Are sportsbooks legal in Illinois?
In short, yes, sports betting in Illinois is perfectly legal. Sports betting was introduced in the state as soon as the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn PASPA was decided in 2018. Illinois sports betting was then passed into legislation in mid-2019, opening retail and online sportsbooks by 2020. Retail sportsbooks opened their doors for business in March 2020, with BetRivers launching the first in-state online sportsbook in June 2020.
The Illinois sports betting landscape has expanded and now offers some of the top betting brands in the world. These betting sites operate under regulation by the Illinois Gaming Board, which ensures that betting remains fair. All sportsbooks must obtain a license and continue to meet strict requirements to operate in the state.
Best sportsbooks in Illinois
Now that you know betting on sports is legal in Illinois, let's take a closer look at five of my favorite sportsbooks for locals.
| Illinois Sportsbook | New User Promo | Main Sports |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets | Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball |
| Caesars | 20 100% Profit Boosts | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | NFL, MLB, NBA, College Basketball |
| FanDuel | $150 in Bonus Bets | Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, and College Sports |
| Bet365 | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | Soccer, NBA, and UEFA |
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
Detailed overview of the top betting sites in Illinois
Are you ready to dive in and explore the best online sportsbooks in Illinois? Here are five of the top sportsbooks, handpicked by me:
BetMGM - The ultimate Illinois sportsbook
- Coverage for more than 25 sports
- Features a parlay builder and cashout
- Multiple payment methods
- Mobile applications for Android and iOS
- Delayed responses via email
- Review of withdrawal requests can take up to 5 days
BetMGM is a household name in the US, so it will come as no surprise to see it in my top five lineup. While there are a multitude of reasons to bet on BetMGM, the variety of sports is what makes it stand out. You will receive a tailored list of top sports, where you can find the top 7 in the state, to help you pinpoint the hottest markets. Plus, the live betting service caters to both local and international sports, so you can follow the action on your favorite matches.
New users can pick up a welcome promo of up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets, which is paid out if your first wager doesn't win. From there, you will encounter a selection of rewards that are frequently updated. To give you an idea, I found a college basketball odds boost token and an any sport parlay boost token. If you refer friends to the site, you will both receive a $100 bonus.
Caesars - Great for niche sports betting options
- Generous welcome offers
- Wide range of markets
- Live chat support
- No esports available
Caesars is offering new users a competitive welcome offer that I have never seen before. By betting just $1, you will receive 20x 100% Profit Boosts, up to $25 each. That's right, your next 20 bets will receive double winnings! What a way to welcome you to the site. As you settle into things, you can also start to take advantage of the Caesars Rewards program, where you can collect real-world rewards for your bets.
While Caesars puts a focus on the NFL, you will encounter a varied mix of sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball, and horse racing. Whether you are interested in major or niche sports, there is something for everyone at Caesars. Speaking of niche sports, I found options like snooker, futsal, and handball, just to name a few.
DraftKings - Top sports betting app
- Great mobile apps
- Supports live streaming
- Withdrawal takes 1 to 3 days
- Subpar customer service
DraftKings is yet another major player in the US sports betting industry, so I couldn't list my top five without bringing DraftKings into the mix. DraftKings has made a name for itself in the industry and is known for offering one of the best betting apps around. Whether you have an iOS or Android device, the app works flawlessly for both smartphones and tablets.
One of the standout features for me is the 'My Budget Builder' that allows you to set personalized limits, while building bets that fit your needs. Another top feature is the iRush Rewards Program, where you can collect exclusive promotions and experiences on your wagers. But the main offers are profit boosts, which you will find for most sports, including the NBA, Soccer, and College Basketball.
FanDuel - Valuable odds on major sports
- Best in class usability
- Available in 25+ states
- Competitive odds and coverage
- Top tier brand rep
- No sportsbook VIP program
FanDuel welcomes new users to the site with a generous promo of $150 in Bonus Bets. All you need to do here is wager $5+, and if your initial bet wins, you will get the full $150 in Bonus Bets. With this promo incentive, it's a great way to join one of the leading DFS platforms. While FanDuel made a name for itself through daily fantasy sports, you can also wager on major sports.
FanDuel offers competitive odds on most US sports, including on same-game parlays. Whether you are interested in soccer, basketball, rugby, or tennis, FanDuel delivers on the top sports in Illinois.
bet365 - Best for live betting
- Fast, reliable mobile app performance
- Quick deposits and fast withdrawals
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- Unavailable in some US states
- Phone support hours not 24/7
bet365 is one of the latest additions, recently launching in Illinois to bring its award-winning sportsbook to local bettors. Bet365 is best known for its live betting options, which cover most major US sports, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and MLB. The live stream feature helps you to make informed bets, which cover 1,000,000 events.
