Illinois Sports Betting: Best Illinois Sportsbooks in 2023
Illinois sports betting includes fully online registration to seven of the best sports betting sites in the nation. Sign-up, claim Illinois sportsbook welcome bonuses of up to $1,250 and learn educational tips to gamble responsibly.
Best Illinois sports betting sites
#1 Top-rated sportsbook
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.7/5
- Competitive pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
- Exclusive live streaming
Payout Speed:Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.7/5
- Generous welcome bonus
- Offers same-game parlays
- Ample betting options
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5
- User-friendly mobile app
- Good deposit options
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.6/5
- Good live betting section
- Offers same-game parlays
- User-friendly interface
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.3/5
- Weekly promotions
- Over 20 sports available
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.6/5
- Well-designed mobile app
- Live same-game parlays
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.4/5
- Top-rated sportsbook
- Ample markets
- Fast and secure banking
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.1/5
- Modern betting platform
- Convenient banking
- 24/7 customer support
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.2/5
- Frequent offers and promotions
- Proprietary online sportsbook software
- Fast withdrawals
Deposits & withdrawals
BetSmart™ Rating: 4.3/5
- Awesome welcome bonus
- Consistently good pricing
- Offers same-game parlays
Deposits & withdrawals
- Online and retail sports betting is live now
- Legal age for sports betting is 21
- Seven legal online sportsbooks active
- Exclusive welcome offers below
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed bill SB 690 — an enormous gaming expansion and capital bill — on June 28, 2019, and sports betting was deemed legal as a part of the 816-page document.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines accepted Illinois’ first legal retail sports bet on March 9, 2020, while BetRivers launched the state’s first online sportsbook on June 18, 2020.
Check our USA legal tracker to monitor each state's sports betting progress.
Illinois sports betting updates
In the spring of 2019, the Illinois state legislature passed a bill that permitted Illinois sports betting at riverboat casinos, horse racetracks, and select sports facilities. Online sports betting arrived in June 2020 with the launch of the BetRivers sportsbook.
This timeline provides a snapshot of Illinois' sports gambling history:
March 17, 2023: Illinois touts record sports betting handle for January, marking its fourth consecutive billion-dollar month.
Feb. 9, 2023: Illinois announces its third-straight month of recording over a billion dollars in sports betting handle.
Jan. 31, 2023: Rep. Bob Rita introduces an amendment to Illinois' Sports Wagering Act that would permit sports betting exchanges in the state. At present, only New Jersey allows for betting exchanges.
Jan. 19, 2023: Circa CEO Derek Stevens indicates that its sportsbook will soon come online in Illinois, pending the opening and full licensure of The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan.
Jan. 13, 2023: PointsBet Sportsbook opens its fourth retail location in Illinois at Villa Park's Crazy Pour Sports Bar located inside of Club Hawthorne.
Dec. 8, 2022: Illinois joins the billion-dollar month club, with its October sports betting handle setting a state record of $1.03 billion.
Nov 29, 2022: Representative Lamont J. Robinson, Jr. (D) introduces HB5847 in an effort to allow Illinois professional sports teams to apply for Illinois sports betting licenses.
Oct. 4, 2022: Tekkorp Digital Acquisition, which was aiming to garner an online-only sports betting license in the state, announces it will not seek a vote to extend talks with Playtech, Caliente Interactive, and Caliplay. As a result, it is effectively withdrawing from its attempt to enter the market.
Sept. 26, 2022: Hard Rock Sportsbook applies for both retail and mobile Illinois sports betting licenses.
Sept 12, 2022: Bally's applies for a Management Services Provider license in Illinois. If the application is approved, Bally Bet will launch in IL.
May 31, 2022: It is revealed that WynnBET has applied for a mobile Illinois sports betting license. It is not yet known which casino the operator will be tied to.
May 25, 2022: The Chicago City Council officially approves Bally's casino by a vote of 41-7. The casino is scheduled to open its doors in 2026 and projects to bring in $200 million a year in tax revenue.
