Illinois Online Sports Betting
Illinois was one of the latest states to legalize online sports betting and the first bet in the state was placed in March of 2020. There are now two online operators that accept bets from Illinois bettors and you can expect some other great sites to emerge later in the year and at the beginning of 2021. With legal betting now available, you can enjoy placing wagers on your favorite Illinois professional teams and will also be able to bet on college events as well as international sports.
Illinois Online Sportsbooks Apps
Illinois recently passed a bill to legalize sports betting. But as of February 2020, state officials are still coming up with specific regulations. At the time of writing, there are no state-controlled online sportsbooks here. Fortunately, there are some fantastic online sports betting sites here that are not directly regulated by the state. Illinois Betting Legal, regulated sports betting is available in Illinois to anyone 21 or older and located within its borders. Legislation signed into law by Gov. Pritzker in 2019 authorized mobile sports betting apps and retail sportsbooks at casinos, racetracks, and sports stadiums. FanDuel Sportsbook is Live in Illinois! Your first bet is risk free up to $1,000 Sign up now. Disclaimer: 21+ and present in IL. First real money wager only. Refund issued as nonwithdrawable site credit that expires in 14 days. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. BetRivers is the online sports betting site for Illinois’ Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. The property is partially owned by Rush Street Gaming, who developed the BetRivers app in Illinois and other legalized states. BetRivers was the top online sportsbook in Illinois in October by revenue. Jan 01, 2021 Since legalizing sports betting, Illinois has launched a number of retail and online sportsbooks. BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and William Hill are all live online sports betting in the state. The Prairie State is quickly becoming a midwestern sports betting hub reporting just under $435 million on betting handle in October 2020.
- Betrivers Sports
- Points Bet
- William Hill IL
- BetMGM Illinois
- Draftkings App
Currently, there are just a few online sportsbooks that are operating legally in Illinois. All of these betting apps have attracted much attention from bettors in Illinois and you can easily create an account and begin playing for real money payouts. BetRivers ILwas the first site to launch, and it opened in June 2020. This site offers a great desktop platform a well as a solid mobile option so you can wager using your phones and tablets.
DraftKings is the other online sportsbook that is available to residents of Illinois and this launched in August 2020. As one of the largest betting sites in the industry, DraftKings presents great coverage of markets and some exceptional odds.
Markets and Bets
When you visit a sportsbook that is operating in Illinois, you will find a great selection of sports that can support different bet types. Since many from this area are local sports fans, the leading sportsbooks will allow for bets to be placed on popular teams like the Cubs, Blackhawks, Bulls, and White Sox. Online sportsbooks will offer a complete list of sports that can include baseball, football, hockey, soccer, basketball, tennis, golf, motorsports, MMA, and so much more.
When choosing your bet., you will select your preferred sport. You will then see the types of bets that are supported. Simply choose one of these and enter the bet amount and the wager will be added to the bet slip. At online sportsbooks in Illinois, you can place wagers like:
- Moneyline
- Point spread
- Teasers
- Futures
- Parlays
- Round robin
- Props
Anticipated Sportsbooks in Illinois
Even though legal online sports betting is new to the state of Illinois, there are already some major betting sites that are planning to enter the market and offer real money wagering. Many top-rated sites have partnered with casinos in Illinois and are preparing online platforms as you read this. In the coming months and in 2021, there are some great sportsbooks that will start operating online. Here are the sites you can expect to become available and we have listed the land casinos that the sites have partnered with.
- BetAmerica – Arlington Park racetrack
- Barstool Sportsbook – Hollywood Casino Aurora
- Caesars Sportsbook – Harrah’s Metropolis
- PointsBet – Hawthorne Race Course
- BetMGM – Par-a-Dice Casino
- FanDuel – Fairmount Park Racetrack
- Delaware North – Jumer’s Casino Rock Island
Types of Sports Betting Bonuses for Illinois
Watch for some great bonuses to be featured at online sites. You will usually start with a welcome bonus, which can be a free bet or a match bonus. To be eligible, just create an account and make a deposit. Free bets will require you to place a bet and settle that bet to get the free offer. There are also other great deals to enjoy like insurance bonuses, odds boosts, reload offers, and so much more.
Physical Sportsbooks in Illinois
There are three retail sportsbooks in the state that are accepting wagers. These include Rovers Casio Des Plaines, associated with BetRivers, Argosy Casino Alton, associated with Penn National, and Queen Casino East St. Luis, associated with DraftKings.
