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

Illinois sports betting was legalized in June 2019, and online and in-person sports wagering launched officially in 2020. The state now offers almost 10 regulated sportsbook apps alongside dozens of offshore platforms available in IL.

Here, we look closer 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.

  • All

Up To $250 In Free Bets + 100 Free Spins

Up To $250 In Free Bets + 100 Free Spins

  • Lightning fast payment processing with winnings paid in minutes
  • A trusted brand with over 25 years operating in the online sports betting and casino space
  • Generous VIP program with monthly bonuses, reloads and rebates
9.8
5 Stars BetOnline Sports US
Claim Bonus
Copied
FREE250
Copy
Copy

125% Deposit Bonus Up To $1,250

125% Deposit Bonus Up To $1,250

  • No fees when you withdraw using Visa, Mastercard, Skrill & PayPal
  • In-play sports betting with full live streaming suite
  • Known for deposit match promotions, free bets and more amazing bonuses
9.6
5 Stars BetWhale Sports US
Claim Bonus
Copied
WHALECOME
Copy
Copy

50% Deposit Match Up To $250

50% Deposit Match Up To $250

  • A trusted brand that's provided a safe betting experience since 2011
  • A huge variety of markets including entertainment, politics, esports, and virtual sports
  • Parlay boosters available with cross sport functionality
9.6
5 Stars Bovada Sports US
Claim Bonus
NO CODE REQUIRED

100% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 + 2 Additional Welcome Promos

100% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 + 2 Additional Welcome Promos

  • Create your own unique wagers using the prop builder tool
  • Excellent rebate promotion - win cash back on every losing wager
  • Highest parlay and Vegas teaser payouts in the industry
9.6
5 Stars BetNow Sports US
Claim Bonus
Copied
BN100
Copy
Copy

100% Deposit Bonus Up To $500

100% Deposit Bonus Up To $500

  • A reputable online sportsbook that's been operating since 1996
  • Win one of 20 x $50 free parlay bets in the weekly draw
  • Bet in-play on numerous sports at once using the live multi-view feature
9.5
5 Stars Everygame Sports US
Claim Bonus
Copied
WELCOME500
Copy
Copy

150% Up To $2,000 Deposit Match

150% Up To $2,000 Deposit Match

  • Official betting partner of the Argentinian Football Association
  • Seamless transactions using USDT
  • Downloadable app with unique social features
9.5
5 Stars CoinPoker Sports
Claim Bonus
NO CODE REQUIRED

Instant 200% Bonus Up To 10ETH

Instant 200% Bonus Up To 10ETH

  • The world's first sportsbook based on the Telegram app
  • Free withdrawals processed instantly when using crypto
  • Wager using the $TGC coin and recieve cash back on losses
9.3
5 Stars
Claim Bonus
NO CODE REQUIRED

125% Bonus Up To $2,625 On First 3 Deposits

125% Bonus Up To $2,625 On First 3 Deposits

  • Multiple additional crypto and reload bonuses available
  • Free betting picks and tips in The Locker Room and via BetUS-TV
  • 30 years of experience in the North American market
9.2
5 Stars BetUS Sports US
Claim Bonus
Copied
JOIN125
Copy
Copy

100% Deposit Bonus Up To $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip

100% Deposit Bonus Up To $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip

  • New VIP program available; claim no-sweat bets and cash reloads
  • 8% rebates available at the Racebook
  • Unique comps, including Survivor and Squares
9.1
5 Stars MyBookie Sports US
Claim Bonus
Copied
MB100
Copy
Copy

Double Your Money Up To $500 On Your First 2 Deposits

Double Your Money Up To $500 On Your First 2 Deposits

  • Early bird betting lines that open ahead of the competition
  • High betting limits and re-bet functionality as standard
  • Huge range of seasonal contests, including Pick'em and Bracket
9.5
5 Stars SportsBetting.ag Sports US
Claim Bonus
Copied
DOUBLEUP
Copy
Copy
Show More Offers+

Illinois Sports Betting Overview 2024 (Updated: October)

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

Category Status Details
Online Sports Betting Legal
Legal Since June 2019 Sports betting is legal
State Population 12.8 million Population as of 202o
Retail Sports Betting Legal
Legal Sports Betting Age 21 years old You must verify your age before betting
College Sports Betting Betting on in-state college teams is prohibited
College betting is limited to moneylines, spreads, and totals.
Betting on Horse Racing Legal
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) Legal
Esports Betting Legal
Latest Legislative News No ongoing legislative efforts N/A
Tribal Casinos No tribal casinos
Commercial Casinos Around 17 commercial casinos

List of the Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The Illinois sports betting market is laden with numerous online sportsbooks. However, some stand out more than others in terms of bonus bets, 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 online sportsbook sites.

