Illinois Sportsbooks

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10 min read

Illinois Sports Betting: A Comprehensive Guide

Sports betting in Illinois has transformed rapidly in recent years, offering residents a modern and exciting way to engage with their favorite sports. This guide will provide an in-depth look at the landscape of legal sports betting in the Prairie State.

Legal Illinois Sports Betting

Illinois sports betting became legal in June 2019, with the first sportsbooks launching in March 2020. This was a significant development, marking Illinois as one of the leading states in the Midwest to embrace legal sports wagering.

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Did you Know
Illinois was the 15th state to legalize sports betting in the United States.

What is Legal Sports Betting in Illinois?

Legal sports betting in Illinois refers to placing wagers on sporting events through licensed and regulated online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks. Both online and in-person betting options are available, making it accessible for residents throughout the state.

Illinois sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, which oversees licensing, compliance, and the promotion of responsible gambling practices.

Illinois Sports Betting Legislation Timeline

The journey to legal sports betting in Illinois includes several important milestones:

  1. May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, paving the way for states to legalize sports betting.
  2. June 2019: Illinois legislature passes the Sports Wagering Act.
  3. March 2020: First retail sportsbooks launch in Illinois.
  4. June 2020: Online sports betting officially begins in Illinois.
This timeline showcases Illinois' swift movement towards establishing a regulated sports betting market.

Best Illinois Sportsbooks

Since the legalization of sports betting, several well-known US sportsbooks have entered the Illinois market. Some of the best Illinois sportsbooks include:

  • FanDuel
  • DraftKings
  • BetRivers
  • PointsBet
  • Caesars Sportsbook

Each sportsbook offers unique features, odds, and promotions, catering to different preferences and betting styles.

Pro Tip
Compare odds and promotions across different sportsbooks to ensure you get the best value for your bets.

Sportsbooks Available in Illinois

FanDuel Sportsbook
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  • Availability across most of US legal states
  • Competitive odds & diverse markets
  • Attentive customer service
  • Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
  • App speeds vary for some users
  • Geo locate sometimes unreliable
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VT
DC
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CAD
USD
VISA
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ApplePay
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Venmo
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FanDuel Prepaid Card
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DraftKings Sportsbook
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  • Extensive betting markets
  • Live betting
  • Efficient & secure payments
  • Strong security measures
  • Mobile app connectivity issues
  • Maximum bets on odds boosts are low.
  • Promotional restrictions
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PR
DC
CAD
USD
ACH/eCHECK
American Express
ApplePay
Google Pay
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VISA
Bank Wire Transfer
PayPal
Trustly
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Cash at Cage
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DraftKings Gift Card
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Venmo
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Mastercard
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BetMGM Sportsbook
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  • Available in many U.S. States and Canada
  • Numerous betting markets
  • Major partnerships with teams/leagues
  • Promotions are timely and change rapidly
  • Connectivity issues on betting app
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IN
IA
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KY
LA
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OH
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DC
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NC
ON
MO
CAD
USD
Venmo
American Express
Borgata Cage
Mastercard
VISA
Paynearme
PayPal
Play+
BetMGM GiftCard
VIP Preferred
Bank Wire Transfer
ApplePay
Google Pay
Discover
GameOn Gift Card
Debit Cards
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ESPN Bet Sportsbook
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  • Extensive Market Reach.
  • Unmatched Fan Engagement.
  • Live betting.
  • Digital media bohemeth.
  • Limited live streaming.
  • Connectivity issues on betting apps.
AZ
CO
IL
IA
KS
KY
LA
MD
MI
NJ
OH
PA
TN
VA
WV
MA
NC
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Trustly
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PayPal
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Caesars Sportsbook
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  • One of the biggest welcome bonuses.
  • Secure payments.
  • Efficient customer service
  • Some users have described slow loading times
  • Limited live streaming options
  • Some bonus wagering requirements are unclear
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CO
DC
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IN
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KS
KY
LA
MD
MA
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NV
NJ
NY
OH
PA
TN
VA
WV
WY
ON
NC
ME
CAD
USD
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
Trustly
Paynearme
PayPal
ACH/eCHECK
Cash at Caesars
Caesars Pre-paid Card
Deposit at a Tavern
Skrill
Venmo
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Debit Cards
ApplePay
Go to Website
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BetRivers Sportsbook
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  • Good live streaming of major sports.
  • Numerous promotional offers.
  • Available in many U.S. states.
  • Competitive odds.
  • Some users have had trouble with payouts.
  • Outdated website and app design.
  • Betting app connectivity issues.
NJ
MD
PA
NY
VA
OH
WV
IN
MI
IL
IA
CO
AZ
LA
CAD
USD
Cash at Cage
Paynearme
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
PayPal
VIP Preferred
American Express
ACH/eCHECK
Venmo
Go to Website
Details
PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet Daily Boosted Odds
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  • Unique PointsBetting system
  • Straightforward mobile app
  • Growing user base
  • Fast and secure payouts
  • Limited U.S. availability
  • PointsBetting system may be complex for novice users
CO
IL
IN
IA
KS
LA
MD
MI
NJ
NY
OH
PA
VA
WV
CAD
USD
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
Trustly
ACH/eCHECK
Paynearme
Cash at Cage
Cash at Bally's Atlantic City Hotel & Casino
Cash at Catfish Bend Casino
Cash at Meadowlands Racetrack
American Express
Bank Wire Transfer
Debit Cards
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Fanatics Sportsbook
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  • Excellent league coverage
  • Popular FanCash Program
  • Wide availability across the US
  • Mobile app glitches and connectivity issues
  • No desktop sportsbook option
AZ
CO
CT
IL
IN
IA
KY
KS
MD
MA
MI
NJ
NY
NC
OH
PA
TN
VT
VA
WV
WY
USD
ACH/eCHECK
American Express
Cash at Cage
VISA
Mastercard
Debit Cards
Diners
Discover
PayPal
Play+
Venmo
paysafecard
Go to Website
Details
Circa Sports Sportsbook
  • Runs contests with big prizes for high-stakes bettors
  • Emphasizes competitive odds
  • App-only experience
  • No welcome offer
  • Only available in five states
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Online Sports Betting in Illinois