May 9, 2022: Circa Sports partners with Full House Resorts, announcing plans to operate an online sportsbook and retail sportsbook at the new American Place casino in Waukegan. While America Place is under construction, Circa will house its retail location in "The Temporary" — a temporary casino facility projected to open in Fall 2022.
May 5, 2022: Bally’s was tapped as the preferred bidder for a $1.7B casino project by the City of Chicago. Plans for Bally’s Chicago include a 500-room hotel and sprawling entertainment center.
May 5, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook and the Chicago White Sox agree to a sports betting partnership.
April 28, 2022: Caliente Interactive is awarded an online-only sports betting license by the Illinois Gaming Board. Should the Mexico-based operator receive final licensure, "Caliplay" will launch in Illinois.
April 6, 2022: Construction begins on the new FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge at Chicago's United Center. The 13,000-square-foot venue is expected to be completed by August 2022.
March 10, 2022: Illinois sets a new monthly high for sports betting handle in January, posting a total of $876.5 million.
March 9, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook's new welcome offer goes live in Illinois. New sports bettors are able to claim up to $1,100 in first bet insurance without visiting a retail sportsbook.
March 5, 2022: Illinois sports bettors are once again permitted to create an online sportsbook account from anywhere in the state. Remote registration returns after nearly a one-year hiatus.
Feb. 15, 2022: FanDuel is first to launch a pre-registration offer ahead of Illinois' move to remote registration on Mar. 5, offering new bettors $100 in site credits.
Jan. 31, 2022: FanDuel, a partner of the Bulls and Blackhawks, announces plans to open a two-story FanDuel Sportsbook lounge in the United Center.
Jan. 27, 2022: The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approves rewarding BetMGM with a license to operate in the state.
Jan. 19, 2022: BetMGM confirms its plans to launch online operations in Illinois in Q1 of 2022.
Dec. 21, 2021: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs legislation that lifts the ban on in-state collegiate betting. However, bets on Illinois-based teams can only be placed in person.
Dec. 20, 2021: Illinois' in-person registration requirement for online sportsbooks will end on March 5 or sooner. Currently, bettors must register in person at a brick-and-mortar location before placing an online wager.
Dec. 13, 2021: Aldermen backed an ordinance to permit Chicago’s pro sports teams to open Illinois sportsbooks within their stadiums and venues. Wrigley Field could be home to the state's first stadium sportsbook via its partnership with DraftKings.
October 2021: Illinois sportsbooks witnessed a surge in September betting thanks to football, recording nearly $600 million in bets.
April 2021: Governor Pritzker did not renew an executive order that temporarily suspended the requirement to sign up in person for online sports betting. Illinois bettors must once again visit retail sportsbooks to complete the registration process.
March 11, 2021: The Barstool Sportsbook debuts. There are now six legal Illinois sportsbooks.
December 2020: Illinois registers $491 million from sports betting, its highest handle of the year.
October 2020: Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued Executive Orders 2020-60 and 2020-61, limiting casinos and retail sports betting venues to 25% capacity.
June 2020: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker temporarily waived the state's in-person registration requirement, thus allowing individuals to set up sports betting accounts remotely.
June 2020: BetRivers launches the first online sportsbook in Illinois.
March 2020: Rivers Casino opens the first Illinois sportsbook in history.
June 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker passes Bill SB 690, legalizing sports gambling in Illinois. The bill prohibits out-of-state providers from entering the market for an additional 18 months.
March 2019: Rivers Casino owner Neil Bluhm pushes to keep heavy-hitters DraftKings and FanDuel out of the state as punishment for their questionable DFS operations.
Aug. 2018: IL lawmakers introduce five bills with the hope of legalizing sports betting. Illinois may legalize both retail and online wagering.
Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Illinois
There are several fantastic Illinois sports betting sites, but Covers has crowned DraftKings the best sportsbook in Illinois in 2023. DraftKings IL has the best mobile sports betting app, a steady flow of intriguing promos, and a robust live betting platform, giving Illinois bettors the ultimate online sports betting experience.
DraftKings Illinois’ mobile app checks all of the boxes. From its intuitive layout and aesthetically pleasing design to its stable of exciting features — including same-game parlays — DraftKings serves as the go-to app for many IL sports bettors.
