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Best Illinois sportsbooks for 2025

While this page contains information on every available Illinois sportsbook, below is a list of our top five.

1
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings
On Next 10 Wagers
Top Features
  • Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
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  • Use Promo Code: LSRDYW
2
Up to $1,500
In Bonus Bets
Top Features
  • Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*

  • *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

  • Use Bonus Code: PLAYLSR

3
Bet $5
Get $250
In Bonus Bets
Top Features
  • Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
  • Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
  • Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
4
Up to $1,000
In No Sweat Bets
Top Features
  • Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets or Choose Your Own Offer
  • Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
  • 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
5
Bet $5 Get $150
In Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Top Features
  • Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose

  • 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit

  • T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+

  • Use Bonus Code: LSRBET

6
Up to $1,250 Bonus
New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.
Top Features
  • Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

  • PLUS Get a $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit

  • PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus

  • Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Comparing top IL sportsbook apps & sites

The online sportsbook that will work best for you depends on how you bet and what features are important to you. The Land of Lincoln has nine sportsbooks available online, and each has its own strengths, weaknesses, and Illinois sportsbook promos. Here’s a brief guide to the best options in some key categories, followed by reviews of the apps:

1. Caesars Illinois

One of the elements of Caesars Sportsbook’s presentation that stands out is its extensive library of daily odds boosts. At any time, there may be more than 50 boosted bets. Caesars Sportsbook also has a solid welcome offer with the Caesars Sportsbook promo code LSRDYW for ten 100% profit boost tokens on your first $1 wager. However, while Caesars is a fine sportsbook, don’t expect to be blown away by slick design features or flashy elements — it’s a very meat-and-potatoes presentation.

2. BetMGM Illinois

BetMGM Sportsbook is one of the top legal betting options in several states, including Illinois. Features include a large menu of sports and types of wagers, as well as innovations like the ability to edit your bet. However, navigation could be a bit smoother on the web platform and the app does lack some of the flash of other Illinois sportsbooks.

3. FanDuel Illinois

FanDuel Sportsbook has risen in the past few years to become one of the best sports betting apps in Illinois. Its main appeal is its ease of use. It is also one of the best places to find same-game parlay options. However, FanDuel is still working out some bugs concerning its biometric login and its customer support response.

4. Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois

Fanatics Sportsbook is now live in Illinois. This new app is still working through some kinks that can sometimes affect functionality, but there are some interesting features available for new users. The “Discover” page, for example, curates a section of the app for users with trending bets, rewards, and promos.

Alongside the Fanatics Sportsbook promo for new users, FanCash, the app’s loyalty program, lets bettors accumulate extra money they can redeem in the app for bonus bets or use on the Fanatics retail site.

5. bet365 Illinois

Bet365 Sportsbook is known for its origins in the United Kingdom and its many customer-friendly benefits including a huge range of betting options and live betting markets. The site also offers plenty of generous ongoing promotions including bet boosts and super boosts, plus bet365 is one of the easiest spots betting interfaces to use.

Bet365 Sportsbook offers a seemingly endless number of betting markets for the ‘big four’ sports. Those who are fans of the many Chicago teams such as the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, and more will find plenty of betting options and promotions surrounding their teams. Betting on Illinois collegiate programs is not allowed in the state.

At the same time, bet365 also features many betting options for other popular sports like soccer, tennis, MMA, and more. Those interested in a wide range of options, live betting, and odds boosts will be right at home at bet365 Sportsbook in Illinois. 

6. DraftKings Illinois

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the top betting options in Illinois and the country. Its best features include its cash-out option, which allows bettors to close their tickets before the end of the game. The betting carousel that tailors itself to each user is also a solid addition. However, DraftKings could stand to improve promotions for existing customers. Alongside a very solid deposit match offer with the DraftKings promo code, it’s also one of the fastest-paying sportsbooks, with PayPal, Venmo, and online banking payment options.