Pro Teams in IL
As a resident of Illinois, you will most likely be a fan of the local professional teams. When you are placing wagers at an online sportsbook, you will find coverage of these teams and some of the major professional events. This means you can bet on your hometown team and enjoy some super bonuses and odds while placing bets at trusted sites. If you like to wager on professional sports, be sure to watch for sites that feature multiple types of bets on the following teams:
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- The Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- The Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Cubs (MBL)
- MLS Chicago Fire
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
Illinois Online Sports Betting Legal Status
To take advantage of the thrills of Illinois online sportsbooks, you must be 21 or older and be located within the borders of Illinois to place a real money bet. The operating sportsbooks will not collect taxes, but based on IL law, you are required to report gambling winnings on your income taxes each year.
Illinois is rising in the ranks of gambling-friendly markets. The Prairie State has long had casinos and racetracks. Now, it’s staged to become a gambling leader with the introduction of Illinois online sports betting.
The BetRivers Sportsbook launched in June 2020, making it the first online sports betting site to come to the Land of Lincoln.
Governor J.B. Pritzker legalized sports betting in Illinois when he signed a gambling expansion bill. The bill also included provisions that allow for six new casinos to be built in Illinois. Although the original bills required new bettors to complete registration in person at a casino or retail sportsbook, this requirement has been suspended at least through January 9, 2021. This means bettors can complete the registration process entirely online.
Since legalizing sports betting, Illinois has launched a number of retail and online sportsbooks. BetRivers, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and William Hill are all live online sports betting in the state. The Prairie State is quickly becoming a midwestern sports betting hub reporting just under $435 million on betting handle in October 2020.
Best Online Sportsbooks In Illinois
- PointsBet Sportsbook: Claim up to $1500 bonus here. Use offer code BIGBONUS to claim.
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Claim up to $1000 bonus here.
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Claim up to $1000 bonus here.
- BetRivers Sportsbook: Claim up to $250 bonushere.
Legal Online Sportsbooks In Illinois
Right now, Illinois has five online sportsbooks. Here’s a rundown of the current Illinois landscape.
BetRivers Illinois
BetRivers launched its online sportsbook in June 2020. BetRivers is the online sports betting site for Illinois’ Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. The property is partially owned by Rush Street Gaming, who developed the BetRivers app in Illinois and other legalized states. BetRivers was the top online sportsbook in Illinois in October by revenue. They took in about $11.5 million in revenue in October 2020.
BetRivers offers a 100% deposit match bonus (up to $250) when you sign up. It’s a great way to kickstart your sports betting account.
DraftKings Illinois
DraftKings was the second company to launch online sports betting in The Prairie State. Casino Queen in East St. Louis is DraftKings’ land-based partner.
DraftKings gives new players up to $1,000 in welcome bonuses via a 20% deposit match up to $1000.
FanDuel Illinois
In late August 2020, though, FanDuel announced its partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, putting the rumors to rest. FanDuel launched its online sportsbook app in Illinois before the close of the month, becoming Illinois’ third online sportsbook.
PointsBet Illinois
Australia-based sportsbook operator PointsBet recently inked a deal with Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney, IL. The company launched its online sportsbook in September 2020.
PointsBet also offers some of the most competitive sign-up bonus offers for new bettors. Their best sign up bonus offers up to $1,500 in 2 risk free bets. See our review for more details
With competitive odds, unique features, and an in-person registration (if Governor Pritzker re-instates this requirement) location close to Chicago, PointsBet is staged to become a sports betting leader in Illinois.
Sign Up At PointsBet Illinois Here(Use code BIGBONUS)
William Hill
William Hill launched Illinois’ fifth online sportsbook in September. Caesars-owned Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin is the company’s license partner. William Hill has a retail sportsbook at Grand Victoria to complement its online offering.
Sportsbooks In Illinois: Companies To Expect
Though Illinois already has five online sportsbooks, it’s reasonable to expect more big players in the industry to launch in the market as soon as possible. Illinois will offer three online-only licenses 18 months into its sports betting tenure. For now, launches will be tied to a land-based tether-property. Here are a few possible online sportsbook launches to look out for in Illinois.
FOX Bet
The Stars Group runs FOX Bet as its US online sportsbook in many regulated states. For now, it’s unclear who will partner with FOX Bet in Illinois. However, it’s highly likely that FOX Bet will launch in the state regardless.
Penn National Gaming/Barstool
Penn National Gaming owns both of Illinois’ Hollywood Casinos (in Joliet and Aurora). The company also has a deal with Barstool, so we expect the team to launch an online sportsbook at some point. Thus far, Penn has been rather hush-hush about its plans in the state.
What Online Sportsbook Bonuses Are Available In Illinois?
