Illinois Sports Betting: Best Illinois Sportsbooks in 2026

Illinois sports betting key details

Browse the pertinent details about the Illinois sports betting market in 2026 below:

	Illinois Betting Facts
Illinois online sports betting status	Live ✅
Legal betting age	21+
Number of betting licenses	10
Online betting sites	10
Tax rate	15%
State regulator	The Illinois Gaming Board
Last verified	Aug. 20, 2026

All verified Illinois sportsbook bonus codes

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Covers Expert Analysis

"Yes. Illinois sports betting is legal. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the extensive SB 690 bill on June 28, 2019, making sports betting legal in the Prairie State."

Joshua Howe, Content Manager

Illinois' first legal retail sports bet was accepted by Rivers Casino Des Plaines in March 9, 2020. BetRivers introduced the state's inaugural online sportsbook in June 2020. To keep track of the progress of sports betting in each state, you can use our USA legal tracker.

Top 5 IL sports betting apps reviewed

Covers Expert Analysis

"Prairie State bettors have access to the top names in sports betting in 2026. Thorough research the operator and its key features, like payout speed, betting markets, bonus offerings, and customer support, before signing up with any online sportsbook to ensure they meet your betting needs."

Michael Duchesne, Managing Editor

Our Covers BetSmart Rating has shaped our evaluations of the best betting apps Illinois has to offer. We’ve considered everything from welcome bonuses and ongoing promos to customer support and overall user-friendliness to help local sports bettors make informed decisions when choosing a sportsbook.

Here’s our list of the top five U.S. betting sites available in Illinois in 2026:

🥇 Top IL Sportsbooks – FanDuel: Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets

1. FanDuel Illinois

Expert Verdict

Do not sleep on the FanDuel Illinois sports betting app, which is amongst the best in the state. The official betting partner of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, FanDuel provides seamless navigation, an intuitive mobile layout, and a best-in-class live betting section. Its eye-catching interface is rivaled only by the product's incredible performance. With competitive odds and exciting promos for new users, FanDuel Illinois has hit a grand slam with its mobile offering.

Joshua Howe Content Manager

Check out our FanDuel review for further analysis.

	FanDuel Sportsbook
Is FanDuel live in Illinois?	Yes ✅
App Store rating	4.9/5 (1.9M reviews)
Android rating	4.6/5 (382K reviews)

2. Caesars Sportsbook Illinois

Expert Verdict

Caesars, one of the longest-tenured and most successful brands in U.S. gambling, now operates one of the top Illinois sports betting apps. Caesars Sportsbook users can expect a wide range of betting markets, industry-best rewards program, and NFL live streaming. The Caesars app is stylish, user-friendly, and packed with a steady rotation of bonuses and promos. IL bettors can anticipate a wide range of betting options, while fast payouts ensure winnings are pocketed promptly.

Joshua Howe Content Manager

Visit our Caesars Sportsbook review for more information.

	Caesars Sportsbook
Is Caesars Sportsbook live in Illinois?	Yes ✅
App Store rating	4.7/5 (89.3K reviews)
Android rating	4.5/5 (30.7K reviews)

3. bet365 Illinois

Expert Verdict

bet365 is the new kid on the Illinois sports betting block, now allowing all Prairie State bettors to access its incredible mobile sportsbook app. As an international operator, bet365 provides outstanding sports coverage, offering great odds and a broad selection of pre-game and live betting options across more than 75 sports. Illinois bettors can also expect a a wide range of great ongoing promotions from bet365, including its current new-user welcome promo.

Joshua Howe Content Manager

	bet365 Sportsbook
Is bet365 live in Illinois?	Yes ✅
App Store rating	4.8/5 (187.5K reviews)
Android rating	4.5/5 (33.9K reviews)

Bonus bet amounts not returned with winnings. Min. deposit required. Must register with app only. T&Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply. 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (AZ, CO, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/MI/MO/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

4. BetMGM Illinois

Expert Verdict

BetMGM Illinois looks good and performs better, making it our pick for the best in the state. Its streamlined navigation makes it easy for bettors to quickly open the app and locate desirable wagers, while live streaming brings the action to the forefront while sweating pre-game or live wagers. Additionally, you'll earn BetMGM rewards points with every wager you place, which you can later convert into VIP experiences.

Joshua Howe Content Manager

Refer to our BetMGM bonus code review for an in-depth analysis.

