Illinois sports betting hit the ground running 🏃 in 2020. Retail outlets began opening in March of that year, with the online launch beginning in June. Illinois has proven to be a competitive and successful market for sports betting, with bettors having their choice of top books including FanDuel and BetMGM.
Sports are a massive draw in the state, with local favorites including the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks, all of which use the Windy City of Chicago as home base. Betting is no longer a shiny new toy 🧸, but the appeal isn’t waning. Illinois is one of the top legal sports betting markets in the US.
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Illinois Sportsbooks
No books available.
Illinois Promotions & Bonuses
Please check back for promotions to be added for upcoming events.
Illinois bettors will find numerous sportsbooks and promos to choose from. New players can find sports betting sign-up offers, while new sportsbook promos abound for existing users. Examples of promos and bonuses include:
- Welcome Bonus: Offers like deposit matches are available for new players.
- Odds Boosts: Look to claim boosts for chances to ramp up winnings.
- Bonus Bets: Grab available credits and place bets with no cash outlay.
- Loyalty Programs: Earn redeemable points as you lay and claim rewards.
Remember the following as you try and extract the best possible value from bonuses and promos.
- Read the Terms: Fully understand all requirements before claiming offers.
- Consider Options: Shop and compare offers before grabbing the best deals.
- Grab Promo Codes: Use codes from reliable sources to claim the best offers.
- Game plan: Know your plan of attack for using the bonuses and promos.
For more information on Illinois sports betting promos - visit our IL Promos page.
top illinois sportsbooks
The Odds Shark team has spent an extensive amount of time reviewing Illinois sportsbooks. We know which books are built to last and deliver what bettors are looking for. The result for our readers is a complete list of the most trusted and reputable sportsbooks in Illinois.
New customers can lean on our guides as they decide where they want to take their business. Meanwhile, existing users get a clear roadmap on where to find the best ongoing promos. Our unbiased reviews are packed with info to help you decide what works best for you.
You’ll find detailed summaries of the best Illinois sportsbooks in the below sections. For even more insight on the books you’re interested in, check out our extensive reviews of industry leaders like FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars, all of which deliver the right stuff.
FanDuel
The sports betting market in Illinois and other legal states is incredibly competitive. It’s no mistake that FanDuel has risen to the top of the charts while being viewed as an industry leader. Quite simply, this is an outstanding place to bet on sports.
There’s a huge menu of betting markets to choose from, with odds that are generally on point. No matter what you’re into, you’re covered and can get down to business easily on the smooth platform. From pregame to live betting, props to futures, and much more, it’s all here.
Fanduel also stands out by doing a lot of the little things right. Customer service is highly regarded, and there are plenty of banking options for bettors to choose from. Once you check out FanDuel, there’s a good chance it’ll become a favorite.
- Same-Game Parlays
- Generous Bet Boosts
- Streaming Content
- Reliable & Intuitive App
- Fast Deposit & Withdrawal
- Customer Support
- Competitive Odds
- Limited Bad Beat Refunds
FanDuel User Experience
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Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet doesn’t receive as much love as some of the biggest names in the industry, but it should. Featuring a great platform that’s filled with features, sports bettors in the know have found that Hard Rock Bet delivers a good time.
When you log into play, you’re greeted by a clean and easily navigable layout. You can check out the latest boosts and offers, view trending bets to see if anything looks appealing, and build out your multi-leg parlays and SGPs with ease.
Bettors can also earn Hard Rock Rewards as they play, and take advantage of ongoing offers like the bonus bet club, where you simply place a set amount of wagers during the week to qualify. Hard Rock Bet fits the bill as an awesome Illinois sportsbook.
- Great User Interface
- Excellent Live-Betting Set-Up
- Generous Bet Boosts & Promotions
- Comprehensive Loyalty Program
- Somewhat Limited Sports Selection
- Not Available While Traveling Through Nearby States
Hard Rock User Experience
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betMGM
BetMGM is the product of another legacy gaming company that’s a big deal in the casino world. The sportsbook has been a hit and is always among the market leaders in Illinois and elsewhere across the US. A great platform, fair odds, and regular promos certainly help.
