Illinois Sports Betting Sites 2024 – Top 10 Legal IL Online Sportsbooks Compared

The Prairie State legalized Illinois sports betting in June 2019, and online and in-person sports wagering launched officially in March 2020. The state now offers seven regulated sportsbooks alongside dozens of offshore platforms that have taken bets in IL for decades.

Here, we take a closer look at Illinois’ legal sportsbooks, what they offer, how to sign up, and the taxes you can expect to pay on gambling earnings. We also rank and review the five best options to help you find your ideal sportsbook and claim your bonus today.

Illinois Sports Betting Overview 2024 (Updated: May)

Here is a brief overview of the IL sports betting landscape as it is in May, 2024.

List of the Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites

Fans of Illinois sports betting have multiple online sportsbooks to choose from. However, some stand out more than others in terms of bonuses, sports markets, odds, and betting lines. So, our experts tried and tested them all to help you narrow down the best of the best. Below are their top picks for the best Illinois sports betting sites.

1. BetOnline – The Best Illinois Sports Betting Site Overall
2. Bovada – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds
3. MyBookie – Fun Sports Betting Contests & Useful Tips & Picks
4. BetUS – Best IL Betting Site for Bonuses
5. TGCasino – Fully Anonymous Sports Betting Site in IL
6. BetWhale – Get Boosted Odds with Each Deposit
7. Everygame – Top IL Sportsbook for NHL betting
8. Sportsbetting.ag – Huge Range of Ongoing Promotions
9. BetNow – Claim Back Two Percent of Your Betting Losses
10. BUSR – Best Racebook in the State

Reviews of the Best Betting Sites in Illinois

Now that we have our list of the top Illinois sports betting sites, let’s take a closer look at each. Below, you’ll find reviews of five of the best offshore sportsbooks on our list that will provide insight into each and detail what makes them stand out.

1. BetOnline – The Best Illinois Sports Betting Site Overall

BetOnline is a company licensed in Panama City, Panama, that’s regarded for its extensive gambling options, including a sportsbook and standalone Racebook. Since it launched online more than two decades ago, it’s become one of the nation’s favorite offshore sportsbooks.

When visiting BetOnline, players can unlock several exciting promotions and bonuses by inputting BetOnline promo codes when funding their accounts, including a 50% deposit match using code “BET1000.”. You will also find that BetOnline’s payment options are comprehensive and include bank wire transfers, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, gift cards, and several cryptocurrencies. 

Bettors wondering what sports BetOnline covers will be pleased to learn that the site offers a wide selection of 25+ sports, including NCAA football/basketball, the MLB, NFL, NHL, snooker, cricket, and esports. Additionally, the sportsbook ranks as one of IL’s best NBA betting sites. When placing bets, Chicago Bulls fans can choose from dozens of betting lines, from spreads and totals to moneylines and props. You can also visit the live betting suite for in-play betting action and take part in several basketball-themed comps. 

2. Bovada – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds

Bovada is licensed in Curacao and is an Illinois sports betting site that deserves its high ranking on our list. In addition to offering a first-class online sportsbook, Bovada houses a standalone Racebook, plus casino and poker suites. Bettors can wager on over 25 sports, including NASCAR, lacrosse, Formula 1, boxing, the MLB, NHL, and NBA. The site also ranks as one of Illinois’s best NFL betting sites thanks to its great odds and huge range of futures and alternates.

In addition to a wide assortment of sports, players can enjoy a range of betting lines, such as parlays, spreads, totals, moneylines, and props, and Bovada stands out for its competitive odds for pre-game and live betting wagers. In addition, bettors can request their own unique bets on X.com using #What’sYaWager.

When funding their accounts, bettors visiting Bovada can claim unique and exciting rewards using Bovada promo code “BTCSWB750.” However, one aspect to keep in mind about this sportsbook is that its banking options are limited. Bettors can deposit funds using cryptocurrencies, but there are fewer options available than at BetOnline or MyBookie. Still, they can use options like online banking, bank wire transfers, and select credit and debit cards. 

 

3. MyBookie – Fun Sports Betting Contests & Useful Tips & Picks

Licensed in Curacao, MyBookie provides the easiest-to-use and navigate sportsbook on our list, making it a top choice for new bettors. Furthermore, the platform is compatible with various devices and iOS and Android operating systems, making it one of Illinois’s best sports betting sites. 

Bettors signing in can unlock a plethora of fun and generous promotions, including rebates, boosted odds, and reloads. But, to access these bonuses, players must meet the minimum deposit and use the relevant MyBookie promo codes. In addition, the sportsbook makes depositing and withdrawing funds simple by accepting various payment methods, including debit or credit cards from Visa or MasterCard and around a dozen cryptocurrencies. 

