Legal sports betting in Illinois has been operational since March 9, 2020 when Rivers Casino (Des Plaines) accepted the state’s first sports bet at Noon. Soon after, on June 18, 2020, online sports betting was born in Chicago when BetRivers accepted the state’s first mobile sports wager. Today, the Illinois sports betting market has blossomed and bettors have eight online sportsbooks to choose from as well as 11 retail locations in casinos across the state.
With eight online sportsbooks in Illinois, there’s a lot to choose from. Thus, I will provide you with the best sportsbook options in Illinois, the state’s path toward legal sports betting, and how to get started betting on sports. Not to mention, which Illinois teams to wager on and responsible gambling resources.
Best Betting Sites for Illinois
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Is Sports Betting Legal In Illinois
Yes, sports betting was officially legalized in Illinois in 2019 (June 28) after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 690 into law. Since that time, a number of legal changes have taken place including the addition of remote registration which allows sports bettors to sign up for their favorite sportsbook from anywhere in the state (read below for information on the tug-of-war battle of the state’s remote registration rules). Since December of 2021, wagering on in-state college teams has been legal, but those bets must take place in person and not from an app. Unlike other states, Illinois does allow bets on the NFL draft and some bettors cashed in when the Bears drafted Caleb Williams last year with the No. 1 overall pick.
Illinois Quick Facts
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Timeline of Betting Legislation & Latest News
Sports betting is alive and well in Illinois after its Governor signed legislation to legalize sports betting in June of 2019. Compared to other states, Illinois’ path to legalization was relatively smooth, but since tax revenue started flowing into the state coffers, there have been some changes. For instance, this summer the Gaming Control Board banned wagers on in-state college teams. Also, a few years ago the state went back and forth with whether or not to allow remote registration, but Illinois bettors have now been enjoying registration from home since 2022.
Additional Illinois Legal Betting Path Details
May 14, 2018
U.S. Supreme Court strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for each state to legalize sports betting.
May 1, 2019
Senate Bill 690 (SB 690) is introduced by Rep. Michael Zalewski. The bill aimed to legalize sports betting in Illinois and bar operators from outside the state from entering the market for 18 months.
June 1, 2019
House of Representatives passes S.B. 690 by a vote of 87-27.
June 2, 2019
Senate passes S.B. 690 46-10.
June 28, 2019
Governor J.B. Pritzker signed S.B. 690 into law.
March 9, 2020
Sports betting launches in the state as Rivers Casino accepts the state’s first sports wager.
June 5, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Gov. Pritzker issues an executive order temporarily allowing remote registration of sportsbook accounts.
June 18, 2020
Online sports betting launches in Illinois thanks to BetRivers who accepts Illinois’ first wager via sports betting app.
April 3, 2021
Remote registration stops in Illinois after Gov. Pritzker fails to renew his executive order.
Dec. 21, 2021
Gov. Pritzker signs bill allowing bets on in-state college teams.
March 5, 2022
Remote registration returns to Illinois, allowing bettors to register from anywhere within state lines.
June 6, 2024
Gov. Pritzker signs off on a tax proposal that will increase taxes on sportsbook operators.
June 19, 2024
The Illinois Gaming Board introduces a ban on in-state collegiate sports that will go into effect 7/1/24.
July 1, 2024
Betting on in-state college sports is no longer allowed in Illinois.
Aug. 1, 2024
In reaction to the state’s new industry taxes, DraftKings announces a new 3.2% surcharge fee on winning bets (beginning January 1, 2025) in Illinois and other states that have high taxes on operators. Many wondered if other sportsbooks would follow suit.
Aug 13, 2024
DraftKings reverses its decision on its 3.2% surcharge that it announced two weeks earlier, so bettors no longer have to worry about that additional fee.
How to start betting in Illinois
Sports betting in Illinois is straightforward thanks to remote registration which allows bettors to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into their account from anywhere in the state, including Lou Malnati’s (my favorite pizza spot in Chicago). If you’re over 21-years-old and in Illinois, just download a sports betting app on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly.
Select a Sportsbook
First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.
Create Account
Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.
Deposit
To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.
Choose your bet and bet size
There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.
Place a wager
Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.
Withdraw funds
Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.
Home Field Advantage
Michael Jordan. Da Bears. The Curse of the Goat. Fans cheering throughout the national anthem during Blackhawks games. Illinois is as steeped in sports lore as any other state in the union, and the passion is second to none. With more than 9 million people in metro Chicago and nearly 13 million in Illinois, the Land of Lincoln is a massive sports market—a fact further evidenced by its $1.3 billion sports betting handle in December of 2023.
Illinois has a major presence in all four of the country’s major sports leagues, with five Chicago teams spanning from the northern suburbs to the city’s Southside:
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USA Betting News
A problem gambling registry (https://www.igb.illinois.gov/pgr/) was created in February of 2018 by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) who can be reached at 1-877-YOU-QUIT. The IGB’s website features information on other voluntarily self exclusion programs, Gamblers Anonymous resources, and mental health treatment providers. The Illinois Department of Human Services also created a website (www.areyoureallywinning.com) which features several resources including a screening to help determine if you have a gambling addiction.
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