Standout features at BetMGM include a deep bench of sports and markets. If you stick to the biggest attention grabbers, you’re more than covered. That also applies to bettors who are looking to bet on sports and events that don’t get as much attention elsewhere.
On the promo front, there are regular boosts and other offers, plus the chance to rack up redeemable rewards points as you play. Illinois sports bettors certainly aren’t lacking options, but BetMGM deserves a spot in the rotation.
- Lucrative Promos and Oddsboosts
- Early Cash Outs
- MGM Loyalty Rewards
- Live Streaming (including MLB)
- Responsible Gambling Policy
- Limited Sports in Certain Regions
- Competitive Odds
BetMGM User Experience
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Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars is known for its iconic destinations that do their best to deliver a good time for visitors. Those same principles are carried over to the online sportsbook. Caesars makes it easy for players to get in on the action, and even rewards them for doing so.
There’s an extensive menu of betting markets to choose from, plus odds that are fair and in line. Those who love player props, SGPs, live betting, and much more will be more than happy. To add to the fun, there’s a steady stream of boosts and other promos to choose from.
As you play, you can earn Caesars Rewards. Rack up redeemable points that can be cashed in for bets, and climb tiers for access to perks such as dining, travel, and entertainment discounts. There’s always a lot going on at Caesars, one of the top spots for Illinois bettors.
- Live streaming of NFL Games with "Watch & Bet" feature
- Frequent Promos & Generous Offers
- Daily "Bonus Bets"
- Enhanced Live Betting
- Live Chat Feature
- Slow verification
Caesars User Experience
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bet365
Bet365 is jam-packed with all of the sports and markets a bettor in Illinois could ask for while also being welcoming to newcomers. Not every sportsbook can pull that off, but bet365 does. The platform is smooth and easy to use, with odds that are regularly competitive.
Top features at bet365 include an abundance of props and boosts. When you’re into a top game or event, click on it and you’ll often see a boosts tab front and center. Meanwhile, the prop menu runs deep with scores of player, team, and game markets to choose from.
Promos are also a regular occurrence here. Beyond boosts 🚀, unique offers like the early payout feature help you avoid disaster and book a win when your team gets a big lead. For another top sportsbook that does many things right, give bet365 a try.
- Generous Boosts and Super Boost
- Early Payouts
- Parlay Boost Initiative
- Fast Deposit/Withdrawal Options
- Great Customer Service
- Great Platform Design
- Competitive Odds
- Location Issues
- Props Hidden in Menu
bet365 User Experience
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how to start betting in illinois
You can get started with betting in Illinois in just a few minutes from your desktop or mobile device. If you’re physically located in the state, 21 or older, and ready to start, just follow the below steps.
choose a book
Review the best legal options here on this page. Click on your book of choice to claim the welcome offer and begin registering for an account.
account registration
Follow the prompts to enter your info. Verify your age, location, and identity. Accept the terms and click through to create your account.
deposit funds
Locate the cashier section. You’ll add funds by choosing a banking method, entering the amount, and following the instructions to process.
place your bet
Check out the lines to decide what you want to wager on. Click the odds to place it on the slip, enter your stake, and place your bet.
withdraw
Winnings are credited once wagers settle. If you want to withdraw, go back to the cashier section. Pick a method, enter the amount, and process the withdrawal.
Popular Sports and Teams for Betting in Illinois
If you’re into sports, Illinois is an excellent place to call home. All of the major sports are represented with local favorites for fans to root for. The Bears, one of the NFL’s most historic franchises, are a huge draw and a year-round focal point for local sports media.
The Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks have passionate fanbases and have delivered many memorable moments through the years. Illinois and Northwestern are the headliners for college programs, while other sports such as Soccer and UFC also generate plenty of interest.
