- Top Online Sportsbooks in Illinois
- Best Illinois Betting Sites
- Why Is DraftKings the Best Sportsbook in Illinois
- Illinois Betting Sites With the Best Promotions
- Top Illinois Sportsbooks by Sport
- How To Find the Best Betting Sites in Illinois
- How Oddspedia Sportsbook Ratings Work
- How To Create a Betting Account in Illinois
- Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
- US Legal State Betting
- Best Illinois Betting Sites FAQs
Top Online Sportsbooks in Illinois
We look at various factors when pinpointing the best Illinois betting sites, including promotional deals, odds, the variety of sports and bet types, unique features, and the overall user experience on both desktop and app platforms. Additionally, we looked at deposit and withdrawal methods, the quality of customer service, VIP programs, and more. Let's dive in.
Best Illinois Betting Sites
DraftKings
USA players are accepted
When it comes to sports betting, DraftKings Illinois lives up to its name. With ample experience in the daily fantasy sports (DFS) arena predating the legalization of sports betting in many states, the famous brand has had a leg up in the online gambling arena.
From the number of sports and bet types offered to odds and customer service, it doesn't get any better than DraftKings. This is in addition to one of the best VIP programs in the industry with its Dynasty Rewards offering, excellent ongoing promotions, and so much more. It's daily odds boosts and same-game parlay insurance is just another reason why DraftKings is one of the best sportsbooks in the industry.
You can also claim its lucrative bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets welcome bonus without a DraftKings promo code. If you're interested in betting on the NBA playoffs, DraftKings has you covered. You can get a no-sweat token to use on an NBA same-game parlay every day of the 2024 postseason.
Read: DraftKings review
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 + No Sweat NBA SGP Tokens
Caesars
USA players are accepted
There is no name in the world of the retail casino and hospitality industry with a more prestigious reputation than Caesars Entertainment. With its Caesars Sportsbook offering, the brand has paired with legendary sportsbook operator William Hill to make significant waves in the U.S.-regulated sportsbook waters.
We have found that the Caesars Illinois website and app are highly intuitive and well organized. The mobile bet slip particularly shines compared to much of the competition. Plus, Caesars' rewards program offering is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy the Caesars range of properties. Not only that, but the Caesars welcome bonus is one of the most lucrative in the industry. You can claim the $1,000 First Bet Insurance offer with the Caesars sportsbook promo code OPBONUS1000.
Read: Caesars review
- Avg. Payout: 95.04%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
BetMGM
USA players are accepted
Few can rival Caesars when it comes to its legacy of hospitality and gambling, but MGM Resorts International stands as a notable contender. This wealth of experience is evident in the excellence of its BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois offering.
We have found that the customer service is as good as it gets at BetMGM, informed by years of experience in the brick-and-mortar casino and hotel industry. Bonuses and promotions are generous, and the selection of sports and bet types is wide and varied. The MGM Resorts faithful will also enjoy the VIP program offered at BetMGM. The BetMGM sportsbook also gives out bet credits for bettor loyalty, on top of the $1,500 back in bonus bets welcome offer it provides that you can claim with the BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS.
Read: BetMGM review
- Avg. Payout: 93.75%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets
FanDuel
USA players are accepted
FanDuel, like DraftKings, had established itself as a premier Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) provider long before sports betting became legal in numerous U.S. states. This prior experience gives FanDuel an advantage in app development compared to other brands.
Anyone who has used the FanDuel DFS platform for either desktop or mobile can tell you that it is incredibly intuitive and user-friendly. This is particularly true for newcomers to online sports gambling. This carries over into the FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois product, which is equally responsive, well-organized, and optimized for novice and experienced bettors alike. It's betting site is incredibly easy to navigate, its geolocation services are great, and the customizable promos it offers depending on where you are located are the best you can find. You can also claim its bet $5, get $150 welcome bonus without the use of a FanDuel promo code.
Read: FanDuel review
- Avg. Payout: 94.5%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
BetRivers
USA players are accepted
BetRivers holds the distinction of being the first online sportsbook to go active in Illinois. On top of that, it is simply one of the best IL betting sites based on various criteria.
