Illinois sports betting: IL sportsbooks & legal updates
Published:
Author:
Luke Pilkington
New bettors to the Illinois sports betting scene can register at elite sportsbooks like DraftKings and enjoy lucrative bonuses. You can wager on the NFL, NBA and other major leagues in the Prairie State as long as you are up to 21 years old. Scroll on to read expert reviews!
You can claim high-quality Illinois sports betting promos right here on this page. New bettors can benefit from enticing bonuses but there are also many lucrative recurring bonuses for existing players. Let’s see all the sportsbook offers in detail together.
Overview: DraftKings is the official sports betting partner of the Chicago Cubs, and they come with a first-class app and a wide range of sports betting markets. The intuitive user interface and ‘Live-in-Game’ section are features that make the app a personal favorite here at Newcasinopromos.com.
Why it’s good for new bettors: convenient and secure banking options, mobile app with unique sports betting pools.
Key features: stream games and wager on the go with the ‘Live-in-Game’ section, practice responsible gambling, and keep track of personal betting activity with ‘My Stat Sheet,’ rapid bets grading that allows winners to receive earnings on time.
Bonuses and promotions: a ‘Bet and Get’ sign up bonus gives you $200 after a $5 initial deposit. Take advantage of the referral bonus and earn as much as $100 when your friends sign up with your unique link. Join the DraftKings Dynasty rewards program, and benefit from other ongoing promotions.
2.Caesars Illinois sports betting – great sign up offer
Overview: Caesars Illinois gives new users an exciting welcome deal where they can multiply their profits by 10 times. This is in addition to their excellent customer service and competitive odds pricing on various sporting lines. We love Caesars because of their long standing reputation as an unparalleled bet builder and an industry titan.
Why it’s good for new bettors: double your winnings with the 10x profits boost welcome bonus.
Key features: user-friendly mobile app design with intuitive menus, 10+ reliable banking options, take advantage of the flexible bet slip.
Bonuses and promotions: boost your earnings up to 10x with the welcome bonus. Join the Caesars Rewards program and enjoy discounts on select services and access ongoing promotions via the ‘Promotions’ tab.
3. FanDuel Illinois sports betting – amazing user experience
Overview: FanDuel Sportsbook is the sports betting partner of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. Sign up at FanDuel to enjoy a cohesive sports betting experience with competitive odds pricing. Watch games and place bets on the go with the ‘Live’ section of the operator mobile app.
Why it’s good for new bettors: enjoy a welcome bonus of up to $300 when you place your first wager of $5.
Key features: wager on at least 20 sports betting markets and lines. Process your payments with secure payment options like PayPal and use the in-app mini bet slip to keep track of your bets.
Bonuses and promotions: enjoy daily odds boosts on select markets and other sports-specific promotions by checking out the ‘Promotions’ tab.
Overview: Betrivers.net is the leading fantasy sportsbook in the Prairie state, known for its lucrative iRush rewards program. Register at this sports betting site to take advantage of the $500 bet insurance sign up offer and win other exclusive prizes the more wagers you place.
Why it’s good for new bettors: earn a second chance at winning after your initial wager loses with the $500 bonus offer.
Key features: bet on a wide range of sports betting markets, including niche sports like Snooker. The mobile app comes with an interactive menu and a visually appealing layout that is both stylish and functional.
Bonuses and promotions: ongoing promotions include NFL boosts, NHL bonuses and NBA parlay insurance among others. You can also win exclusive prizes when you join the iRush rewards program.
5. Sports Millions Fantasy Illinois sports betting – amazing fantasy sportsbook
Overview: of all the social sportsbooks and casinos in Illinois, Sports Millions Fantasy stands out with its Pick’em and Blitz’em offerings. With Pick’em, you can play daily fantasy sports, recruiting your own players to create the dream team. Blitz’em allows you the option to predict the outcome of upcoming games. You can also enter tournaments, and climb up leaderboards to win exciting prizes!
Why it’s good for new bettors: learn useful tips and tricks while playing fantasy sports betting that will be useful when you start real money wagering.
Key features: draft players to create your own teams in various sports, such as football, basketball, and hockey. Rely on other players in the social sportsbook community to learn about sports betting. Also, withdraw your winnings with secure payment methods.
Bonuses and promotions: new user sign up bonus of 1,000 Gold Coins and 3 Sweepstake Coins to get you started. Enter reward pools and share out of treasure jackpots with other players.
Illinois sports betting apps
The Illinois sports betting apps and some of their key features are as follows:
DraftKings Illinois betting app: withdraw your earnings on a single parlay with the ‘Progressive Parlays’ feature, even if some of the other legs lose. You can also practice responsible gaming habits by using the ‘My Stats Sheet’ tool to track your activity. This can come in really helpful especially if you struggle with regulating your wagering.
Caesars Illinois betting app: with Caesars rewards, you can enjoy discounted trips, vacations at luxurious hotels, or eat at select restaurants. Once you sign up with this sportsbook, you are automatically registered into the VIP program and you start earning credits. The more credits you have, the higher you climb up the tiers and enjoy more exclusive bonuses.