List of all Illinois sportsbooks

At present, nine online sportsbooks are live in Illinois. BetRivers was the first to launch in the state in 2020. Each book is partnered with a casino in the state. Here are the legal online sportsbooks in Illinois:

New Illinois sportsbooks

Illinois is one of the country’s most populous states offering online sports betting sites with more than 10 million residents. While it is home to several online sportsbooks, others, such as Bally Bet (license pending for a Chicago casino), could enter the market.

The most recent addition to the Illinois sports betting scene is bet365 Sportsbook, which officially launched in the Land of Lincoln on March 16, 2025 in time for the 2025 NCAA Tournament.

Land-based Illinois sportsbooks

In addition to the nine online Illinois sports betting sites, several locations throughout the state allow bettors to place wagers in person. Below is a list of land-based Illinois sportsbooks that are available (or coming soon) for bettors.

Sportsbook LocationPartnerAddressStatus
The Temporary by American PlaceCirca Sports4011 Fountain Square Place, WaukeganTemporary casino open; American Place Casino planned for 2026 opening
Argosy Casino AltonPenn1 Piasa St., AltonOpen
Bally’s Chicago Bally’sMedinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., ChicagoOpen
DraftKings at Casino QueenDraftKings200 Front St., East St LouisOpen
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley FieldDraftKings1012 W Addison St, ChicagoOpen
Grand Victoria Casino ElginCaesars 250 S. Grove Ave., ElginOpen
Hollywood Casino AuroraPenn1 W. New York St., AuroraOpen
Hollywood Casino JolietPenn777 Hollywood Blvd., JolietOpen
Par-A-Dice Hotel CasinoFanDuel21 Blackjack Blvd., East PeoriaOpen
Rivers Casino Des PlainesBetRivers3000 S. River Road, Des PlainesOpen
FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (Fairmount Park)FanDuel9301 Collinsville Road, CollinsvilleOpen
Harrah’s CasinoCaesars100 E Front St., MetropolisOpen
Hawthorne Race CourseFanatics3501 S. Laramie Ave., CiceroOpen
Club Hawthorne Prospect HeightsFanatics1250 River Road, Prospect HeightsOpen
Club Hawthorne CrestwoodFanatics13148 Rivercrest Drive, CrestwoodOpen
Club Hawthorne at Crazy PourFanatics105 E. N Ave., Villa ParkOpen
Walker’s Bluff Casino Resortn/a777 Walkers Bluff Way,
Carterville
Sportsbook coming soon

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal online and at retail locations. Nine online sportsbooks are available in the state, and there are several locations where you can bet in person.

Illinois sports betting snapshot

Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?Yes. There are nine legal sports betting apps in Illinois. Online sports betting launched in June 2020.
What sportsbook apps are legal in Illinois?BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics Sportsbook, and Circa.
What sports can I bet on in Illinois?Bettors can wager on all major professional sports but cannot bet on in-state college teams as of July 1, 2024. College betting is limited to spreads, moneylines, and totals.
Who can bet on sports in Illinois?Anyone who is 21 or older can legally place bets in Illinois.

IL sports betting history

Although sports betting legalization efforts in Illinois began in 2018, they didn’t get serious until the following year. For that matter, it took a challenge from Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who included sports betting revenue as part of his budget, to motivate Illinois lawmakers to put forth measures to make the activity a reality in the state. Here’s a brief rundown of everything that happened to bring sports betting to this point in Illinois.

2024: Two iGaming bills are introduced at the start of the state’s legislative session. Both HB 2239 and SB 1656 would create the Internet Gaming Act.

The DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field opens for bets. The Illinois Gaming Board approves DraftKings for a four-year retail and online sports betting license at Wrigley Field. DraftKings had previously been operating under a temporary license.

Fanatics Sportsbook launches in April, replacing PointsBet.

The Illinois legislature passes a bill raising the state’s tax rates on sports betting.

The Illinois Gaming Board announces a ban on in-state college sports betting starting on July 1, 2024. The previous law allowed bets on in-state colleges if done in person at a retail sportsbook.