While not as famous of a brand as some of its competition, BetRivers Illinois holds its own in terms of sports and bet types available and the size and frequency of bonuses and promotions. Not to mention customer service and loyalty programs, and ease of use of the mobile app and desktop sites. It's iRR rush rewards program is among the best loyalty services in the industry, and you can claim its $500 second chance bet when you sign up using the BetRivers bonus code ODDSPEDIA.
Read: BetRivers review
- Avg. Payout: 94.39%
- Payout speed: 1-5 days
- Sign Up Bonus: Up to a $500 Second-chance Bet
How To Sign Up With A Sportsbook
Everything You Need To Know In 5 Easy Steps!
Use the "Register Here" button in the header of this Oddspedia Operator Review Page to go to the bookmaker's site.
Locate the "Create Account/Sign Up/Register” button on the home page and click on it.
Complete the registration form by inputting valid information such as Name, DOB, E-mail etc.*It is critical to use valid info for verification procedures for the account setup and withdrawing funds at a later date
Wait for the email validation and take the designated action.
Return to the site and log in with the username and password you stated in the sign-up process. You are now ready to start your betting journey.
Why Is DraftKings the Best Sportsbook in Illinois
When seeking the best sportsbooks in Illinois, DraftKings emerges as a solid competitor. The wealth of experience garnered in daily fantasy sports has seamlessly translated into a sophisticated online betting platform. This is evident not only in app development and website optimization but extends to various facets of their sportsbook offering.
DraftKings takes pride in a meticulously designed loyalty program and VIP customer service that is unrivaled, presenting some of the most generous bonuses, promotions, gifts, and giveaways in the industry. With DraftKings, you'll encounter a diverse array of sports and bet types, and their deposit and withdrawal processes consistently demonstrate speed and reliability.
When it comes to catering to loyal bettors, DraftKings stands out as the pinnacle in providing an exceptional user experience. The genuine care exhibited by the DraftKings team sets them apart in the competitive landscape of the current betting industry.
Illinois Betting Sites With the Best Promotions
DraftKings: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets is offered to new sign-ups in IL.
Caesars: New users in Illinois can take advantage of a second chance bet of up to $1,000 based on an initial qualifying wager.
BetMGM: Sign up for a BetMGM account in Illinois and get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets.
FanDuel: New IL sign-ups will get $150 in bonus bets if they place an initial wager of at least $5.
BetRivers: Receive up to $500 in bet credits based on your first bet as a new Illinois user.
Top Illinois Sportsbooks by Sport
Here we will analyze which sportsbooks are the best for particular sports, focusing on the most popular options in the U.S. We've based this analysis on various criteria such as the most advantageous odds, how quickly they are posted, the number of bet types available, the live betting choices, and more. These sportsbooks will also be major players when it comes to special events, so you can be sure they'll be among the top Super Bowl betting sites and March Madness betting sites, too.
Best Illinois Sportsbooks for NFL
As the NFL is the most popular sport in the U.S., every reputable sportsbook has many excellent options. Still, DraftKings ultimately takes the cake, making it the best option for loyal Bears fans in IL.
DraftKings offers the most significant number of NFL bets available at any of the top Illinois sportsbooks. The odds are as good as they come and post before many competitors. For more information on NFL betting at the best Illinois sportsbooks, please see our NFL betting page.
Best Illinois Sportsbooks for NBA
For Illinois bettors looking to get action down on Chicago Bulls basketball, Caesars is the top option. Odds are as generous as you will find (including periodic odds boosts) and post early. Plus, the number of bet types, including a wide selection of props, can't be beaten.
This is not to mention one of the best NBA live betting selections we have seen among any of the best IL sportsbooks. Of course, every top sportsbook we recommend has excellent NBA betting options, so please check out our NBA betting page for more details.
Best Illinois Sportsbooks for MLB
When analyzing the best Illinois betting sites for baseball, the most crucial factor is the number of betting options available. Quite specifically, props, futures, and live betting. BetMGM is the best here, with the broadest selection of MLB betting options.
Plus, odds are among the most advantageous even on standard MLB bet types like moneylines, run lines (the baseball equivalent of a point spread), and totals (over/under). Cubs and White Sox fans will not be disappointed with BetMGM's baseball betting offerings. Please check out our MLB betting page for more information on the top IL sportsbooks for MLB betting.
