Sports Betting Sites Regulation in Illinois at a Glance
✅ Online sports betting was legalized in June 2020, but sports betting was legalized in 2019.
✅ There are seven licensed sports betting sites and 11 licensed retail sportsbooks to choose from.
✅ In-person registration for sports bettors is no longer required, as of March 5, 2022.
✅ The legal gambling age in Illinois is 21.
✅ It is still illegal to bet on special events in Illinois, like entertainment award shows or political events.
Top 3 Illinois Betting Sites for June 2023
Since the legalization of online sports betting in Illinois in 2019, seven sports betting sites have acquired licenses to operate within the state.
The table below features our three best betting sites for Illinois sports bettors in April 2023.
- Square Games
- Considerable daily House Specials odds boosts, and insurance promos
- Frequently lowered juice
- Placing a bet is straightforward
- The interface on the website and app is intuitive and easy to use
- It is easy to find the odds for the particular bet you want to make
- Live streaming available on selected sports
- Excellent sign-up bonuses
- Easy deposit and withdrawal process
Must be 21+ and present in the state of Illinois. T&C’s apply. If you or someone you know has or may have a gambling problem, please call 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537)
Best Illinois Betting Apps
Illinois bettors are spoilt for choice when it comes to betting apps. However, they all have distinct features, making some better than others. Here are our five best Illinois betting apps for you to try.
| Rank | Betting Site | Why play here | Go to site |
| #1 | PointsBet | Offers unique name your own bet feature. | Visit |
| #2 | DraftKings | The app is easy to navigate. | Visit |
| #3 | BetMGM | Has an intuitive search tool for a smooth betting experience. | Visit |
| #4 | BetRivers | Offers exclusive promos for Chicago sports. | Visit |
| #5 | Caesars Sportsbook | Provides extensive sports coverage. | Visit |
Best Illinois Betting Sites for Beginners
The Illinois sports betting market is growing rapidly, recording an all-time high of $1.07 billion in January 2023. If you are new to gambling online, here are the five best Illinois betting sites for you to try.
| Rank | Betting sites | Why play here | Go to site |
| #1 | BetMGM | An easy-to-use website with optimum searchability. | Visit |
| #2 | DraftKings | The best welcome package. | Visit |
| #3 | Caesars Sportsbook | The best VIP/Loyalty program. | Visit |
| #4 | PointsBet | Unique name your bet feature. | Visit |
| #5 | BetRivers | The best site for low wagering requirements. | Visit |
New Betting Sites in Illinois
Currently, there are only seven licensed betting sites in Illinois. The table below shows the latest operators who joined the Illinois sports betting scene.
| Rank | Betting sites | Date of launch | Go to site |
| #1 | BetMGM | March 2022 | Visit |
| #2 | Caesars Sportsbook | March 2022 | Visit |
| #4 | PointsBet | September 2020 | Visit |
| #5 | DraftKings | August 2020 | Visit |
All Betting Sites Available in Illinois
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Caesar’s Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- Barstool Sportsbook (Soon to be ESPN Sportsbook)
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
Best Illinois Betting Sites Bonuses and Promotions
New and regular bettors can claim some excellent bonuses and promotions from Illinois betting sites.
With the competition only several clicks away, each sportsbook tries to entice new customers and keep their loyal customers entertained.
Must be 21+ and present in the state of Illinois. T&C’s apply. If you or someone you know has or may have a gambling problem, please call 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537)
Types of Bonuses and Promotions Available in Illinois
Illinois betting sites offer several types of bonus offers and promotions. Before claiming any offer, it is best to read the bonus terms and conditions to ensure they are reasonable and achievable. Below are the most popular bonuses and promotions on offer at Illionois betting sites.
- Match deposit or reload bonus: The bookie agrees to match your initial deposit fully or partially up to a certain amount. Usually offered as a welcome bonus, sites offer anything from a 200%, a 100%, or even a 50% match deposit bonus to new bettors.
- Free bet bonus: New players receive bet vouchers or site credits when they create a betting account. No deposit is necessary to claim this bonus type, but you cannot cash it out without using it in a bet first.