  1. BetOnline – The Best Illinois Online Sportsbook Overall
  2. Bovada – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds
  3. MyBookie – Fun Sports Betting Contests & Useful Tips & Picks
  4. BetUS – Best Sports Betting App for Bonus Bets
  5. TG Casino – 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 best 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 Online Sportsbook Overall

  • Established: 2001
  • Licensed in: Panama City, Panama
  • No. of Sports Markets: 25+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/✅

betonline - best illinois sportsbook

Overall Rating: 4.9/5.0

Since it launched online over two decades ago, BetOnline has become one of Illinois favorite offshore sportsbooks. Whether you’re a fan of the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Cubs, or White Sox, BetOnline provides a variety of betting markets across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and MLS. There’s also a live betting suite perfect for moments like the Bulls making a comeback or the Cubs looking to claw a win at Wrigley Field.

Sign up today and claim a $250 free bonus to bet on the Chicago Bulls, Bears, Cubs, or White Sox.

Promotions are another big draw at BetOnline, with numerous offers available to Illinois bettors. New and returning players can unlock several exciting promotions by inputting BetOnline promo codes when funding their accounts, including a $250 welcome offer. You will also find that BetOnline’s payment options are comprehensive and include bank wire transfers, Mastercard and Visa credit cards, gift cards, and up to 15 cryptocurrencies.

What’s more? BetOnline offers several exciting and lucrative contests, such as Brackets, Survivor, and Score Predictors. With these contests, Illinois bettors can test out their knowledge of the Bulls or Bears and get in the running for huge prizes. For horse racing enthusiasts, there’s a racebook to bet on races from tracks all over the world.

  • Safety & Security: 4.9/5.0
  • Illinois Sports Markets: 5.0/5.0
  • NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.9/5.0
  • Live Betting: 4.8/5.0
  • Ease of Registration: 4.9/5.0
  • IL-friendly Payment Options: 5.0/5.0
  • Bonuses & Promotions: 4.8/5.0
  • Customer Support: 4.9/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Sportsbook Welcome Offer $250 in free bets + 100 free spins FREE250 N/A $50 Not for use at racebook
Pros:
  • Huge range of ongoing promotions
  • Excellent VIP program
  • High limits and re-bet functionality
  • Diverse sports markets
  • Easy to navigate
Cons:
  • No mobile app

 

2. Bovada – Top IL Sportsbook for Competitive Odds

  • Established: 2011
  • Licensed in: Curacao
  • No. of Sports Markets: 25+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/❌ (esports only)

bovada - caleb williams mvp betting odds

Overall Rating: 4.8/5.0

Bovada is an Illinois online 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. Illinois bettors can wager on over 25 sports, including NASCAR, lacrosse, Formula 1, boxing, 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.

Enjoy weekly boosted parlay odds on big games across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and soccer.

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. Furthermore, Illinois sports bettors can request their own unique bets on X.com using the #WhatsYaWager hashtag.

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

  • Safety & Security: 4.7/5.0
  • Illinois Sports Markets: 5.0/5.0
  • NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.8/5.0
  • Live Betting: 4.8/5.0
  • Ease of Registration: 4.8/5.0
  • IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.9/5.0
  • Bonuses & Promotions: 4.7/5.0
  • Customer Support: 4.8/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Sportsbook Welcome Offer 75% up to $750 BTCSWB750 5x $20 Not available for use on poker games
Pros:
  • Offers excellent odds
  • Lightning-fast withdrawals using crypto
  • Top Illinois sports betting app for NFL sports bet
  • Parlay bonus bets
  • Excellent sportsbook rewards program
Cons:
  • Limited payment options
  • Fees on card transactions

 

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

  • Established: 2014
  • Licensed in: Curacao
  • No. of Sports Markets: 25+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/❌ (esports only)

mybookie - chicago bears super bowl betting odds

Overall Rating: 4.7/5.0

MyBookie provides the most user-friendly and easy-to-use sportsbook on our list, making it a top choice for new sports bettors looking to get started. The platform is compatible with various devices, including Android and iPhones, allowing fans of the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks to bet anytime, anywhere.

