Illinois sports betting: Best IL sports betting sites

Illinois sports betting is now live and available throughout the state. In-state bettors like you can now sign up and bet on a selection of A-list Illinois online sports betting sites from your homes. In this guide, we’ll review everything you’ll need to know about online sports betting in Illinois, from legalization to registration, promotions, bet types, and everything in between.

Best Illinois sports betting sites in 2024

CompanyBonusFeaturesVisit
DraftKings Illinois sports betting DraftKings Sportsbook Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
  • JOKERZINO
  • Same game parlay boosts
  • Multiple in-game bonuses
Bet now DraftKings promo code IL
Caesars Sportsbook Illinois sports betting Caesars Sportsbook Up to $1,500 in bet credits Bet now
BetRivers Illinois sports betting BetRivers Sportsbook Get up to $500 in bonuses
  • JOKERZINO
  • Great bonus terms
  • Excellent loyalty program
Bet now BetRivers promo code IL
BetMGM Illinois sports betting BetMGM Sportsbook Up to $1,000 in bonus bets
  • JOKERZINO
  • Free live streams
  • Early Cashout feature
Bet now BetMGM promo code IL

Top online sports betting sites in Illinois

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Caesars 

This innovative betting platform launched in August 2020. Caesars has an Illinois Gambling Board license and a land-based partnership in the state, the Grand Victoria Casino. As a result, players can place wagers online, through an outstanding app, or in person.

Caesars has a strong concept and straightforward structure, making exploring and placing sports bets simple. The betting platform offers a wide range of international and domestic sports marketplaces. There is also the Caesars Rewards program, which allows for earning extra bonuses.

Highlight: The ‘Watch and Bet’ tool is its best feature, which allows you to watch NFL games for free.

BetRivers 

The Illinois sportsbook BetRivers by Rush Street has a massive selection of gambling lines and markets. Every sport has major leagues, international matches, and college leagues.

BetRivers was the initial online betting website to emerge in Illinois. They have partnered with Rivers Casino Des Plaines to provide in-person betting for anybody who wishes to place bets offline.

Highlight: BetRivers owns an app that is lightning-fast and has numerous creative features.

FanDuel

In 2009, FanDuel unveiled its new online betting site. And in July 2019, the company legally joined the list of all Illinois sportsbooks. This is also available in West Virginia, New Jersey, and Colorado.

FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois is mainly known for its Daily Fantasy Sports segment. However, they have expanded with time. And now, they are a complete sports betting operator that allows you to bet on most of the prominent sports in the United States.

Highlight: Its desktop website is clean and simple to use, especially for newbies.

DraftKings 

This sportsbook began in New Jersey but has already spread to Illinois, Arizona, Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, and many others.

The betting company has partnered with East St. Louis’ Casino Queen to provide both digital and in-person sports gambling. You can open a DraftKings Sportsbook account from any part of the state.

Highlight: Its Dynasty Rewards program provides current customers with perks that other providers cannot match.

PointsBet 

This is an amazing IL sports betting site to emerge in Illinois, beginning in September 2020. It is an Australian company that began operations partnering with Hawthorne Race Course, one of Illinois’ three race courses.

PointsBet’s key distinguishing feature is its unique version of a high-risk, high-reward feature called Points Betting. This betting service provides gamers with a diverse selection of sports where they can wager. Newbies get a good welcome bonus as soon as they sign up.

Highlight: Its live betting feature has a premium design and several fascinating features, like “Lightning bets.”

Barstool 

This has a classic color scheme that appeals to the eyes. It’s also quite simple, with straightforward choices and a clean appearance. As a result, it’s simple to access any of the 20+ sports, compare the odds, and produce a betting slip using only a few clicks.

Barstool became the sixth sportsbook to go live in Illinois in March 2021. It has obtained a state license to operate in compliance with the rules and standards of the Illinois Gambling Board. Partnering with a few physical locations is a wise move. Barstool has three locations: Aurora and Joliet’s Hollywood Casinos and Argosy Casino Alton.

Highlight: Its very own “Quick Pick 6” versatile parlay builder allows expert gamblers to create group wagers.

BetMGM

This sports betting platform opened on March 7, 2022 and provides various betting alternatives to state residents. It is also important to note that it is licensed by the Illinois Gambling Commission, assuring it can legally operate in the state. Also it collaborates with the Par-A-Dice Hotel and Casino. Not only can gamblers access the sportsbook in person or via a PC. There is also an app accessible for download that is available on Android and iOS.

BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois offers more than 20 sports across a vast selection of contests and championships. The odds are changed on a regular basis, and there are also live betting options.

Highlight: BetMGM is an official MLB representative, making baseball betting even more appealing through ongoing promos such as enhanced odds.

Unibet (coming soon)

While Unibet has a significant European footprint, it is currently trying to establish its position in the US market. Unibet is not yet operational but can start soon.

On the other hand, Unibet is set to unleash a slew of intriguing features when it launches. Even though it has not started yet, Unibet has already forged a deal with the Argosy Casino Alton on the Mississippi River.

Offers At Illinois sports betting sites

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While browsing for new sports betting sites, you will be showered with promotions, which is a good thing. Each offer is unique, and you must first learn about the various bonuses available to receive the greatest deal.

Anyone who wishes to join IL online sports betting sites must always take advantage of all available bonuses or promotions. This is the most effective way to boost your account.

Available bonuses and promotions

Second Chance Bet

This bet type is a regular promotion offer. This is similar to an insurance plan. You will receive your funds back if your bet does not win.

It is typically applied to the initial wager placed at the sports betting sites, but it may also be available to existing clients. You’ll earn bonus bets in your accounts for the sum you initially placed. The idea that your wager is insured is fantastic, but you must bet that sum again before withdrawing.

