The Prairie State legalized Illinois sports betting in June 2019 and online and in-person sports wagering launched officially in March 2020. To date, the state now offers seven regulated sportsbooks.
In this guide, 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.
List of the Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites
Presently, fans of Illinois sports betting have seven 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, you’ll find their top five picks for the best legal, regulated Illinois sports betting sites.
- DraftKings – The Best Illinois Sports Betting Site Overall
- BetMGM – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds
- PointsBet – Leading Downloadable App of all the IL Sportsbooks
- BetRivers – Best IL Betting Site for Low Minimum Deposits
- FanDuel – Best Sports Betting Site in IL for Props Betting
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:
- 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.
Reviews of the Best Betting Sites in Illinois
Now that we have our list of the top five Illinois sports betting sites let’s take a closer look at each. Below, you’ll find reviews of all five online state-regulated sportsbooks on our list that will provide insight into each of these legal betting sites and what makes them stand out.
1. DraftKings – The Best Illinois Sports Betting Site Overall
DraftKings is a company founded in the US, regarded for its extensive gambling options, like a sportsbook and unrivaled DFS wagering. Since it launched online in Illinois in 2020, DraftKings has expanded in the state and now offers a retail sportsbook too.
When visiting DraftKings online, players can unlock several exciting promotions and bonuses by inputting DraftKings promo codes when funding their accounts. However, bettors will find that DraftKings’ payment options are relatively limited and include bank wire transfers, MasterCard and Visa credit cards, DraftKings gift cards, eWallets like PayPal and cash payments which they can make at select locations.
Bettors wondering what sports DraftKings covers will be pleased to learn that the site covers a wide selection, including NCAA sports, the MLB, NFL, NHL, snooker, cricket and Esports. Additionally, the sportsbook ranks as one of the best NBA betting sites in IL. When placing bets, players can choose from several betting lines, from spreads and totals to moneylines and props. Bettors can visit the live betting suite for in-play betting action and live-streaming of sports matches.
Lastly, this Illinois sports betting site provides bettors with a mobile app that allows bettors to access the sportsbook from anywhere within state lines for quick and easy wagering on the go.
- Top sportsbook for NBA betting
- Downloadable app
- Diverse sports markets
- Easy to navigate
- Only available in some US states
- Crypto not accepted
2. BetMGM – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds
BetMGM is another regulated and licensed Illinois sports betting site that hits high on our top five list. In addition to offering a retail sportsbook in IL, BetMGM provides bettors with a first-class online sportsbook. Here, bettors will find over 14 sports to wager on, including NASCAR, lacrosse, Formula1, boxing, the MLB, NHL and NBA. The site also ranks as one of Illinois’s best NFL betting sites.
Besides a large assortment of sports, players can enjoy a range of betting lines, like parlays, spreads, totals, moneylines and props. However, BetMGM stands out for its competitive odds for pre-game and live betting wagers.
When funding their accounts, bettors visiting BetMGM can claim unique and exciting rewards using BetMGM promo codes. However, one aspect to keep in mind about this sportsbook is that its banking options are limited. As a result, bettors won’t be able to deposit funds using cryptocurrencies. Still, they can use options like online banking, Apple Pay, PayPal, bank wire transfers and credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and Discover. Despite the minimal payment methods, bettors will find that this Illinois sports betting site processes withdrawals efficiently.
- Offers excellent odds
- Lightning-fast withdrawals
- Top site for NFL betting
- Low minimum deposits
- Limited payment options
- Slow customer service
3. PointsBet – Leading Downloadable App of all the IL Sportsbooks
All the Illinois sports betting sites on our list offer bettors a downloadable app. However, PointsBet provides the one that is most easy to use and simple to navigate, making it a top choice for new bettors. Furthermore, the PointsBet app is quick to download and compatible with various devices and iOS and Android operating systems, making it one of the best sports betting apps in IL.
Bettors signing in can unlock a plethora of fun and generous promotions. But, to access these bonuses, players must meet the minimum deposit and use the relevant PointsBet promo codes. In addition, the sportsbook makes depositing and withdrawing funds simple by accepting various payment methods, including PayNearMe, eCheck, online banking with Trustly and a debit or credit card from Visa or MasterCard.
