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. Illinois' first legal retail sports bet was accepted by Rivers Casino Des Plaines in March 9, 2020.
Online sports betting arrived in June 2020 with the launch of the BetRivers sportsbook.
Illinois sports betting revenue
Illinois sports betting began on June 28, 2019, with retail betting and online betting began on June 18, 2020. The Prairie State generated $15 billion in total sports betting handle in 2025.
Illinois surpassed $1.4 billion in handle in the first month of the year.
Below is an outline of Illinois' sports betting figures over the years:
Illinois annual data
| Year 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $1,406,358,630 | $129,832,437 | 9.2% |
| 2025 | $15,485,144,861 | $1,437,918,955 | 9.4% |
| 2024 | $14,012,948,440 | $1,199,630,882 | 8.6% |
| 2023 | $11,613,463,222 | $1,002,257,982 | 8.6% |
| 2022 | $9,739,208,276 | $794,102,885 | 8.20% |
Illinois 2026 monthly data
| Month📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $1,406,358,630 | $129,832,437 | 9.2% |
Illinois 2025 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $1,473,402,444 | $147,226,342 | 10.0% |
| Feb | $1,162,502,097 | $128,060,188 | 11.0% |
| Mar | $1,489,028,039 | $95,709,560 | 6.4% |
| Apr | $1,287,771,406 | $108,406,799 | 8.4% |
| May | $1,275,035,111 | $121,107,746 | 9.5% |
| June | $960,405,101 | $113,715,098 | 11.8% |
| July | $857,914,506 | $89,847,814 | 10.5% |
| Aug | $993,207,259 | $105,341,325 | 10.6% |
| Sept | $1,385,590,645 | $98,717,524 | 7.1% |
| Oct | $1,556,179,558 | $123,672,834 | 7.9% |
| Nov | $1,633,008,695 | $157,213,725 | 9.6% |
| Dec | $1,411,066,375 | $148,894,628 | 10.5% |
Illinois 2024 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $1,291,606,042.17 | $134,873,758.02 | 10.4% |
| Feb | $1,077,133,512.57 | $83,670,671.29 | 7.8% |
| Mar | $1,260,594,697.51 | $99,875,917.53 | 7.9% |
| Apr | $1,106,554,912.01 | $91,227,630.16 | 8.2% |
| May | $1,015,279,112.14 | $101,110,643.50 | 10% |
| June | $852,270,765.77 | $85,626,787.69 | 10% |
| July | $769,017,563.53 | $71,564,310.63 | 9.3% |
| Aug | $865,224,241.79 | $58,555,099.64 | 6.8% |
| Sept | $1,308,179,753 | $137,152,464.64 | 10.5% |
| Oct | $1,438,943,587.12 | $81,060,777.56 | 5.6% |
| Nov | $1,531,100,259.84 | $154,527,751.34 | 10.1% |
| Dec | $1,497,043,989.16 | $100,385,070.32 | 6.7% |
Illinois 2023 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $1,077,486,084.89 | $96,005,711.39 | 8.90% |
| Feb | $880,452,829.64 | $68,362,950.98 | 7.80% |
| Mar | $1,062,509,012.69 | $97,231,065.79 | 10% |
| Apr | $906,722,813.42 | $89,462,801.59 | 9.9% |
| May | $819,211,196.57 | $89,075,297.94 | 10.9% |
| June | $668,151,968.66 | $54,669,429.26 | 8.2% |
| July | $609,750,650.93 | $60,276,101.94 | 9.9% |
| Aug | $664,265,657.46 | $47,023,954.20 | 7.1% |
| Sept | $1,064,847,529.40 | $86,263,443.95 | 8.1% |
| Oct | $1,169,105,323.52 | $112,724,122.39 | 9.6% |
| Nov | $1,374,822,623.63 | $72,722,089.69 | 5.3% |
| Dec | $1,316,137,531.39 | $128,441,013.78 | 9.8% |
Illinois 2022 monthly data
| Month 📅 | Handle 💵 | Gross revenue 💰 | Hold % (average) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | $873,435,398.68 | $65,273,281.79 | 7.50% |
| Feb | $683,577,994.23 | $35,278,176.52 | 5.20% |
| Mar | $953,825,795.25 | $61,968,443.67 | 6.50% |
| Apr | $841,741,786.59 | $70,589,695.98 | 8.40% |
| May | $765,815,235.33 | $66,437,866.25 | 8.70% |
| Jun | $628,338,170.00 | $40,860,123.00 | 6.50% |
| Jul | $518,645,316.35 | $46,080,135.77 | 8.90% |
| Aug | $548,006,240.61 | $47,797,430.44 | 8.70% |
| Sep | $826,688,834.83 | $78,416,645.64 | 9.50% |
| Oct | $1,040,078,980.36 | $102,088,547.91 | 9.80% |
| Nov | $1,029,647,400.34 | $96,969,200.79 | 9.40% |
| Dec | $1,029,407,124.40 | $82,343,337.54 | 8.00% |
Illinois sports betting at a glance
- Launch date: March 2020
- Regulator: Illinois Gaming Board (IGB)
- Latest reported month: September 2025
- Lifetime handle: $55,235,502,081
- Lifetime revenue: $4,706,766,213
- Last updated: December 24, 2025
Note: Illinois sports betting revenue is reported on a monthly basis. Figures reflect combined online and retail wagering unless otherwise specified by the regulator.
About sports betting revenue in Illinois
Illinois legalized sports betting in June 2019, with wagering officially launching in March 2020 under a regulatory framework that permits both online/mobile and retail sportsbook operations through licensed casinos and approved gaming partners.