	BetMGM Sportsbook
Is BetMGM live in Illinois?	Yes ✅
App Store rating	4.8/5 (239.4K reviews)
Android rating	4.2/5 (36.6K reviews)

5. DraftKings Illinois

Expert Verdict

Unsurprisingly, DraftKings holds a deserved spot as one of the best Illinois sports betting sites in 2026. The welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions are stellar, the app is easy to navigate, and the user experience is unmatched. DraftKings provides a wide range of betting options, including live in-game betting that keeps the action alive during the day's top events. IL bettors can also reference the 'Trending' section to monitor popular matchups or props and assemble quick parlays.

Joshua Howe Content Manager

Our DraftKings promo code review pages offers an in-depth look at this great IL sportsbook.

	DraftKings Sportsbook
Is DraftKings live in Illinois?	Yes ✅
App Store rating	4.8/5  (845.7K reviews)
Android rating	4.3/5  (175K reviews)

Expert Verdict

BetMGM Illinois looks good and performs better, making it our pick for the best in the state. Its streamlined navigation makes it easy for bettors to quickly open the app and locate desirable wagers, while live streaming brings the action to the forefront while sweating pre-game or live wagers. Additionally, you'll earn BetMGM rewards points with every wager you place, which you can later convert into VIP experiences.

Joshua Howe Content Manager

Refer to our BetMGM bonus code review for an in-depth analysis.

	BetMGM Sportsbook
Is BetMGM live in Illinois?	Yes ✅
App Store rating	4.8/5 (239.4K reviews)
Android rating	4.2/5 (36.6K reviews)

Comparing top Illinois sports betting sites

	FanDuel Sportsbook	bet365 Sportsbook	DraftKings Sportsbook	BetMGM Sportsbook	Caesars Sportsbook
Compare	Pin	Pin	Pin	Pin	Pin
Welcome bonus	Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets	Bet $10, Get $150 Win or Lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net	Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets	$1,500 First Bet Offer	Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens
Promo code	Automatically applied after registration	CVSBONUS	Automatically applied after registration	COVERS	GODYW
Bonus type	Bet and get	Bet and get OR Second-chance bet	Bet and get	Second-chance bet	Bet and get
Bonus form	$1,000 in bonus bets	$150 in bonus bets	two $25 bonus bets every seven days for 14 days	One (< $50) or five (> $50) bonus bets	10 100% profit boosts
Min. deposit	$5	$10	$5	$10	$10
Top daily promos	Contests and jackpots	SGP boosts	Parlay boosts	Odds boosts	Odds boosts
Covers BetSmart Rating	⭐ 4.6/5	⭐ 4.7/5	⭐ 4.6/5	⭐ 4.7/5	⭐ 4.5/5
Claim Bonus	Claim $1000	Claim $150	Claim $150	Claim $1,500	Claim Now

Best Illinois sports betting offers and bonuses

Here is our ranking of the best Illinois sportsbook promos in 2026:

BetMGM - $1,500 First Bet Offer: BetMGM IL welcomes new Prairie State bettors with a lucrative first bet offer of up to $1,500 in bonus bets, packaged as five $300 bonus bets. If your initial wager loses, receive an equal stake up to $1,500. Bonus bets expire after seven days. Use the BetMGM bonus code 'COVERS' to redeem this offer, which expires on Sep. 1, 2026.

bet365 - Bet $10, Get $150 Win or Lose: The newest sportsbook in Illinois is providing $150 in bonus bets by simply wagering $10 on any sports market with odds of -500 or greater that settle within 30 days of claiming the promo. Use bet365 bonus code 'CVSBONUS' during registration to activate the promo, which must be claimed via the bet365 Sportsbook app and is valid until Aug. 25, 2026.

FanDuel - Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets: Sign up with FanDuel AZ to get up to $1,000 in bonus bets. Just wager $5 for seven consecutive days to unlock a $50 daily bonus bet. No FanDuel promo code is required, but the offer expires on Aug. 23, 2026.

Caesars - Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens: Enter our exclusive Caesars Sportsbook promo code 'GODYW' while registering a new account, make a minimum deposit of $10, and place your first real money wager of $1 within 30 days. Caesars will issue you 10 100% profit boosts. Each boost has a maximum bet of $25 and has a total value of $2,500. New users have 14 days after receiving the bonus, which expires on Aug. 18, 2026.

DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets: DraftKings' Illinois sign-up bonus gives new customers $150 in bonus bets when they deposit a minimum of $5 and make a wager at least $5. The bonus arrives as two $25 bonus bets every seven days for 14 days instantly and is valid for seven days. No DraftKings promo code is required to claim this offer, which is set to expire on Aug. 23, 2026. 

