Sports betting in Illinois has now become legal online and on mobile as of June 2023. Check out the best betting sites in the Prairie State.
Check Out the Best Sports Betting Sites and Apps
- Check out the best sports betting sites
- Download the best sports betting apps
Illinois Sports Betting
| Online Sports Betting | Yes |
| Mobile Sports Betting | Yes |
| Retail Sports Betting | Yes |
| Minimum Age | 21+ |
Our top 7 Illinois Sports betting sites
- Fanatics – Illinois’ newest sportsbook.
- BetMGM – Top sportsbook for new and seasoned bettors alike.
- FanDuel – Best value odds.
- Caesars – Most generous promotions.
- BetRivers – Home state favorite.
- ESPN BET – Leading pick from the Worldwide Leader of Sports.
- DraftKings – Long-time favorite in Illinois
7. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook was one of the first online sportsbooks to hit the market after the 2018 overturning of PASPA. It initially went live in New Jersey and has since expanded to several states across the country.
Users appreciate the online sportsbook not only for its generous welcome bonuses but also its ongoing promos, seamless live betting, and Dynasty Rewards program with the potential for VIP status.
Right now, DraftKings new users in IA, IL, LA, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, VT, WY can Bet and Get up to $300 in Bonus Bets – Instantly! New DraftKings users in other states can Bet $5 to Get $150 in Bonus Bets – Instantly!
- Get the DraftKings promo code
6. ESPN BET Sportsbook
ESPN BET has now gone live after a groundbreaking deal with PENN Entertainment. ESPN BET Illinois should see huge growth, and it’s expected to compete with the best sportsbooks in the country.
With the promo code NYPOST, new users can get a $1000 First Bet Reset offer.
- Get the ESPN BET promo code
5. BetRivers
Click HERE for the BetRivers offer
BetRivers was the first online sportsbook to launch in Illinois, debuting in June 2020, thanks to its physical location in the Des Plaines suburb of Chicago. This made the mandated in-person registration to use the online sports betting features easy and convenient for many Illinois residents.
BetRivers has put the same care and attention into its online sportsbook as it has its retail location. There is a huge range of sports to bet on and a deep choice of lines, along with a number of high value, pre-made parlays.
One of the best features on the BetRivers app and website is “Buy Out”, which allows players to cash their bets out early. This gives bettors the option of securing their winnings in exchange for limited returns.
- Check out the BetRivers Bonus Code
4. Caesars
Caesars is one of the most well known and respected brands in the gambling industry, and is almost synonymous with the original betting hub of Las Vegas. As legal sports betting has spread around the country, though, so have Caesars via its leading sportsbook. New customers can get a First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars.
As you may expect from a brand with such a strong background in hospitality, Caesars knows how to look after its customers. Caesars serves up some of the most desirable promotions and bonuses in the online sports betting market.
- Claim the Caesars Promo Code
3. FanDuel
While FanDuel started life as a fantasy sports platform, it has since expanded from its roots and now has one of the leading online sportsbooks.
What helps FanDuel stand out from other sportsbooks are its odds, which often give slightly more value than its competitors. Combined with generous promotions and bonuses, FanDuel offers one of the best value online sports betting experiences.
FanDuel’s new customer offer involves placing a simple $5+ wager to get started, all eligible new users will receive $150 in bonus bets if their first bet wins! FanDuel’s standard new customer offer also has an everyday boost.
Players will also be able to visit FanDuel at numerous retail sportsbook locations. Along with its existing site at the Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, FanDuel has recently signed a deal to construct a new facility at the United Center.
New bettors in Ohio and Massachusetts can use the FanDuel welcome offer to Bet $5 to Get $300 in Bonus Bets if their first bet wins!
- Grab the FanDuel Promo Code
2. BetMGM
New BetMGM bettors can get a fantastic offer when they sign up with the BetMGM bonus code NYP1600. Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus! This has a 10x wagering requirement.
Another new customer offer lets new users get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win with bonus code NPBONUS. This offer isn’t available in New York, Nevada, and Washington D.C. Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer only.
- Check out the BetMGM Bonus Code
1. Fanatics
Fanatics joined the ranks of Illinois online sportsbooks in early April 2024. Like bettors in other live states, bettors in the Prairie State only have access to a Fanatics mobile app. The lack of a desktop site doesn’t slow things down, though, as the app offers a seamless betting experience.
Users also praise the FanCash loyalty program and NFL live streaming that allows them to stay up to date on all-things Chicago Bears.
Right now, Fanatics has an exclusive new customer offer that lets new users in all 21 legal states Get a $200 Bet Match for Five Straight Days!
- Check out the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code
Retail Sportsbooks open in Illinois
There are a number of leading sportsbooks in Illinois, from traditional favorites such as Rivers Casino to newer facilities set up by out-of-market bookmakers who want to establish retail locations.
| Sportsbook | Location |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Rivers Casino, Des Plaines |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Casino Queen, East St. Louis |
| FanDuel | Fairmount Park, Collinsville |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah’s Metropolis |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Harrah’s Joliet |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Grand Victoria, Elgin |
The history of Illinois Sports Betting
The first steps towards legalizing online sports betting in Illinois came about in 2018, following the Supreme Court’s decision to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sport Protection Act. However, these early bills were more exploratory in nature than serious legislation.
In 2019, Governor J.B. Pritzker asked for the legislature to legalize sports betting and included potential early revenue from it in his annual budget. However, the bill came down to the wire due to disagreements over who would have the priority to operate in Illinois.
The bill was eventually signed into law in June 2019. This lead to the first retail sportsbook opening in March 2020, followed by BetRivers as the first online sportsbook in June 2020.
