Illinois Sports Betting

ಌ Home to the Windy City, Illinois has swiftly risen to prominence as a premier hub for sports betting since its legalization in 2019. Explore the realm of Illinois sports betting with comprehensive insights and essential information on the best betting sites available in the state.

Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites

Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

🥂 Illinois sports betting was legalized in June 2019 as part of the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, but it took some time for the launching of sportsbooks to take place in the state. It wasn’t until March 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, that the first retail sportsbooks opened there.

ꦰ BetRivers became the first online sportsbook to begin operations in the state in June 2020.

Illinois Sports Betting Timeline

ဣ The following timeline outlines the history of online sports betting in Illinois:

• 1850s꧟ – Gambling houses become particularly popular in Chicago, and the mafia utilizes sports betting as a major revenue stream throughout the 20th century.

• 1961🐼 – Illinois sports betting online is formally illegal.

• 2018ꦕ – The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 is deemed ‘unconstitutional’ by the Supreme Court.

• 2019෴ – Governor Pritzker signs the Sports Wagering Act into law, legalizing sports betting.

• 2020🎃 – The first retail and online sportsbooks launches in the state.

• 2023꧅ – Illinois sports betting handle hits a record $1.16bn in October.

Sports Betting Revenue & Taxation in Illinois

🐎 Illinois passed the Sports Wagering Act in 2019 with hope of gaining another ample source of tax revenue. Explaining his goals for the bill, the 43rd Governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker said:

𝄹 The Sports Wagering Act allows for a 15% gross Illinois sports betting revenue on all licensed sports betting operations.

ꦅ Since the launch in 2020, Illinois has emerged as a major player in the sports betting scene — mainly due to the array of Chicago-based sports franchises. Only three states (New Jersey, Nevada, and New York) have accumulated more revenue from sports betting than Illinois. With an impressive $2.3 billion in earnings, it has also contributed over $361m in taxes — a figure surpassed only by New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Top Sportsbooks in Illinois

💙 If you’re ready to embark on the best sports betting sites Illinois has to offer, I’ve prepared a list for you:

1. FanDuel

The immensely popular FanDuel sportsbook⭕ launched in Illinois in August 2020, initially partnering with Par-A-Dice Casino, and became the state’s third online sports betting operator. It now operates from Fairmount Park Racetrack, which is one of the busiest betting locations in Illinois.

🌊 It’s easy to understand why FanDuel is regarded as one of the US’ premier bookmakers. This sportsbook pioneered the now hugely popular Same-Game Parlay phenomenon, and has long been praised for its sheer array of offered promotions — even if they aren’t the most original.

🐬 The bookie is set to become even more prominent when its two-story retail sportsbook at the United Center opens.

2. BetMGM

BetMGM🌳 moved swiftly to apply for an online license in Illinois as the sportsbook secured the first of three online-only sports betting licenses in the state. It opened operations in March 2022 following a lengthy delay.

🎀 After FanDuel moved over to Fairmount Park, BetMGM swooped to partner with Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino, from where they still operate.

♛ BetMGM’s willingness to reward its bettors is admirable, boasting an unparalleled rewards program that's undoubtedly the best of its kind. The array of prizes is also off the charts, elevating the overall betting experience to new heights.

♑ While some critics point to a lack of sportsbook promotions as a possible downside, new Illinois sports bettors can take advantage of a generous welcome offer.

3. ESPN BET

ꦰ ESPN BET is the new brand in Illinois, where it has partnered with the Hollywood Casino in Aurora for a retail sportsbook and betting app. Other partners include Hollywood Casino Joliet and Argosy Casino Alton.

🧜 Backed by PENN Entertainment and the instantly recognizable ESPN, this sportsbook has the potential to emerge as a standout performer in the industry.

🍰 A lucrative welcome offer that catches the eye is necessary for a newbie such as ESPN BET, and their two bonuses (100% up to $1,000 first deposit bonus, and place any wager and get $200 in bonus bets) certainly intrigue. The sportsbook also does a superb job of gearing its promotions to local sports teams.

🍌 While ESPN Bet can’t yet be compared with industry giants FanDuel and DraftKings, the early signs for this young sportsbook are certainly promising.

