Illinois Sports Betting

Illinois is one of the leading sports betting states in the U.S. Here are some key takeaways to note about legal online sports betting in Illinois.

Who Can Bet on Sports in Illinois?

Bettors in North Carolina can now make sports wagers at retail tribal properties and online from the comfort of their homes!

In order to participate in online sports betting, you'll have to meet the requirements below:

• Be at least 21 years old
• Use an approved sportsbook while being physically present in the state
• Verify your account and comply with the sportsbook's terms and conditions

How to Start Betting in Illinois

It's easy to get started with sports betting as a resident. Here's how:

Step 1: Pick your preferred sportsbook(s)

Whether you want to stick with just one sportsbook or bounce back and forth between a few, identify the sportsbook or books that you like the most (we recommend finding those with the best promotional offers to get started) to get started.

Step 2: Sign up using relevant promotional codes

Register for your chosen sportsbook(s) using the relevant sign up codes to claim promotional offers. Be aware, though, that registration requirement could vary from one sportsbook to another. For example, FanDuel will ask for personal details to verify your identity. Some sportsbooks may even require you to submit various forms of documentation to validate the information you provide.

Step 3: Deposit funds into your account(s)

Each sportsbook may have different depositing options, but most legitimate sportsbooks make it easy to deposit utilizing a variety of convenient options. It's worth noting that most sportsbooks do require a minimum deposit amount.

In most cases, the same withdrawal options are available for users to cash out their winnings. 

Step 4: Start betting 

After you complete the registration information and make a funds deposit, you're ready to get started!

If you need resources to help bet with savvy, check out our educational resources. Select your picks — Bulls totals, anyone?

Illinois Sports Betting Background and Legalization Timeline

Among states that have legalized, Illinois has had the most uncertainty and confusion around what their sports betting market will look like. This is primarily due to successful special interest lobbying. 

This was supposed to protect local business interests and reprimand improper compliance behavior — the controversial "penalty box provision." Initially, lawmakers settled on 18 months of increased constraints. For that time, the only online operators allowed would be the ones that also own physical casinos across the state.

Other states do require sites like FanDuel and DraftKings to partner with existing casinos to offer their products online. It’s worked fine in New Jersey — the big online players get market access, and local casinos don’t get left in the dust because they can’t or won't scale their own online operations. The heavier restrictions, however, are unheard of and speak to the powerful political influence of casinos throughout the state. Rivers Casino took the first in-person sports bet in March 2020, then went live with BetRivers in June 2020.

With great legal maneuvering, DraftKings was able to set up for an IL launch in July 2020. They fought to partner with Casino Queen in St. Louis — but due to legal restrictions, the casino brand must be featured in advertisements. A casino must own 80% of the business if another brand is used.

BetRivers was the first to offer online betting because its parent company, Rush Street Interactive, owns the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, IL. 

Licensing fees — up to $20 million for online-only operators and $10 million for land-based casinos to offer online betting — are also among the highest of any state, which will prevent smaller players from entering the market. It already flushed out USA Sports Gaming, which planned to launch BetChicago but turned its attention to Indiana instead.

Thanks to House Bill 3136's passing, Illinoisans no longer have to abide by the in-person registration requirement, which ended two years ago in March 2022, enabling online registration for users located anywhere within the Prairie State. 

University of Illinois Institute of Government & Public Affairs (IGPA) released a report covering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state of the local economy. Potential sports betting revenue may help momentum with policy revisions to maximize revenue in the near future to level the playing field for operators and bettors.

Below is a complete timeline of IL's legalization process.

Permitted Sports Betting Markets & Sports in Illinois

Here are the permitted bet types and sports markets in Illinois.

Legal Bet Types

Bettors can wager on a range of bet types like:

• Point Spreads. Spread betting is a bet on the margin of victory in a game, or the point "differential."
• Moneylines. Moneyline betting is when you pick the winner of the game or event, either one team or another.
• First Half & Second Half Bets. Halves let a bettor treat the first half and the second half as separate matches.
• Totals. A total, also known as an over/under, is a bet on the number of points both teams will combine to score in a game.
• Futures. Future bets are a bet on an event that will be decided in the future (e.g., end-of-season results).
• Player Props. A "prop" bet, short for a proposition, is a wager that is not directly tied to the final score or outcome.

You can take advantage of the different bet types to wager on these sports legally:

• Football: NFL & CFL 
• Basketball: NBA, WNBA, European/international baseball league
• Baseball: MLB 
• Hockey: NHL, international hockey leagues
• Soccer: MLS, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League
• College sports EXCEPT mobile betting on games involving in-state schools
• Golf: PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA European
• Auto Racing: IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One

Additional market choices like boxing, tennis, rugby and more may also be offered at in-state sportsbooks.

Sports Betting Laws to Be Aware Of

Betting on In-State College Teams

Bettors are now able to bet on in-state college teams. Sports bettors were originally banned from betting on the games that involved in-state schools to avoid putting the athletes at risk. But the new law comes with a caveat: Bets placed on games involving in-state schools have to be placed at retail sportsbooks and not through mobile wagering. There will also be no wagering on individual performances such as player props for games involving schools in the state.