Get competitive odds on the Wildcats, the Huskies, the Salukis, the Redbirds, the Panthers, and the Fighting Illini. Also, enter college football Squares contests and compete for $10,000 prize pools.

Illinois bettors signing in can unlock a plethora of fun and generous promotions, including rebates, boosted odds, and reloads. But, to access these bonus bets, 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 and sports, including the MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, NCAA, darts, MMA, cycling, tennis, and cricket. Complementing these sports are several betting lines that appeal to all betting tastes, from parlays, moneylines, spreads, totals, and player/team/game props.

  • Safety & Security: 4.6/5.0
  • Illinois Sports Markets: 4.8/5.0
  • NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.7/5.0
  • Live Betting: 4.7/5.0
  • Ease of Registration: 4.7/5.0
  • IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.8/5.0
  • Bonuses & Promotions: 4.6/5.0
  • Customer Support: 4.7/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Sportsbook Welcome Offer 100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip MB100 10x $50 N/A
Pros:
  • In-depth tips and picks in the blog
  • Responsive customer support
  • User-friendly sportsbook for sports bet
  • Regular betting contests, including Squares
  • Exciting betting lines
Cons:
  • Live betting suite lacks stats/graphics

 

4. BetUS – Best Sports Betting App for Bonus Bets

  • Established: 1994
  • Licensed in: Mwali, Comoros Union
  • No. of Sports Markets: 20+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/❌ (esports only)

betus - IL sports betting site

Overall Rating: 4.6/5.0

BetUS is a leading Illinois online sports betting site that offers an abundance of markets and a massive range of lucrative bonuses. However, this sportsbook stands out because of its excellent resources. These include The Locker Room, a section players can frequent to glean all the latest news on teams like the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, and White Sox before placing bets. Additionally, there is BetUS-TV, an excellent platform for daily free picks and tips on all the major leagues.

Tune in to BetUS TV and get daily picks and predictions on all major leagues from expert handicappers.

Furthermore, BetUS offers players an assortment of bonuses that can be claimed with BetUS promo codes, including a huge welcome promotion. Returning bettors can also sign up for the site’s rewarding loyalty program. The loyalty scheme allows bettors to accumulate points and move up tiers while claiming bonus bets. For instance, bettors can access rewards like free tournament entry, free plays, and extra deposit bonus bets.

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

  • Safety & Security: 4.5/5.0
  • Illinois Sports Markets: 4.6/5.0
  • NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.6/5.0
  • Live Betting: 4.5/5.0
  • Ease of Registration: 4.6/5.0
  • IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.7/5.0
  • Bonuses & Promotions: 4.5/5.0
  • Customer Support: 4.6/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Sportsbook Welcome Offer 125% up to $2,625 ($2,000 sports; $625 casino) JOIN125 14x $100 N/A
Pros:
  • Excellent rewards program
  • Huge welcome and reload bonuses
  • Regular betting tournaments
  • Free daily/weekly tips and picks
  • Standalone racebook incorporated
Cons:
  • Confusing terms for the welcome bonus

 

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

  • Established: 2023
  • Licensed in: Curacao
  • No. of Sports Markets: 35+
  • Live Betting/Streaming: ✅/❌ (esports only)

tgcasino - chicago bulls nba2k odds

Overall Rating: 4.5/5.0

TG Casino ranks as one of the best Illinois sports betting apps for players wishing to keep their online activity private. The sportsbook is available on the web and through the Telegram messaging app. For those using TG Casino on Telegram, you don’t need to sign up or enter any personal information. Simply download Telegram, enter your phone number, locate TG Casino bot, and start playing right away.

Bet on your favorite Illinois teams and players via the Telegram messaging app. No need to sign up – just download Telegram and start wagering immediately.

This anonymous casino and sportsbook 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. 

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 the help and info you need is available in the site’s FAQs, and customer support can be reached via live chat 24/7. No promo code is required to unlock this platform’s 200% Rakeback bonus worth up to 10 ETH either.