Along with its solid sign-up offer — bet $5 to win $150 in bonus bets — DraftKings rewards existing users with parlay boosts, early wins, a referral program, and free-to-play daily pools offering real cash prizes.
Few Illinois sportsbooks can match DraftKings’ increasingly popular live betting section. Betting options are aplenty, and odds are constantly updating in real time. If you want to place an in-game wager, DraftKings is the sportsbook for you.
Check out our detailed DraftKings review to learn more about the best sportsbook in Illinois.
Best Illinois sports betting offers and bonuses
With the return of remote registration, sports bettors can claim the best Illinois sportsbook bonuses from anywhere in the state.
Here is our ranking of the best introductory offers currently available to Illinoisans in 2023:
Caesars - Up to $1,250 on Caesars: New Caesars customers can claim up to $1,250 in bet credit should their initial wager lose by using promo code COVERSBONUSFULL at sign up. Doing so will also trigger 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits, a huge win for new Illinois customers.
FanDuel - No sweat first bet up to $1,000: FanDuel's new sign-up promo provides you with a second chance should your first wager lose. Get up to $1,000 back in bons bets from FanDuel IL following your initial $10 deposit and first-time bet on on any market.
BetMGM - $1,000 back in bonus bets: BetMGM IL welcomes new Prairie State bettors with a lucrative first bet offer of up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets. No BetMGM promo code is required to claim this welcome bonus.
PointsBet - 5 x $50 second chance bets: PointsBet's Illinois sign-up bonus gives new customers a second chance to hit on their first five bets of up to $50 each. PointsBet will send you up to $50 in free bets if any of your first bets of the day fall short during your first five days with the sportsbook. No PointsBet promo code is required to claim this offer.
BetRivers - Up to a $500 free bet: New BetRivers Illinois customers can receive up to a $500 free bet. Simply make a single deposit of $10 or more, and if your wager loses, you will receive a free bet equal to your stake up to $500. Use promo code 'SPORTS' to get started.
Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.
Top five Illinois sports betting sites
Prairie State bettors have access to the top names in sports betting in 2023. Here are the five best Illinois sports betting sites:
1. DraftKings Illinois
Bet $5 to win $150
Purveyor of the best sports betting apps in the U.S., DraftKings is also Illinois's top overall sports betting platform. From its extensive collection of betting markets and ongoing promotions to its clean user interface and stress-free banking, the sports betting partner of the Chicago Cubs is the sportsbook of choice for many Illinois gamblers.
For more information, read our DraftKings Review.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
- Best feature: Unique sportsbook pools
- Sign-up bonus: Bet $5 to win $150 in bonus bets
- Payout speed: 1-7 days
2. FanDuel Illinois
$1,000 No Sweat First Bet
No code required
The sports betting partner of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, FanDuel is also aligned with its Illinois users' best interests. The sportsbook has one of the most straightforward bonuses in the state — a $1,000 no sweat first bet offer — and top-notch live betting and live streaming sections. The FanDuel IL app is incredibly smooth and feature-rich, including unique bet types like same-game parlays and boosted odds.
Check out our FanDuel Review to learn more.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Best feature: Intuitive mobile apps
- Sign-up bonus: $1,000 no sweat first bet
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
3. PointsBet Illinois
5 x $50 second chance bets
No code required
Illinois sports bettors seeking a unique sports wagering experience can turn to PointsBet, an Australia-based sportsbook now available in 14 states. The operator has several one-of-a-kind features in Illinois, including its "Karma Kommittee," boosted parlays, and proprietary Points Betting system — a bet type that rewards (or punishes bettors) based on the accuracy of their wagers.
For an expert breakdown, check out our PointsBet Review.
- App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
- Best feature: Innovative mobile apps
- Sign-up bonus: 5 x $50 second chance bets
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
4. Caesars Illinois
Up to $1,250 on Caesars
Code: COVERSBONUSFULL
Caesars IL rolled out a brand new offer for new Illinois sports bettors, offering up to $1,250 in bet credit and a collection of Tier Credits and Reward Credits from its revered Caesars Rewards® program. Beyond the sign-up perks, Caesars keeps sports gamblers engaged with a great mobile app and unrivaled customer support.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review to learn more about the best sportsbook in Illinois.