4. Caesars Sportsbook

🍸 Caesars has a retail partnership with Elgin’s Grand Victoria Casino in Illinois, while online sports betting is also easily accessible.

🌟 New customers can enjoy a brilliant welcome offer, potentially earning up to $1,000 in bonus bets to kickstart their betting journey with this sportsbook.

ඣ While the casino product is highly regarded, their sportsbook is also well worthy of admiration. Other than their generous new customer bonus, Caesars offers regular odds boosts for major sporting events and will particularly target games that include the major Chicago franchises.

🍸 Same-Game Parlays as well as innovative live graphics are two notable features of Caesars’ online sportsbook, providing the opportunity to take advantage of an extensive menu of betting markets.

5. DraftKings

DraftKings💦 became Illinois’ second online sportsbook in August 2020 and is currently partnered with the Casino Queen in the state.

This bookie’s insistence on delivering standout sportsbook promotions is so impressive; there’s seemingly always something new which catches your eye. DraftKings Dynasty Rewardsꦫ loyalty program is arguably the best of its kind on the market, adding a ton of value to betting with them.

🌜 New customers can take advantage of a welcome offer that boasts some great similarities to others on the market, and they can also enjoy a No Sweat Same-Game Parlay when getting started with this operator.

Illinois Sports Betting Apps

Illinois Sports Betting Promotions

𝓰 Here are some of the best ongoing Illinois sports betting promos:

BetMGM Bonus Bet up to $1,500

💧 Illinois sports bettors can enjoy multiple new customers offers fronted by this operator.

🅰 Their Bonus Bets offer worth up to $1,500 is laden with value. After signing up to BetMGM, you merely need to place a $10 wager to qualify for the welcome offer. It’s worth taking a risk with the qualifying bet too, as you’ll only get the whopping amount in bonus bets if your qualifying bet loses.

🦋 However, you will only receive bonus bets equal to the amount of the stake of your qualifying bet.

DraftKings Bet $5, Get $150

🅘 What’s not to like about DraftKings’ new customer offer? You will be awarded $150 in bonus bets after placing your first $5 bet with the revered sportsbook. Plus, unlike other promotions, you will receive your bonuses irrespective of whether your qualifying bet wins or loses.

𓂃 Once your qualifying bet is placed, DraftKings will instantly credit your bonuses (rewarded as x6 $25 bets), which can be used across the entirety of their superb sportsbook. However, the Illinois sports betting bonuses you receive must be used within seven days of them arriving into your account.

Caesars $1,000 Bonus Bet

🎉 For what Caesars’ welcome offer lacks in originality, it’s more than compensated with a ton of value. With this promotion, new customers receive up to $1,000 in bonus bets after placing a qualifying (first) bet with the sportsbook.

༒ However, like the BetMGM offer, you will only receive the bet credits if your qualifying bet loses.

♒ The bonus bet you receive is rewarded in one lump sum (depending on the size of your qualifying bet), there are no odds restrictions, it carries a x1 playthrough, and must be used within 14 days of receipt.

FanDuel Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

🌊 There may no longer be a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 for Illinois sports bettors to enjoy, but FanDuel’s latest new customer offer is still a very generous promotion. It’s one that boasts similarities to promos offered by their competitors.

𝔉 After placing a single $5 bet on any FanDuel Moneyline market, the sportsbook will give out $150 in bonus bets so long as your qualifying bet is a winner. There are no minimum odds restrictions with this offer, but the credits expire after 14 days.

Illinois Sports Betting Laws & Regulations

🃏 Like any US state which has legalized sport betting, there are plenty of regulations that come along with it. Here are some of the key points of , which passed in June 2019:

Legal Sportsbooks in Illinois

♛ Below I've listed the Illinois legal sports betting brands that currently operate in the state:

Illinois Online Sports Betting & Mobile Sports Betting

Land-Based Illinois Sportsbooks

🐷 The below table displays the eight Illinois sports betting locations in operation. Along with these, a PointsBet sportsbook is available at four racetracks in the state.

♓ Nine stadiums also qualify to apply for one of the state’s seven stadium licenses based on seating capacity. A DraftKings sportsbook has opened at Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, while FanDuel is set to construct a sportsbook at the United Center, home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks.