  • Safety & Security: 4.4/5.0
  • Illinois Sports Markets: 4.5/5.0
  • NFL & NCAAF Betting Focus: 4.5/5.0
  • Live Betting: 4.4/5.0
  • Ease of Registration: 4.5/5.0
  • IL-friendly Payment Options: 4.6/5.0
  • Bonuses & Promotions: 4.4/5.0
  • Customer Support: 4.5/5.0
Bonus Type Bonus Name Promo code Rollover Minimum deposit Restrictions
Rakeback Bonus 200% rakeback bonus up to 10 ETH N/A 35x $25 N/A
Pros:
  • Extensive crypto payment options
  • Exciting sports markets
  • Varied prop betting options
  • Bet Builder tool
  • Fully anonymous; available via Telegram
Cons:
  • You need a VPN to access the website on the web

Comparing Sportsbooks in Illinois

While some prefer to read reviews to narrow their options for the best Illinois online 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 Sport Bonus Promo Code No. of sports markets Live Betting Live Streaming Parlays Same Game Parlays
BetOnline $250 in free bets FREE250 25+
Bovada 75% up to $750 BTCSWB750 25+ ❌ (esports only)
MyBookie 100% up to $1,000 + $10 casino chip MB100 25+ ❌ (esports only)
BetUS 100% up to $2,000 JOIN125 20+ ❌ (esports only)
TG Casino 200% rakeback up to 10 ETH N/A 35+ ❌ (esports only)
BetWhale 125% up to $1,250 WHALECOME 15+ ❌ (esports only)
Everygame 100% up to $500 WELCOME500 15+
Sportsbetting.ag 100% up to $500 DOUBLEUP 25+ ❌ (esports only)
BetNow 100% up to $500 BN100 10+
BUSR 100% up to $2,500 SPORTS100FP 25+

How We Select the Best Betting Sites in Illinois

With so many options out there, finding Illinois’s finest betting sites can be challenging. Fortunately, we’ve done the hard work for you and selected the top IL sportsbooks based on certain key metrics. Find out what we considered in our selection process.

Availability in Illinois

We make sure the betting sites we recommend are fully available to people in Illinois. You want to bet on the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, or Sox? No problem. We look for sites that work perfectly in Illinois, on both your phone and computer, so you can bet whenever and wherever you like.

Range of Sport Events

Illinois bettors love variety, so we pick sites that cover all the sports you care about. From NFL and NBA to college games and even soccer, the best sites offer loads of options. We make sure you can find all the games you want to bet on, from local teams to international matchups.

Betting Markets

It’s not just about what sports you can bet on but also how you can bet. We look for sites that offer everything from simple bets like who will win to more fun stuff like player props and live betting. Be it backing the Bulls or making a parlay on the Bears, there’s always something exciting to try.

Licensing & Security

We only recommend betting sites that are safe and legit. We check for proper licensing and strong security to make sure your money and personal info are protected. When you bet with our picks, you can relax knowing you’re in good hands.

Bonuses & Promotions

We love sites that give you extra perks. From welcome bonuses when you sign up to regular deals like free bets and boosted odds, we make sure the sportsbooks we recommend have great offers that are easy to claim and actually worth it.

Banking Options

The best Illinois betting sites should support a variety of banking options popular in the Prairie State for seamless payments. These include debit and credit cards, bank transfers, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies. They also charge little to no processing fees for transactions which are completed in seconds or minutes.

Customer Support

If you need help, you shouldn’t have to wait. We pick sites with top-notch customer support that’s available through chat, email, or phone. Whether it’s fixing a problem or just answering a question, these teams are there to help you out quickly.

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 the best Illinois sportsbooks to improve the overall wagering experience. So, let’s review the latest happenings in online sports betting in IL:

  • August 27, 2024 – Hard Rock Bet sportsbook starts accepting bets in Illinois.
  • 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 in the footsteps of teams like the Chicago Bears and its partnership with 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 Illinois sports betting 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 our guide’s best sports betting apps 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 Illinois online 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 Illinois betting 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.

How to Bet on Sports Online in Illinois

Sites offering online sports betting in Illinois are relatively straightforward to join. 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.