Illinois bettors have access to a wide variety of bonuses, and that pool of promotions will only grow as new sportsbooks launch.
There are plenty of different bonus types, and sportsbook operators will often provide really competitive and lucrative promotions to gain new customers. Below are some of the most common types of bonuses and how they work.
No Deposit Bonus
This is the simplest bonus type you’ll find at an online sportsbook. Once you sign up, the site will give you a small dollar amount for free before you even make a deposit. Typically, you’ll receive between $10 and $30, enough to place one bet (or a few small ones).
No deposit bonuses are fairly straightforward, but they tend to be more common at online casinos 9where available/legal) than sportsbooks. There isn’t usually a catch, but always check the fine print when you sign up to be sure you don’t miss anything.
Risk-Free Bets
Many sportsbooks offer risk-free bets to get you started. This type of bonus requires you to place a bet with your own money, and the risk-free amount is typically capped.
With a risk-free bet bonus, you first need to select a bet. Once you identify one and place a wager, you wait for the match to play out and the result to come in. If your bet loses, the sportsbook will refund the amount you wagered back into your account. FanDuel Sportsbook currently offers a risk-free bet up to $1000.
If your bet wins, the risk-free offer goes away and you continue betting as you normally would. On a loss, you’re refunded the amount per the bonus terms and conditions, and the offer then expires.
Deposit Match
Deposit matches can be found on a number of regulated online sportsbooks. They can be some of the most valuable bonus offers available to players.
Deposit matches offer you a chance to add to the amount of your initial deposit into a sportsbook account. The dollar amount can reach up to $1000, especially with the biggest operators.
How it works: you make your first deposit using any of the approved deposit methods for the sportsbook making the offer. The sportsbook then adds a percentage of that deposit to your account. For example, if you make your first deposit for $200 at a site that offers a 100% deposit match, your wallet will jump to $400.
Watch for specific conditions surrounding these offers. Some operators require you to make your first deposit within a week from the date you create your account. Others offer a smaller percentage match.
For example, BetRivers offers a deposit match of 100% up to $250 while DraftKings matches 20% up to $1000. If you’re willing to shell out $2,500 on a single deposit, DraftKings makes it worth your while. BetRivers, on the other hand, is the more sensible option for bettors on a budget.
Refer A Friend
Refer a friend bonuses can be a nice boost to your sportsbook account.
The terms vary by operator, but the idea is the same across the board. Refer a friend to your favorite sportsbook using a unique link or code. Once your friend signs up and makes a deposit beyond a certain threshold (sometimes as low as $10), you both receive a bonus.
If you have friends interested in sports betting, these bonuses can be great. Some offer up to $50 for each friend you refer, and your friend gets a bonus, too. For example, the BetRivers Refer-A-Friend program allows you to earn free bets by recommending friends.
What Sports Can You Bet On In Illinois?
In 2018, the Supreme Court’s decision to rule the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) unconstitutional paved the way for states to build individual legislation to regulate sports betting. As a result, each state that has regulated has specific stipulations related to sports wagering.
The primary inter-state difference to keep an eye on is available sports. Not every state allows every sport at its online betting sites, and Illinois is no different. The Land of Lincoln has its own restrictions on betting.
Betting On US Pro Sports In Illinois
The good news for pro sports fans in Illinois is that there are virtually no restrictions in place on pro sports betting. Illinois bettors will be able to bet on a wide variety of professional US sports leagues, including:
- Major League Baseball
- National Football League
- National Hockey League
- Major League Soccer
- National Basketball Association
- Golf (PGA Tour and other events)
- Tennis
Professional sports undoubtedly capture the largest numbers of bettors, and Illinois looks like it will continue that trend. The state will offer plenty of pro sports bets, for both teams located in Illinois and in other states.
College Sports Betting In Illinois
Fans of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sports have a few restrictions to keep in mind. Illinois law allows betting on NCAA contests as long as they don’t include any in-state colleges.
Unfortunately, fans of Northwestern, The University of Illinois, and other in-state colleges will be unable to place bets on matches involving Illinois schools.
Still, fans of the larger NCAA scene will find plenty to enjoy in Illinois. Out of state matches will feature sports betting. Games and tournaments like March Madness that garner national attention will surely make waves among Illinois bettors.
What International Sports Can You Bet On In Illinois?
US sportsbooks have a large library of bets for international sports. Most state sportsbooks have plenty of less common sports bets on offer, and Illinois looks as though it will follow suit.
Illinois betting enthusiasts can find bets for cricket, darts, rugby, table tennis, and many other sports popular around the world.