2023: Illinois sports betting hits new record highs in handle, revenue, and taxes in 2023. The state has over $1 billion in handle in each of the last four months of the year, with November setting the current record at $1.375 billion in wagers.

2022: On March 5, the in-person registration requirement finally ends. The first full month of remote registration results in a record $971.3 million in handle. A new sportsbook called Caliente qualifies to launch in Illinois in April, but another, Fubo, does not pass muster. Meanwhile, DraftKings and the Chicago Cubs plan to open a retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field in the next year.

2021: The sixth online sportsbook in the state, Barstool, launches in March. Handle and revenue continue to grow throughout the year, with Illinois sports bettors placing a record $840.4 million in wagers in October. That same month, the Illinois General Assembly votes to rescind the in-person registration requirement and allow in-person pregame wagering on in-state college teams.

2020: The first retail sportsbooks go live in March at Rivers Des Plaines and Argosy Casino Alton. Their service is short-lived due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. Pritzker suspends the in-person registration requirement in May as the launch of online sports betting approaches. The first online sportsbook, BetRivers, opens its virtual doors for business the following month. Before the end of 2020, four other online sportsbooks will launch in Illinois.

2019: A flurry of legislative activity produces several bills but little agreement in the Illinois General Assembly. Ultimately, Rep. Bob Rita takes the mantle as the mediator of the process and negotiates several compromises with stakeholders. Pritzker signs the bill into law in late June.

What’s happening in Illinois sports betting right now

10 quick facts about IL online sports betting

  1. Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019.
  2. The first retail sportsbooks in Illinois opened in March 2020, and the first sportsbook app (BetRivers) arrived in June 2020.
  3. Illinois sports bettors have wagered as much as $1.38 billion in one month, posting that in November 2023.
  4. Illinois sportsbooks have realized as much as $128.4 million in monthly revenue, posting that figure in December 2023.
  5. Sports betting is available to anyone in Illinois who is 21 or older.
  6. You must be inside state lines to bet, but you do not have to be a resident of Illinois.
  7. It is not legal for key sports employees (players, coaches, referees, etc.) to bet on their own sports.
  8. Bets must occur on sporting events, not elections or award ceremonies.
  9. The state no longer allows wagering on in-state college teams as of July 1, 2024.
  10. To bet online, you used to have to complete your registration in person at a land-based casino in Illinois. However, that stipulation is no longer in place.

Illinois Sportsbook Promos Today

NFL CARDINALS VS. RAMS
Nacua 75+ receiving yards & McBride 55+ receiving yards
+145
+180
24% Boost
BET NOW
NBA CLIPPERS VS. KINGS
Leonard Over 24.5 Points & Harden Over 3.5 Made 3-Pt FGs
+300
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MLB GUARDIANS VS. ORIOLES
Orioles Win & Henderson Hits HR
+700
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NHL GOALS GOALS GOALS BOOST
Maple Leafs, Lightning, Senators Each Over 3.5 Goals
+650
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NFL NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Cardinals Win
+2800
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NBA HAWKS VS. MAGIC
Banchero & Wagner Each Over 29.5 Points
+400
BET NOW
MLB GIANTS VS. PHILLIES
Harper & Turner Each Over 1.5 Total Bases
+400
BET NOW
NHL AVALANCHE VS. STARS
Avalanche Win & Nichushkin Scores
+350
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NFL AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Mahomes & Allen Each Record 225+ Passing Yards
+140
+175
25% Boost
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NBA BAD BLOOD BOOST
Curry & Morant Each Over 29.5 Points
+400
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MLB RED SOX VS. RAYS
Red Sox Win & Devers Hits HR
+550
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NHL PLAYOFF PUCK BOOST
Connor & Kyrou Each Score Goal
+675
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NFL RAMS VS. EAGLES
Barkley 100+ rushing yards & Nacua 75+ receiving yards
+160
+200
25% Boost
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NBA GO TO GUYS BOOST
Herro & White Each Over 24.5 Points
+325
BET NOW
MLB WEST COAST BASEBALL
Machado & Betts Each Over 1.5 Total Bases
+400
BET NOW
NHL DOWN THE STRETCH BOOST
Hurricanes, Jets, Red Wings, Golden Knights All Win
+950
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NFL NFL BOOST
Mahomes 240+ Passing Yards & Gibbs 75+ Rushing Yards
+140
+180
29% Boost
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NBA GRIZZLIES VS. WARRIORS
Butler Over 24.5 Points & Green Over 9.5 Points
+300
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MLB DING DING DING BOOST
Diamondbacks, Red Sox, Athletics, Mets All Win
+1000
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NHL CANADIENS VS. CAPITALS
Marner & Tavares Each Score Goal
+800
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DISCLAIMER