MyBookie’s sports selection is even more diverse, and fans can wager on their favorite leagues, including the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, Aussie Rules, and cricket. Complimenting these sports are several betting lines that appeal to all betting tastes, from parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, and player/team/game props. 

 

4. BetUS – Best IL Betting Site for Bonuses

BetUS is a leading Illinois sports betting site that offers an abundance of markets and a huge range of lucrative bonuses. However, where this sportsbook stands out is for its excellent resources. These include The Locker Room, a section players can frequent to glean all the latest team/player news before placing bets, and BetUS-TV, an excellent platform for daily free picks and tips on all the major leagues. 

In addition to this, BetUS offers players an assortment of bonuses that they can access with BetUS promo codes, including a huge welcome promotion using code “JOIN125.”. Existing bettors can also sign up for the site’s exciting rewards program. In this case, bettors can accumulate points and move up tiers while claiming bonuses. For instance, bettors can access rewards like free tournament entry, free plays, and extra deposit bonuses. 

When it comes to the sports BetUS offers, bettors won’t be disappointed by the 25+ market selection. In addition to offering favorites like the NHL, NBA, NCAA, MMA, and golf, the sportsbook also features less common options like rugby, motorsports, boxing, and cycling. Furthermore, it ranks as one of the best MLB betting sites IL has to offer, providing a range of bet types, from live bets to run-lines, totals, and props, and regular baseball contests like Beat the Streak and Bettor Up.

 

5. TG Casino – Fully Anonymous Sports Betting Site in IL

Licensed in Curacao and available to play completely anonymously using the Telegram Messenger app, TG Casino ranks as one of the best Illinois sports betting sites for players wishing to keep their online activity private. The platform covers a wide assortment of Illinois’ favorite sports, like baseball, basketball, soccer, football, collegiate sports, ice hockey, motorsports, and UFC. 

Bettors can wager several kinds of bets like spreads, run lines, totals, moneylines, and a wide range of futures, especially for the major leagues. Additionally, TG Casino stands out for its exciting selection of prop betting options, which includes a bet builder tool, making it simple for bettors to place fun SGPs and creating diverse ways to win big. 

Before bettors can place pre-game or live wagers, they must first fund their accounts. TG Casino’s banking isn’t the easiest to get to grips with if you’re unfamiliar with crypto and tokens since you must fund your crypto wallet to play online. However, all of the info you need is listed in the site’s FAQs, and customer support is available via live chat 24/7. No promo code is required to unlock this platform’s 200% Rakeback bonus worth up to 10 ETH either. 

 

Comparing Sportsbooks in Illinois

While some prefer to read reviews to narrow down their options for the best Illinois sports betting sites, others would rather compare each site’s features side-by-side. If you fall into the latter group, the comparison table below is for you.

The Latest Illinois Sports Betting News

Since Illinois sports betting went live in March 2020, the state has made a few amendments to how bettors interact with online sportsbooks to improve the overall wagering experience. So, let’s review the latest happenings in online sports betting in IL:

• April 5, 2024 – Fanatics Sportsbook goes live in IL.
• November 14, 2023 – ESPNBET goes live in Illinois. 
• May 6, 2022 – The Chicago White Sox have partnered with Caesars Sportsbook, following the actions of teams like the Bears and RSI.
• March 5, 2022 –  After being repeatedly waived, the state abolished the in-person sportsbook registration requirement entirely.
• October 29, 2021 – The state no longer requires online sportsbooks to offer in-person registration in Illinois, eliminating the need for in-person casino partners.
• July 17, 2021 – IL SB0521, a bill that would remove the requirements for in-state collegiate wagering, is referred to a committee. However, it failed to pass.

Is Illinois Sports Betting Legal?

Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal. The Prairie State became the 15th US state to legalize sports betting after the repeal of PASPA in 2019, when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Sports Wagering Act into law on June 28, 2019. 

As a result, sports betting in Illinois officially launched on March 8, 2020, allowing bettors in the state to enjoy in-person and online sports betting. However, the state required those wanting to wager with online sportsbooks in Illinois to first sign up in person at one of the retail sportsbooks. Following this, IL lawmakers abolished the stipulation for players to register in person at retail sportsbooks to wager online in 2022.

Although the sites in our guide are based offshore, they are all regulated in trusted jurisdictions. These platforms are safe and secure and provide fair play and competitive odds.

