Illinois Sports Betting
IL Online Sportsbooks & Promo Codes
Illinois sports betting is live! Ready to join the action? Get the latest IL sportsbook promotions, insight into local betting markets, and educational tips to bet responsibly in The Prairie State here.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
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.
| 🤔 Is IL Sports Betting Legal? |
Yes, and if you're a first-time user, you can register from your phone or computer. |
| 🚀 IL Mobile Sports Betting Launch Date | Four years ago on March 9 |
|
👍 Live IL Sportsbooks |
BetMGM, Caesars, ESPN BET, FanDuel, and DraftKings |
|
✅ Last Verified |
July 03, 2024 |
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
Who Regulates Illinois Gambling?
The Illinois Gaming Board oversees all gambling within the state of Illinois.
Details of the IL Sports Betting Bill
Here are the key facts to know about the Illinois sports betting bill HB 3136:
- Each operator is taxed at 18% per year on their adjusted gross revenue
- Tax proceeds go to the Department of Health and Human Services for gambling addiction education and treatment programs, North Carolina Amateur Sports, select state universities to to support collegiate athletic departments, the North Carolina Outdoor Heritage Advisory Council, the North Carolina Major Events, Games, and Attractions Fund, and the North Carolina Youth Outdoor Engagement Commission
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 (although some might call it corruption).
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 March 5, 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.
Click for Previous Illinois Sports Betting Legalization Updates
| Date | Legalization Update |
|---|---|
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March 2022 |
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| December 2021 |
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| October 2021 |
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| September 2020 |
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| August 2020 |
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| June 2020 |
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| March 2020 |
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| December 2019 |
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| June 2019 |
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| March 2019 |
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| February 2019 |
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| August 2018 |
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Online registration for sports wagering officially launches.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
Alternatives to Online Sports Betting in Illinois
If you're searching for betting alternatives in Illinois, there are plenty of options.
Retail Sports Betting
Bettors can head to over ten retail casinos to place in-person and online sports bets.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Like many other states, Illinois currently has no laws that explicitly authorize nor prohibit DFS contests.
PrizePicks is a unique over/under platform that prompts users to select their favorite players from IL teams like the Chicago Bulls or the Chicago Bears. New users can claim a deposit match of up to $100 using our PrizePicks promo code: ACTION6!
Horse Betting
Horse betting is legal in Illinois, with several racebooks, tracks, and OTB sites available throughout the state.
Lottery
The Illinois Gaming Board oversees the legalized lottery system within Illinois.
Illinois Sportsbooks
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
Get a $200 Bet Match for Five Straight Days!
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/IL/KS/KY/MD/OH/MI/NC/NJ/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 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)
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
Exclusive: 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus! (10x wagering requirement in terms & conditions)
OR
Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!
BetMGM Bonus Code
OR
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 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). 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
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 Your Bet Wins + Bonus/Boosts Everyday!
New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CT, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, 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
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
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
ESPN BET IL Promo Code
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.
DraftKings
DraftKings is one of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois. Sign up today and redeem the promo code below!
DraftKings Promo
Bet and Get up to $300 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 21+. Must be physically located in IA, IL, LA, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, VT, WY. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
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
Get a $100 INSTANT Deposit Match!
PrizePicks Promo Code
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
In order to obtain a sports betting license in Illinois, operators need to partner with a professional team, league, or venue.
Check out the list of partnerships below 🤝
| Bally Bet | 🎰 Bally's Quad Cities (pending launch) |
| bet365 | 🎰 Century Casinos |
| BetMGM | 🎰 Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino |
| BetRivers | 🏈 Chicago Bears, Rivers Casino Des Plaines |
| Caesars | ⚾️ Chicago White Sox, Grand Victoria, Harrah's Metropolis and Joliet |
| Circa Sports | 🎰 New American Place Casino |
| DraftKings | ⚾️ Chicago Cubs, Casino Queen |
| ESPN BET |
🎰 Hollywood Casino (Argosy Casino Alton, Aurora, and Joliet) |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 🐎 Hawthorne Race Course |
| FanDuel | 🏒 Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and Fairmount Park |
| Hard Rock Bet | 🎰 Hard Rock Casino Rockford (pending launch) |
Why Sign Up for IL Sports Betting Sites?
Although Illinois doesn't offer as many online sports betting options as other states, residents can rest assured that they have access to some of the best online sportsbooks in the market.
Banking With NC Sports Betting Sites
Here are the most common deposit and withdrawal options available in Illinois.
| 💳 Credit Card | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ❌ |
| 🏦 ACH/Bank Transfer | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
| 💸 PayPal | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
| 🔵 Venmo | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
| 📱 Apple/Google Pay | Deposit ✅ | Withdrawal ✅ |
Legal Retail Sportsbooks in IL
There are over ten retail casinos in Illinois, two of which are owned and partnered with several legal sportsbooks. 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 Revenue
Illinois sports betting has been live for several years now and has amassed one billion in tax revenue for several months in 2024.
