Illinois Sports Betting
Illinois sports betting is legal, live, and available online. In-state bettors can choose from nine Illinois sportsbook apps and sites.
The state has become one of the most successful and competitive for online sports betting since launching in 2020.
Follow along for information on Illinois sports betting, including the latest bonuses and promotions for new users.
Best Illinois sports betting sites for 2024
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Contents
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.
What’s happening in Illinois sports betting right now
- Sept. 6, 2024 — Illinois sports betting handle was $847.9 million in June, down 16% from May.
- Aug. 27, 2024 — Hard Rock Bet sportsbook is now live in Illinois. The app is available statewide, and in-person betting will begin Aug. 29 at the Hard Rock Casino Rockford.
- Aug. 13, 2024 — Illinois sports betting handle was $848 million in June, down 16.5% from May but up 27% year over year.
- Aug. 2, 2024 — DraftKings announced that it is implementing a “gaming tax surcharge” beginning on Jan. 1 in Illinois and three other states that have tax rates above 20%.
- July 23, 2024 — Accel Entertainment bought Collinsville horse track FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, formerly known as Fairmount Park. Accel plans to invest $100 million into the track and open a casino on the premises.
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. |
Comparing top sports betting apps in Illinois
The online sportsbook that will work best for you depends on how you bet and what features are important to you. Illinois 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:
- Best sportsbook for NFL betting: Caesars. Caesars has the deepest lineup of sports to bet on of any book in Illinois, including NFL player props and lines.
- Best sportsbook for navigation: FanDuel. FanDuel is a user-friendly app with clear and simple organization. Its slick and simple design makes it easy to find the games you want and to monitor your wagers during the game. In a 2021 Eilers & Krejcik independent study, FanDuel scored 4.6 out of 5 for the betting interface category, with high marks for user experience, as well.
- Best sportsbook for innovative or distinct design: DraftKings. DraftKings is a pioneer of the early cash-out option in the US and offers a customized betting carousel when you log onto the site. Based on your stated preferences and betting history, the carousel suggests likely wagers for you.
- Best sportsbook for iOS and Android apps: FanDuel, DraftKings. These consistently get positive reviews on Google Play and the App Store, with exceptionally high marks for app speed and design.
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 LSR1000 for up to $1,000. 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.
- App rating: 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Solid sportsbook with competitive odds
- Best feature: Lots of odds boosts
- Illinois welcome bonus: Up to a $1,000 first bet on Caesars with the code LSR1000.
- Casino partners: Harrah’s Joliet, Harrah’s Metropolis, Horseshoe Hammond, Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
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.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.1 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Large menu of sports and bets
- Best feature: “Edit My Bet”
- Illinois welcome bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win. Use the BetMGM bonus code PLAYLSR.
- Casino partner: Par-a-Dice Casino
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.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: One of the best sportsbook apps in terms of navigation
- Best feature: Wide selection of same-game parlays
- Illinois welcome bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets PLUS three weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket. No FanDuel promo code necessary; click to claim.
- Casino partner: FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, formerly Fairmount Park
4. 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.
- App rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Key takeaway: Innovative app that offers customized experiences
- Best feature: Betting carousel
- Illinois welcome bonus: Up to $1,300 in bonuses plus a 1-month subscription to NFL+ Premium.
- Casino partner: DraftKings at Casino Queen
6. 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.
- App Store rating: 4.7 (iOS), 3.5 (Android)
- Key takeaway: New app with interesting features
- Best feature: FanCash
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 top sports betting promos in Illinois and the codes to access them when you sign up:
| Sportsbook | Latest welcome bonus | Latest promo code |
|---|---|---|
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to a $1,000 first bet on Caesars. | LSR1000 |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win. | PLAYLSR |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets plus three weeks of NFL Sunday Ticket. | No code necessary; click to claim. |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Up to $1,300 in bonuses plus a 1-month subscription to NFL+ Premium. | No code necessary; click to claim. |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet and get up to $1,000 in bonus bets. | No code necessary; click to claim. |
Be sure to read the fine print of each promotion. Some common types of bonuses include the following:
- Deposit bonus: The sportsbook agrees to match all or a portion of your first deposit with bonus funds — effectively increasing your deposit to a certain degree. These bonuses are often called match bonuses.
- No-deposit bonus: You receive this bonus as credits or bet vouchers. They become available when you create an account, and no deposit is necessary. You won’t be able to cash out these credits until you meet a playthrough requirement by placing bets.
- Odds boost: Sportsbooks offer odds boosts to spur action. The book will artificially shift odds on specific wagers solely to entice bettors with potentially higher payouts than they would otherwise stand to get from that same bet.
- First bet promo: Once you’ve made a wager that satisfies the sportsbook’s qualifications, you can take advantage of the promo after the result of your bet. If you win, you will not receive any award. If you lose, the site will award you credits to use. The credits will equal all or some of the value of your initial wager.
What to expect at a legal Illinois sports betting site
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.