- App store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
- Best feature: Strong customer support
- Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,250 on Caesars
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
5. BetRivers Illinois
Up to a $500 free bet
Code: SPORTS
The first online sportsbook to launch in the Prairie State, BetRivers has impressed with its ability to set competitive odds and provide Illinois bettors with a responsive and user-friendly mobile app. While BetRivers IL doesn't offer the best sign-up bonus, the operator's steady flow of sports betting promotions makes it a superior option to other Illinois betting sites.
Check out our expert BetRivers Review to learn more.
- App store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.6 (Android)
- Best feature: Bountiful betting markets
- Sign-up bonus: Use promo code SPORTS for up to a $500 free bet
- Payout speed: 1-14 days
What sportsbooks are legal in Illinois?
The Illinois sports betting market continues to thrive in 2023. Bettors can download these seven Illinois sports betting apps today:
- DraftKings - Best sportsbook
- FanDuel - Best for live betting
- PointsBet - Unique bet types
- Caesars - Best sign-up bonus
- BetRivers - Best weekly promos
- BetMGM - Best for deposits
- Barstool - Loads of markets
Legal Illinois online sportsbooks
Illinois sports bettors may place wagers on sportsbook mobile apps or betting sites. In-person betting can be done at retail sportsbooks at a riverboat casino, a racetrack, or an off-track betting site (OTB).
With the arrival of BetMGM on March 5, 2022, there are now seven licensed and regulated Illinois sportsbooks.
Illinois' online and mobile sportsbooks
| Online sportsbook | Mobile app | Odds provider | Online casino | Retail partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Barstool Sportsbook  |
Yes | Kambi | No | Hollywood Casino Joliet |
| BetMGM |
Yes | BetMGM | No | Par-A-Dice Casino |
| BetRivers |
Yes | Kambi | No | Rivers Casino |
| Caesars Sportsbook |
Yes | Caesars | No | Harrah's Joliet and Harrah's Metropolis |
| DraftKings |
Yes | SBTech | No | DraftKings at Casino Queen |
| FanDuel |
Yes | Flutter | No | FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing |
| PointsBet |
Yes | PointsBet | No | Hawthorne Race Course |
Land-based IL sportsbooks
| Sportsbook | Venue | Address | Phone number | Odds provider |
| Joliet Sportsbook (Barstool) | Hollywood Casino Joliet | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436 | (888) 436-7737 | Kambi |
| The Sportsbook (Barstool) | Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa St., Alton, IL 62002 | (800) 711-4263 | Kambi |
| The Sportsbook (Barstool) | Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W. New York St. Bridge, Aurora, IL 60506 | (630) 801-1234 | Kambi |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Rivers Casino | 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | (847) 795-0777 | Kambi |
| DraftKings at Casino Queen | Casino Queen | 200 S Front St., East St. Louis, IL 62201 | (800) 777-0777 | SBTech |
| FanDuel Par-A-Dice Sportsbook | Par-A-Dice Casino | 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria, IL 61611 | (309) 699-7711 | Flutter |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (Fairmount Park) | 9301 Collinsville Rd., Collinsville, IL 62234 | (618) 345-4300 | Flutter |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | Hawthorne Race Course | 3501 S Laramie Ave, Stickney, IL 60804 | (708) 780-3700 | PointsBet |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | Prospect Heights Off Track Betting | 1250 S. River Rd., Prospect Heights, IL 60080 | (847) 537-3043 | PointsBet |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | Crestwood Off Track Betting | 13148 Rivercrest Dr., Crestwood, IL 60445 | (708) 489-4700 | PointsBet |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | Club Hawthorne | 105 E North Avenue, Villa Park, IL 60181 | (630) 758-0099 | PointsBet |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Grand Victoria Casino | 250 S Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60210 | (847) 468-7000 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook (coming) | Harrah's Joliet | 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432 | (815) 740-7800 | Caesars |
| Caesars Sportsbook (coming) | Harrah's Metropolis | 100 E Front St, Metropolis, IL 62960 | (618) 524-2628 | Caesars |
Latest Illinois sports betting news
Who can partake in Illinois sports betting?
