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One of the biggest betting markets in all of the United States is firmly in Illinois. And how could it not be? Here is a state with a massive population thanks to Chicago, but more than that, a state obsessed with its sports. That’s the formula for a top-5 betting marketplace, which Illinois surely is.
Let’s explore this market more in-depth for residents and visitors of Illinois. By the time you’re done reading this page, you’ll be completely up to speed with what’s allowed and what’s not in Illinois.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Illinois?
Yes, it’s legal and has been since 2019. Though, it wasn’t until the year after that mobile betting launched statewide during the throes of the pandemic. Originally, the state was going to require in-person registration to bet online. This was dropped due to the pandemic, which really opened the floodgates for in-app betting.
Today, there are nine licensed betting apps in Illinois, plus several physical sportsbooks too. Illinois angered many of these operators when it increased its tax on sports betting — which can reach as much as 40 percent for the top bookmakers (e.g. FanDuel). A few sportsbooks threatened to leave the state, but nothing ended up happening.
International Online Sportsbooks Available In Illinois
While sports betting is legal in Illinois, there are some significant restrictions that bettors should be aware of. Illinois state-regulated sportsbooks cannot accept wagers on political events or entertainment props, and they also have limitations on betting involving in-state college teams. This means that if you're a fan of local colleges like the University of Illinois or Northwestern University, you won’t be able to bet on their games through legal sportsbooks.
This is where international sportsbooks come into play. These offshore platforms allow you to place bets on a wider range of options, including political events and college sports without restrictions. Whether you want to wager on the outcome of an election or bet on your favorite local college team, international sportsbooks offer the flexibility that Illinois’s regulated market lacks.
Concerns about safety are understandable, but the international sportsbooks we recommend have been thoroughly vetted for security and reliability. Our team has used these platforms for years, ensuring they offer fast payouts, fair odds, and excellent customer service. By choosing these trusted international operators, you can confidently access a broader range of betting markets while enjoying a secure and reliable betting experience beyond the limitations of Illinois’s regulations.
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Legal Online Sportsbooks Available In Illinois
Illinois embraced sports betting in 2019, officially launching its market in March 2020. The state allows both online and in-person wagering through a variety of licensed sportsbooks, providing bettors the flexibility to place wagers from their mobile devices or visit physical locations. Illinois boasts a vibrant sports betting scene, featuring a wide range of options across numerous sports, from football to basketball. Major sportsbooks have established operations within the state, contributing to a competitive and accessible betting environment. With a strong regulatory framework in place, Illinois ensures a secure and fair experience for all participants.
| Name of Bookie | Launch Date | Online Betting Available? |
| DraftKings | March. 2020 | Yes |
| FanDuel | March. 2020 | Yes |
| BetMGM | March. 2020 | Yes |
| Caesars | June. 2020 | Yes |
| BetRivers | March. 2020 | Yes |
| Fanatics | N/A | No |
| ESPN Bet | 2023 | Yes |
| WynnBet | June. 2021 | Yes |
Illinois Online Sportsbook Comparison
Want to know the number one question we get? “What’s the best sportsbook?” Want to know our answer? It depends on what you as a bettor value the most features-wise, whether that’s bonuses or rewards or something else. That’s why we’re giving several recommendations below based on these different features:
Best sportsbook for bonuses: BetMGM is the way to go for deals. They offer several, but the eye-catcher is for new sign-ups. New users can take advantage of a risk-free first bet — if your initial wager doesn’t hit, BetMGM will refund you every dollar of it back, up to $1,500. This is the ultimate no-risk, high-reward deal of ever one.
Best sportsbook for betting options: This one was close, really close. Ultimately, we gave the edge to FanDuel because of the frequency of its boosted odds, turning standard wagers into more lucrative ones. By enhancing odds on certain bets, FanDuel offers the chance to get a better payout compared to other sportsbooks. Other bookies also offer boosted odds promos, but not with the consistency of FanDuel.