Illinois Sportsbook Promos Today
Complete list of legal sports betting apps in Illinois
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:
- Caesars Sportsbook (Grand Victoria Casino Elgin/Harrah’s Joliet/Harrah’s Metropolis)
- BetMGM Sportsbook (Par-a-Dice Casino)
- BetRivers Sportsbook (Rivers Des Plaines)
- FanDuel Sportsbook (FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, formerly Fairmount Park)
- Hard Rock Bet (Hard Rock Casino Rockford)
- DraftKings Sportsbook (DraftKings at Casino Queen)
- Fanatics Sportsbook (Hawthorne Race Course)
- ESPN Bet (Hollywood Casino Aurora/Hollywood Casino Joliet)
- Circa Sportsbook (The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan)
New sports betting apps in Illinois
Illinois is one of the country’s most populous states offering online sports betting with more than 10 million residents. While it is home to several online sportsbooks, there are still more to come. Below are some of the most likely candidates to open for business soon:
- Betway (license granted, no launch date)
- Bally Bet (license pending for a Chicago casino)
Land-based Illinois sportsbooks
In addition to the nine online Illinois sports betting sites, there are several locations throughout the state to place wagers in person. Below is a list of land-based Illinois sportsbooks available (or coming soon) for bettors.
| Sportsbook Location | Partner | Address | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Temporary by American Place | Circa Sports | 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan | Temporary casino open; American Place Casino planned for 2026 opening |
| Argosy Casino Alton | Penn | 1 Piasa St., Alton | Open |
| Bally’s Chicago | Bally’s | Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago | Open |
| DraftKings at Casino Queen | DraftKings | 200 Front St., East St Louis | Open |
| DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field | DraftKings | 1012 W Addison St, Chicago | Open |
| Grand Victoria Casino Elgin | Caesars | 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin | Open |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | Penn | 1 W. New York St., Aurora | Open |
| Hollywood Casino Joliet | Penn | 777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet | Open |
| Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | FanDuel | 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria | Open |
| Rivers Casino Des Plaines | BetRivers | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines | Open |
| FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (Fairmount Park) | FanDuel | 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville | Open |
| Harrah’s Casino | Caesars | 100 E Front St., Metropolis | Open |
| Hawthorne Race Course | PointsBet | 3501 S. Laramie Ave., Cicero | Open |
| Club Hawthorne Prospect Heights | PointsBet | 1250 River Road, Prospect Heights | Open |
| Club Hawthorne Crestwood | PointsBet | 13148 Rivercrest Drive, Crestwood | Open |
| Club Hawthorne at Crazy Pour | PointsBet | 105 E. N Ave., Villa Park | Open |
| Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort | n/a | 777 Walkers Bluff Way, Carterville | Sportsbook coming soon |
10 quick facts about Illinois sports betting
- Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019.
- The first retail sportsbooks in Illinois opened in March 2020, and the first sportsbook app (BetRivers) arrived in June 2020.
- Illinois sports bettors have wagered as much as $1.38 billion in one month, posting that in November 2023.
- Illinois sportsbooks have realized as much as $128.4 million in monthly revenue, posting that figure in December 2023.
- Sports betting is available to anyone in Illinois who is 21 or older.
- You must be inside state lines to bet, but you do not have to be a resident of Illinois.
- It is not legal for key sports employees (players, coaches, referees, etc.) to bet on their own sports.
- Bets must occur on sporting events, not elections or award ceremonies.
- The state no longer allows wagering on in-state college teams as of July 1, 2024.
- 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.
Latest Illinois Sports Betting News
Hard Rock Bet Launches Mobile Illinois Sports Betting
More than a year after receiving its license, Hard Rock Bet is now available for sports betting throughout Illinois. Mobile betting on the Hard Rock Bet app went live Monday…
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:
- License fees are 5% of the previous year’s or the current year’s handle, depending on when the state issues the license. The maximum fee is $10 million.
- The online-only licenses, however, require a $20 million fee.
- All licenses are valid for four years and are renewable for $1 million.
- Originally, the state taxed sportsbooks at a flat rate of 15% of gross gaming revenue. That changed on July 1, 2024, when a new law raised the top rate (above $200 million in adjusted gross revenue) to 40%. The bottom rate (on the first $30 million in AGR) is now 20%.
- Live wagers must use official league data.
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.
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 September 2024. The tables below display Illinois sports betting revenue, handle, and taxes in recent years and months.
Illinois sports betting year over year
| Year | Handle | Revenue | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 to date | $6,589,599,725 | $582,546,091 | $97,390,660 |
| 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
| Month | Handle | Revenue | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| July 2023 | $611,372,472 | $61,897,923 | $9,686,791 |
Illinois sports to bet on
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:
- NBA — Chicago Bulls
- NFL — Chicago Bears
- MLB — Chicago White Sox
- MLB — Chicago Cubs
- NHL — Chicago Blackhawks
- MLS — Chicago Fire FC
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.
Illinois 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 passed 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.
Related pages to Illinois sports betting
- Indiana sports betting
- Iowa sports betting
- Kentucky sports betting
- Missouri sports betting
- Ohio sports betting
- Wisconsin sports betting
FAQ on Illinois sports betting
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
- Illinois General Assembly website – lawmaking body for the state of Illinois.
- WeKnowtheFeeling.org – problem gambling assistance group funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
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