All bettors, 21 years of age and older, can create an Illinois sportsbook account online or by visiting a casino, racetrack, or off-track betting facility. Remote registration returned to Illinois on March 5, 2022.
Here are some key considerations and features that will help you to navigate the Illinois sports betting landscape:
Legal age
You must be at least 21 years old to bet on sports in Illinois, whether you are placing a wager online or in person at one of Illinois’ casinos or racetracks.
Mobile betting
Legal online Illinois sports betting can take place on a mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates all online and casino gambling in the state.
Remote registration
March 5, 2022, marked the end of in-person registration in Illinois, meaning bettors no longer have to visit brick-and-mortar Illinois sportsbooks to complete the sign-up process.
From April 3, 2021, to March 5, 2022, sports bettors were unable to register remotely. A 2020 executive order by Gov. Pritzker that had allowed bettors to register without visiting a sportsbook in person was not renewed during this time.
Within state borders
All sports gamblers must be physically present in the state of Illinois when placing a wager. While bettors are not required to be residents, Illinois sports betting sites are required to use geotagging software to verify users’ locations.
Retail sportsbooks
Seven of Illinois’ 10 casinos currently operate retail sportsbooks. FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing — formerly Fairmount Park — and Hawthorne Race Course are now licensed to offer live betting as well. Hawthorne also operates an off-track betting site in Crestwood, IL.
Taxable winnings
Sports bet winnings over $600 are subject to a 15% tax rate in Illinois. It’s also standard procedure for casinos in Illinois to withhold 25% of winnings for federal tax purposes.
Players are able to deduct amounts wagered and lost — but may not deduct wagers on winning bets.
The pros and cons of IL sports betting
Illinois is now up to seven online sportsbooks, and the sports betting market is expected to continue to grow in the Prairie State. The return or remote registration is a huge win for sports bettors.
On the flip side, college sports fanatics may also be less inclined to get in on the betting action as wagers on Illinois college teams are still restricted to in-person only.
Bets on Illinois college teams placed only in person at a casino or racetrack sportsbookHigh barrier-to-entry means fewer choices for bettorsHow to start betting in Illinois
Bettors in the Prairie State can now open an online sports betting account from anywhere in Illinois via legal mobile sports betting apps.
Select a sportsbook
Choose Illinois sportsbooks that best suit your betting needs. Check out some reviews and consider betting opportunities, customer service, current promotions, and the ease of financial transactions.
Register online
The registration process is both convenient and straightforward. After entering your personal information, Illinois sports betting sites allow you to confirm your identity and location from anywhere within state borders.
Claim a bonus
New players in Illinois can benefit from a number of different promotions when opening up a new account with an online sportsbook. Although there aren't many Illinois sportsbooks, bettors can still benefit from some nice bonus offers. Here are the most popular types of offers in Illinois:
- Risk-free bets: Place your first wager without risk. If you lose your bet, sportsbooks will replace your funds with site credit or cash.
- First deposit bonus match: Some Illinois sports betting sites will match your first deposit — up to a specified amount. Play-through requirements will usually be attached to this type of offer.
- No deposit bonus: This is a free credit that’s given to new users. It must be wagered before it can be withdrawn.
Choose your bet
The most popular bets in Illinois include the point spread, moneyline, Over/Under (totals), parlays, and futures. Live betting is also an option since Illinois betting sites can access real-time data and offer updated odds and new betting opportunities for sports bettors.
Deposit
Common deposit methods in Illinois include PayPal, credit cards, debit cards, and online banking. Be sure to watch for unexpected fees before confirming your transaction.
Start betting
Sports bettors should research the types of wagers that best fit their needs and goals. It’s important to understand the risk associated with each bet.
Different sportsbooks may offer slightly better odds than others, so line shopping definitely has its benefits as well.