FanDuel Illinois betting app: one of the best things about FanDuel is that you can use the same mobile app to place wagers in every US state where online sports betting is legal. You don’t need to download a separate FanDuel Illinois betting app for use in the state. FanDuel also comes with special high-roller bonuses, including retention deposit promos and daily bet boosts.
Betrivers.net Illinois betting app: Betrivers.net fantasy sportsbook loads fast and allows you to seamlessly place your sporting bets or play casino games in the sweepstakes section on the go. Once you sign up, you can also enjoy the enticing bonus deals and promotions that are attached to specific sporting events.
Sports Millions Fantasy Illinois betting app: enjoy fantasy sports betting, socialize with other players, and win prizes when you finish at the top of the leaderboards at Sports Millions Fantasy. You can also multiply your earnings on the wheel of fortune, and enjoy daily prize drops on specific games. This social sportsbook also doubles as a casino, and you can access both features when you download the progressive web app.
Illinois sports betting apps reviewed
Here is an overview of the top-tier Illinois sports betting apps and their Android and iOS app ratings.
Illinois Sports Betting App
Best Feature
iOS App Rating
Android App Rating
Fantastic app
4.9/5
4.9/5
Great sign up offer
4.9/5
4.8/5
Amazing user experience
4.7/5
4.7/5
Generous loyalty rewards
4.7/5
4.6/5
Pick’em and Fantasy Blitz’em
4.9/5
4.8/5
Start your Illinois sports betting journey
According to state laws, you have to be a minimum of 21 years old to register at a sportsbook in Illinois. Follow these 4 steps to start your Illinois sports betting journey:
Choose your preferred sportsbook.
Input the required details and verify your account.
Claim sportsbook bonus offer.
Place your bets, and enjoy!
Popular Illinois sports betting leagues
Illinois is one of the US states with professional teams in each of the major leagues, and Illinois sports betting fans have been passionately rooting for hometown favorites since the 1990s. As you wager in support of your state teams, remember to do your own research and not place bets with your emotions involved.
Illinois NFL sports betting: support the Chicago Bears in the upcoming National Football League games and wager on the NFL draft.
Illinois NBA sports betting: the professional Illinois basketball team, the Chicago Bulls, is a great option for bettors in the Prairie state to throw their weight behind.
Illinois MLB sports betting: choose between the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, and Saint Louis Cardinals or root for all three teams as they play!
Rating of sports betting Illinois options
Check out the options for sports betting in Illinois and the best operators that offer them:
Sport
Rating
Where to Bet
NFL Illinois betting
4.9/5
NBA Illinois betting
4.9/5
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MLB Illinois betting
4.9/5
Illinois sports betting updates
Illinois legalized online sports betting in June 2020, after the arrival of retail sports betting at riverboat casinos and select sporting facilities in spring of 2019. Since then, the sports betting scene has evolved and witnessed a variety of changes.
Here is a timeline of the Illinois sports betting history:
April 24, 2025: regulators at the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) propose a ban on the use of credit cards.
April 21, 2025: Illinois operators record a 53.1% increase in February year-over-year revenue after the Super Bowl LIX
April 2, 2025: Illinois joins the growing list of states taking action against prediction companies Robinhood, Crypto.com, and Kalshi as regulators issue cease-and-desist orders.
March 17, 2025: Illinois legislators debate on the legalization of iGaming, or online gambling as a way to boost the state’s economy.
March 17, 2025: Illinois bettors are prevented from betting on in-state NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament participants due to a ban that prohibits betting on Prairie State teams.
March 16, 2025: bet365 starts operations and becomes the tenth online sportsbook available in Illinois.
March 14, 2025: Illinois sports betting handle goes up by 14.6% in January year-over-year revenue.
February 12, 2025: Compared to December 2023, Illinois December sports betting revenue falls by 18%, but the state tax revenue is up by 75%.
January 15, 2025: Illinois collects $137.2 million in profits on $1.53 billion wagered, setting a new monthly record for sports betting handle and revenue in December.
December 18, 2024: bet365 partners with Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort after receiving a license to operate a retail and online sportsbook in the Prairie state.
December 17, 2024: even though a record sports betting handle is earned, Illinois’ revenue plummets in October.
November 18, 2024: the Illinois Gaming Board reports a September handle of $1.31 billion, setting a new monthly sports betting revenue high up to 21.3% year-over-year and 50% month-over-month.
October 25, 2025: the NFL asks for prop bets to be banned in Illinois, as they may be subject to manipulation. This includes prop bets on things like the first play of the game, the first incomplete pass, and the chances of a player missing a field goal.
October 22, 2024: Illinois sports betting records almost $60 million in adjusted revenue.
September 17, 2024: the Illinois Gaming Board introduces new gambling advertising laws that will affect local casino and video gaming operators for the first time.
August 26, 2024: Hard Rock Bet becomes the ninth online sportsbook in Illinois.
August 12, 2024: Illinois’ operators produce an 11% hold on the state’s sports betting handle.
August 1, 2024: DraftKings announces that they will start taxing winning wagers in Illinois.
July 9, 2024: Illinois records $1.02 billion in wagers in May, continuing their billion-dollar handle streak.