DraftKings responsible gaming  

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit MA Gambling Helpline (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit Home (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

Fanatics Sportsbook - 10 x $100 Bet Match in FanCash: Use the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code COVERS during registration to qualify for its latest welcome offer of up to $1,000 in no sweat bets FanCash. Simply place a daily $1 wager on a market with -500 odds or longer. If the wagers settle as a loss, you'll receive one (1) bonus bet equal to the amount of your wager, up to $100, for your first 10 days using the operator. This offer is valid until Aug. 23, 2026.

Compare Illinois sportsbook apps

The top sports betting apps Illinois boasts are available to download from both the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store. These mobile-friendly platforms are free, and most let you explore the layout and features before you even register.

Once you find an app that’s smooth, intuitive, and offers the tools you value most, you can create an account, enter a promo code, and unlock a welcome bonus.

Here are the up-to-date Google Play and App Store ratings of the best Illinois sports betting apps in August 2026:

How we evaluate & rate Illinois betting apps

While many Illinois sports betting apps may look similar to the casual sports bettor, these platforms differ significantly.

But the best sports betting apps in Illinois have checked all of the following boxes to earn a spot on our top-rated list above.

Welcome bonuses and promotions

Illinois sports betting apps offer generous welcome bonuses like second chance bets and bonus bets. Do your due diligence to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions of these offers to avoid hiccups when it's time to cash out your winnings.

User experience

User experience is, or should be, top of mind for operators of Illinois betting apps. The betting apps Illinois has deliver on all fronts, from registration and banking to overall navigation and load times. We recommend downloading multiple apps to see which platforms best suit your needs.

Variety of bet types

Most bettors want the option to not only bet on NFL moneylines, point spreads, and Over/Unders (totals) but to build same-game parlays, enjoy live in-game betting on every play, and place futures bets.

You can have it all in Illinois with multiple mobile sports betting apps locked and loaded on your mobile device.

Banking options

The more banking options available, the better. The best Illinois betting apps allow you to deposit via credit card, e-wallets, online banking, Play+, and more. Additionally, the apps' seamless deposit and payout processes ensure you can quickly confirm your bets and access winnings. 

Payout speed

Imagine Caleb Williams helping you hit a backdoor cover on a Sunday afternoon and waiting a full week for your sportsbook to process your withdrawal request.

With Illinois' top sports betting apps, this will not be your reality. These online sports betting apps offer quick payouts via PayPal, Play+, and other popular withdrawal methods, releasing your funds in as little as one day.

Security 

Consider licensed and regulated Illinois sports betting apps the 1985 Chicago Bears defense. Offensive attacks on your personal information are quickly thwarted thanks to advances in encryption technology. Legal sports betting apps in the state offer top-notch security to keep your data and finances safe.

Customer support

If you have a question about a sports betting market, the withdrawal process, or the terms and conditions of a fresh new promo, reach out to your sportsbook's customer support team. The best IL betting apps offer a combination of live chat, phone, and email support.  

Covers tip: Go to customer support before signing up with a sportsbook. If you're satisfied with the quality and speed of the response, you can confidently create your new account.

What sportsbooks are legal in Illinois?

The Illinois sports betting market continues to thrive in 2026. Bettors can download these ten Illinois sports betting sites and apps today:

1. BetMGM - Best overall experience

2. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best for merch rewards

3. bet365 - Best for live streaming

4. FanDuel - Best user experience

5. Caesars - Best rewards program

6. DraftKings - Best for grading winners

7. Hard Rock Bet - Best for rewards drops

8. Circa - High limits

9. BetRivers - Perfect for newbies

10. theScore Bet - Loads of markets

The pros and cons of IL sports betting

Illinois is now up to ten 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.

Fully mobile betting with the March 2022 return of remote registration

Significant growth potential

Access to online and retail sportsbooks

Bets on Illinois college teams placed only in person at a casino or racetrack sportsbook

High barrier-to-entry means fewer choices for bettors

List of all legal sportsbooks in Illinois

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).

Illinois' online and mobile sportsbooks

Land-based IL sportsbooks

Why sign up for multiple IL sports betting sites?

Covers Expert Tip

"While everyone has their favorite online sportsbook, we strongly encourage all Illinois bettors to register and use multiple sports betting sites when wagering. We explain why below."

Joshua Howe, Content Manager 

Having multiple accounts allows you to search and compare the betting odds across different sportsbooks, ensuring that you always get the best price on your wagers. 

You're able to claim a welcome bonus at each online sportsbook, meaning you can score ten new-users promos if you have an account with all of the current Illinois sports betting sites. This windfall is in addition to any odds boosts or daily promotions that may arise.