Who can Legally Bet on Sports in Illinois?

Although state-regulated online Illinois sports betting sites are available for anyone to browse, those wanting to register, claim promotions, and legally place wagers must meet several stipulations. 

For instance, these sites will only accept players of legal gambling age. While many US states set their legal sports betting age at 18, Illinois sets the bar higher by requiring bettors to be at least 21 years old before accessing these betting sites. 

Additionally, players must be within state lines to log on and play at an Illinois sportsbook.

Previous Illinois Sports Betting Bills

Although Illinois doesn’t have many previous bills relating to sports betting, the state has issued a few since it legalized sports betting in IL. So, let’s look:

2022

• HB 3136 – An amendment made to the state’s original sports betting act abolished the need for players to sign up in person to register for an online Illinois sports betting account.

Tax on Illinois Sports Betting Winnings 

Presently, those wagering on sports in Illinois must pay a flat tax rate of 4.95% on all winnings from in-person, online, or mobile sports betting.

Payment Methods available at IL Sports Betting Sites 

The top sites offering sports betting in Illinois make it simple for bettors to fund their accounts by accepting several payment methods. In addition to making this more convenient for players, it casts a wider net for the sportsbooks, allowing more people to sign up and wager. Below, we look at the most common payment options offered by regulated IL sports betting sites.

Crypto Betting Options

Cryptocurrency is a decentralized digital currency. In other words, it runs independently of third-party financial institutions like banks or government establishments. As a result, cryptocurrency has no fees (source: Bitcoin Casinos), is secure, and allows players to make anonymous deposits and withdrawals.

It’s worth noting that state-regulated Illinois sports betting sites do not accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin, and Dogecoin, but most offshore bookmakers do. 

eWallet Betting Options

Since eWallets work with fiat currencies like the American Dollar or Euro regulated, Illinois sports betting sites accept this form of payment. Players prefer using eWallets to fund their accounts since they act as middlemen between a player’s bank account and their online sports betting account. As a result, eWallets offer greater protection against fraud and hacking. Some of the most common eWallet systems include PayForIt, EcoPayz, Skrill, Neteller, and PayPal. 

Traditional Payment Methods

Lastly, many Illinois sports betting sites allow bettors to fund their accounts using traditional payment options like debit cards, credit cards, bank wire transfers, online banking, checks, and money orders. However, many of these options have a more extended payout period, and using them may mean you will only receive your winnings a few days after your requested payout. But, if you want to fund your IL sports betting account with Visa or Mastercard, any of the sites on our list make an excellent choice.

Bonuses Available at Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The best Illinois sports betting sites encourage players to sign up and continue visiting the sportsbook by offering generous and exciting promotions. While there are a variety of sports bonuses available, we will look at some of the best bonuses offered.

Match Deposit Bonuses

The match deposit bonus is one of the most common promotions offered by Illinois sports betting sites. These bonuses come as welcome or reload promos and reward bettors for funding their accounts by matching their deposits up to a specific amount. For instance, an IL sports betting site offering a 100% match deposit of up to $1,100 will give a player depositing $1,000 an additional $1,000 to spend.

No Deposit Bonuses

In contrast to a match deposit that requires bettors to fund their accounts first, the no deposit bonus rewards them for simply registering with the sportsbook. In this case, the Illinois sports betting site gives a bettor complimentary site credits, allowing them to explore and place risk-free wagers. However, bettors usually deposit their own funds to continue wagering once the credits run out, securing a new player for the sportsbook. While these bonuses are rare, they are an excellent way for IL sports betting sites to convince players to sign up.

Free Bets

Another exciting bonus offered by Illinois sports betting sites is free bets. Generally, the best free bets come as coupons, vouchers, or site credits that allow players to place risk-free wagers. In other words, if the player loses their bet, they don’t risk their own funds. And if they win, they can keep the earnings. Other forms of free bets usually include odds boosters or sports-specific bonuses. For instance, BetOnline may offer a $50 free bet on the NFL live or prop betting market.

Popular Sports to Bet on in Illinois

Online sports betting in Illinois covers various sports, from All-American greats like the NFL, NHL, and NBA to less common options like swimming, cycling, darts, and lacrosse. Below, we take a closer look at the most popular sports offered by Illinois sports betting sites and the types of bets you can wager on them.

NFL Wagering at Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The NFL is one of the US’s top four sports leagues to wager on. As a result, most Illinois sports betting sites cover NFL games and offer relatively competitive odds. When wagering on football, bettors can place moneylines, spreads, totals, teasers, and props, including TD scorer, player rushing yards, alternate passing yards, etc.