How we rate Illinois sports betting sites
When we review Illinois sports betting sites, we stick to recommending only the sites that meet our strict standards. We follow a thorough and unbiased multi-step review process, considering factors such as:
Security: the best sports betting sites use strong data encryption methods and provably fair betting systems to protect personal and financial data of their customers. Before a site can make it onto our list, it must be licensed by a recognized regulatory body such as the Illinois Gaming Board.
Betting variety: we prioritize sportsbooks that offer multiple betting options and sporting lines for bettors of every kind. They should offer sports, esports, virtual games and live betting and streaming to say the least.
Mobile experience: for a sports betting site to stand out from the rest, the user experience offered to bettors who download its mobile app should be overwhelmingly positive. We only recommend sports betting apps that allow you to place your bets anytime no matter where you are.
Customer support: live chat, email, and phone services should be available round the clock at any leading sportsbook. Customer service representatives must be helpful and reliable to provide bettors with positive and rewarding interactions that solve their problems.
Bonuses & promotions: while the variety of bonuses available is something to consider, it is also important that these bonuses come with fair terms and conditions attached. They should offer value to claimers that will improve overall user experience.
Illinois online sports betting sites to avoid
You can participate in Illinois online sports betting at more than 10 legal sportsbooks, and we have reviewed six of the best here on this page. Just as there are trustworthy options, some questionable sports betting sites have also gone live in the Prairie State. We advise that you avoid risking your funds by betting at these sportsbooks, no matter how enticing their deals are.
CR Sports Bet: operator may close accounts with winning wagers without paying.
Skybook: very slow payouts
Zenit: slow and unreliable customer support
Illinois sports betting FAQs
Can you sports bet in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois locals have been able to participate in retail sports betting since the spring of 2019, and online sportsbooks became legalized in June, 2020. BetRivers was the first Illinois online sports book to go live. Now you can wager at DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel and other leading sportsbooks in the Prairie state.
What are the legal Illinois sports betting locations?
Everywhere within the boundaries of the state is a legal Illinois sports betting location. You can register at any retail sportsbook physically, or create an account with the mobile sports betting site of your choice. Operators in the state offer bonuses for new bettors up to $1,500.
When will sports betting be legal in Illinois?
Sports betting is legal in Illinois, and has been since 2019. The best online sports betting sites that you can register and place your wagers at are DraftKings Sportbook, Caesars Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook. Remember to always read through the fine print before you register at any sportsbook.
How to sports bet in Illinois?
Download an Illinois sports betting app from Google Play Store or the Apple Store, and sign up following the steps in ‘Start your Illinois sports betting journey’ as seen on this page. You have to be 21 years old to sports bet in Illinois and claim the bonus offers by operators.
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Illinois. Online sports betting sites launched in June, 2020 and there are now 15 approved options. In 2025, you can bet on your favorite sports at our recommended sports betting sites, such as DraftKings, Caesars and FanDuel.
How old can I claim sports betting promos in Illinois?
By law, only locals who are 21 years old and older can register and claim sports betting promos in Illinois. Operators dictate other conditions, and you should be sure to read all the fine print attached to promotions before attempting to claim them.
Do I have to pay Illinois sports betting tax?
A 15% Illinois sports betting tax is imposed on winnings that are $600 and above. Casino operators also deduct 25% of winnings as federal tax. As a sports bettor in Illinois, you can deduct amounts on wagers that you bet and lost, but winning wagers are not deductible.
Is mobile sports betting Illinois legal?
Mobile sports betting Illinois has been legal since June 2020 when the legislation cleared. You can sign up at the best online sportsbooks like DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, Betrivers.net and Sports Millions Fantasy and claim exciting bonuses. Read through ‘Illinois sports betting promos and bonus codes’ to choose the best sportsbook for you.
What are the Illinois sports betting bonuses?
Popular Illinois sports betting bonuses include welcome bonuses for new users, odds boosts, and bet and get bonuses. Register at multiple Illinois sports betting sites to claim different bonus offers, but you can only create one account at each individual sportsbook.
What are the payment methods to withdraw earnings from Illinois sports betting promos?
Use fast and reliable banking options like PayPal, Mastercard, Venmo, Visa, bank transfers and cash at counter to process payments from Illinois sports betting promos. The best operators will offer a wide range of banking options to make payments convenient for bettors. Transaction times are determined by individual sportsbook policies and the payment method you use.
Which sports can I wager on at the best sports betting apps in Illinois?
Sports betting apps in Illinois boast numerous betting options, and you can bet on football, hockey, tennis, basketball, NASCAR, MMA, golf among other sports. You can live stream the games and bet as you watch at DraftKings, Caesars and FanDuel sportsbooks.
Which is the best Illinois sports betting app?
We assessed the available Illinois sports betting apps, looking at factors such as security, betting variety, customer support, and mobile experience. The best sportsbooks in Illinois include DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, Betrivers.net and Sports Millions Fantasy.
Bet $1, Get ten 100% Profit Boosts
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets
Bet $5, Win $300 in Bonus Bets
Up to a $500 Second Chance Bet
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