Best sportsbook for live betting: When it comes to live betting in Illinois, DraftKings takes the lead. The app delivers real-time odds updates with impressive speed, ensuring you’re betting with the most up-to-date information. They also provide a wide variety of live betting options across multiple sports, giving you plenty of opportunities to jump into the action as it unfolds.
Best sportsbook for rewards: Caesars is the go-to for rewards in Illinois, offering more than just free bets. Their rewards program connects directly to their physical casino properties, meaning you can redeem points for hotel stays, dining, and entertainment. It’s a step above typical app-only rewards, giving you real-world benefits for your play.
Best sportsbook for user experience: If you’re an NFL fan in Illinois, Caesars has a special edge — live NFL game streaming right in the app. You can catch local games and prime-time matchups every week, including Thursday, Sunday, and Monday Night Football, all without needing a separate TV or streaming service. It’s a great feature for football fans who want to stay connected to the game.
Illinois Quick Facts
| Fact | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Launch date: | 2020 |
| Legal age: | 21 Years Old |
| Online sports betting | ✅ Yes |
| Number of licenses | 9 |
| Remote registration | ✅ Yes |
| Retail sportsbooks | ✅ Yes |
| Retail casinos | ✅ Yes |
| Online casino sites | ❌No |
| Online poker | ❌No |
| Betting on college sports | ✅ Yes |
| Betting on esports | ✅ Yes |
| State population | 13 million |
| State regulator | The Illinois Gaming Board |
| Last verified | ✅ September 8 |
What You Can’t Bet On In Illinois
Listen up because as of June 1, 2024 — the state of Illinois just expanded it do-not-bet list to include this:
Illinois college sports: The same bill that increases taxes on sports betting, also outlawed wagering on collegiate sports teams in the state. No more wagers on the Fighting Illini, for example. But get this, this applies to mobile betting only — it’s still allowed at retail sportsbooks.
Online casino: You can’t bet on card games, slots, or video poker online. All that has to be done in person at Illinois’ casinos.
Non-sporting events: There will be no wagering on who wins the US presidential election (or another country for that matter). This is considered a non-sport — the same as award shows or WWE. Because of this distinction, betting is not allowed in the state.
Want to bet on these things even though you’re in Illinois? Try out an offshore sportsbook. These sites are less strict AND also work perfectly fine inside the state.
Who Can Legally Bet In Illinois?
Despite some limitations, most things are on the table for Illinois bettors. Here’s a rundown of what can be done inside the state:
Legal age: 21 years is the minimum gambling age in Illinois. This is the case for all U.S. states right now.
Mobile betting: The Illinois betting market is being almost exclusively carried by mobile betting so yes, it’s legal. Nine apps are available to in-state bettors.
Retail sportsbooks: Illinois has a number of physical casinos that have their own sportsbook. Better yet, some of these are even in Chicago — not just random towns hidden in the state. College sports bets on local-area teams can only be made at these sites.
Remote registration: Illinois first launched as an in-person registration stat — a rule that would’ve required bettors to sign up at a retail bookie before being allowed to bet online. The pandemic forced the state to pull a U-turn and it’s now a remote registration setup.
Taxable winnings: Uncle Sam always “covers the spread.” Always! Any winnings in the state will have to be reported in your taxes — with both the federal and Illinois state governments getting a piece of it since it’s taxable income.
Latest Illinois Betting News
Sep 13, 2024 07:55 AM
DraftKings Expects to Loses $50 Million in 2025 After Illinois Sports Betting Tax Hike
Jun 29, 2023 08:20 AM
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field Does Not Have Illinois Sports Betting License
May 25, 2023 07:34 AM
Fanatics Hoping to Join Illinois Sports Betting Market in Time for 2023 NFL Season
Latest Illinois Legal Betting Updates
Sep 26, 2024 12:01 PM
Bally’s Chicago casino will reportedly have to redesign its planned 500-room hotel tower after the discovery of foundation issues. The facility is supposed to be ready in 2026.