- First bet or risk-free bet bonus: Bookies offer a first bet bonus that requires the new customer to place their first wager, so they can collect the bonus type if their bet loses. Often, the bookmaker will provide a percentage of the lost wager through bonus bets.
- Bonus bet: New and loyal customers can place a wager and receive additional bets free of charge, regardless of whether their placed wager wins or loses. While some bookies require bettors to use the entire bonus bet on a single wager, others may allow you to spread the bonus bet funds across several betting markets.
- Match bet: New bettors place their initial bet, and the bookie doubles it automatically. Note that only half the amount of your initial bet will be credited to your betting account.
- Odds boost: An odds boost increases the maximum potential payout from specific wagers selected by operators.
- Cash-back bonus: Bettors can receive compensation for their losses during a specific period or after placing particular wagers.
- VIP/Loyalty program: Bookmakers use VIP/loyalty programs to reward their regular players with exclusive prizes, such as customized bonuses, birthday gifts, shopping vouchers, and many more exclusive offers.
Types of Bet Available in Illinois
Like other sportsbooks in the U.S, Illinois betting sites provide its bettors with most of the standard bet types. However, the state does not allow in-game or individual prop bets on college sports events. Here are the most popular bet types available on the Illinois betting sites in 2023.
- Point spread: The underdog team is given extra points while the favorite team has the same number of points removed to even the playing field. For you to win the bet, the team you are betting on must cover the point spread.
- Totals: Also referred to as over/under, this is where bettors wager on the specifics of a result. They bet on whether the score of both teams will be over or under the operator’s threshold.
- Futures: Bookies allow customers to place bets on sports events set to take place in the future via futures betting markets.
- Parlays: Bookies allow bettors to combine several bets within one wager, boosting the maximum potential payout amount. However, all bets must be correct for a win.
- Moneyline: This is the most popular bet type on Illinois betting sites in 2023. They involve betting on which sports teams will win or lose.
- Game and player props: Wagers placed on player or team performance. They are not dependent on the final result.
- Teasers: Popular among seasoned bettors, as you change specific bet lines by a certain amount.
Popular Sports and Leagues to Bet on in Illinois
Illinois hosts several popular sports and leagues for customers to place bets on. Here are some popular sports and leagues available on Illinois betting sites:
- Basketball: Basketball lovers can bet on their favorite Chicago-based basketball team, the Chicago Bulls.
- Football: Illinois betting sites provide some of the most favorable football odds, especially if the Chicago Bears are playing.
- Baseball: Bettors can also bet on the Chicago White Sox and other baseball teams.
- Hockey: Illinois betting sites offer excellent odds on NHL matches, which is a popular choice during the run up to the Stanley Cup Championship.
- Soccer: Another popular betting category among Illinois bettors is soccer. Bettors have access to competitive MLS odds at their chosen Illinois bookmakers.
Features Available on an Illinois Sports Betting Site
- A safe betting environment: All Illinois betting sites have valid licenses from the Illinois Gaming Board, ensuring players enjoy a safe and secure betting environment.
- Generous offers and regular promotions: Bettors can claim a wide range of enticing bonuses and regular promotions from top betting sites in Illinois. Popular bonuses from these bookies include signup offers, free bets, bonus bets, cash-back offers, reload offers, and many more.
- A wide range of betting markets: Each betting site provides all the standard betting marketss. They also offer unique betting markets, such as complex same-game parlays, like those available on FanDuel.
- Competitive odds: Illinois bookmakers offer the best odds across various sports.
- Extensive coverage: You can find a comprehensive list of sports and leagues on Illinois sportsbooks.
- Convenient payment methods: Thanks to robust security practices, Illinois bookies support a wide range of reliable payment options, including credit cards, e-wallets, and even cryptocurrencies.
- Helpful customer support: Illinois betting sites have responsive and friendly support staff to help bettors with their queries. The support team is usually available 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone support.
- Responsible gambling: Illinois betting sites provide several responsible gambling resources to support those struggling with problem gambling.