  1. Register with BetOnline

    Firstly, launch the BetOnline website and click the green “Join Now” button at the top right of the screen. Then select the option to “Sign Up.” Complete the registration form on the page that opens before clicking “Next.”
    Register with BetOnline
  2. Fund Your Account

    Before placing a wager, you must fund your BetOnline account. So, click the blue “Banking” button on the top right of the screen and select your preferred payment method from the options provided. Then, add the amount you wish to deposit and fill in your bonus promo code “FREE250” before clicking “Deposit.” Finally, follow the prompts to complete your payment.
    Fund Your Account
  3. Start Wagering

    You’re good to go once your funds are reflected in your BetOnline account. 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.”
    Start Wagering

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 passed legislation.

2024

  • HB 2239 and SB 1656 – The gambling bills, which was introduced at the 2024 legislative session, will create the internet gaming act.

2022

  • HB 3136 – An amendment 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 

Illinois sports bettors 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 or low fees, is secure, and allows players to make anonymous deposits and withdrawals.

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

E-wallet Betting Options

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

Traditional Payment Methods

Lastly, many Illinois sportsbooks 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, the Illinois betting sites on our list make an excellent choice.

Bonuses Available at Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The best Illinois sportsbooks encourage players to sign up and continue visiting the sportsbook by offering generous and exciting promotions. While there are a variety of sports bonus bets 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 sportsbooks. 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 sportsbooks 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

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 competitive odds on the NFL Draft. 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 local team for NFL betting:

  • 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

NBA

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 betting on the NBA is Bovada, where players can place totals, spreads, props, futures, and moneylines and wager on the NBA Draft

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

  • Chicago Bulls – Six-time Championship winners

MLB

Major League Baseball (MLB) is one of the great American pastimes and a popular sport to bet on, 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 teams for MLB betting:

  • 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

The last of the great four all-American sports on our list is the NHL or National Hockey League. While most Illinois bookmakers offer wagering on ice hockey, if you’re looking for the best odds for the Stanley Cup, Sportsbetting.ag and

Everygame are the Illinois online sportsbooks to visit for NHL betting. Bettors can also place props, moneylines, point spreads, totals, and futures here. 

Illinois has an NHL team of its own:

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

NCAA Football

The Illinois sports betting law 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 sports betting 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

As with collegiate-level football, bettors may only place wagers on NCAAB (college-level basketball) at retail sportsbooks, which makes betting on major events 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

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

Horse Racing

Illinois has two live tracks, both offering live horse racing betting. In addition, bettors can place off-track wagers online using an Illinois sportsbook 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

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

Live Betting with Illinois Sports Betting Site

In addition to pre-game wagers, many of the best-regulated Illinois bookmakers 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, 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 sportsbooks 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. How is the sports betting laws just across the IL borders? Let’s find out.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin sports betting is pretty limited – you can only bet at tribal casinos, and online betting is restricted to reservation lands or properties associated with the tribes offering an app. Compared to Illinois, where you can bet online or in person anywhere in the state, Wisconsin feels a bit old-school.

Iowa

Iowa sports betting is a lot like Illinois’s. Both states have legal online and in-person betting. Iowa has been in the game since 2019 and allows easy sign-ups online, while Illinois only recently dropped the in-person sign-up requirement, making it even easier to place bets.

Missouri

Missouri still hasn’t legalized sports betting. Despite trying to pass laws, nothing’s stuck yet. That means many Missouri folks head over to Illinois to place their bets, where sports betting is fully up and running.

Kentucky

Kentucky sports betting just launched in 2024, but it’s still catching up. While Kentucky is pushing to keep bets local, Illinois is a step ahead with more established sportsbooks and a larger selection of betting options.

Indiana

Indiana has had sports betting since 2019 and is pretty comparable to Illinois. Both states offer online and retail betting, but Illinois pulls in bigger numbers because of its larger market and population. Indiana bettors near Chicago sometimes prefer Illinois’ bigger variety.

Michigan

Michigan’s sports betting scene is similar to Illinois with both online and retail options. One big difference? Michigan also offers online casinos, which Illinois doesn’t have. So while both states are solid for sports betting, Michigan has a slight edge with more ways to play.

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 stadiums, 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

The Par-A-Dice Casino is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming on the Illinois River. 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 various 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 wagering 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 in 2024 and claim up to $250 in free bets to get started with.

Frequently Asked Questions about Illinois Sports Betting

What is the legal gambling age for Illinois sports wagering?

Is online Illinois sports betting legal?

What organization oversees online IL sports betting?

Is mobile Illinois sports wagering legal?

Where can I bet on sports in IL?

Problem Gambling Resources

Go to top button