Illinois offers both online and retail sports betting options, providing flexibility for bettors. Online betting has several advantages:

  • Convenience: Place bets from anywhere within Illinois using a smartphone or computer.
  • 24/7 Access: Bet at any time, without being restricted by the operating hours of a physical location.
  • Competitive Odds: Online sportsbooks often have lower overhead costs, translating to better odds for bettors in many cases.
Note
Online betting requires robust verification systems to ensure compliance with state laws.

How Can I Sign Up For An Online Sportsbook in Illinois?

Signing up for an online sportsbook in Illinois is straightforward:

  1. Choose a licensed Illinois sportsbook.
  2. Download the Illinois betting app or visit the website.
  3. Click "Sign Up" or "Register."
  4. Provide personal information (name, address, last four digits of SSN).
  5. Verify your identity and age (must be 21+).
  6. Set up account preferences and security measures.
  7. Make your first deposit.
Remember
You must be physically located within Illinois state lines to place bets, even if you're a resident betting from out of state.

What Sports Can I Bet on in Illinois?

Illinois sports betting offers a broad range of options. Here's a breakdown of popular sports available for wagering:

NFL

The Chicago Bears are a focal point for NFL betting in Illinois. Bettors can wager on individual games, player props, and season-long futures.

NBA

With the Chicago Bulls based in Chicago, NBA betting is particularly popular. Bets can be placed on any NBA team or game.

MLB

The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox provide strong local interest, making MLB betting a major draw. Wagers can be placed on games, player performances, and season outcomes.

NHL

Hockey fans can bet on the Chicago Blackhawks and other NHL teams, with options ranging from moneyline bets to prop bets.

College Sports

Illinois sports betting includes NCAA events, with teams like the Illinois Fighting Illini drawing significant interest. However, prop bets on individual college athletes are prohibited.

Fun Fact
The Illinois Fighting Illini football team plays at Memorial Stadium, which has a capacity of over 60,000 fans.
NASCAR

Auto racing betting is popular in Illinois, with bets available on race winners, top finishers, and various props.

Soccer

The Illinois MLS team is the Chicago Fire FC. They are based in Chicago and compete in Major League Soccer.

Illinois’s Sports Teams to Bet On

Illinois boasts several professional and collegiate teams that attract significant betting interest:

Chicago Bears (NFL)

Based in Chicago, the Bears are a major focus for NFL betting in the state. Fans can wager on game outcomes, player performances, and season-long props.

Chicago Bulls (NBA)

The Bulls have a storied history and remain a popular choice for NBA betting among Illinois sports bettors.

Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox (MLB)

With two MLB teams, Illinois offers ample opportunities for baseball betting throughout the season.

Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

Hockey betting has grown alongside the Blackhawks' success, with fans eager to back their team throughout the NHL season.

Types of Wagers Available

Illinois sports betting offers a diverse range of wagering options to suit different preferences and strategies:

Moneyline

The simplest form of betting, where you pick the outright winner of a game or event.

Parlays

Combine multiple bets into one wager for higher potential payouts, but all selections must win for the parlay to pay out.

Totals (Over/Under)

Bet on whether the combined score of a game will be over or under a predetermined number set by the sportsbook.

Point Spreads

Wager on the margin of victory in a game, with the favorite giving points and the underdog receiving points.

Futures

Long-term bets on outcomes like championship winners, season win totals, or individual awards.

Prop Bets

Wagers on specific events within a game, such as player performance statistics or game occurrences.

Live Bets

Place bets during a game with odds that update in real-time based on the action.