Will Illinois Have Esports Betting?
Whether esports betting will come to Illinois is unclear right now. However, most signs point to a “yes.”
Many states include specific legislative language either barring or allowing bets on events that are not labeled typical sports. Illinois’ law doesn’t make any mention of esports, so it’s likely esports wagering will come to Illinois.
With no strict prohibitions in place, operators will probably offer esports betting in Illinois. The fact that the law makes no mention either way with regards to esports bodes well. The absence of prohibitive language suggests a positive outlook on esports betting in the state. Once the bets are out in the open, it seems unlikely lawmakers will add restrictions surrounding esports.
What Else Can I Bet On In Illinois?
Mixed martial arts, NASCAR, boxing, motorsports, and other less traditional competitions will be available to Illinois sports bettors.
Some sportsbooks offer horse race betting as well. Illinois operators may provide these options to players, though horse racing fans already have plenty of online options for betting on those events via TwinSpires, TVG, and BetAmerica.
Bets on non-sporting events such as the Oscars (and similar awards shows) or elections are off-limits at Illinois sportsbooks.
Mobile Betting Restrictions
There are two key factors that players should keep in mind as they await mobile sportsbooks. First, the minimum age to gamble in Illinois is 21, and this extends to online sports betting. When you create an account, you’ll need to confirm your identity. Usually, this involves providing your social security number.
Second, you must be in the state to place a wager. This will be confirmed with geolocation technology. If you leave the state, your bets will still be honored but you won’t be able to place new ones or withdraw money until you return.
You can register fully online right from your phone, tablet, or computer.
Do Illinois Online Sports Betting Sites Offer Mobile Apps?
Illinois’ licensed sportsbooks offer mobile apps. All five of Illinois’ online sportsbooks have apps for iOS and Android. William Hill is unique in that it currently only offers betting via app or retail; it doesn’t have a desktop sportsbook yet.
There was a glimmer of hope for mobile bettors earlier this year when Governor Pritzker issued an executive order suspending the need for in-person registration. He later let the order lapse, resuming the in-person requirement. But the roller coaster continued through 2020 and into 2021.
In August 2020, Pritzker re-issued the executive order suspending in-person registration. As a result, players can now create an account completely online without visiting a land-based property. This remains in effect until January 9, 2020, at which point in-person registration could return or Pritzker could extend online sign-ups once more.
Apple Devices
Apple allows gambling apps on its iOS App store as long as they’re developed in Apple’s native programming language. This may seem restrictive, but the good news is that most sportsbook providers already have apps live on the iOS App marketplace. They’ll be able to launch in Illinois without issue.
If an operator doesn’t have an iOS app, your best bet is using a mobile browser or playing from a desktop computer. Fortunately, most providers have invested in iOS apps. All of Illinois’ sportsbook currently have iOS apps.
Android Devices
Google takes a slightly more prohibitive stance than Apple. It completely restricts regulated gambling apps from the Google Play Store.
That’s the bad news. The good news is that it’s still relatively easy to get a sportsbook app for an Android device. Once they launch, operators will have a “download for Android” page on their websites. Visit the page from your mobile browser and follow the prompts to install the app on your Android device.
If you see apps like DraftKings or FanDuel in the Google Play Store, those are the companies’ Daily Fantasy Sports apps, not full-fledged sportsbooks.
What Is The Biggest Online Sportsbook In Illinois By Revenue?
It’s still early, and some sportsbooks have just entered the market. We will update this page to show market leaders as Illinois sports betting matures.
A number of factors contribute to success in a given sports betting market, including launch timing, bettor acquisition, registration requirements, and more.
BetRivers originally looked staged to be a leader in Illinois, but it’s now joined by big competition. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet, and William Hill are all big names in the sports betting world, so it could be a tight race between the five sportsbooks.
In neighboring Indiana, DraftKings and FanDuel lead, which could indicate a bright future for the operators in Illinois.
Bottom line: it’s early on in the Illinois online sports betting race, but a few companies are ready to take the market by storm.
Of course, industry leaders FOX Bet, BetMGM, and others will come ready to win in Illinois, so the crown is up for grabs. Illinois is sure to host an intriguing and competitive sports betting landscape.
What Do I Need To Create An Illinois Online Sports Betting Account?
To sign up for an Illinois sports betting account, you’ll need to provide some personal information to confirm your identity. Usually, this means providing your social security number. It’s helpful to have your social security number and a government-issued photo ID ready when you register. You’ll also have to input the following information:
- Username (not every sportsbook requires this, but some ask that you create one)
- Password (you’ll create one)
- Email address
- First and last name
- Phone Number
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Last 4 of your SSN
Right now, you can sign up online without a visit to a retail sportsbook. Online only sign-ups are slated to continue at least through January 2021. it’s possible Governor Pritzker could extend online sign-ups once again after that deadline, though.
