Illinois Sports Betting: Best IL Sportsbooks in July 2025

21+ and present in IL. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Yes, Illinois sports betting has been legal since June 2019, when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690. The first in-person sportsbook in Illinois opened at Rivers Casino in March 2020. Online sports betting in Illinois went live just months later.

There are 10 legal online sportsbooks in Illinois. Our Oddspedia experts have combed through all the available offerings and outlined the best Illinois betting sites:

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Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins

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FanDuel burst onto the scene in 2009 as one of the country's leading daily fantasy sports (DFS) companies. It’s still a great place to play DFS, but it has also become one of the most popular sportsbooks in the world.

If you’re ready to join this top-tier Illinois sportsbook, you can claim $200 in bonus bets when you create your account. With FanDuel’s bet $5, win $200 welcome bonus, all you need to do is sign up using the mobile app, make a $5+ initial deposit, and place a $5+ bet on any eligible market. Then, you’ll be able to collect your $200 in bonus bets if you win. No FanDuel promo code is required.

While the website is great, our experts think FanDuel offers the best Illinois sports betting app. In addition to sports markets, you can also access FanDuel's horse racing and DFS products in the dedicated mobile app.

Our thorough FanDuel review goes into more detail about one of the best sportsbooks in the world.

Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly!

New customers only. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as eight (8) $25 non-withdrawable bonus bets. 21+ and present in most states. Full T&Cs apply.

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Like FanDuel, DraftKings was well-known for its DFS platform before becoming the sports betting giant it is today. The dedicated betting app is engaging and has a very streamlined user experience.

DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois features a massive array of betting markets to appeal to all kinds of players. Whether you're looking to bet on the Super Bowl or darts, you're all set.

In addition to its bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets welcome offer that doesn't require a DraftKings promo code, the sportsbook also has daily promos that will keep you coming back for more. If you like betting on NFL touchdown props, DK has you covered this season with a variety of weekly promotions on those markets. There's also a solid sportsbook referral bonus if you want to get your friends in on the action.

Check out our DraftKings review to read more about why this is one of the premier sports betting apps in the nation.

Up to $1,500 Back In Bonus Bets

One new customer offer only. 21+. Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if it loses. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. Add’l terms apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

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BetMGM was founded in collaboration with MGM Resorts, one of the biggest and most reputable names in American gambling. BetMGM lives up to its parent company’s sterling reputation with a top online sportsbook and some of the best sportsbook promos around.

If you sign up for BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois, you will qualify for insurance on your first bet (up to $1,500). All you have to do is sign up with BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS, deposit at least $10, then place your first real-money wager. If that initial bet loses, you'll receive your stake back in bonus bets, up to a maximum of $1,500.

Besides the welcome bonus, you can also earn big at BetMGM thanks to its great rewards program. Unlike other Illinois sportsbooks, you can actually earn vacations, free stays at MGM Resorts, and even free tickets to major sporting events with your BetMGM rewards points.

Scroll through our complete BetMGM review if you're interested in downloading one of the best Illinois betting apps.

Bet $1, Get 10x 100% Profit Boosts

New users only. Max bet of $25 per token. Max winnings of $2,500 per token. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

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Like BetMGM, Caesars is a renowned name in the gaming world. Illinois gamblers can get a taste of what this brand has to offer with its top-notch website and app.

Caesars Sportsbook Illinois is currently featuring a welcome bonus that gives players 10 100% profit boosts. To claim it, new customers have to sign up with Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUSDYW, make a deposit, and place a $1+ wager. You'll unlock 10 100% profit boost tokens, giving you a chance to double your winnings.

To see what else this leader in Illinois online sports betting has to offer, check out our comprehensive Caesars review.

Compared to other operators on our list, Fanatics is a relatively new player in the sports betting arena. Many might not realize it’s more than just a sports memorabilia company. Our experts are particularly impressed with the Fanatics FanCash program, which allows you to earn points with every bet. You can redeem these points to get official Fanatics team gear and unique sports betting experiences.

Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois also has NFL live streaming, and a choice of two welcome bonuses: either a bet $50, get $250 in bonus bets deal, or an offer worth up to $1,000 in no sweat bets. No Fanatics promo code is required.

Unlike other major sportsbooks, you can only play with Fanatics by using its mobile app. You won't be able to play on a desktop.

Oddspedia's Fanatics review outlines everything you need to get started.

Sportsbooks offer welcome bonuses to try and set themselves apart and bring in new players. However, some of these deals are better than others. Here are all the Illinois sports betting promos available, with more details on our favorite ones:

🔥 FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois promo — FanDuel will give you $200 in bonus bets when you create your account, deposit $5 or more, and place a winning $5 bet.