Illinois Sports Betting Timeline
Illinois Sportsbooks & Casino
By our count, there are nine different Illinois casinos that also have sportsbooks. We'll name the most popular ones, but this isn't a comprehensive list by any means:
Rivers Casino in Des Plaines: This is one of the largest and most popular casinos. It offers a wide array of gaming options, including slots, table games, and poker. Its BetRivers sportsbook is a major attraction, providing a sleek lounge for sports betting and live game viewing. Located near Chicago, it has a modern and upscale atmosphere.
Harrah’s Joliet Casino & Hotel: This property is owned by Caesars and is located in downtown Joliet. It offers a wide range of gaming experiences, including poker and slots, alongside the Caesars Sportsbook, which features a welcoming lounge for watching and betting on sports events. The property also includes a hotel and various dining options, making it a full-service entertainment destination.
DraftKings at Casino Queen: A DraftKings-branded sportsbook is the bure allure of this entire casino. Located just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis, it offers a vibrant gaming experience that includes slots, table games, and a spacious sportsbook.
A Brief Timeline of the Legality of Illinois Sports Betting
In Summer 2019, a bill was passed to allow sports betting in the state of Illinois. Prior to that sports betting in the state has been illegal, but like many states in the U.S. efforts to change the law have accelerated in the last few years. As of March 2020, the first legal sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook, hit the market. This also coincided with the start of mobile betting. Almost five years later, the Illinois betting market is flourishing.
How To Bet On Sports In Illinois?
Illinois sportsbooks offer a wide array of sports bets. Everything is going to be on the table so long as it’s a real sports competition. However, most of the betting volume is likely going to go into a few betting markets, which we cover here:
How To Bet On Football In Illinois?
Football betting draws the most money and attention of all the sports in Illinois, no surprise there. So expect both the start of football season in the Fall and the end of it, the Super Bowl in February, to be massive times. This is when bookmakers are more likely to release awesome promotions to capitalize on the general betting interest. Look out for those during those time periods.
How To Bet On Basketball In Illinois?
Of all the sports, basketball might be the most fun to bet on live. This is because of the sport’s high-scoring style, which means live odds change with every single made basket. If you haven’t tried your luck at live betting yet, you may want to start with this sport.
How To Bet On Baseball In Illinois?
Baseball betting is one opportunity after another for six months on end. Thanks to the MLB’s nonstop playing schedule during the regular season, baseball bettors always feast. Really, no other sport comes anywhere near as close to baseball in the sheer amount of opportunities. Don’t overlook this if you’re playing to profit.
How To Bet On Fighting In Illinois?
Don’t confuse this with the Fighting Illini, we mean fighting as in boxing and MMA. Fight cards happen almost every weekend in these sports, and you’ll almost always get ‘em at Illinois betting apps. The casual bettors will flock to main cards on pay-per-view, but gems can routinely be found in less-known cards — and that’s where the opportunities lie for bettors willing to research a little.
Betting on Illinois Teams
Chicago is the third or fourth biggest metropolitan area in the whole country. Therefore, you better believe Chicago has a pro team in every sport (they do). Illinois bettors following these teams will have ample chances at betting on them too. Here’s what to know about doing so:
Betting On Illinois NFL Team
The Bears run Chicago even when they’re not doing well, which has been the case as of late. That could be changing now that Caleb Williams is the team’s quarterback of the future. Williams might be the first franchise quarterback the team has ever had. If he is, the Bears will become a national betting sensation — not just a local one.
Betting on Chicago NBA Team
The Bulls are a top-10 most iconic sports franchise in all of American athletics — not just hoops. Of course, that’s because of the Michael Jordan era that set the world ablaze with six championships. Chicago never found its heir apparent to MJ but the team’s passion for Bulls basketball is still there. Betting on them will not be hard because bookmakers offer a bevy of lines for every matchup.