Presently, Illinois only has one NFL team:

• Chicago Bears – The Chicago Bears are nine-time winners of NFL Championships, including one Super Bowl, and hold the NFL record for the most inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

IL NBA Wagering

Another popular sport to wager on in Illinois is the NBA (National Basketball Association), where the pros duel to see who wins the championship title. The best site to visit when wagering on the NBA is Bovada, where players can place totals, spreads, props, futures, and moneylines. 

Currently, there is only one NBA team hailing from Illinois:

• Chicago Bulls – Six-time Championship winners

MLB Betting in Illinois

Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the great American pastimes and a popular sport on which to bet and in Illinois, it’s no different. Bettors visiting online sportsbooks like BetOnline will find excellent odds and ways to wager, including runlines, totals, moneylines, and props.

Illinois is home to two MLB teams:

• Chicago Cubs – Won their first World Series in nearly 100 years in 2016
• Chicago White Sox – Winners of the World Series on three separate occasions

NHL Wagering at Sports Betting IL Sites

The last of the great four all-American sports on our list is the NHL or National Hockey League. While most Illinois sports betting sites offer wagering on ice hockey, if you’re looking for the best odds for the Stanley Cup, Sportsbetting.ag and Everygame are the sites to visit. Bettors can also place props, moneylines, point spreads, totals, and moneylines here. 

Illinois has an NHL team of its own:

• Chicago Blackhawks – Three-time winners of the Stanley Cup

NCAA Football Betting in Illinois

Illinois has a law that only permits bettors to place wagers on collegiate-level sports and games in person. As a result, players cannot wager on the NCAAF (college football) online using native apps. However, players can visit retail sportsbooks or head offshore to platforms like Bovada to place some of the best props, spreads, moneylines, and totals on Illinois’ teams.

Below are some of the state’s top NCAAF teams:

• Illinois Fighting Illini –  The 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl was the team’s last bowl game victory.
• Northern Illinois Huskies – 2021 winners of the MAC Conference.
• Northwestern Wildcats – Have an all-time record under 500. 
• Eastern Illinois Panthers – Home to players like former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

NCAA Basketball Betting in Illinois

As with collegiate-level football, bettors may only place wagers on NCAAB (College-level basketball) at retail sportsbooks, which makes betting on major events like March Madness tricky. However, visiting in-person sportsbooks will allow you to place props, spreads, totals, and moneylines via native platforms, or, as with NCAAF, you can wager from home using offshore platforms. 

Below, we look at Illinois’ NCAAB teams:

• Illinois Fighting Illini – Winners of the 1915 Helms National Championship.
• Loyola Ramblers  – Participated in the Final Four in 2018.
• DePaul Blue Demons – Two-time Final Four veterans.

Golf Betting in Illinois

Home to iconic golf greens like Glen View, Illinois has a thriving golf wagering industry. As a result, bettors can visit Bovada, BetOnline, BetUS, etc. to place wagers like outright winners, top-five, 10, 15, and 20 finishes, and enjoy some of the best odds on IL pro golfers.

Horse Racing in IL

Illinois is home to two live horse racing tracks, both of which offer live betting on the races. In addition, bettors can place off-track wagers online or using mobile sites and participate in traditional simulcast betting. However, visiting BUSR is your best bet for the most exciting parlays, exactas, trifectas, places, and wins. 

Illinois’ two live racecourses include:

• Hawthorne Racecourse
• FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing

DFS Betting in Illinois

Until 2020, DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) was illegal in Illinois. However, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan declared that wagering on DFS at sites like FanDuel and DraftKings constitutes sports betting. As a result, bettors in the state can head to either of these online Illinois sports betting sites to place their bets.

Live Betting with Illinois Sports Betting Site

In addition to pre-game wagers, many of the best-regulated Illinois sports betting sites offer bettors the option to place in-play wagers. Here, players can wager on sports matches already in play, offering them a more exciting, action-packed experience. 

While all the legal IL sports betting sites on our list offer players the chance to enjoy live betting, they make it even easier for bettors by live-streaming specific sports events on their websites. This allows players to catch the game and track their bets in real-time. 

When it comes to the best live betting options in Illinois, Bovada is the site to visit. In addition to select live-streaming esports matches, the site provides some of the best odds on live games.

Bets that are Illegal in Illinois

When it comes to illegal wagers in Illinois, the state prohibits players from placing online or mobile bets on NCAA sports via native apps. However, placing these bets in person is acceptable, as is placing bets via offshore platforms. 