🔥 DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois promo — DraftKings features one of the simplest Illinois sportsbook promos to claim. After you sign up, make a deposit of $5 or more, and place a qualifying wager of $5+, you'll receive $200 in bonus bets. The funds will be paid out in eight $25 chunks. With a newbie-friendly offer like this, there's no wonder why many consider DraftKings the best Illinois sportsbook. To top it off, players can also choose to grab a deposit bonus worth as much as $1,000.

🔥 BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois promo — The BetMGM Illinois promo only rewards you if you lose your first bet. To claim up to $1,500 of first-bet insurance, you need to sign up with promo code ODDSBONUS, make a deposit, and place a wager. If you win, you won't receive any bonus funds. If you lose, your stake will be returned in the form of bonus bets (up to $1,500). If your initial wager was less than $50, you'll receive one bonus bet equal to your stake. If it was more than $50, you'll be credited with five equal bonus bet payments of 20% of your initial stake. Bonus bets expire within seven days, and you may only garner one BetMGM sign-up bonus.

🔥 Caesars Sportsbook Illinois promo — If you register with Caesars Illinois promo code OPBONUSDYW, make a deposit, and place a first wager of $1+, you'll unlock 10 100% profit boost tokens, giving you a chance to double your winnings.

🔥 Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois promo — Fanatics has two great welcome offers to choose from. The first is a bet $50, get $250 in bonus bets deal, unlocked by wagering at least $10 in each of your first three days after registering with the sportsbook. You'll get $100 in bonus bets each day you place a qualifying wager.

Alternatively, new bettors in Illinois can take advantage of a special Fanatics Sportsbook promo worth as much as $1,000 in no sweat bets. After you fund your account with a minimum of $10, you'll be set to start wagering for the next 10 days. Each day, if your first wager (up to $100 daily) loses, that amount will be refunded to your account in bonus bets. So, if you place the maximum $100 bet for 10 consecutive days and lose each time, you’ll receive $1,000 in bonus bets. The odds for each wager must be -500 or longer.

Gamblers have 10 Illinois online sportsbooks to choose from, plus access to over a dozen retail sports betting locations. Here’s an overview of how you can bet on sports online and in person. 

Illinois online sportsbooks

Illinois retail sportsbooks

Illinois was the eighth U.S. state to legalize sports betting back in 2019 when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690 into law. The path to legalization was pretty straightforward compared to other states. Here is an overview of that path and some recent Illinois sports betting news:

April 24, 2025: Illinois regulators have begun moving toward a potential credit card ban for sports betting.

April 2, 2025: The Illinois Gaming Board sends cease-and-desist orders to Kalshi, Robinhood, and Crypto.com.

March 17, 2025: Illinois legislators are considering legalizing iGaming.

March 16, 2025: bet365 officially launches in Illinois.

Feb. 12, 2025: Illinois generated a $1.49 billion handle to end 2024 and finished the year with $14 billion wagered across sports betting platforms. 

Dec. 2024: The Illinois Gaming Board grants bet365 a sports betting license.

October 2024: The NFL asks Illinois to suspend 11 types of bets deemed “inherently objectionable,” including the first play of a game, and a player to miss a field goal.

October 2024: Illinois' August sports betting handle climbs almost 30% year-over year.

September 2024: The Illinois Gaming Board says it will introduce new rules for advertising and marketing for sports betting, casinos, and video gaming.

August 2024: Hard Rock Bet launches its online sportsbook in Illinois. In-person sports wagering begins at Hard Rock Casino Rockford.

August 2024: In June, Illinois' monthly sports betting handle fell below $1 billion for the first time since Aug. 2023.

July 2024: Illinois runs its billion-dollar handle streak to a ninth consecutive month.

June 2024: Illinois lawmakers defend the sports betting tax hike in the 2025 budget.

May 2024: Illinois approves sliding sports betting tax up to 40%.

May 2024: An Illinois representative presents legislation that would block Dave and Buster's betting program.

April 2024: Fanatics joins the list of legal sportsbooks in Illinois.

November 2023: ESPN BET enters the Illinois online sports betting market, replacing Barstool Sportsbook.

October 2023: Betway withdraws its application to begin an online operation in the state.

March 2022: Illinois' requirement for in-person registration, which was in effect for approximately a year, ends. This allows sports bettors to resume signing up for sportsbooks remotely.

June 2020: Online sports betting goes live.

March 2020: In-person sports betting opens in Illinois at the first retail location.

June 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690, legalizing sports betting in Illinois.

There are dozens of things you should consider when picking Illinois sports betting sites. To help you make sense of all the factors, here are the ones our experts think are the most important:

Sportsbook bonuses

Illinois sports betting bonuses are a great way to potentially win some money and boost your bankroll without investing big. You should definitely consider the size of a bonus, but keep in mind that bigger is not always better. Some Illinois sportsbook promotions have strict terms and conditions that devalue them.