Payment Method
If you’re ready to make a deposit, remember two things. First, have a payment method handy: credit/debit, PayPal, bank account info (for ACH transfer), Play+, and many other methods are accepted at major sportsbooks. Second, check for promo codes that offer deposit matches or risk-free bets. Once you register, you can take advantage of those offers.
After you’ve made a deposit and created your account, you can place a bet.
Legal Online Sportsbooks Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks In Illinois
Compared to their illegal and offshore counterparts, regulated sportsbook apps offer higher levels of safety and a number of benefits.
First, legal sports betting sites can draw on a wealth of data from sports leagues, including real-time updates. This means they can offer live and in-play betting (wagers on a match that’s already in progress), something their grey market competitors can’t provide.
On a safety level, regulated sportsbooks go above and beyond. This is because they are required to and because they care about building an audience of loyal players.
At legal sports betting sites, your data is protected by high-level encryption technology. The Illinois Gaming Board, a government agency, also oversees sports betting in the state, and sportsbook providers are heald to a high standard of technology and player protection. Every operator goes through a rigorous licensing process during which their sports betting offer is vetted by experts to ensure compliance with all state and federal laws.
Offshore sites, meanwhile, have no such safeguards in place and are only responsible for upholding the laws in the country where they operate. Without dedicated oversight, they’re a much riskier option than government-sanctions sports betting platforms.
Illinois Online Sports Betting FAQs
Anyone in Illinois who wishes to participate in legal sports betting must be 21 years old or above. When you sign up for a sports betting account, you will be required to verify your age with proper ID.
Other forms of gambling available in the state, including the lottery and horse race betting, allow anyone 18 and older to participate.
Yes. DraftKings was the second online sportsbook to launch in Illinois.
DraftKings is partnered with Casino Queen in East St. Louis. You can bet online using DraftKings’ desktop site or mobile app on iOS and Android.
For new players, DraftKings offers up to $1000 as part of a 20% first deposit match bonus. Take advantage of the bonus offer here.
Yes. FanDuel is legal in the state and launched the end of August 2020 through a partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. FanDuel Sportsbook offers new bettors a $1000 risk-free bet. Check out the bonus offer here.
In terms of deposit methods, yes. Most Illinois sportsbooks will accept credit cards as a form of payment.
If you’re looking to wager on credit (bet with credit money now and pay later if you lose) at an Illinois sportsbook, you may not find much luck. Currently, major sportsbooks do not offer betting on credit. For now, you’ll have to stick to funding an account before you place a bet.
Illinois Sports Gambling 2020
Yes, but with restrictions.
Illinois will allow wagering on college matches. But bettors will not be able to wager on any college match that 1) includes an in-state school or 2) takes place in Illinois. Instead, college sports fans will have to focus on out-of-state match-ups when betting.
Rivers Casino Illinois Online Sports Betting
No. As of right now, you can register online without visiting a land-based casino.
Keep an eye out for new developments, though. The in-person requirement has been suspended, lifted, and resuspended throughout 2020. Governor Pritzker could eventually reinstate the requirement. The lesson here is to sign up online quickly, while you still can.
All the major leagues are available for sports betting. The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and PGA Tour all have sports bets in Illinois. Other sports like tennis, soccer, rugby, and others can be found in sportsbooks, too.
Draftkings Sportsbook
College sports betting is legal as well, but with an exception. Sportsbooks cannot offer bets on college matches that include an Illinois school.
Elections, awards shows, and other non-sporting events are off-limits to Illinois sports bettors.
Esports betting is currently unavailable and not covered by Illinois law. It could come to the state in the future.
There are a few types of sports betting bonuses. One is deposit match. An operator will usually match your initial deposit up to a certain amount (sometimes near $500), giving you extra betting money.
Other operators sometimes give you a small dollar amount (around $10-$25) just for signing up before you even make a deposit.
Risk-free first bets are fairly common, too. Lose your first bet? The operator will refund the money so you can place a second one.
Keep an eye out for lucrative bonuses when you sign up at sports betting sites.
Government agencies regulate all sports betting sites in Illinois. Additionally, they use high-level encryption to protect your data.
Always be sure you use a licensed operator to keep yourself and your information safe and secure. Government agencies that oversee sports betting sites usually keep a running list of licensed operators.