State Sports Betting Restrictions

❌  No bettors under 21 years of age

❌  No mobile betting on games featuring in-state schools

❌  No betting on individual performances like player props in games featuring in-state college teams

❌  No betting on high school sporting events

❌  Sporting officials (coaches, referees) or players with a vested interest in a given game or season cannot bet on their events

Residents in Illinois can register and redeem the following sports betting offers available below! 

Fanatics Sportsbook

In April 2024, Fanatics Sportsbook replaced PointsBet in IL.

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo

Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets!

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code

No promo code needed!

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up when it launches in IL.

Terms & Conditions

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO/DC/IL/KS/KY/LA/MD/OH/MI/NC/NJ/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or http://ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV). Must apply this Promotion in your bet slip & place and settle $5+ cash wager with odds of - 200 or longer to get a Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you sign up. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. Add'l Terms apply, see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

DraftKings

DraftKings is one of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois. Sign up today and redeem the promo code below!

DraftKings Promo

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

DraftKings Promo Code

No promo code is required to claim the DraftKings sign-up offer

Action Network Score

9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: dkng.co/bball. Ends 1/5/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DraftKings.

BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the newest additions to the state's sports betting market. New users can claim BetMGM's welcome offer by redeeming the exclusive promo offer below!

BetMGM Bonus

Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

AN1500

BetMGM Terms & Conditions

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or Call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential help (MI), or 877-718-5543 (NC). Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars offers new IL users an exciting bonus bets promo below!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION221000

Action Network Score

9.3/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks

ESPN BET

ESPN BET Illinois is live! Use our promo code for a welcome bonus!

ESPN BET IL Promo

Get a $1,500 First Bet Reset!

ESPN BET IL Promo Code

TANBONUS

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our ESPN BET Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about ESPN BET and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

FanDuel

FanDuel has a seamless sign-up offer and a hard-to-beat promo in Illinois.

FanDuel Promo 

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win+3 Months Of League Pass!

New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, CT, IL, TN, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT, WV, WY only. Full T&C apply.

FanDuel Promo Code

There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer

Action Network Score

9.6/10. See our FanDuel Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks

bet365

bet365 is expected to launch in Illinois sometime this year. Learn more about what to expect from bet365 in this bet365 Illinois bonus code review.

bet365 Promo

Coming soon

bet365 Promo Code

Coming soon

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our bet365 Bonus Code and review for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
bet365 vs Other Sportsbooks

Illinois DFS Apps

Illinois users can also use DFS apps. Check out our top IL DFS app below!

PrizePicks

Players in Illinois can pick their favorite lineups for a chance to win cash prizes! Take a look at the exciting promo offer and bonus code below to get started!

PrizePicks Promo

Place a $5 Lineup, Get $50 Instantly - No Strings Attached!

PrizePicks Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

9.4/10. See our PrizePicks Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about PrizePicks and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
PrizePicks vs Other Sportsbooks

Sportsbooks Partnered with Illinois Sports Teams or Venues

Check out the list of partnerships below 🤝

Banking With NC Sports Betting Sites

Here are the most common deposit and withdrawal options available in Illinois.

Legal Retail Sportsbooks in IL

Illinois has 11 retail casinos, most of which are owned by and partnered with legal sportsbook operators. Check them out below 👇

• Argosy Casino Alton
• Casino Queen
• Hard Rock Casino Rockford
• Harrah's Joliet & Metropolis
• Hollywood Casino Aurora & Joliet
• Jumer's Casino & Hotel
• Grand Casino Victoria
• Par-A-Dice-Casino
• Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Illinois Sports Betting Tips

Sports Betting for Beginners 

New to sports betting? Awesome! We're here to help. Check out our educational resource hub so you can get started on the right foot. 

Sports Betting Glossary 

Sports betting has a dictionary of its own that you’ll want to get familiar with if you’re new to the space. 

Get up to speed here with our sports betting glossary. 

Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid

You’re probably ready to unload some bets on the Chicago Bears and Bulls. We recommend educated, responsible decision-making — so reading up a bit can help before joining in on the action.

Here are some sports betting mistakes for Illinoisans (or visitors!) to avoid.

Illinois is state that has a vast sports history and has pro and college teams from every major sports league.

Pro Sports Teams in IL

All professional sports teams are based in and around Chicago. 

 NFL

Chicago Bears 

The Chicago Bears are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season last year after finishing with a 7-10 record and missing the playoffs. The Bears are coached by Matt Eberflus and play their home games at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Bears Odds

A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football in Illinois:

• How to Bet on Football Guide
• Check our Expert NFL Picks
• Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data

 NBA

Chicago Bulls 

The Chicago Bulls and Billy Donovan fell short of the playoffs last season after finishing with a 39-43 record and losing their second Play-In game against the Miami Heat. Hopefully Lonzo Ball can make his return so the Bulls can turn around their latest struggles over the past couple of seasons. The Bulls play their home games at the United Center in downtown Chicago.

Bulls Odds

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Illinois:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide 

 MLB

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs finished with an 83-79 record last season, missing the postseason once again. Craig Counsell manages the team and the Cubs play their home games at Wrigley Field.