Mobile experience

The vast majority of sports bettors wager on their phones, so the mobile experience is crucial. What are people saying about the app? Is there a mobile site? Are there any differences between the app and desktop site? These are some of the things you should consider before downloading any Illinois sports betting apps.

Betting markets and odds

No matter how good a sportsbook is, it will be a waste of time if you can't find markets you're interested in betting on. Check out what's available before you sign up to ensure the bets you want to place will be there when you create your account. The best Illinois sportsbooks will cover major U.S. sports and competitions as well as minor leagues, international markets, and niche offerings. 

Betting odds go hand-in-hand with betting markets. NFL odds, NBA odds, NHL odds, and MLB odds all vary from site to site. Our odds comparison tool will help you see which sportsbooks in Illinois have the best odds for your preferred markets.

Sportsbook features

Features like early cash-out, same-game parlays, boosted bets, and bet insurance can enhance your sports betting experience. All Illinois online gambling sites have different perks and quirks, so do some investigating before fully committing.

Signing up for an Illinois sportsbook takes just a few minutes. Just visit the website or download the mobile sports betting app, fill in some information, and get started. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through the simple process.

1. Choose an Illinois sportsbook 

Before you can sign up with a sportsbook, you need to pick which one you want to play with. Check out our recommendations, read our reviews, then follow the respective links on this page to get started.

2. Create your account

Follow our links to visit your sportsbook’s website or download its Illinois sports betting app. Then, click the “Sign Up” or “Join” button and fill out the sign-up form. You will normally have to provide your name, email address, and some other personal information, like the last four digits of your Social Security Number. You’ll also have to create a username and a strong password. Don't forget to input any Illinois sports betting promo codes.

3. Verify your identity

Federal and Illinois sports betting laws require sportsbooks to confirm the identity of their players. You’ll need to verify your account by uploading copies of your proof of identity (a photo ID like a passport or driver’s license) and proof of address (recent utility bill).

4. Make your first deposit

Go to the cashier section, select deposit, pick your preferred payment method, and specify how much money you want to put in. Confirm the deposit amount, and the funds will instantly be added to your account.

5. Start playing

The final step is to place your first wager. If you’re claiming a welcome bonus, make sure your bet satisfies the offer's requirements. Now you're ready to enjoy the world of Illinois sports gambling.

Our experts thoroughly review every sportsbook we recommend on this site. We consider a wide range of factors, including:

Safety and security

We will never recommend unsafe Illinois sportsbook apps. Every single one we highlight is licensed, safe, and legal to play with. Our experts are players like you. We would not recommend a site that we would not play at ourselves. 

User experience

Beyond safety, user experience is paramount. Things like IL sportsbook bonuses, betting markets, betting odds, and sportsbook features can be devalued if a sportsbook is not fun to use. The quality of sportsbook apps, banking options, payment speed, and user interface are some of the things that contribute to the overall user experience. 

Quality of bonuses

Illinois online sportsbooks try to attract new players with welcome offers and keep them loyal with a variety of ongoing promotions. We take the total value of these deals into account when grading them, but also make sure they're not buried behind complicated terms and conditions.

Payment methods and payout speed

Before you can bet at any Illinois online sportsbooks, you need to deposit money into your account via debit card, credit card or something else. Be sure to check whether the sportsbook will accept the deposit method you want to use to fund your account. The same applies to withdrawal methods. Most Illinois sportsbooks offer speedy withdrawals that are processed in less than 48 hours.

There are 10 legal sportsbooks in Illinois that you can access online, so why limit yourself to just one? Here's why you should consider playing with multiple operators:

Claim multiple bonuses

There’s no such thing as free money, but sportsbook bonuses sure come close. Many betting sites and apps will give you a big reward from just a small deposit. Get the most bang for your buck by taking advantage of multiple welcome offers.

Find the best odds

Different Illinois sportsbooks use different odds providers. If you see a bet you like, it’s worth shopping around at multiple sportsbooks to find the best odds to maximize your potential returns. 

Optimized betting experience

While one sports betting site may boast more features like same-game parlays and early cash-out, another may have better mobile capabilities. Signing up for multiple sportsbooks allows you to see what you might be missing out on.

There are dozens of different bets available across 30+ sports. Here are some of the most popular bet types. 

Moneyline 

Moneyline bets are the simplest bets you can make. All you need to do is pick a winner. If the team you pick wins, you win. 

Spreads 

Bets against the spread are bets on the margin of victory. For example, if you bet on the Chicago Bears -6.5, they have to win by a margin of seven points or more for you to win your bet. 

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals bets are wagers on the total number of points, goals, runs, etc. scored in a game. They are commonly called Over/Under bets because you have to pick whether the total points will be Over or Under a number set by the sportsbook, which is called the line. 