The state’s model blends mobile wagering platforms with in-person betting at casinos and select racetracks across Illinois, creating one of the largest legal sports betting markets in the U.S. Online registration and wagering have played a central role in market growth, particularly in major population centers such as the Chicago metro area.
Each month, the Illinois Gaming Board publishes official sports wagering reports detailing statewide handle, adjusted gross revenue, and tax receipts. These reports aggregate both online and retail activity and serve as the authoritative source for tracking the performance of the Illinois sports betting market.
Because regulatory rules, tax rates, and reporting standards differ meaningfully from state to state, Illinois’ figures are best evaluated within the context of its own legislative and regulatory structure rather than through direct, one-to-one comparisons alone.
How to read revenue numbers
- Handle represents the total amount wagered by bettors during the month.
- Revenue reflects sportsbook winnings after payouts, before expenses.
- Hold is calculated as revenue divided by handle, expressed as a percentage.
Monthly revenue can fluctuate significantly due to seasonality, betting mix, and the outcomes of major sporting events.
Illinois sports teams to bet on
Illinois residents are among the most passionate sports fans in the country. From rooting for Michael Jordan and the Bulls in the 1990s to cheering for the 2024 NFL No. 1 pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears today, Prairie State residents ride and die with their local teams. Illinois is one of several states that has a professional sports team in each of the four major North American leagues — NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLB. Additionally, pro sports fans can also support the WNBA's Chicago Sky and Chicago Fire FC of the MLS.
Outside of professional sports, there are several prominent NCAA schools you can cheer for, including the Loyola Chicago Ramblers, Northwestern Wildcats, and the Illinois Fighting Illini.
No matter which hometown team you're betting on, 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.
Betting insight into local Illinois sports teams
All Illinois eyes are on the MLB in April 2026, as the Chicago Cubs are leading the National League Central currently and have -175 odds to earn the division crown. Unfortunately, their Southside counterparts are not having a similar season, as the White Sox have the worst record in the entire American League.
If you're a WNBA bettor, you're in luck as the Chicago Sky have been one of the most popular teams in the league since superstar Angel Reese joined last season. Sadly, her tenacious rebounding has not translated to team success, as the Sky are one of the last remaining teams in single-digit wins and have +50,000 odds to win the WNBA title.
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 ten 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.
Covers and credibility
We have had our finger on the pulse of the sports betting industry for more than 25 years. The sports betting revenue figures and statistics found here have been personally reviewed, verified, and fact-checked to ensure their validity.
News outlets turn to Covers for our earned reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. These are among the notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts.
More industry resources
As states continue to authorize legal sports betting — now 38 states plus DC, consult these informational websites for additional information on the sports betting industry:
- American Gaming Association (AGA): Organization dedicated to advancing the gambling industry's interests by promoting, educating, and advocating for responsible gambling.
- Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA): Supreme Court of the United States ruling.
- National Council on Problem Gambling: Those seeking help for a gambling problem can call 1-800-GAMBLER toll-free, 24/7.
Related sports betting revenue coverage
U.S. Sports Betting Revenue Tracker
Monthly Sports Betting Revenue by State: Arizona | Arkansas | Colorado | Connecticut | DC | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Missouri | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New York | North Carolina | Ohio | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Vermont | Virginia | West Virginia | Wyoming
Sports betting revenue tracker FAQ
The sports that generate the most sports betting revenue can vary depending on factors such as the sport's popularity, the betting market's size, and the timing and frequency of significant events. Football stands as the most popular sport for betting in the United States, with the NFL generating the highest revenue. The Super Bowl alone is one of the world's most-watched and bet-on sporting events. Basketball is also a popular sport for betting, particularly in the United States where the NBA lays claim to the top basketball league in the world.
Sports betting revenue varies greatly depending on the region, market, and size of the industry. However, in many jurisdictions, sports betting can generate significant revenue and contribute to the overall economy. Compared to other industries, sports betting revenue may not be as significant. For example, in 2020, the global video game industry was estimated to generate over $159 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the global film industry was estimated to generate over $100 billion in revenue in 2020.
The popularity of select sports events cannot be overlooked, with the Super Bowl and World Cup among the largest betting events in the globe. Betting odds and lines also greatly impact the amount of revenue generated by sports betting. Other factors include technological advancements, including the live streaming of events.
The future of sports betting revenue hinges on additional markets legalizing sports betting, via mobile betting, land-based, or a combination of both. An uptick in legal U.S. markets will trigger increased revenues, while new bet trends including same game parlays and in-game wagering, unlocks more opportunities for customers.
Online sports betting has significantly impacted sports betting revenue, notably in states where it is legal and regulated. The rise of online sports betting has facilitated the customer experience, allowing people to place bets remotely or in-person from the event itself, leading to increased revenue for sportsbooks. Betting site operators can also reach a much larger audience and customer-base. Overall customer convenience plays a large part in driving up sports betting revenue.
Gross revenue represents the total amount of money a sportsbook takes in from all customer bets, and it includes the total value of all bets placed, regardless of whether the bets won or lost. In other words, gross revenue is the total amount of money a sportsbook earns from its customers. Net revenue, conversely, is the amount of money a sportsbook earns after deducting all its operating expenses. This includes things like salaries, rent, marketing expenses, and other costs associated with running the sportsbook. Net revenue is the profit a sportsbook makes from its operations.
Major sports events including the Super Bowl and World Cup have a significant impact on sports betting revenue. These events garner a lot of attention from fans, which leads to increased betting activity and higher revenue for sportsbooks. The Super Bowl alone is the largest single-day betting event on the sporting calendar, which generates millions of dollars in revenue for sportsbooks.
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