Withdraw
Withdrawals typically take a bit longer to process, so keep this in mind when planning to access your winnings. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the terms and conditions of each Illinois betting site, as some methods may include higher fees for gambling transactions.
Odds explained
American odds are the default option for Illinois sportsbooks. Favorites are accompanied by a minus (-) sign and indicate the amount you have to wager to win $100. For example, -150 odds indicate you’d need to bet $150 to take home a $100 profit.
Underdogs are accompanied by a plus (+) sign and indicate the amount you’ll win if you bet $100. For example, +200 odds suggest you’d take home $200 in profit when placing a wager of $100. Underdogs are less likely to win, and the larger payout reflects this.
Moneyline odds are displayed for futures odds and props as well. Players who are accustomed to decimal odds may be able to view odds this way with some Illinois sportsbooks. Use our odds converter to adjust from American to decimal or fractions easily.
What you can't bet on in Illinois
In-state college betting received a big boost on Dec. 21, 2021. Gov. Pritzker signed a law that lifted the betting ban on in-state schools.
However, despite the return of remote registration, wagers on Illinois teams can only be placed in person at one of Illinois' retail casinos or racetrack sportsbooks. Illinois sports betting sites cannot offer betting lines on college markets.
Politics
The Illinois Gaming Board, similar to other U.S. states, does not permit betting on political events, including Presidential elections.
esports
The Illinois Gaming Board has not yet authorized esports betting to be available in Illinois. Esports are neither banned nor included in the state’s sports betting law, so the door has been left open for the future.
What about the NFL Draft?
The marquee offseason event has steadily increased in popularity, which applies to betting markets, too. Illinois is one of only a handful of states to permit betting on the NFL Draft, meaning you can cash in on all seven rounds.
Illinois sports betting handle
Illinois set a monthly record with its $840 million October handle and surpassed $7 billion in total handle in 2021.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois sports betting operations were suspended on March 16, 2020 — one week after it had become legal in the state. Online and in-person wagering resumed on July 1, 2020.
The Illinois Gaming Board reported that the Illinois sports betting handle for June fell 17.8% from May. Despite the dip, retail and online sportsbooks handled approximately $628.5 million in bets for June — up 32% from June 2021.
We compiled the financial figures to illustrate the breakdown of sports betting revenues in Illinois:
Yearly breakdown
| Year | Total handle | Revenue | Hold percentage | Tax revenue |
| 2023 | - | - | - | - |
| 2022 | $9.74B | $796.4M | 8.17% | $118.4M |
| 2021 | $7.02B | $527.6M | 7.5% | $83.8M |
| 2020 | $1.88B | $125M | 6.1% | $20M |
Monthly handle
| Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Total |
| 2023 | $1.07B | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | $1.07B |
| 2022 | $867.5M | $679.4M | $971M | $840M | $764.6M | $628.5M | $516.4M | $564.8M | $831.8M | $1.03B | $1.03B | $1.03B | $9.74B |
| 2021 | $581M | $509M | $633M | $537M | $507M | $476M | $369M | $400M | $596.5M | $840.4M | $780M | $789M | $7.02B |
| 2020 | N/A | N/A | 997K | N/A | N/A | $8M | $52M | $140M | $305M | $434M | $449M | $491M | $1.88B |
Home team advantage: Illinois sports
If you’re betting on your favorite Illinois player or team, be sure to do your research and never let your emotions get the best of you.
Brush up on the basics of sports betting with our how to bet guides.
Illinois sports betting law
Illinois moved quickly to legalize sports betting when in 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, ending the federal ban on sports betting.
Governor J.B. Pritzker passed SB 690 in June 2019, legalizing sports gambling in Illinois. The law enabled sports betting operators to apply for licenses to offer sports betting services in the state. Each of Illinois' casinos, racetracks, and sports arenas with sports wagering licenses are authorized to launch online betting in addition to physical sportsbooks. Those online-only betting licenses are untethered, so no partnership with an Illinois casino, horse track, or pro sports venue is required.
We broke down the Illinois sports betting facts that you need to know:
- Up to 30 master sports wagering licenses and seven online sports betting sites.