Illinois Sports Betting Tips
![Sports betting basketball]()
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 baseball]()
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 football]()
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.
| $4,112,012,139.89 | $773,163,047.37 |
Most Popular Illinois Teams to Bet on
Illinois is state that has a vast sports history and has pro and college teams from every major sports league.
Latest Sports News in Illinois:
- The Chicago Cubs are optimistic about Pete Crow-Armstrong's potential as a key part of their long-term future. Though he has struggled to find consistency in the majors, Crow-Armstrong has still made an impact with his elite defense and base running. At 22 years old, he has plenty of time to improve his production and meet the team's expectations.
- The Chicago White Sox have reportedly sparked a mega-sweepstakes for one of MLB's top pitchers, Garrett Crochet, who offers peak performance, youth, and team control. League-wide interest in the rising star is high. Although the White Sox engaged in brief contract extension talks with Crochet, they were unable to reach an agreement and plan to trade him by the July 30 deadline. Crochet has already pitched 101 1/3 innings as a first-year starter, 28 more than his career total entering the season, and the team plans to limit his workload in the second half.
Upcoming Sports Events in Illinois:
- The Philadelphia Phillies travel to Chicago on Tuesday to start a three-game series against the Cubs. The Phillies, leading the National League East, aim to claim the division from the Braves for the first time in seven years. Tuesday night's pitching matchup features Phillies' rookie Michael Mercado against the Cubs' Hayden Wesneski. The first pitch is scheduled for 8:05 PM EST.
- The Chicago White Sox will face the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday at Progressive Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 6:40 p.m. ET. The White Sox will start right-hander Chris Flexen, while the Guardians will counter with right-hander Carlos Carrasco.
- The Chicago Sky (6-11, 9th) will visit the Atlanta Dream (7-10, 7th) on Tuesday in a WNBA matchup. The Sky, coming off a 70-62 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, saw rookie Angel Reese set a new WNBA record with her 10th straight double-double. Chicago has lost two straight and four of their last six games. The Dream were defeated 81-75 by the New York Liberty and have lost four of their last five games. Chicago will be without Nikolina Milic and Elizabeth Williams, while Atlanta will be missing Isabel Borlase, Rhyne Howard, Aerial Powers, Nyadiew Puoch, Iliana Rupert, and Matilde Villa.
Pro Sports Teams in IL
All professional sports teams are based in and around Chicago. While a pro team in the state is not a requirement to have a betting market for a sport, it certainly helps momentum.
![NFL logo]()
NFL
![Chicago Bears logo]()
Chicago Bears and BetRivers
Chicago Bears and BetRiversThe 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.
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 logo]()
NBA
![Chicago Bulls logo]()
Chicago Bulls and FanDuel
Chicago Bulls and FanDuelThe 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.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Illinois:
![MLB Logo]()
MLB
![Chicago Cubs logo]()
Chicago Cubs and DraftKings
Chicago Cubs and DraftKingsThe 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.
![Chicago White Sox logo]()
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.
Recommended resource to help you make informed bets on baseball in Illinois:
MLB Game Odds: Chicago White Sox vs. Cleveland Guardians
Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated July 03, 2024 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change
|
Team |
Spread |
Moneyline |
Total |
|
(+1.5) -110 |
+170 |
Over 9.0 (-115) |
|
|
(-1.5) -110 |
-210 |
Under 9.0 (-105) |
![NHL logo]()
NHL
NHL![Chicago Blackhawks logo]()
Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago BlackhawksThe 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.
A recommended resource to help you bet on hockey:
![WNBA logo]()
WNBA
WNBA![Chicago Sky logo]()
Chicago Sky - No Sportsbook Partner
Chicago Sky - No Sportsbook PartnerThe 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.
![MLS logo]()
MLS
![Chicago Fire logo]()
Chicago Fire FC - No Sportsbook Partner
Chicago Fire FC - No Sportsbook PartnerThe 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.
Here's a recommended resource to help you bet on soccer in Illinois:
![NWSL logo]()
NWSL
![Chicago Red Stars logo]()
Chicago Red Stars - No Sportsbook Partner
Chicago Red Stars - No Sportsbook PartnerThe 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 the 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.
![NCAA football icon logo]()
College Football Betting
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish 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.
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.
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.
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.
Recommended resource to help you bet on college football in Illinois:
![NCAA Basketball logo]()
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Possible 'Chicago Bowl' (College Football)
The Chicago Bowl is a proposed (aka yet to ever happen) NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football bowl game to be played in Chicago at Wrigley Field. Negotiations for the bowl game had been tabled for now until an agreement can be reached with the Big Ten Conference on a higher ranking team's entrance into the bowl.
NASCAR Cup Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway
The 2023 Cup Series will include NASCAR'S first-ever street race course in 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. Check out our NASCAR page for more updates.
More Reading on Illinois
For more on Illinois-focused sports coverage to supplement The Action Network, you can check out The Chicago Tribune and Bleacher Nation's top Illinois sportsbooks guide.