Popular Sports To Bet on in Illinois

⛄ Illinois is home to one of the US’ most populous cities, Chicago, and the presence of various major sports franchises in the Windy City means there are multiple popular sports to bet on in the state.

Like many other states, baseball, basketball, and football are particularly popular betting options for resident bettors. However, ice hockey and soccer are also prominent sports there and accessible on Illinois’ sportsbooks. Furthermore, college events such as March Madness always gain plenty of traction.

Best Local Sports Teams To Bet on in Illinois

꧟ Illinois is home to the Chicago sports franchises: the White Sox and Cubs (MLB), Bulls (NBA), Fire (MLS), Bears (NFL), and Blackhawks (NHL).

Despite its status as one of America’s major sporting cities, Chicago’s franchises haven’t exactly been blessed with perpetual success. Michael Jordan littered the city with championships in the 90s as he reached GOAT status in basketball. His Bulls✨ were six-time NBA Champions between 1991 and 1998.

The Blackhawks🤡 are the most decorated Chicago franchise of the 21st century. Three of their six Stanley Cup triumphs arrived since the new Millennium.

Chicago’s MLB teams have each won three World Series. Both the White Sox and Cubs🌠 endured extended championship droughts until their respective ‘recent’ victories. The White Sox ended their 88-year drought in 2005, while the Cubs ended a 108-year drought in 2016.

The Chicago Bears▨ are laden with history, but modern-day success has come few and far between. They won eight championships before the 1970 merger but have since gone on to win one Super Bowl. The ’85 Bears are nonetheless recognized as one of the great NFL teams.

While The Fire🅘 aren’t as well-supported as the other Chicago franchises, MLS in general remains a relatively popular league in the US, and Lionel Messi’s arrival in Miami will only aid the league’s growth. The Fire are only one-time MLS Cup winners (1998).

Benefits of Regulated Illinois Sports Betting

How To Bet on Sports in Illinois

There are a multitude of betting options for Illinois punters following the launch of sports betting in 2020. I’ve covered the array of Illinois retail sportsbooks in operation, and alongside them are several major online sportsbooks also in action.

𒊎 You must be minimum 21 years old to wager online or via Illinois’ retail locations; and while you must be within state lines to bet, you do not have to be a resident of the state.

ജ You no longer need to register at a retail location to place online bets in Illinois, so here’s how you can go about creating an online betting account with an Illinois sportsbook:

1. 🐓 Pick one of the available online sportsbooks operating in Illinois.

2. ꦓ Download the best illinois sports betting app via the App Store or Google Play (iOS/Android).

3. ✨ If you’re 21 or over, register for an online betting account.

4. ♓ A wide variety of payment methods should be available, so you should have no issues depositing funds into your account.

5. 🎃 Once your online sports betting Illinois account is funded, take advantage of any new customer offers the sportsbook might have.

6. Start placing sports wagers!

Illinois Sports Betting Facts

Illinois Sports Betting Handle

♑ The state has accumulated the fourth-biggest sports betting handle since sports betting was launched in 2020. Only New Jersey, Nevada and New York have generated bigger handles than Illinois ($27 billion).

🌄 While the majority of the state’s take comes via the eight online sportsbooks in operation, a couple of Illinois’ retail locations are able to generate monthly handles in excess of $200 million. Fairmount Park (FanDuel) and Casino Queen (DraftKings) are both closing in on $10 billion all-time handles.

💙 October 2023 was a record-breaking month for the state in terms of handle. Illinois sportsbooks combined took in over $1.1 billion — a new state record.

Responsible Gambling in Illinois

♉ The Illinois Gaming Board places a strong emphasis on measured and controlled gambling. The Board encourages bettors and, in particular, problem gamblers to make use of the , which offers resources and advice throughout.

States With Legal Sports Betting

ꦯ At the time of writing, more than 30 states (plus Washington DC) have legalized sports betting in the US.

ThePuntersPage Final Say

༺ This guide has detailed just how strong sports betting is in Illinois. After a slow start due to the pandemic, Chicago’s strength as a sporting city has started to take hold, and sportsbooks operating in the state are reaping the rewards. Given the future plans in place, sports betting is set to reach the next level in Illinois.

Illinois Resources