Operators have varying top features, so using multiple sportsbooks ensures you can access live betting, early cash-outs, pre-built parlays, and other standout benefits. 

Ensure you can find betting markets for every sporting event, including niche leagues like darts, greyhound racing, badminton, and more.

Join several of the best sportsbook rewards programs in 2026. You can turn every wager into points that are redeemable for various perks like bonus bets, personalized customer service, free trips, discounted hotel stays, and more. 

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: 

How to start betting in Illinois

Read below to learn how to sign up and claim Illinois welcome offers in minutes:

1

Select a sportsbook

• With legal online betting open, Illinois bettors have multiple online sportsbooks they can register with today.
• Consider sign-up bonuses, odds pricing, supported banking methods, and the look and feel of each sports betting platform before getting started.

2

Register online

• After choosing your sportsbook(s), you’ll have to create an account in Illinois.
• Enter your name, email, and address, and follow the prompts provided by the online platform.
• Once you’ve confirmed your identity and location, your account will be active.

3

Claim a bonus

• Illinois sports betting sites are vying for your attention by offering the most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses, including second chance bets, bet and gets, and deposit match bonuses.
• Be sure to enter a sportsbook promo code, if necessary.

4

Deposit funds

• Online betting sites support a wide variety of sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods, including credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, online banking, and more. 
• Bettors should understand each payment method fully and look for potential fees charged by banks or financial institutions.

5

Start betting

• Bettors will find a wide range of sports bet types, including moneylines, point spreads, Over/Unders (totals), same-game parlays, futures, teasers, and live betting.
• Once you’ve identified the best price for your bet(s), fill up your bet slip and confirm your wager(s).

6

Withdraw winnings

• With licensed and regulated IL sportsbooks, accessing your sports bet winnings is painless.
• Expect to wait a few days to see your funds arrive in your bank account or e-wallet, though some withdrawal methods offer almost instant access to your bankroll.

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.

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 where you can legally bet on the NFL Draft, meaning you can cash in on all seven rounds.

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.

Illinois sports betting revenue breakdown

Illinois set a monthly record with its $1.4 billion October handle in 2024 and surpassed $11 billion in total handle in 2023.

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. 

Find sports betting revenue figures for each U.S. legal market to learn about how much revenue each state garners.  

We compiled the financial figures to illustrate the breakdown with our Illinois revenue tracker:

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

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.

NHL

Chicago Blackhawks

St. Louis Blues

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Chicago Bulls

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Chicago Bears

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Chicago Cubs

Chicago White Sox

St. Louis Cardinals

Get live MLB odds

Illinois 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.

Illinois sports betting market outlook

The Illinois sports betting market gained a recent addition — bet365 — in March 2025, which is an encouraging sign for potential operators launching in the state in the future.

Illinois is among the most lucrative states in terms of sports betting handle and revenue, as the Prairie State recently became the third U.S. jurisdiction to reach $50 billion in total bets since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018. Another reason to be optimistic about potential expansion is the support of local lawmakers. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul recently stated that the state may legalize online casino gaming soon, possibly as early as 2026.

With potential government support backed by high revenues, it wouldn't surprise us at all if more online sports betting sites tried to make their way to the Prairie State soon. 

Other legal betting options

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.

Responsible gaming in Illinois

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:

Recent legal U.S. sports betting launches

Missouri sports betting debuted in December 2025, allowing locals to wager on the Kansas City Chiefs during the home stretch of the NFL season.

North Carolina sports betting officially launched in March 2024. Tar Heel State bettors can now register for several of the country's best online sportsbooks, including FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars Sportsbook. 

Legal Vermont sports betting went live in January 2024, with three operators — FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics Sportsbook — all available on launch day.

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:

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.

2025: bet365 launches in Illinois

2024: Hard Rock Bet goes live in Illinois

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

How Illinois sports betting compares to other legal states

Illinois bettors can hop state lines and access legal sports wagering in each of the following neighboring regions: Indiana, Iowa, and Kentucky. We've outlined how Illinois' competitive market compares to these three states below: 

Best Kentucky sportsbooks

Browse the best online sports betting options available in KY.

Kentucky Sports Betting

Best IA betting sites

Study some of the top online sportsbooks in Iowa.

Iowa Sports Betting

Best IN sportsbooks

Check out our favorite Indiana sportsbooks in 2026.

Indiana Sports Betting

Illinois sports betting conclusion

Illinois sports bettors can wager with confidence with as many as ten 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.  

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

See all blacklisted sportsbooks