To help you get started, there's a generous welcome promo of $150 in Bonus Bets. All you need to do is bet $5, and you will receive your Bonus Bets regardless of whether you win or lose. But there's more where that came from, as Bet365 delivers a range of same-game parlay profit boosts and cash-out opportunities.
What you can bet on at Illinois sportsbooks
Illinois sports betting offers a diverse range of sports, including professional and college sports. You can also wager on many niche markets, meaning that online sportsbooks cater to most sports fans and bettors.
| Available Sports | Details |
| Professional sports | NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MMA, Soccer, Basketball, Darts, Horse Racing, and Rugby |
| College sports | All college sports, except for in-state teams |
| Esports | CS:GO, LoL, Valorant, and Rainbow Six |
The bookmakers we recommend
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
Bet $5 Get $100 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
What you can't bet on at Illinois sportsbooks
Just like most US states, there are some restrictions on what you can bet on in Illinois:
| Unavailable Sports & Markets | Details |
| In-state college teams | You are not permitted to bet on Illinois college teams |
| College player props | You cannot bet on individual player props for college athletes, both in and out of state |
| Novelty events | Betting on political elections and other novelty events, like the length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl, is prohibited |
Most common promos at Illinois sportsbooks
Sports betting is highly competitive in Illinois, so sportsbooks are continuously trying to attract new bettors. A key way of doing this is by creating new and exciting promos. You will encounter a range of welcome offers and existing customer promos, which vary depending on the sportsbook you choose to join. Let's take a look at some of the best Illinois sportsbook promos you will find:
🌟 Welcome Offer
This is a specific promo that is geared toward new users. Generally, you must be a new customer who hasn't had an account before. A welcome offer can come in all shapes and sizes, including a match deposit bonus, free bets, cashback, and more.
💰 Deposit Match Bonus
A deposit match bonus will match a qualifying deposit by the specified percentage. For example, a 100% deposit bonus will instantly double your deposit, up to a certain threshold. So, a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $100, means that you can deposit up to a maximum of $100 and receive another $100 in bonus funds.
🎁 Bonus Bet
A free bet is one of the most popular types of promos that you will encounter, especially for new users. Typically, a bonus bet will require you to place a bet of a specified amount or on a certain sport, in exchange for a free bet. Bonus bets are often a fixed amount, regardless of the size of your qualifying bet, provided that you meet the minimum limit. For instance, 'Bet $5 and Get $25 in Bonus Bets'.
📈 Early Payout
Another common promo is an early payout deal, which allows you to secure a profit if the team you are backing takes the lead. For example, 'EPL 2 Up Early Payout' means that if your team gets ahead by 2 goals, you can claim an early payout.
Pros and cons of wagering at Illinois sportsbooks
I have introduced you to five of my top-rated sportsbooks and given you an overview of what you can bet on in-state. But if you are still weighing things up, allow me to help by giving you a summary of the key pros and cons:
- Fully legal and regulated
- Convenient mobile betting
- Generous sports promos
- Broad selection of sports
- Restrictions on college sports
Conclusion: Illinois offers a pretty diverse betting experience
Illinois rolled out legal online sportsbooks as soon as PASPA was overturned, making it one of the first states in the US to offer sports betting. Apart from a few restrictions, in-state sports betting brings a lot to the table. You have access to a variety of top sportsbooks that offer diverse betting options, competitive odds, and generous promos. While there are restrictions on in-state college teams, player props, and novelty bets, it's important to take note of the restrictions. Of course, as the Illinois betting industry evolves, rules can change, so make sure you keep up to date.
If any of my recommended sportsbooks caught your eye, you can get started today by tapping the promotional banners on this page. From here, you can register a new account, claim a welcome promo, and enjoy betting on your favorite sports.
Unlock our favorite sports betting bonuses
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
Bet $5 Get $100 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
Illinois sportsbooks FAQs
️ What betting sites are legal in Illinois?
With online sports betting being legal in Illinois, you can join a variety of sites, including BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Bet365. I have reviewed five of the top betting sites available in the state to help you find one that works for you.
What sports are available to bet on in Illinois?
You can bet on most sports, including soccer, basketball, rugby, tennis, and horse racing. You will find professional sports, college sports, and international leagues. As you can see, there is something for everyone at sportsbooks in Illinois.
What's the best sportsbook in Illinois?
It's difficult for me to rate the best sportsbook in the state, because it is such an individual choice. Instead, take a look at my reviews on this page to find one that aligns with your preferences.