Prohibited Bets

While Illinois sports betting is relatively open, there are some wagering restrictions by Illinois Gaming Board (IGB):

  • No prop bets on individual college athletes.
  • No betting on youth sports (under 18).

Choosing the Right Illinois Betting Site

With multiple options available, it's crucial to select the right sportsbook for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

What Should I Look For When Deciding Which Illinois Online Sports Betting Site is Right for me?

  • Competitive odds.
  • Real sportsbook user reviews
  • Variety of betting markets.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Reliable customer support.
  • Secure and convenient payment options.
  • Attractive promotions and bonuses with transparent terms and wagering requirements.
  • Mobile app quality.
  • Reputation and licensing.

Take the time to research and compare different sportsbooks to find the one that best aligns with your preferences and betting style.

Why Should I Have At Least 3 Illinois Sportsbook Accounts?

Having multiple sportsbook accounts offers several advantages:

  • Line Shopping: Compare odds across different books to find the best value.
  • Access to Different Markets: Some sportsbooks may offer unique betting options or better lines for specific sports.
  • Backup Options: If one sportsbook experiences technical issues, you have alternatives.
Pro Tip
Use an odds comparison tool to quickly find the best lines across your sportsbook accounts.

What Deposit And Withdraw Options Are Available?

Illinois sports betting sites typically offer a range of payment methods:

  • Credit/debit cards.
  • E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill).
  • Online bank transfers.
  • ACH/eCheck.
  • Play+ prepaid cards.
  • PayNearMe (cash deposits at participating retailers).

Withdrawal options by nature are more limited but usually include bank transfers, e-wallets, and checks.

Sports Betting in Illinois: The Big Picture

The introduction of legal Illinois sports betting has significantly impacted the state's economy and sports culture. In 2023, the Illinois online sports betting handle was $5,167,532,680 generating substantial tax revenue for the state. You can find monthly wagering reports with the Illinois Gaming Board.

This success has provided a new form of entertainment for sports fans and generated substantial tax revenue for Illinois. A portion of this revenue is earmarked for education, local governments, and problem gambling services.

Illinois Sports Betting Tax Rate

Illinois imposes a 15% tax rate on sportsbooks' adjusted gross income. This rate aims to balance generating revenue and keeping the market competitive.

Importance of Responsible Gaming in Illinois

While Illinois sports betting offers excitement and potential profits, it's crucial to approach it responsibly. The Illinois Gaming Board and licensed sportsbooks promote responsible gambling tools and practices:

  • Age Verification: Strict measures to prevent underage betting.
  • Self-Exclusion Programs: Allow bettors to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling.
  • Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on deposits.
  • Cool-Off Periods: Temporary account suspensions.
  • Problem Gambling Resources: Access to helplines and support services.

Sports betting should be viewed as entertainment, not a guaranteed way to make money. Always gamble within your means and seek help if you feel your betting habits are becoming problematic.

Illinois Sports Betting FAQs

About Illinois Sports Betting

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Illinois. It was legalized in June 2019 when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Sports Wagering Act into law. The first legal sports bets were placed in March 2020.

Do I need to be an Illinois resident to bet?

No, you do not need to be an Illinois resident to place sports bets. However, you must be physically located within the state borders when placing your bets, whether online or at a retail sportsbook.

Can I bet on college sports in Illinois?

Yes, you can bet on college sports in Illinois, but there are restrictions. Bets on in-state college teams are only allowed in person at retail sportsbooks, not online. You can bet on college teams from other states both online and in-person.

Is there a minimum age for sports betting in Illinois?

Yes, the minimum age for sports betting in Illinois is 21 years old. This applies to both online and retail sports betting.

Are there any retail sportsbooks in Illinois?

Yes, there are several retail sportsbooks in Illinois. Some of the notable ones include:

  • Rivers Casino in Des Plaines
  • Argosy Casino Alton
  • Hollywood Casino Aurora
  • Hollywood Casino Joliet
  • Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin
  • Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville (FanDuel Sportsbook)
  • PointsBet Sportsbook at Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero

Summary of Illinois Sports Betting Options

Illinois sports betting offers a comprehensive, flexible, and engaging experience for residents and visitors. With a variety of licensed sportsbooks, extensive betting markets, and a commitment to responsible gambling, Illinois has established a robust and attractive sports betting environment.

As the market continues to evolve, further innovations and improvements are expected in the Illinois sports betting landscape. Whether you're a casual fan looking to add excitement to your favorite games or a seasoned bettor seeking value, Illinois's sports betting options cater to all.

Remember to always bet responsibly, stay informed about the latest developments in Illinois sports betting, and enjoy the thrill of backing your favorite teams and athletes. With careful research, strategic thinking, and a bit of luck, sports betting can be an enjoyable addition to your sports viewing experience in the Prairie State.

Final Tip
Always keep track of your betting habits, use responsible gambling tools, and seek help if needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable betting