DraftKings at Casino Queen
Sportsbook: DraftKings. While you can currently sign up and bet fully online via DK's app, Casino Queen is DraftKings retail location option if you prefer in person action. DraftKings at Casino Queen is nestled along the Mississippi River just across from St. Louis. If you plan to stay awhile at the hotel: there's a sportsbar, a steakhouse, and famous views of the St. Louis Skyline. Other amenities include a pool, an on site gym, and a full-service RV Park.
Harrah's Joliet
Sportsbook: Joliet Sportsbook. On-site, there are five sports wagering terminals, 40+ HDTV’s for games watching, and five sports wagering kiosks. In addition to the sportsbook, the casino offers table games and a World Series of Poker Room. There are also three restaurants on the property — one for upscale dining, one casual, and one buffet.
Harrah's Metropolis
Sportsbook: Caesar's/Harrah's Metropolis. The sportsbook planned to follow the Vegas plan for sportsbook, offering a bar, comfortable stadium-like seating, and of course, plenty of TVs to catch all of the action. The casino includes about 36,000 square feet of gaming space, and it houses three different restaurants and a bar.
Hollywood Casino Aurora
Sportsbook: Penn National. Located on the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. It is owned by Gaming & Leisure Properties and operated by Penn National Gaming. The sportsbook is located at Center Stage in the middle of all gaming and offers three sports wagering kiosks, four teller windows, and a number of TVs.
Grand Victoria Casino
Sportsbook: William Hill (pending). The sportsbook at the Grand Victoria Casino is located on the casino floor and is provided by William Hill. The property also features three restaurants: a deli, steakhouse, and buffet. There are also spaces to hold banquets and meetings, with specially-created menus.
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Sportsbook: Penn National. The sportsbook, located inside of the Inside 99 Hops House restaurant, possesses sports betting terminals and 14 sports betting kiosks on the casino floor and pavilion. In addition to the sports betting amenities, the casino holds three restaurants, including a steakhouse, deli, and buffet.
Argosy Casino Alton
Sportsbook: Penn National. The sportsbook at the Argosy Casino Alton features individual viewing stations to watch games and 36 TVs that are at least 65 inches. Located next to Hops House, the book aims to be a convenient place to catch the action while wagering. In addition to the Hops House sports bar, the casino also houses the Captain's Table Buffet.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Sportsbook: BetRivers / Rush Street Gaming. Rivers Casino Des Plaines features the state's BetRivers Sportsbook, which became the first live online book in Illinois in June. The casino also opened the first in-person sportsbook in March, just days before casinos were forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sportsbook has an LED HD video wall with monitors lining the rest of the room. At the 26-seat bar, tabletop video poker is installed to entertain during breaks. The casino also includes six dining options.
Par-A-Dice-Casino
Sportsbook: Boyd Gaming in partnership with FanDuel. Par-A-Dice Casino recently launched Illinois' lone FanDuel sportsbook, which allows in-person and online betting to take place. In addition to the new brick-and-mortar book in East Peoria, the casino offers a number of different dining options, including a steakhouse, bar and grill, buffet, and deli.
Jumer's Casino & Hotel
Sportsbook: TBD. Right on the Iowa border, Jumer's Casino & Hotel offers more than 42,000 square feet of gaming complete with over 870 slots and 25 table games. It also has the Lucky North Players Club in which customers can earn play points and promotions. In addition to the hotel and four dining options available, Jumer's also features a nightclub and live entertainment.
Hard Rock Casino Rockford
Sportsbook: TBD. This casino is operating temporarily while the permanent casino is being built near I-90. This 37,000 square foot casino is expecting to operate for 2 years, and is the host to 625 slot machines. This casino also has two dining options available, an upscale option and a casual option. A pop-up retail shop is also available for all of your Hard Rock merchandising needs!
Yes, online sports betting is legal in Illinois.
Bovada is an illegal offshore sportsbook that operates without jurisdiction by any governing body. It’s not legal in Illinois and won’t be necessary to use soon with legal operators coming online.
No, you can not place wagers on any college teams that are located in Illinois while you are betting within Illinois state lines.
The licensing rules are complicated. Online-only operators pay a $20 million fee and can only enter the market after 18 months. Any company that owns a land-based casino can begin offering online sports betting right away and must pay up to a $10 million license.
Yes, you are able to place sports bets online in Chicago and the entire state of Illinois as of June 2020. Statewide in-person registration requirement ended on March 5 two years ago.
Yes. Because sports betting is legalized and regulated at the state-wide level, each state implements geo-tracking technology to restrict bets just to bettors within state lines. That’s true for Illinois sportsbooks as well. But you don’t have to be an Illinois resident to bet. That means if you’re from California but in Chicago for a business trip, you can download a betting app, sign up, and bet while you’re in the state. You can withdraw from anywhere.
No, if you are placing bets while located in Illinois you can not wager on players that play for a college located in Illinois.
Claim Promo Code Offers from IL Sportsbooks
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