Cubs Odds 

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox finished with a 61-101 record last season. The White Sox are managed by Pedro Grifol and play their home games at Guaranteed Rate Field.

White Sox Odds

Recommended resource to help you make informed bets on baseball in Illinois:

• How to Bet on Baseball Guide

NHL

Chicago Blackhawks

The Chicago Blackhawks continued to struggle last season after finishing with a 23-53-6 record under coach Luke Richardson. The Blackhawks play their home games at the United Center.

Blackhawks Odds

A recommended resource to help you bet on hockey:

• How to Bet On Hockey Guide

WNBA

Chicago Sky 

The Chicago Sky finished last season with a 18-22 record and were ultimately eliminated from the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs by the Las Vegas Aces. With their new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon and Angel Reese, the future is bright in Chicago. The Sky play their home games at the Wintrust Arena.

WNBA Odds

MLS

Chicago Fire FC 

The Chicago Fire FC finished last season with a 10-10-14 record and are coached by new coach Frank Klopas. Chicago Fire FC plays their game at the SeatGeek Stadium.

Soccer Odds

Here's a recommended resource to help you bet on soccer in Illinois:

• How to Bet On Soccer Guide

NWSL

Chicago Red Stars

The Chicago Red Stars finished 12th in the NWSL with a 7-3-12 record and fourth in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Red Stars are coached by Lorne Donaldson and play their home games at SeatGeek Stadium.

College Sports Teams

Both Illinois and Northwestern have proud sports traditions and longstanding rivalries inside and outside the state. We expect big bets to be placed on these college games in the future.

College Football Betting

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish may play across the border in Indiana, but the campus is very close to Chicago and there are many, many Irish fans in Illinois. finished with a 10-3 record and as Sun Bowl champions under head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish play their home games at the Notre Dame Stadium.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds 

Illinois Fighting Illini Football

The Illinois Fighting Illini finished last season with a 5-7 record under head coach Bret Bielema. The Illini play their home games at the Memorial Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini Odds

Northwestern Wildcats Football

The Northwestern Wildcats finished with an 8-5 record and Las Vegas Bowl win with head coach David Braun. The Cats play their home games at Ryan Field.

Northwestern Wildcats Odds

Northern Illinois Huskies Football

The 7-6 Northern Illinois Huskies finished last season with a Camellia Bowl win against Arkansas State under head coach Thomas Hammock. The Huskies play their home games at Huskie Stadium.

Northern Illinois Huskies Odds 

Recommended resource to help you bet on college football in Illinois:

• College Football Betting Tips for Profitability
• College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public

College Basketball Betting

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish missed an NCAA Tournament appearance after finishing with a 13-20 record last season. Notre Dame is coached by Micah Shrewsberry and play their home games at the Purcell Pavilion.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women's Basketball

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish dominated last season, finishing with a 28-7 record before being eliminated by Oregon State in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Irish are coached by Niele Ivey and play their home games at the Purcell Pavilion.

Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball

The Illinois Fighting Illini made a great run last season after finishing 29-9 before being eliminated by UConn in the fourth round of the NCAA Tournament. Brad Underwood coaches the Illini and the team plays their home games at the State Farm Center.

Illinois Fighting Illini Odds 

DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball

The DePaul Blue Demons underperformed and finished with a 3-29 record last season. Let's see if new head coach Chris Holtmann can turn the program around this upcoming season. The Blue Demons play their home games at the Wintrust Arena.

DePaul Blue Demons Odds

Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball

The Northwestern Wildcats and Chris Collins finished last season with a 22-12 record before being eliminated in the second round of March Madness by UConn. The Wildcats play their home games at the Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Northwestern Wildcats Odds

Loyola Chicago Ramblers Men's Basketball

The 23-10 Loyola Chicago Ramblers had a great season before being eliminated by Bradley in the first round of the NIT Tournament. Drew Valentine is the team's coach and they play their home games at the  Joseph J. Gentile Arena.

Loyola Ramblers Odds 

We've got a few recommended resources to help you bet on CBB in Illinois:

Recommended resources to help you bet on college basketball in Illinois:

• How to Bet on College Basketball
• Trends to Know Before Betting Conference Tournaments 

Other Sporting Events

Illinois normally plays host to several other sporting events throughout the year, including:

The John Deere Classic

The John Deere Classic is an annual PGA event hosted in Silvis, Illinois at TPC Deere Run, a Midwest golf destination. The event is a final chance for a player not already exempt to earn entry into The Open (traditionally scheduled a week later in Britain) if he finishes in the top five out of the tournament. High stakes make the JDC of particular interest to golf enthusiasts and sports bettors alike.

NASCAR Cup Series Races in Chicago and at World Wide Technology Raceway

The 2023 Cup Series now includes NASCAR'S first-ever street race course in downtown Chicago. Additionally, the NASCAR Cup Series Event that took place last summer will be hosted annually at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, just outside St. Louis. Check out our NASCAR page for more updates. 

Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Illinois: 

ESPN BET Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or by texting ILGAMB to 53342. 

• Must be 21 years or older
• Learn about Illinois' Self-Exclusion Program