Several of the local teams have partnership deals in place with top sportsbooks:
Illinois Legal Status and Regulations
The Supreme Court placed the sports betting legalization question into the hands of individual states in 2018. Many states quickly launched, but it took time for things to move along in Illinois. The launch happened in 2020. It quickly evolved into a competitive market and remains that way today. Illinois sports betting is fully legal and regulated.
- Legal Framework: The regulatory and legalization process got underway in 2019. Things moved quickly with Gov. Pritzker signing it into law just months after the bill was introduced. Sports betting launched in 2020.
- Regulatory Body: The Illinois Gaming Board is the regulatory and law enforcement agency that oversees sports betting in the state. They handle licensing, enforce compliance, collect taxes, and more.
- Key Restrictions & Limitations: You must be 21 or older and physically present in the state to use Illinois sportsbooks. Betting on college sports is permitted, but no wagering is allowed on in-state programs.
history of sports betting legislation in illinois
Introducing and regulating a new industry is never easy. That has been especially true for the legalization of sports betting in numerous states, including Illinois. Here’s a look at the notable steps taken along the way.
2019:
Legislation is introduced in May and proceeds rapidly. Sports betting was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker in June.
2020:
Sports betting goes live in the state. Retail books begin opening in March, followed by the online launch in June.
2021-23:
The market continues to grow, but separation among operators becomes apparent with new arrivals and departures.
2024:
Betting on in-state collegiate programs is banned in July. Previously, wagering was allowed on these clubs at retail locations only.
How Illinois Compares with Other States
The midwest portion of the US has proven to be quite the hotbed for legal sports betting. Several neighboring states also have thriving markets, with Illinois among the overall largest on a national level. Here’s how the state stacks up versus nearby competitors.
- Market size and wagering handle: Illinois has a population just south of 13 million, leaving it well ahead of both Indiana (6.9 million) and Iowa (3.2 million). For Dec. 2024 here’s what each state brought in for betting handle.
- Illinois: $1.4 billion
- Indiana: $563 million
- Iowa: $293 million
- Tax rates and market impact: Illinois has the highest tax rate of the three states and recently implemented a graduated plan based on revenue. Indiana (9.75%) and Iowa (6.75%) are more tax-friendly options for books. In Dec. 2024, the three states collected:
- Illinois: $36 million
- Indiana: $2.9 million
- Iowa: $896k
- Overall implications: Illinois is the most populous US state in the Midwest region, making it an attractive destination for sportsbooks. The market is massive and should have little trouble keeping pace in the coming years.
Future of Sports Betting in Illinois
The legalization of sports betting in Illinois has been a success. The market continues to evolve, and we could see some additional changes in the coming months and years. Here are some of the developments worth monitoring.
- Legislative changes: The winds of change have already blown with a graduated tax rate. Initially 15% across the board, it could be up to 40% on revenue over $200 million.
- Wagering changes: Betting on in-state collegiate teams is no longer allowed. Other markets have started to ban college player props. What’s next for Illinois?
- Available sportsbooks: Will the tax rate lead to more separation among the available books in the state? If nothing else, hefty tax bills can directly impact promo offerings.
- Emerging trends: Change is a given in competitive marketplaces, and the legal sports betting industry isn’t immune. Trends to watch for Illinois bettors include:
- Speed: Live betting could get even faster, and payment processing speeds could improve. At least that’s the hope as the industry matures.
- Tech: AI technology is going to upend many things. On the sports betting front, the hope is that it’ll lead to more efficiency and better overall products.
- Other: There are no guarantees of what's to come, but Items that have long been hoped for include more live streaming and additional payment options.
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
When betting on sports, it’s meant to be a form of entertainment. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for all who play. Problem gambling is a real issue. For those who have been impacted and need some assistance, there are resources to lean on.
- National problem gambling hotline - 1-800-GAMBLER
- Illinois Council on Problem Gambling website
- Illinois Gaming Board website
Bettors should always adhere to responsible gambling tenets, such as only playing with funds that they can afford to lose. Additionally, sticking to the legal and regulated sites, a list of which can be found here, is highly recommended.
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