Futures 

As the name suggests, futures bets are wagers on the outcome of a competition, award, stat, or something else that won't be determined until a future date. The most popular futures bet in the U.S. every year is on who will win the Super Bowl. 

Props 

Props are bets on some aspect of a match unrelated to the outcome. Player props are bets on a player’s performance, like if a Chicago Bulls player will score more than 25 points in his next game. Team props are wagers on some team stat or occurrence. For example, you could bet on the Chicago Cubs to score first in a game.

Parlays

A parlay is where you combine multiple individual bets (legs) into a single wager. In order to win a parlay, all the individual bets within it must be correct. If any of the legs lose, the entire parlay loses. Parlays offer higher potential payouts than individual bets, but they also come with increased risk.

Here's a quick snapshot of the betting requirements in Illinois:

🔞 Legal age — Illinois law requires gamblers to be at least 21 years of age to play at online and retail sportsbooks.

📱 Mobile and online betting — There are currently 10 Illinois sports betting sites available online.

🌎 Bet within state borders — While you don't have to be an Illinois resident to place bets, you do have to be physically located in the state.

🏢 Retail sportsbooks — If you'd rather bet in person, there are plenty of Illinois retail sportsbooks for you to choose from.

The most prolific Illinois betting apps will have all the major North American markets available but will also feature a wide selection of niche sports. Here's just some of what you can expect to find:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Cricket
• Cycling
• Darts
• Football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• MMA
• Motorsports
• Olympics
• Rugby
• Snooker
• Soccer
• Tennis

For sport-specific breakdowns, check out our compilations of the top football betting sites, NBA betting sites, MLB betting sites, NHL betting sites, golf betting sites and more. If big events are more your speed, we also have you covered with the best Super Bowl betting sites and March Madness betting sites.

We also have NASCAR betting sites and F1 betting sites available for motorsport fans.

Illinois gambling is more exciting when you're backing your favorite professional sports teams. Here are some popular in-state clubs sports fans can bet on.

Chicago Bears 🏈

Football is king throughout the U.S., so it's no surprise the Bears are Illinois’ most popular sports team. With decades and decades of history behind them, over 60,000 fans pack Soldier Field every week to watch the NFL team vie for another Super Bowl title. With 2024 first-overall pick Caleb Williams at the helm, the future looks bright.

Chicago Bulls 🏀

The Bulls are one of the NBA’s premier franchises. The six-time champions dominated the league in the 1990s with arguably the league’s best-ever player, Michael Jordan.

Chicago Cubs ⚾

Founded in 1876, the Cubs are Illinois’ oldest major sports team and still play at Wrigley Field. Their reputation as "loveable losers" has earned them millions of die-hard and casual fans alike. Whatever kind of fan you are, you can bet on the Cubs at every Illinois sportsbook. 

Chicago White Sox ⚾

While the White Sox are the Second City’s second favorite baseball team, they’ve actually won the same number of World Series as the Cubs. You can wager on them as they look to get back to the top of MLB.

Chicago Blackhawks 🏒

The Blackhawks, founded in 1926, are one of the NHL's Original Six teams. Throughout their storied history, the Blackhawks have captured numerous Stanley Cup championships. With a rich legacy of iconic players and passionate fan support, the Blackhawks remain a cornerstone of Chicago's sports culture.

Illinois sports betting events this weekend

🗳️ Politics — Betting on elections or other political events is off-limits in Illinois.

🏫 Restrictions on college sports betting  — When sports betting was first legalized in the state, you could not place a wager on any college teams in Illinois. The law was amended in 2021 to allow for bets on all college teams, but you still cannot bet on college player props. Additionally, all bets on college sports have to be made in person (not online or through an app).

Illinois has a number of responsible gambling tools available to those in need. Here are some resources to turn to if you or someone you know is experiencing trouble:

• Illinois Gaming Board Problem Gambling Registry: Offers courses and regular contact to help prevent problem betting.

• Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS): A website that provides direct advice to bettors.

• Gam-Anon (Illinois Hotline): 1-708-802-0105

• Illinois Department of Human Services: 1-800-843-6154

• National U.S. gambling helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Some form of sports betting, whether online or in-person, is legal in all but 12 U.S. states. That may be changing soon, with the likes of Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Minnesota, and Hawaii all considering sports betting bills right now.

Missouri's sports betting ballot was approved by voters during the 2024 U.S. Election. The state is expected to launch its legal market in 2025.

Georgia recently rejected two online sports betting-related measures. House Resolution 450 and House Bill 686 did not get passed after nearly a year in the Georgia General Assembly. 

If you're looking for the best betting apps for your specific locale, check out the following links:

Sportsbook bonuses can vary based on where you are. A specific sportsbook might even switch up its promotions depending on what state you're in. Here's a breakdown of all the best deals by region.