Best Betting Sites In Illinois 2024
On this page we’ll reveal everything there is to know about Illinois sports betting. From the legal situation, to gambling taxes and, of course, the very best sportsbook apps in the Prairie State. So please stay with us as we break down the essential details of sports betting in Illinois.
Sports Betting Apps in Illinois
Illinois sportsbooks have exploded in popularity since they became legal in early 2020. And as the country’s sixth most populous state, it’s easy to see why so many people are demanding their services.
Before we get into the nitty gritty of sports betting in Illinois, let’s take a look at the best legal sportsbook apps.
Barstool
Since starting out as a newspaper back in 2003, Barstool has grown exponentially. So perhaps it should have come as no surprise to see them enter the sportsbook business in September 2020. Barstool originally teamed up with Penn National Gaming to take advantage of the newly legalized mobile gaming scene in Pennsylvania.
But they didn’t stop there. They have very quickly delivered a high-quality sportsbook app in every state of the USA where betting is permitted, including Illinois. Available for both iOS and Android devices, Barstool Sportsbook provides users with a particularly strong choice of unique bets and offers. “The Hanson”, for instance, encourages you to predict the cumulative points total of all NFL games on a Sunday.
Then you have the extremely professional customer service, a wide range of deposit options and their own unique take on pre-match analysis thrown in. It’s understandable that Barstool has rapidly become one of the best mobile sports betting sites in the state.
- Plenty of unique promotional offers
- Top-notch customer support
- Good variety of payment methods
BetRivers
Formed in the mid-1990s, Rush Street is well-known for its casino operations. Their gaming division is one of the fastest growing businesses on the continent. And it’s these experts who are behind the BetRivers mobile betting app.
That probably goes a long way to explaining why the product is such a good one. With a huge selection of betting lines on all of America’s most popular sports, there’s something to suit every betting taste. But our favorite aspect of the app is the simple, clean interface that’s so easy to navigate.
Another great feature of the BetRivers app is the iRush Rewards VIP program. Earn points as you punt and then cash them in for free bets, bonus funds or profit boosts. You can even exchange your loyalty points for scratchcards, giving you more chances to win big.
- Fantastic loyalty program
- Intuitive mobile app interface
- Low wagering requirement on the welcome bonus
Caesars
If you’re not familiar with the Caesars brand, you must have been living under a rock. One of the most reputable names in the industry, it was only a matter of time before they entered the sports betting space. And their $4 billion acquisition of William Hill in 2021 showed that they’re here to stay.
By purchasing such a global sports betting brand, Caesars has made sure that it can offer its customers one of the best betting products on the planet. They offer a massive selection of betting lines, both in-play and pre-match, not to mention some competitive pricing.
They’re also making sure to look after their customers, with a strong selection of bonuses and promotions. One particularly noteworthy offer is their friend referral bonus. You can earn up to 10 free bets of $100 each, for every new customer you bring to the Caesars betting app.
- Strong in-play offering
- Wide selection of popular betting lines
- Attractive offers for both existing and new customers
DraftKings
Making their name as one of the world’s top daily fantasy sports providers, DraftKings quickly established a loyal following. So it was fairly predictable to see them enter the sports betting market in 2018.
They’re not simply leveraging off a well-known brand, however. DraftKings have brought a very strong mobile betting app to Illinois, packed with all the latest betting features. Cashout, a full in-play product and even a mobile casino will keep most punters in the Prairie State very happy indeed.
Among their wide variety of more than 30 different sports are lots of interesting and unique betting markets. Player props and teasers are a particularly strong area for DraftKings. As is the amount of statistical analysis on offer to help inform your selections. Don’t forget about the generous welcome bonus, either.
- Best pricing on teasers
- Wide choice of player prop bets
- Huge brand with a strong reputation
FanDuel
Another massive gaming business that started out in daily fantasy sports, FanDuel entered the world of sports betting in 2018. Today they bring one of the strongest iOS and Android betting apps in Illinois to the table.
With hundreds of different markets available per fixture, you’ll find that it’s possible to bet on almost any element of a game. And with the company’s background so heavily rooted in stats, you won’t be shocked to learn that there’s an abundance of information available to help you pick out your bets.
With live streaming, esports and huge sports betting tournaments all available too, the FanDuel app is one of the best in Illinois. Be sure to take advantage of the sizable $1,000 risk-free bet when registering a new account.
- Best odds of any IL sportsbook app
- Trustworthy name in the industry
- Great selection of betting lines
PointsBet
In contrast to most of the other sportsbook apps in Illinois, PointsBet takes a slightly different approach. Although they do offer traditional sports betting markets such as the moneyline, their unique selling point is “Points Betting”.
This is more commonly known around the world as spread betting and the concept is simple enough. PointsBet offers you a line and you decide whether to take over or under. You then wager an amount for every point that you finish over or under the line. The wider your margin of success, the greater your returns.