- The Illinois Gaming Board oversees and regulates sports wagering.
- Persons 21 years and older can partake in legal Illinois sports betting.
- Wagers on events, including political elections or entertainment ceremonies like the Oscars, are prohibited.
- Online wagers on in-state college teams are prohibited but permitted in person at retail sportsbooks at a casino or racetrack.
Other types of gambling
Illinois boasts nearly a dozen casinos, three racetracks, and a number of live and online poker rooms. Daily fantasy sports were also legalized with the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019.
Casino
There are currently ten casinos in Illinois: seven riverboat casinos and three that are land-based. There are no real money online casinos in Illinois yet, but the state expects to take another kick at the can in 2023.
On May 5, 2022, the City of Chicago chose Bally’s as the preferred bidder for its $1.7B casino project. Plans for Bally’s Chicago include a 500-room hotel, sprawling entertainment center, and a casino with 3,400 slot machines and 170 table games.
For now, Illinois gamblers can enjoy a multitude of table games and a variety of slot machines at one of the state’s riverboat locations. Reel slots, progressive slots, and video poker are available at each of Illinois’ ten casinos.
Poker
Poker can be played in person at many of Illinois’ major casinos. Online poker was not included in Bill SB 690, but you can visit Global Poker — the only legal online option available in Illinois — and gamble using virtual cash.
Horse racing
Illinois is home to three racetracks — Arlington International Racecourse, FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, and Hawthorne Race Course.
Currently, Hawthorne Race Course and FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing (formerly Fairmount Park) are licensed to offer sports betting in Illinois. You can also bet on horse races online with the best horse racing betting sites in the U.S.
Daily fantasy sports
Major DFS sites FanDuel and DraftKings are currently operating in Illinois despite a lack of clarity concerning the legality of their presence in the state. While the Attorney General continues to insist it is illegal in Illinois, there have been several recent attempts to license and regulate DFS in the state.
Quick facts: Illinois sports betting
Illinois has become a sports betting powerhouse with astounding total handle numbers to match their rabid fandom.
For all the IL sports betting facts, refer to the table below:
| Launch date | March 2020 |
| Legal age for betting | 21 |
| Online sports betting | Yes ✅ |
| Number of betting licenses | 7 active |
| Number of betting sites | 7 |
| Remote registration | Yes ✅ |
| Retail sportsbooks | Yes ✅ |
| Online casino sites | No ❌ |
| Online poker | Yes ✅ |
| Retail casinos | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on college sports | Yes ✅ |
| Betting on esports | No ❌ |
| State population | 12.785 million |
| Total handle (2021) | $7.02 billion |
| Tax rate | 15% |
| State regulator | The Illinois Gaming Board |
Responsible gaming in Illinois
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) created a self-exclusion policy for problem gamblers in 2002, and this is now a part of Illinois’ gambling law. This includes the Statewide Casino Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) and the Problem Gambling Registry.
Those with gambling problems may voluntarily enroll in both or either of these programs at an IGB office in any Illinois casino.
Similarly, the Responsible Gambling Database houses a list of individuals who voluntarily prohibit themselves from betting online at Illinois betting sites.
Visit the Illinois Gaming Board
Illinois' first-ever gambling assessment revealed that more than 11% of adults either have a gambling problem or are at risk of developing one.
Legal U.S. sports betting markets
Sports betting legislation at the state level has already produced a number of additional legal betting markets. The following U.S. jurisdictions permit online and/or retail sports betting:
Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches
Maryland has now joined a long list of U.S. states with legal online sports betting.
Sports bettors had been limited to retail wagering since late 2021, but that changed on Nov. 23, 2022, when seven legal Maryland betting sites went live.
Ohio residents rang in the new year with the launch of Ohio sports betting sites. The Buckeye State tabbed Jan. 1, 2023, as its universal go-live date.
Brick-and-mortar sports betting locations arrived in Massachusetts on Jan. 31, 2023, while online sportsbooks lit up on March 10, 2023. Legal Massachusetts sports betting will include as many as 15 mobile sportsbooks.
Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets
States moving toward legal sports betting that could potentially provide bettors the opportunity to gamble legitimately in the near future include:
Conclusion: Illinois Sports Betting
Illinois sports bettors can wager with confidence with as many as seven regulated sports betting sites. Given the size of Illinois' population, nearing 13 million, we would have expected more online sportsbooks to set up shop. However, the $20 million licensing fee has caused some operators to rethink the investment.
The return of fully remote registration was a significant boost to bettors and Illinois sportsbooks. Illinois nixed the in-person registration requirement in March 2022. Limitations on college sports betting could prove costly, though: Wagering on in-state college teams is limited to pregame wagers made in-person at an Illinois casino or racetrack.
Illinois sports betting history
Illinois sports betting gained the legal go-ahead via the Sports Wagering Act, passed on June 28, 2019. The Illinois Gaming Board adopted permanent regulations on June 4, 2020. Land-based sports betting at retail outlets commenced on March 9, 2020, while online wagering started on June 18, 2020.
2023: An amendment to Illinois' Sports Wagering Act to authorize sports betting exchanges is proposed.
2022: Online remote registration returns to Illinois on March 5 after the state scuttled its in-person registration requirement.
2021: Illinois governor J.B Pritzker signs legislation to permit limited betting on in-state college teams.
2020: The pandemic forces Gov. J.B. Pritzker to waive Illinois' in-person registration requirement, allowing individuals to register sports betting accounts remotely.
Hometown gambling operator RushStreet opens Rivers Casino, Illinois' first-ever sportsbook in March, followed by its BetRivers online sportsbook launch in June.
2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker passes Bill SB 690 in June, effectively legalizing Illinois sports betting.
Illinois sports betting resources
Take a deeper dive into Illinois sports betting via these handy local resources:
- Illinois Gaming Board: Illinois gambling regulator
- Illinois General Assembly: State of Illinois legislature
- WeKnowtheFeeling.org: Local problem gambling support group
Sportsbooks to avoid in Illinois
See all blacklisted sportsbooks
Illegal offshore betting sites offer sports gambling in Illinois, but you should avoid them because of unsavory business practices. Do not risk losing your money to these sportsbooks. Illinois offers plenty of legal, regulated options for bettors to safely place wagers.
- Allegations of withdrawal issues
- No license information available on site
- Poor customer service
- Multiple reports of slow payments
- Allegations of non-payments
- Risk of account closure simply for winning bets
- Reports of confiscated winnings
- Slow customer support response times
Illinois sports betting FAQ
Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal for adults 21 and older. The first retail sportsbook opened in March 2020, while BetRivers took the state's first online wagers in June 2020.
Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Illinois. Seven licensed and regulated online sportsbooks are actively accepting wagers in 2023.
You can create an Illinois sports betting account and start wagering from anywhere in Illinois via legal sports betting apps. If you prefer the in-person experience, you can visit one of the state’s casinos or racetracks.
No, but you must be physically present in the state to place a wager with an Illinois betting site.
Yes, you can bet on professional and college teams based in Illinois. However, you must visit a retail sportsbook to bet on Illinois college sports.
Illinois generated over $527 million in gross revenue in 2021.
Chicago is home to nine of Illinois’ 10 casinos, while St. Louis residents regularly make the trek to Illinois to register and bet at retail locations on the Illinois/Missouri border.
Yes, DraftKings is operating in Illinois after striking a deal with Casino Queen in July, 2020. The partnership allowed DraftKings to work around a government-imposed 18-month wait to obtain a sports betting license in the state.
Yes, FanDuel is partnered with Par-A-Dice Casino and operates a mobile sports betting app and retail sportsbook — FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing — in Illinois.
On June 18, 2020, BetRivers became the first online sportsbook to accept mobile wagers. Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive owns BetRivers.
Illinois’ first legal in-person sports bet was placed on March 9, 2020, at Rivers Casino Des Plaines.
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Jeff has been reviewing sportsbooks and covering North American sports betting full-time since 2021. The former NHL prospects writer has crafted over 100 reviews and guides for the Covers community and has been sweating his own picks for over a decade.