Betting On Illinois MLB Team
Chicago actually has two teams here — the Cubs and the White Sox. Let’s not kid ourselves though, most of the city has an allegiance to the Cubbies. Wrigley Field is one of the most iconic spots in Chicago to visit, and now, to bet at while watching a Cubs game. And like we said before, these betting opportunities are abundant thanks to a 162-game playing schedule.
Betting On Illinois NHL Team
The Bulls aren’t the only team to bring six titles to Chicago — so have the Blackhawks. They are another source of pride for the state, which is starting to become betting attention. Across all the Illinois apps, Blackhawks bets will come in all flavors such as moneyline, over/under, props, and so on.
Illinois Betting Revenue Statistics
Illinois is mirroring the nationwide trends. Each month, betting handles keep breaking or at least near previous highs. But more than that, monthly handles are blowing the year before out of the water.
Let’s go back to May — one of the last big months of betting before activity winds down at the end of NBA and NHL. That month, Illinois hit $1.02 billion in betting handle. This marked the ninth consecutive month it hit the billy mark. More impressive than that though, it was 21.9 percent ahead of $821.7 million staked last year during the same month.
Other Types Of Betting In Illinois
Casino betting is also flourishing in Illinois. It’s been around unlike sports betting, but still, it’s getting a revival of its own now that all forms of gambling are becoming normalized in Illinois and the country at large. There’s several big-name casinos across the state offering table games, slots, video poker, and all the usuals.
Horse racing is also fair game. Matter of fact, this used to be a big part of the culture. Get this, the Horse Racing Act of 1927 first legalized it. These days, the law has been extended to allow online wagering on horses too.
If sports and horse racing betting is allowed, then you better believe daily fantasy sports (DFS) is too. It 100 percent is. PrizePicks has become one of the leaders of this genre of betting, but the OGs like DraftKings and FanDuel offer it too.
One more thing: Chicago is a lottery state. It offers all the standard stuff — nationally drawn games (Power Ball and Mega Million), but also instant-win scratch-off tickets. Nothing out of the ordinary here.
Sports Betting Rules In Each State
We have in-depth state guides to the 49 other states too. For a look at the betting rules and culture in those states, just hit one of the links below:
Responsible Gaming In Illinois
Betting should always enhance the excitement of the game, not create financial stress. In Illinois, it’s important to remember that gambling is mostly entertainment — not a way to make rent for the month. The thrill of placing a wager can be exhilarating, we know, but keeping your bets within a predetermined budget and timeframe ensures you enjoy it responsibly.
Really, if you can learn to budget, you’ll avoid the biggest risks that come with problem betting. Start by determining how much disposable income you can comfortably allocate to betting — this should be money you can afford to lose, not funds earmarked for essentials like bills. Break this total into smaller daily or weekly limits, and never chase losses by exceeding these amounts. It's also helpful to set time limits for your gambling activities to avoid over-commitment. Once your budget is spent or your time is up, walk away and most importantly, stay away.
If betting ever does become problematic to your life or someone you know, we want you to be aware resources are out there. Plenty of them actually. We’re going to list our favorites below for your convenience:
Illinois Department of Human Services – Problem Gambling Helpline (https://www.dhs.state.il.us)
A 24/7 confidential helpline offering free support for individuals facing gambling-related challenges. Call 1-800-GAMBLER for immediate assistance.
Gamblers Anonymous – Illinois (http://www.gamblersanonymous.org)
A peer-support group offering meetings throughout Illinois to help individuals struggling with problem gambling. Visit their website for more information on meeting times and locations.
National resources like these are also available:
Gambling Addiction Support Network (https://www.gamblingaddictionsupport.org/)
A non-profit organization providing resources and support for individuals struggling with gambling addiction.
Center for Responsible Gaming (https://www.centerforresponsiblegaming.org/)
The Center for Responsible Gaming (CRG) is a research institution dedicated to promoting safe gambling practices and addressing gambling-related issues.
24/7 Gambling Support Line (https://www.gamblinghelponline.org/24-7-helpline)
A round-the-clock helpline offering immediate assistance and guidance for those experiencing gambling-related problems."
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