Legal Sports Report does not promote or endorse any form of wagering or gambling to users under the age of 21. This site encourages responsible gambling and provides advice for anyone who believes they, or someone they know, may have a gambling addiction.

Latest Illinois Sports Betting News

Illinois sports betting law and regulations

Illinois legalized sports betting with the passage of SB 690 in June 2019. The law allowed for online and retail sports betting in the state. Retail facilities cleared to offer sports betting included the state’s casinos, racetracks and larger sports venues. The law also provided for three online-only licenses to be awarded in 2021.

The defining feature of the law used to be its in-person registration requirement, which ended March 2022. According to the law, all sports bettors used to have to travel to the partner casino of their chosen online book to complete their registrations. Here are some details about Illinois’ current sports betting law:

Illinois sports betting restrictions

Bettors in Illinois can bet on all professional sports, but college bets are limited to spreads, totals, and moneylines. Prop bets on college teams and players are not permitted, and betting on in-state college teams is banned as of July 1, 2024.

What to expect at a legal Illinois sportsbook

Illinois’ online sportsbooks are safe, secure, and reliable. All the apps this page lists have met the requirements of the Illinois Gaming Board. Legal sports betting sites have strict rules about security practices and business standards to keep you and your bets safe and fair.

Once the app is on your phone and the online sportsbook has verified your account, you can bet anywhere in the state you have online access. Additionally, online sportsbooks have bonuses and betting options you cannot find at casinos.

People in Illinois can bet on many major sports teams if they choose. Though the Bulls, Blackhawks, and MLB teams are incredibly popular, Chicago Bears odds are likely the most popular wagers in the state despite the team’s recent struggles. Here are the most popular sports and Illinois teams on which to bet in the state:

In addition to these Chicago teams, there are options for wagering on other games in these leagues, special events like March Madness, and more individual-focused sports like tennis, mixed martial arts, golf, and motorsports.

How to get started with the best Illinois sportsbook bonuses

It’s easy to get started at an Illinois sports betting site. For the most part, the process takes just a few minutes. The choice of where to wager is up to you, but here are some of the sportsbook promos in Illinois and the codes to access them when you sign up:

SportsbookLatest welcome bonusLatest promo code
Caesars SportsbookBet $1, double your winnings on next 10 wagers.LSRDYW
BetMGM SportsbookUp to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win.PLAYLSR
FanDuel SportsbookBet $5, get $250 in bonus bets if your bet wins.No code necessary; click to claim.
Fanatics SportsbookBet and get up to $1,000 in no sweat bets.No code necessary; click to claim.
bet365 SportsbookBet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets win or loseLSRBET
DraftKings Sportsbook Up to $1,250 in bonuses.No code necessary; click to claim.

Be sure to read the fine print of each promotion. Some common types of bonuses include the following:

Illinois sports betting revenue by the numbers

Illinois sports betting launched its first online sports betting app in June 2020, and since then the market has grown to be among the top few in the US. Illinois is fourth in handle all time as of April 2025. The tables below display Illinois sports betting revenue, handle, and taxes in recent years and months.