PointsBet’s sports selection is even more diverse and fans can wager on their favorite sports, 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, teasers, fixed odds, player props, game props and lightning bets. This Illinois sports betting site gives players a rundown of each team’s stats and recent performance, making it more straightforward to place an informed bet, whether live betting or placing a pre-game wager.
- In-depth team stats
- Responsive customer support
- User-friendly app
- Exciting betting lines
- Does not accept Amex
- Some withdrawals can take up to five days
4. BetRivers – Best IL Betting Site for Low Minimum Deposits
BetRivers is another leading Illinois sports betting site that offers a simple-to-use downloadable app and features an equally as impressive sportsbook website. However, where this sportsbook stands out is for its low minimum deposits. Although the site does not accept cryptocurrencies, players can still make relatively low deposits using options like PayNearMe, Vanilla, Play+ prepaid cards, PayPal, eCheck, online banking, bank wire transfers and credit cards like Visa, Discover and MasterCard.
In addition to its extensive selection of payment methods, BetRivers offers players an assortment of bonuses that they can access with BetRivers promo codes. Existing bettors can sign up for the site’s exciting rewards program, iRush Rewards. In this case, bettors can accumulate points and move up tiers while claiming exciting bonuses. For instance, bettors can access rewards like VIP dinners, BetRivers Swag, cash prizes and promos.
When it comes to the sports BetRivers offers, bettors won’t be disappointed. In addition to offering the favorites like the NHL, NBA, NCAA, MMA and gold, the sportsbook also features less common options like rugby, motorsports, jai alai, boxing and cycling. Furthermore, it ranks as one of the best MLB betting sites IL has to offer. Finally, bettors can enjoy several types of wagers, from live bets to spreads, wins and totals and even stream certain matches live.
- Offers high-quality live-streaming
- Excellent rewards program
- Covers sports like Jai Alai
- Cashout feature
- Not available nationwide
- No crypto for deposits or withdrawals
5. FanDuel – Best Sports Betting Site in IL for Props Betting
Many bettors recognize FanDuel as being a rival daily fantasy sports site for DraftKings. However, it also ranks as one of the best Illinois sports betting sites. While bettors can find exciting DFS options, the sportsbook also covers a wide assortment of other sports, like baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, football, collegiate sports, ice hockey, motorsports and Aussie Rules.
Besides these exciting sports options, bettors can wager several kinds of bets like spreads,runlines, totals and moneylines and even use a parlay builder to create a unique wager. Additionally, FanDuel stands out for its exciting selection of props betting options that make it simple for bettors to place other fun bets and enjoy various ways to win.
Before bettors can place pre-game or live wagers, they must first fund their FanDuel accounts. This Illinois sports betting site makes the process simple for bettors by accepting various options, like credit cards, PayPal, FanDuel gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak, PayNearMe, money orders or checks and bank wire transfers. However, remember that a bank wire will incur a $15 fee. Finally, IL bettors visiting FanDuel on mobile via the app or online with a computer can discover a range of exciting promotions. However, to access them, players must use a FanDuel promo code.
- Extensive payment options
- Exciting sports markets
- Varied prop betting options
- Live-streams games
- High fees for bank wires
- Poor live chat function
Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Sports Betting
What is the legal gambling age for Illinois sports betting?
Is online Illinois sports betting legal?
What organization oversees online IL sports betting?
Is mobile Illinois sports betting legal?
Where can I bet on sports in IL?
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.
| Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus | Bonus Code | Sports to bet on | Live Betting | Live Streaming |
| DraftKings | 20% Bonus up to $1,000 | N/A | 20+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| BetMGM | Risk-Free Bet up to $1,000 | N/A | 20+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| PointsBet | Risk-Free bet up to $500 | WELCOME | 10+ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetRivers | Free bet up to $500 | N/A | 12+ | ✅ | ❌ |
| FanDuel | Risk-Free Bet up to $1,000 | N/A | 12+ | ✅ | ✅ |
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 IL officially launched on March 8, 2020, allowing bettors in the state to enjoy in-person and online sports betting. However, those wanting to wager with online sportsbooks in IL were required by the state 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.