Deposit Match

Another bonus with IL online sports betting is a deposit match, which can be a signup bonus or a reward for repeat users. In short, similar to the Illinois casino apps, the Illinois sports betting apps will equal the money you deposit into your account.

The main disadvantage is that it is unavailable at most Illinois online betting sites. Having more funds in your account from the beginning is a big plus for making online bets.

Referral Bonus

Users who refer other users to play on the website are rewarded with referral bonuses. The individual you brought into the online sportsbook must make a deposit first before you can receive your referral bonus. Getting free money for merely convincing a friend to wager on sports is a great help.

Odds Boosts

Most odds boosts apply to specific sports or betting marketplaces. You can take full advantage of them if they are available.

With an odds boost, you’ll have a better chance of winning a larger reward on a specific game. The main disadvantage of using an odds boost is that a maximum wager amount is normally required.

Parlay Insurance

This is an excellent promotional chance for individuals who enjoy making parlay bets. To win a parlay, each leg of the bet must win. 

Here’s how it works: Parlay Insurance guarantees one leg of your parlay wager. Meaning the sportsbook will compensate you if a single leg of the bet fails. Instead of losing the entire amount bet, the amount wagered is restored to your account.

Bet Types at Illinois sports betting sites

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Sports betting sites offer a wide variety of sports and betting types in Illinois. Take a look at them below:

Moneyline

All you have to do with a moneyline bet is choose a winning team. The payments for each side of the bet are unique, and this is where the choice comes into play.

Parlays

A parlay is a type of combo wager that can result in a significant payment.

Totals

The bet type has nothing to do with whether a sporting event wins or loses. Instead of focusing on the total amount of points scored, bettors simply select the over or under.

Point Spreads

This is immensely popular, particularly in basketball and football. Not only you have to identify a winner, but you must also guess how wide the ultimate spread will be.

Futures

In this, the outcome is not determined until later in the season, usually at the culmination of the games. The best possibilities are to gamble on a team to win a championship or a player to win a specific award.

Prop Bets

This type of betting adds extra fun and excitement to sports betting by offering unusual choices.

Live Bets

These bets are placed during a sports competition, and the odds are changed in real time.

Popular Sports To Bet On in Illinois

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There are numerous leagues to bet on that include:

  • NFL Betting (Football)
  • NHL Betting (Hockey)
  • NBA Betting (Basketball)
  • MLB Betting (Baseball)
  • Horse Race Betting

Popular Teams To Bet On in Illinois

Some of the popular sports teams that support betting include:

  • Chicago Bears
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Chicago Blackhawks
  • Chicago Cubs
  • Chicago White Sox

How to sign up for IL betting sites

Opening a sports betting account is quick and easy. In three simple steps, you can sign up for an IL sports betting site:

Choose a betting website in IL 

After you’ve decided on your favorite Illinois betting site, the following step is to sign up with your information. You must enter your full name, address, email id, and a secure password.

Check your account information.

You must authenticate your account after you have created it. This is normally done via email or SMS, although the operator may occasionally request that you submit your papers to confirm your identity.

Make a deposit and begin betting.

To deposit funds into your account, you can utilize one of the online betting sites banking options. The most common banking methods are PayPal, debit cards, and online banking.

Sports Betting Legislation in Illinois

Five sports betting legislation were proposed in 2018, but none gained significant attention. It wasn’t until 2019 that a new governor got things back on track, leading to the legalization of sports betting.

The state authorized sports Betting in 2019 as part of a bigger casino expansion bill known as the Illinois Sports Wagering Act. On June 28 of the same year, Governor J.B. Pritzker inked the bill H 3308.

The role of Illinois Gaming Board

The Illinois Gaming Board oversees sports Betting sites and the entire sports betting sector. All sports Betting license applications are reviewed by the IGB. The IGB is also in charge of the casino gaming business.

Since the IGB governs the state’s sports betting law, all online or retail gaming types must go via them. This also comprises the video poker machines seen in restaurants and clubs.

Sports Betting in Illinois Has A Long Way To Go

Since 2020, the Illinois sports betting market has taken off, and there are no signs of it losing momentum anytime soon. 

Clearly, mobile app betting is the way to go, and the state has some of the greatest options available. These sports betting apps will also evolve over time and improve, making it even simpler to play.

FAQs about Illinois sports betting

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What is the minimum age for sports betting in Illinois?

To bet on sports in Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old. The minimum age for both online and physical sports betting is the same.

When was sports betting legalized in Illinois?

Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019. The adoption of SB 690 by the state legislature legalized all kinds of sports betting, eventually allowing the state to open online betting sites. After years of waiting, Illinois citizens can now enjoy sports Betting everywhere in the state.

Who is in charge of sports betting sites in IL?

The Illinois Gaming Board regulates sports betting and is in charge of overseeing all areas of sports betting and internet gambling. Including licensing, taxation, and enforcement. It also aims to safeguard both players’ and providers’ interests by ensuring fair and honest gaming procedures are always adhered to.

What do I need to do to open a sports betting account?

To open an online sports betting account in Illinois, you must provide 
a photo id
a physical address, 
an acceptable payment method, 
an email id, and, 
a contact number.

Do IL betting sites provide promos and offers?

Yes, different sportsbooks provide different bonuses and promos.
Caesars gives a bonus of up to $1250
BetMGM provides a First Bet Offer of up to $1000
Fanduel provides Bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets
BetRivers provides Deposit $250 get $25o in free bets, and 
PointsBet Illinois provides five second-chance bets of up to $100 each.