For instance, let’s say an NBA Total Points line is offered at 220. If you wager $1 per point on over, you’ll earn $10 of profit if the total points are 230. That’s 10 points over, multiplied by your $1 stake. Of course, the flip side is that, the more wrong you are, the more you can lose.
- Extremely generous signup offer
- Unique approach to sports betting in Illinois
- Plenty of convenient payment methods
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Sports betting was legalized in the state in March 2020. Since then, it has been perfectly legal to bet online in Illinois, as well as in-person.
Sportsbooks wishing to operate online, either using a mobile app or a traditional betting site, must partner up with a land-based casino. At the time of writing, the state also has a somewhat unusual regulation in place. In order to register a new account, players must physically visit a sportsbook.
Luckily for fans of online betting, that restriction should come to an end on March 5 2022. It could potentially happen sooner, if the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) issues a mobile-only license before that date. Three companies applied for licenses in December 2021, though the IGB is yet to make a decision.
Timeline of Illinois Sports Betting Laws
Illinois sportsbooks are a pretty recent phenomenon. Let’s take a quick look at the history of sports betting legislation in the Prairie State.
- 2018 - Five separate bills outlining plans for sports betting are put before the Illinois legislature. Nothing comes to pass, but support for the idea is established.
- 2019 - The Illinois sports betting bill is introduced, but elements are heavily criticised. A revised version is signed off by Governor Pritzker in June.
- 2020 - Illinois’s first legal sportsbooks open their doors in March.
- 2021 - In October, fresh legislation is introduced allowing for pre-match betting on college sports in the state.
Licensing and Taxes in Illinois
The IGB is in the process of deciding who will be awarded the three available online-only sportsbook licenses. In terms of physical properties, seven of the state’s 10 casinos have been awarded licenses to run sports betting.
Additionally, major sporting venues such as Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs, may operate sportsbooks within a radius of five blocks. Illinois’s three racetracks have also put in applications for licenses, though they are yet to be granted.
In terms of taxes, the sportsbooks themselves must pay a 15% levy to the local government. While for bettors, there is a flat rate of 4.95% on winnings above $1,000. This is contrary to many other US states, where gambling tax rates vary depending on your personal circumstances.
In Illinois, everyone pays the same rate of gambling tax, regardless of their marital status or salary. You’ll need to complete the Form IL-5754 if you live in the Prairie State, or IL-1040 Schedule NR if you’re from elsewhere.
Which Online Sportsbooks Are Legal in Illinois?
At the time of writing, the following betting sites are legal in Illinois:
- Barstool Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- Caesars
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- PointsBet
Sports Betting Deals in Illinois
It’s becoming increasingly common for newly legalized sports betting companies across America to partner up with sports teams and venues. This trend has also been observed in Illinois. Here are the main movers and shakers.
- Chicago Bears - In 2020, the NFL franchise announced a partnership with PointsBet. But in June 2021, they were replaced by BetRivers, in a multiyear deal to become the Bears’ official betting partner.
- Chicago Blackhawks - Although not specific to this Illinois-based team, PointsBet signed a deal with the NHL in early 2021. This positions the firm as an official sports betting partner of the entire competition.
- Chicago Cubs - In September 2020, DraftKings penned a long-term agreement with the MLB franchise to become the official sports betting and daily fantasy partner. As a result, Wrigley Field will become the first MLB stadium to have a sportsbook on-site, with additional sites dotted around the surrounding neighborhood.
- Chicago Fire - The MLS club joined forces with responsible gambling organisation Epic Risk Management. This unique deal will see them raise awareness of problem gambling and sports betting integrity.
- Chicago Sky - PointsBet inked an agreement with the WNBA in May of 2021. That had immediate benefits for those who enjoy betting on the Sky, in the shape of expanded futures and pre-match betting markets.
How to Start Betting in Illinois
Getting started with a sports betting app in the Prairie State couldn't be easier. Simply follow our step-by-step guide and you’ll be off and running in no time.
- Sign up with a legal sportsbook. Choose your preferred Illinois betting site from our selection of trusted brands. Simply click the links found in this guide to navigate to the relevant site.
- Check and choose your bonus offers. When completing the registration form, make sure you use the relevant promo code to qualify for your sign up bonus. Please read the terms and conditions carefully to avoid disappointment.
- Fund your account. Once your account is open, navigate to the site’s cashier page. Here you can choose your desired payment method. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deposit. Don’t forget the bonus code, if applicable.
- Place your bets. That’s all there is to it! Once your account is funded, it’s time to place your sports bets. Good luck and remember to wager responsibly.
Sports Betting Options
So what exciting betting options do the good people of Illinois have to choose from, since the legalization of sportsbooks? Allow us to reveal all.
NFL
Each of the legal bookmakers in Illinois provides a wide selection of Football lines. But it’s not just the standard moneyline, spread and totals markets on offer. FanDuel, for instance, has a fabulous selection of weekly specials, involving all kinds of weird and wonderful combinations. While DraftKings also has a particularly noteworthy variety of individual player prop bets.