Additionally, bettors visiting state-regulated Illinois sports betting sites cannot wager on politics or awards events like the Grammys or Oscars. Once again, however, they can place bets on both markets using the best offshore sportsbooks in the state. 

How Illinois Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

Although Illinois sports betting is entirely legal, players in the state may want to consider the options offered by neighboring states. 

While traveling to Indiana and Iowa makes trying out the best sportsbooks in IA easy, since sports betting is fully legal in these states, heading to IL’s other neighbors won’t offer as good an experience. 

Missouri sportsbooks are on their way to legalization. However, since these states have yet to legalize sports betting, there are currently no regulated Wisconsin sports betting sites or Kentucky sportsbooks available.

Casinos with Illinois Sports Betting

In addition to offering online casinos, Illinois is home to several retail sportsbooks. Bettors will find these establishments at casinos sports stadia, and racecourses. However, most of Illinois’ sports betting outlets sit mainly in Chicago and near the border with Missouri. Below, we look at five of the best casino-based sportsbooks in IL.

BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino

• Address: 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines
• Opening hours: 24 hours

Bettors looking for a BetRivers sportsbook may want to head to Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois. In addition to a fantastic sportsbook, players can discover several restaurants and a casino with over 1,400 slots and several table games.

DraftKings At Casino Queen

• Address: 200 Front St, East St Louis,
• Opening hours: 8am – 3am

Illinois’ Casino Queen is a riverboat casino near the Mississippi River in East St. Louis. Bettors visiting this establishment will find a hotel, an RV park, and a DraftKings sportsbook. Furthermore, bettors can visit the well-stocked casino and try their hands at the over 960 slots, video poker games, and 29 table games. 

Club Hawthorne Prospect Heights & PointsBet Sportsbook

• Address: 1250 River Rd, Prospect Heights
• Opening hours: 10am – 11pm

While Club Hawthorne in Prospect Heights isn’t a casino, it is a pub and grill, which is just as good in some ways. In addition to great beer and delicious pub grub, bettors can visit the on-site PointsBet sportsbook to place their wagers.

FanDuel Sportsbook at Par-a-Dice Casino

• Address: 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria
• Opening hours: 

Located on the Illinois River, the Par-A-Dice Casino is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming. Bettors visiting the casino can enjoy over 520 slots and 20 table games. However, those looking to wager on sports can visit the FanDuel sportsbook.

Grand Victoria Casino

• Address: 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin
• Opening hours: 24 hours

The Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin is a stunning riverboat casino that offers players exciting dining options and a fantastic casino that operates 247. Here, players can enjoy over 860 slots and a variety of table games. Furthermore, sports fans will find a Caesars sportsbook on site for all their betting needs.

The Best Sports Betting Site for Illinois

Illinois sports betting became legal in 2019 and launched in 2020. Since then, The Prairie State has gained seven legal, state-regulated online sportsbooks and ten in-person retail sportsbooks. 

However, our top pick still goes to BetOnline. In addition to offering exciting bonuses and a wide selection of sports markets, this sportsbook has an excellent reputation for providing fair and competitive odds. It allows you to back state college teams/players from the comfort of your own home. So, don’t miss out. Instead, sign up with BetOnline and claim your 50% deposit match welcome bonus.

Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Sports Betting

What is the legal gambling age for Illinois sports betting?

Those wanting to wager legally on sports in The Prairie State must be 21 years or older. While most states reserve this age limit for in-person betting establishments that serve alcohol, Illinois requires online sportsbook visitors to be no younger than 21.

Is online Illinois sports betting legal?

Yes. Illinois sports betting became legal in 2019 after the Supreme Court of the United States repealed PASPA and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed sports betting into law in June of that same year. Furthermore, sports betting became active in the state in March 2020, and as a result, several state-regulated online and in-person sportsbooks were launched.

What organization oversees online IL sports betting?

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates and oversees all sports betting in IL, whether in-person, online, or over mobile. As a result, the board issues licenses and manages the operation of sportsbooks in the state.

Is mobile Illinois sports betting legal?

Yes. Legal online Illinois sports betting extends to mobile wagering. As a result, bettors in the state can download apps for their tablets or smartphones and place wagers on the go. In March 2022, Illinois authorized bettors to register for online and mobile betting online instead of in person.

Where can I bet on sports in IL?

Presently, bettors can enjoy Illinois sports betting from anywhere in the state by logging onto one of seven state-regulated online sportsbooks. Alternatively, players can also visit one of ten casinos in the state that offer retail sportsbooks or take advantage of the superior bonuses and odds on offer via offshore sportsbooks.