercrest Drive, Crestwood |
PointsBet/Fanatics | Club Hawthorne at Crazy Pour | 105 E. N Ave., Villa Park |
Circa Sports | The Temporary by American Place | 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan |
Bally's | Bally's Chicago | Medinah Temple, 600 N Wabash Ave, Chicago |
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are still some other gambling options available in Illinois aside from sports betting.
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 (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.
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.
The in-person lottery in Illinois started in 1974. The Illinois online lottery has been around since March 25, 2012.
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.
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.
Even though sportsbooks in Illinois are trying to make money, they aren't looking to take advantage of anyone with a gambling problem. Each site will have a statement that promotes responsible gambling. Most IL sites will also have links to resources, and they'll have a way for Illinois bettors to take a timeout from betting on sports. The Illinois Gaming Board also provides tips and resources to help promote responsible gaming
Author
Chet Fussman is a writer for IllinoisBet.com. Fussman is a former horse racing writer and longtime sports editor of the Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. He's a poker and blackjack player and frequent sports bettor, who plans to send the U.S. Supreme Court a thank-you card for clearing the way for states to adopt sports wagering. Fussman's philosophy: Don't let the bad beats overshadow your winning ones.
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