Because the sites in our guide are all state-regulated, they are safe, 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 years, Illinois sets the bar higher by requiring bettors to be a minimum of 21 years before they can access these betting sites.
Additionally, players must be within state lines to log on and play at an Illinois sportsbook.
How to Bet on Sports Online in Illinois
Sites offering online sports betting in Illinois are relatively straightforward to use. But sometimes, bettors need a little extra guidance when it comes to the registration process. Below, we offer a quick step-by-step guide to help bettors navigate signing up and depositing funds in a flash.
Step One – Register with DraftKings
Firstly, launch the DraftKings website and click the green “Log In” button on the top right of the screen, before selecting the option to “Sign Up.” Then complete the registration form on the page that opens, before clicking “Next.”
Step Two – Verify Your Account
Once you’ve registered, you’ll need to verify your DraftKings account. So, head to your email inbox and locate the mail sent to you by DraftKings. Then, click the link in the mail to verify your new account before signing back into DraftKings using your new credentials.
Step Three – Fund Your Account
Before you can place a wager, you must first fund your DraftKings account. So, click the green “Deposit” button on the top right of the screen and select your preferred payment method from the options provided. Then, add in the amount you wish to deposit and fill in your bonus promo code before clicking “deposit.” Finally, follow the prompts to complete your payment.
Step Four – Start Wagering
Once your funds reflect in your DraftKings account, you’re good to go. So head to the sportsbook section and find the sport or match you want to wager on. Then, fill in your bet amount onto the bet slip on the right of the screen before clicking “Place Bet.”
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 will need to 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. However, state-regulated Illinois sports betting sites do not accept cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ripple, Litecoin and Dogecoin.
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. So, for the best PayPal sportsbook in Illinois, head to DraftKings or FanDuel.
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 order. However, many of these options have a more extended payout period and using them may mean you 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, DraftKings may offer a $50 free bet on the NFL.
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 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.
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 it out to see who wins the championship title. When wagering on the NBA, the best site to visit is DraftKings, 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 BetRivers will find excellent odds and ways to wager, including runlines, totals, moneylines and props.
Illinois is home to one MLB team:
- Chicago Cubs – Won their first World Series in nearly 100 years in 2016
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, PointsBet is the site to visit. Here, bettors can also place props, moneylines, point spreads, totals and moneylines.
Illinois has an NHL team of its own:
- Chicago Blackhawks – Three-time winners of the Stanley Cup
NCAA Football Betting in Illinois
Currently, 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. However, players can visit retail sportsbooks like DraftKings 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 like DraftKings or BetMGM will make it possible to place props, spreads, totals and moneylines.
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 BetMGM or FanDuel 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, for the most exciting parlays, exactas, trifectas, places and wins, visiting DraftKings is your best bet.
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, so players can catch the game and track their bets in real-time.
When it comes to the best live betting options in Illinois, DraftKings is the site to visit. In addition to live-streaming sports 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. However, putting down these bets in person is acceptable.
Additionally, bettors visiting state-regulated Illinois sports betting sites cannot wager on politics or awards events like the Grammys or Oscars.
How Illinois Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States
Although Illinois sports betting is entirely legal, players in the state may want to try the options neighboring states offer.
While traveling to Indiana and Iowa makes it easy to try out the best sportsbooks in IA, 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, there are currently no regulated Wisconsin sports betting sites or Kentucky sportsbooks available since these states are yet to legalize sports betting.
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 and 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, a riverboat casino, is located near the Mississippi River in East St. Louis. Bettors visiting this establishment will find a hotel and RV park in addition to 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 in some ways, is just as good. 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 the state in 2019 and launched in 2020. Since then, The Prairie State has garnered seven legal, state-regulated online sportsbooks and ten in-person retail sportsbooks.
Although we have selected five of the best IL sports betting sites for you to enjoy, our top pick goes to DraftKings. 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. So, don’t miss out. Instead, sign up with DraftKings and claim your welcome bonus.