Best Illinois Sportsbooks for NHL
Though the NHL may not be quite as popular in the US as the NFL and NBA, it is one of the most exhilarating sports to bet on. Illinois sports enthusiasts love their Blackhawks, and there is no better place to get action down than at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Whether you are looking to bet on the moneyline, puck line (much like the run line in baseball), or totals (over/under), you won't be disappointed at FanDuel. This is not to mention the excellent odds that post in a timely manner, a nice selection of props and futures, and more. If you want to dig deeper into the best options for NHL betting, please check out our full NHL betting page.
How To Find the Best Betting Sites in Illinois
First of all, select a sportsbook from our list of the best IL betting sites. We've thoroughly reviewed all of the top options to make it easy for you based on your exact wants and needs in the world of sports betting.
Crucial factors to consider include what sports you are most interested in betting, the Illinois sportsbook promos and bonuses offered, betting odds, and the rewards programs at each respective sportsbook. Every top Illinois sportsbook we've reviewed comes with our highest recommendation.
How Oddspedia Sportsbook Ratings Work
When analyzing all of the best sportsbooks in Illinois, we've extensively considered the number of bet types available. Of course, most bettors will be interested in moneylines, point spreads (or run lines/puck lines for MLB/NHL), totals (over/under), and other standard betting choices. Yet, parlays, including same game options, and other multi-leg bet varieties like teasers and round robins are also essential to consider.
Plus, many of us will be concerned with betting props and futures and in-game betting. All the top Illinois sportsbooks we've reviewed offer the broadest selection of props and futures, including releasing futures lines and odds earlier than much of the competition.
This is in addition to great live betting choices and proprietary innovative bet types. All of this and more has gone into our sportsbook rating model.
What Makes a Good Sportsbook?
Many factors go into making a great sportsbook. Among them are how lucrative the promotional offers are, how generous the odds on average may be, and the number of sports and bet types available. Banking options, customer service, VIP programs, and ease of use of the app and website are other vital considerations.
We've looked at all this to find the best Illinois betting sites. This is why we've concluded that these sportsbooks are the best of the best and have assigned their respective ratings.
Why Should You Avoid Certain Sportsbooks?
The number one factor should be whether or not a sportsbook is legal and regulated in the US. Any offshore sportsbook is inherently less reliable and safe than the legal betting sites in Illinois we have recommended. Another consideration would be how long a sportsbook has been in business. Finer points include:
- Whether sportsbooks have had security breaches
- Issues with deposits and withdrawals
- Customer service complaints
- Failure to deliver promotional offers
- How quick a sportsbook is to close or limit accounts
How To Create a Betting Account in Illinois
To create a betting account at any of the legal online sportsbooks in Illinois, you must be 21 years or older and possess a valid social security number. Here's a step-by-step guide to signing up:
- First, select from our list of the top Illinois betting apps and sportsbooks click one of the links provided in this guide to be taken to its welcome page. Here you will provide personal details like your name, address, phone number, and date of birth. You will also choose your username and password.
- Now you will receive a verification email from most sportsbooks. A link will be provided that you must click to verify your account.
- You can generally deposit and start betting immediately upon initial registration and confirming your account via your welcome email. Once your account is registered, sign in and make your first deposit. If there are applicable promo codes, enter them in the appropriate field to ensure you receive any related bonuses.
- Upon your deposit, you can place your first wager. Please review the welcome bonus offered when considering your first bet, as it may be contingent on the size of this initial wager.
- Generally, additional information will be required before withdrawing funds. This will be either a copy of your ID, social security card, or another form of identity verification and potentially proof of address. Upon this final verification, your account will be entirely set up, and you can withdraw funds at your convenience.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Sports betting is entirely legal and regulated in Illinois as of 2023. Illinois has several legal online sportsbooks to cover all your betting needs in the state.
A problematic negotiation process ended in sports betting passing through state legislation in June 2019. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690 into law on June 28, and the first legal wager in Illinois was placed in March 2020. The first online sports betting app in the state, BetRivers, went live in June of the same year.