How to Create an Account on an Illinois Betting Site
Creating a betting account on an Illinois betting site is relatively straightforward. Luckily, new bettors do not need to perform an in-person registration for a retail sportsbook as that law ended on March 5, 2022. Below is a guide on how to register for an Illinois sportsbook:
- Choose any of the recommended Illinois bookies listed above and navigate to their official website.
- Click the Register button in the top right corner.
- Fill in the online registration form by providing your full name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number.
- Enter a promo code if you have one.
- Hit the ‘Submit’ button to complete your registration and start placing bets.
Some bookies may require you to complete KYC verification before you start placing wagers on their site. Generally, KYC verification takes up to 48 hours to complete.
How to Deposit on an Illinois Betting Site
One of the features of Illinois betting sites is that it offers a wide range of convenient payment methods to deposit and withdraw winnings from your betting account. Here are the steps to follow to fund your account:
- Log in to your betting account.
- Go to the banking page.
- Select your preferred deposit method.
- Enter the deposit amount and your preferred currency.
- Click the ‘accept’ button to finalize the process. The deposit amount will be instantly credited to your betting account.
Most Popular Deposit Methods on Illinois Betting Sites
Although different betting sites offer different banking methods, most betting sites in Illinois offer a wide range of reliable deposit methods. Some of the most popular deposit methods include:
- Bank cards: The most popular deposit method among most bettors.
- E-wallets: The fastest deposit option with low transaction costs.
- Cryptocurrencies: The most secure option.
- Bank wire transfers: The most reliable option, but it takes longer to complete transactions.
- Cash at casino cages: The most convenient deposit method.
Sports Betting Law and Regulations in Illinois
Illinois Sports Betting History
The sports betting legalization bill was signed into law in June 2019 by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. However, Rep. Bob Rita spearheaded the negotiation process with various stakeholders to encourage Illinois lawmakers to make the bill a reality. The first retail sportsbooks launched in 2020 before the COVID-19 lockdown began.
BetRivers launched in June 2020, followed by another four online bookmakers before the year’s end. Barstool opened its doors in March 2021, taking the number to six online bookies licensed to operate in the state.
In October 2021, the Illinois General Assembly announced they would remove the in-person registration requirement and allow pregame in-person wagers for Illinois college teams. On March 5, 2022, the in-person registration requirement ended.
Current Situation in Illinois for Sports Betting
In January 2023, the Illinois General Assembly allowed betting exchanges to operate within the state by enacting the HB1405 bill. As a result, bettors can place wagers against each other instead of the sportsbook. Sen. Bill Cunningham ushered in SB 1508 in February 2023, ensuring bettors receive a pop-up message after every ten wagers placed, to promote safer online gambling.
In March 2023, the state recorded its highest revenue figures ($1.07 billion) since the legalization of sports betting in Illinois. It is also worth noting that the Chicago Cubs opened the MLB 2023 season on March 30, 2023. The DraftKings sportsbook is also set to launch the first retail sportsbook to open in a Chicago sporting venue, the Wrigley Field.
The Next Step for Sports Betting Regulation in Illinois
With over 10 million US residents, Illinois is one of the most highly targeted states by gambling companies searching to boost their bottom line.
Although it currently only has seven online sportsbooks, many more are scheduled to join. Some popular sportsbooks, like Unibet and theScore Bet, as well as more physical sportsbooks, are expected to enter the Illinois betting market in the near future.
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
Bettors with compulsive gambling tendencies can get help from various programs designed to help problem gamers. Examples of responsible gambling organizations in Illinois include Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG), National Problem Gambling Helpline (NCPG), and Gamblers Anonymous.
Some free responsible gambling resources include the Problem Gambling Registry and the Illinois Department of Human Resources. Note that Illinois betting sites have a self-exclusion tool, where bettors can opt to exclude themselves for life from betting on sportsbooks.
Illinois Sports Betting Tax Rate
Illinois applies the same tax rate of 4.95% for all online gambling earnings within the state. Therefore, the same individual tax rate applies whether you win in an Illinois sportsbook or an Illinois online casino.