NBA
When it comes to the NBA, it’s all about the Chicago Bulls for bettors in Illinois. And luckily, all of the top sports betting apps in the Prairie State offer a huge choice of markets for basketball. FanDuel and Caesars are particularly significant in that regard. Not only do both sites provide plenty of variety in their props and specials, but they consistently offer the most competitive odds on NBA games.
MLB
Fans of baseball in Illinois will particularly enjoy the range of Booster Odds found at PointsBet. Every day, this popular betting site picks out a selection of sporting fixtures on which to enhance the prices. Baseball matches, often involving the Chicago Cubs, are frequently singled out for improved odds. In addition to MLB games, you’ll also find baseball leagues from around the world at all of the best sportsbooks in IL.
MLS
Although the MLS may be viewed as something of a novelty in the USA, soccer remains the most popular sport in the world. Fans of the Chicago Fire franchise have the opportunity to bet on their own team across a variety of markets. Examples include Correct Score, Total Goals and First Goalscorer props. With BetRivers, you can even bet on upcoming player transfers around the world.
Other Markets
On top of all that, there are at least 15 to 20 of the world’s most popular sports to enjoy at Illinois’s best betting sites. You’ll find a great selection of moneylines, spreads and teasers at all of the top-rated apps mentioned on this page.
Banking
The top betting websites and apps in Illinois feature a broad selection of banking methods. Everyone has their own personal preference when it comes to payments, so a good sportsbook makes sure to provide as many options as possible.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options for Illinois Bettors
Let’s take a look at the most commonly found deposit and withdrawal options at Illinois betting websites.
Payment Method | Limits | Fees | Speed |
| Debit & Credit Cards | $5 to $50,000 | None | Instant |
| PayPal | $5 to $50,000 | 2.9% + $0.30 (deposit) | Instant |
| Skrill | $5 to $50,000 | $5.50 (withdrawal) | Instant |
| Bank Transfer | $5 to $50,000 | None | 1 to 2 days |
| ACH eCheck | $5 to $50,000 | None | 2 to 5 days |
| Online Banking | $10 to $10,000 | None | Instant |
| PayNearMe | $10 to $500 | $3.99 | Within 15 minutes |
| Cash Deposit (In Person) | $5 to $50,000 | None | Instant |
Best Payment Method for Illinois Sports Betting
At a time where online payments fraud is on the rise, it’s important to stay vigilant in what is an increasingly digital world. Online betting is no exception. Our expert team believes that there are three standout payment methods when it comes to staying safe when betting online in Illinois.
- PayPal
- Skrill
- Debit Cards
PayPal is undoubtedly the best choice when it comes to Illinois sports betting payments. Above all, there’s the convenience factor. For a start, the majority of sportsbooks in the US accept PayPal for both deposits and withdrawals. And since they’ve been around for more than 20 years, everyone is already familiar and comfortable with using their services.
Secondly, PayPal is an extremely secure payment option. With some of the most high-tech encryption technology, there’s very little risk of nefarious characters getting their hands on your cash or personal details.
And finally, it’s worth commenting on the speed of PayPal’s transactions. There’s nothing more frustrating than having a big win, but not being able to get hold of your money. That won’t be a problem with this popular payment option.
In terms of PayPal alternatives, Skrill runs a close second. This particular e-wallet, formerly known as Moneybookers, is another convenient and secure way to move your funds between betting websites. However, the fact that they charge a hefty sum per withdrawal tipped the balance in favor of PayPal.
Finally, the humble debit card is one of the most convenient ways to fund a betting account in Illinois. If you are allowed to use it, that is. Not all sportsbooks accept every type of card and there are often fees and restrictions in place.
Summary
With that, it’s time to wrap up our complete guide to sportsbooks in Illinois. We’ve covered everything you could wish to know, including sponsorship deals, taxation and popular payment methods.
But perhaps most importantly of all, we’ve revealed the very best betting sites in the Prairie State. All that’s left for you to do now is take the plunge. Pick your preferred Illinois betting site, open an account and claim your signup bonus. Good luck!
FAQ
Who offers Illinois sports betting?
There are currently six different sports betting operators offering legal betting in the state of Illinois. These companies are Barstool Sportsbook, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel and PointsBet.
Where can you bet on sports in Illinois?
Any of the six legal Illinois betting companies named in this guide would be the best place to start. They are all fully licensed, which makes them a safe and secure option for your sports betting needs. But in addition, each sportsbook has a user friendly app, a generous welcome bonus and a wide selection of betting lines.
Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes indeed. Since March 2020, it has been possible to bet online in Illinois. You can do so at any of the legal sports betting apps named on this site. Or if you prefer to bet in-person, there are many land-based sportsbooks dotted around the Prairie State.