As of April 2024, you can bet with eight online sportsbooks in IL, including all the most reputable legal US sports betting operators. Many retail sportsbooks are also available in brick-and-mortar casinos active in the state.
Until early March 2022, you needed to go to a physical sportsbook location for the operator to register for an online sportsbook. This requirement was finally lifted on March 5, 2022. This means that you can sign up for any of the best Illinois betting sites from your desktop or mobile device wherever you are located.
Sports Betting in Illinois: The Legal Situation
- 2019: Though there was much deliberation in the process, SB 690 is eventually passed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker on June 28th, 2019. Legal sports betting becomes a reality in Illinois.
- 2020: Retail sportsbooks Rivers Des Plaines and Argosy Casino Alton are the first to go live in the state. Unfortunately, COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns almost immediately halt retail sports betting progress.
- 2020: Gov. Pritzker temporarily suspends the in-person wagering registration requirement in May in lieu of the pandemic lockdown and the imminent opening of online sportsbooks. BetRivers is the first online sportsbook to open in Illinois, and before the end of 2020, four other online sportsbooks launched in the state.
- 2021: Barstool Sports becomes the sixth online sportsbook to launch in Illinois in March 2021. State betting handle and revenue grows throughout the year, with a record $840.4 million in wagers being placed in the month of October alone. The Illinois General Assembly also voted to retract the in-person registration requirement for online sportsbooks and allow in-person pregame wagering on in-state NCAA teams.
- 2022: The in-person registration requirement ends on March 5th, 2022. This makes an immediate significant positive impact on the state betting handle ($971.3 million in the first month post remote registration).
Illinois Sports Betting Laws
Illinois sports betting laws are among the less stringent you will find currently. The in-person registration requirement has ended, and eight online operators are now active.
There are also seven active retail sportsbooks for in-person betting. This means you can legally bet at casinos, racetracks, and even large sporting arenas, and even more retail locations are expected to open in the near future.
It's important to remember that you must be 21 or over with a valid social security number to bet in Illinois. Online sports betting on out-of-state NCAA teams is allowed, but you must wager in-person and pregame only on in-state college teams.
Illinois Sports Betting Updates
- April 5, 2024: Fanatics Sportsbook launches in Illinois, taking over from PointsBet
- Jan. 19, 2024: Illinois sports betting hit a state-record handle for the third consecutive month with a November total of $1.4 billion, up 18.5% from October.
- February 27, 2023: The National Council on Problem Gambling states its satisfaction with the new responsible gaming measures put in place by the Illinois legislature.
- February 17, 2023: Over $1 billion in handle was posted for December of the previous year, making it the third most significant month in the history of Illinois sports betting.
- February 9, 2023: A new initiative is implemented by Senator Bill Cunningham, SB 1508. This bill requires legal online sportsbooks in Illinois to display a pop-up message directing to gambling addiction resources after every 10 bets placed by any user.
- January 30, 2023: Illinois Representative Robert Rita introduces HB 1405, a bill allowing betting exchanges in IL. This would allow bettors to wager against each other rather than against sportsbook odds, an option that is only available stateside in New Jersey.
- January 5, 2023: Circa Sportsbook is stated to be ready to launch in IL. Circa will become the eighth active online sportsbook in the state when its retail host, the Temporary by American Place Casino, opens for business.
Regulatory Bodies and Key Gambling Legislation
- Illinois Gaming Board
- Illinois General Assembly
- WeKnowtheFeeling.org
US Legal State Betting
| State | Online | Retail |
| Arizona Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Arkansas Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Colorado Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Delaware Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Florida Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Illinois Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Indiana Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa Sports Betting | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Louisiana Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Maryland Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Michigan Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Mississippi Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| Montana Sportsbooks | On-Premises Only | Yes |
| Nevada Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Hampshire Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Jersey Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| New Mexico Sportsbooks | No | Yes |
| New York Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Ohio Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Oregon Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Rhode Island Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Texas Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Vermont Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Virginia Sportsbooks | No | No |
| West Virginia Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Washington, DC Sportsbooks | Yes | Yes |
| Wisconsin Sportsbooks | No | No |
| Wyoming Sportsbooks | Yes | No |