Illinois sports betting year over year

YearHandleRevenueTaxes
2024 to date$7,363,303,594$658,796,707$112,393,306
2023$12,436,240,107$1,120,103,665$161,000,140
2022$10,685,165,574$933,864,323$127,668,464
2021$7,021,763,064$534,086,819$84,691,181

Illinois sports betting month over month

MonthHandleRevenueTaxes
July 2024$773,703,869$76,250,616$15,002,646
June 2024$847,966,974$81,322,996$15,341,233
May 2024$1,016,698,918$102,530,449$16,218,547
April 2024$1,103,531,944$88,204,662$14,729,668
March 2024$1,264,532,904$103,814,124$16,006,617
February 2024$1,070,625,059$77,162,218$13,452,317
January 2024$1,286,243,926$129,511,642$21,642,278
December 2023$1,314,056,821$126,360,303$20,517,094
November 2023$1,375,398,292$73,297,758$11,666,914
October 2023$1,161,060,707$104,679,506$18,055,019
September 2023$1,078,339,446$99,829,998$13,855,307
August 2023$676,065,425$58,823,721$7,549,895

Illinois sports betting FAQ

Is Illinois sports betting legal?

Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal. There are several online and retail sportsbooks active in the state. The Illinois General Assembly passed a sports betting law in 2019, which Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed in June of that year.

Where can I bet on sports in Illinois?

Sportsbook apps make betting available statewide in Illinois, but state law permits wagering at the state’s casinos, racetracks and selected sports arenas, as well. Not every eligible facility has opened a sportsbook yet. Here are the locations that have a book open for business:

The Temporary by American Place, 4011 Fountain Square Pl, Waukegan, IL 60085
Argosy Casino Alton, 1 Piasa St., Alton, IL 62002
Bally’s Chicago, Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
DraftKings at Casino Queen, 200 S. Front St., East St Louis, IL 62201
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field, 1012 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL, 60613
FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (Fairmount Park), 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville
Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120
Harrah’s Casino, 100 E Front St., Metropolis
Hawthorne Race Course, 3501 S. Laramie Ave., Cicero
Club Hawthorne Prospect Heights, 1250 River Road, Prospect Heights
Club Hawthorne Crestwood, 13148 Rivercrest Drive, Crestwood
Club Hawthorne at Crazy Pour, 105 E. N Ave., Villa Park
Hollywood Casino Aurora, 1 W. New York St., Aurora, IL 60506
Hollywood Casino Joliet, 777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet, IL 60436
Par-a-Dice Casino, 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria, IL 61611
Rivers Des Plaines, 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, 777 Walkers Bluff Way, Carterville

Is Bovada legal in Illinois?

No. Bovada is not licensed to operate by the Illinois Gaming Board and is not part of the regulated options for sports betting in the state. Bovada offers service to Illinoisans from outside the United States in violation of federal law. We recommend that you use one of the regulated options listed above for your wagers on sports in the Prairie State.

How old do I have to be to bet on sports in Illinois?

The minimum betting age is 21. Anyone who wants to bet on sports in Illinois, live or online, must verify that they are 21 or older.

Can I bet on horse racing in Illinois?

Yes. There are numerous outlets for betting on horse racing in Illinois. First and foremost, you can place bets in person at one of the two live racing tracks in the state — Fairmount Park and Hawthorne Race Course. In addition, each track maintains several satellite locations for off-track betting around the state. Between the two, there are 13 OTB parlors in Illinois.

Finally, Illinoisans interested in Kentucky Derby betting, or wagering on other races, can do so through their mobile devices and computers at several online horse betting sites. Of those sites, the best option is FanDuel Racing.

Can I play daily fantasy sports contests in Illinois?

Yes. Although the legality of DFS was a question for the courts for many years, the Illinois Supreme Court finally declared that some daily fantasy sports contests are skill games and are not illegal gambling under state law. Thus, DraftKings, FanDuel, and other DFS providers are available to Illinois residents who want to play.

Additional resources on Illinois sports betting