Illinois Sports Betting Sites

The betting experts at MyBettingSites rank all the top betting sites and promos available in the Prairie State!

Best Sports Betting Sites in Illinois 2024

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Top Illinois Betting Sites
Betting Site Sign Up Bonus Pros & Cons
#1
Get up to $1000 in No Sweat Bets
Pros & Cons
Exceptional FanCash Rewards Program
Best book for Existing Customer Promos
Top Tier Same Game Parlay Options
NFL Live Streaming
No Credit Cards
Only available on mobile
#2
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
+ 3 Months of NBA League Pass
Pros & Cons
Daily Fantasy, Sportsbook, Casino and Horse Racing & more
Best Parlay Betting in the US
One of the most complete & user-friendly apps in the US
In-App Live Streaming for NFL, MLB, NHL, & more
Lacks a robust Loyalty Program
Odds Boosts limited to $50 wagers
#3
Get Up to $300 Instantly
Pros & Cons
Sportsbook, Casino, Daily Fantasy Sports & DK Horse
Huge selection of betting markets
Fantastic SGP and Microbetting options
Tons of Odd Boosts and Daily Promos
#1 App for Beginners
Limited Live Streaming options
No Support via Phone
#4
Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
Pros & Cons
Top Site for Odds Boosts
Exceptional Loyalty Rewards Program
Superb Mobile & Desktop design
NFL Live Streaming
Live odds not as good as competitors

Illinois Sports Betting

Illinois officially entered the world of legal sports betting on March 9, 2020, opening up exciting opportunities for wagering enthusiasts across the state.

To help Illinois bettors navigate the wide array of sportsbooks, our team of seasoned experts has crafted what we believe to be the ultimate guide to Illinois' top betting sites.

In this page we carefully review each platform, highlighting their unique features and benefits, to ensure you have all the information you need to make confident and informed decisions on where to place your bets.

How we rank Illinois Betting Sites

Lewis Parker
Lewis Parker - Editor-in-Chief

The MyBettingSites team boasts nearly two decades of experience in the online betting industry, combines professional insight with a passion for sports wagering. This experience allows us to provide an in-depth look at Illinois sportsbooks, so you can find the platform that best suits your betting style and preferences.

To ensure the highest quality recommendations, we’ve rigorously tested each Illinois sportsbook across six key categories:

  • Bonuses & Promos
  • Betting Variety & Odds
  • Payment Options & Speed
  • Mobile App
  • Web Platform
  • Customer Support

Best Illinois Sports Betting Sites

After performing our tests on all active betting sites in Illinois, our team has chosen the following 4 sportsbooks as the best Illinois has to offer.

Click on any of the betting sites below to dive into detailed mini-reviews of our top selections for Illinois sports bettors!

Top Betting Sites in Illinois

Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois

Get up to $1000 in No Sweat Bets

Earn FanCash for every bet you place
Best new betting app in the US
Live NFL Streaming

Does not accept credit cards
No Desktop platform

Retail Partner: Hawthorne Race Course

Top Rewards Program in Illinois

Fanatics Sportsbook made a bold entry into the sports betting market by acquiring PointsBet, merging its established betting platform with Fanatics’ iconic sports merchandise brand.

Branding itself as the "most rewarding sportsbook" in America, Fanatics Sportsbook is known for its great rotating stable of existing customer promos, as well as its sensational FanCash Rewards Program. Our #1 pick for the best loyalty program in the US, Fanatics allows players to accumulate FanCash with every bet they make, which can then be redeemed for bonus bets or official merchandise & collectibles from all their online stores.

With a user-friendly app, a wide variety of betting markets, and attractive features like Same Game Parlays and NFL live streaming, Fanatics has quickly gained traction as one of the top betting sites across the nation.

BONUSES & PROMOS★★★★★★★★★9/10
BETTING VARIETY & ODDS★★★★★★★★★9/10
MOBILE & WEB UX★★★★★★★★★9/10
PAYMENT OPTIONS★★★★★★★★★★8/10
BETTING FEATURES★★★★★★★★★★8/10
CUSTOMER SUPPORT★★★★★★★★★★8/10
SUMMARY★★★★★★★★★★8/10

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FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois

Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets + 3 Months of NBA League Pass

Deepest markets on US sports
Exceptional betting app
Sportsbook, DFS & Racebook - all in 1 account
NFL, MLB & NHL Live Streaming

Can improve offering of niche/international markets
Odds are very average

Retail Partner: FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing

Best Parlay Betting Site in Illinois

Building on its tremendous success in the Daily Fantasy Sports world, FanDuel has become a dominant force in Illinois' sports betting market. Its platform, available on both mobile and desktop, is one of the most complete betting sites in the US, catering to all types of bettors - from casual users to experienced players.

FanDuel Sportsbook offers some of the most robust betting markets for US sports, along with standout features such as Same Game Parlays, a top-tier live betting interface, and even free in-app live streaming for popular sports, including NFL, MLB, and NHL.

FanDuel’s ability to integrate sports betting, Racebook, and Daily Fantasy Sports into a single account makes it a particularly versatile choice for those seeking variety and the convenience of multiple types of betting within one platform.

BONUSES & PROMOS★★★★★★★★★9/10
BETTING VARIETY & ODDS★★★★★★★★★★10/10
MOBILE & WEB UX★★★★★★★★★★10/10
PAYMENT OPTIONS★★★★★★★★★★10/10
BETTING FEATURES★★★★★★★★★9/10
CUSTOMER SUPPORT★★★★★★★★★9/10
SUMMARY★★★★★★★★★9/10

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DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

Best Betting App for Beginners
Micro-betting for NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA Football
Top Shelf Parlay Offering - Including Progressive Parlays
Best Free-to-Play Pools

Limited Live Streaming options
Odds could offer more value

Retail Partner: Casino Queen

Best NFL Betting Site

DraftKings Sportsbook is one of our top choices for bettors in Illinois, offering a comprehensive suite of features that few can compete with. With access to Sportsbook, Racebook, Daily Fantasy Sports, Pick 6, and even free-to-play pools all through one account, DraftKings gives bettors unparalleled possibilities.

Known for its sleek, user-friendly platform, DraftKings provides a vast selection of betting markets, along with exclusive features like Progressive Parlays, Cash Outs, and Flash Bets. Additionally, the platform boasts a strong offering of Same Game Parlay options, giving bettors more ways to customize their wagers.

Boasting fast payouts, helpful betting guides, and a generous range of Odds Boosts and daily promotions, DraftKings has cemented itself as a top-tier platform for those seeking an engaging, rewarding, and versatile sports betting experience in Illinois.

BONUSES & PROMOS★★★★★★★★★9/10
BETTING VARIETY & ODDS★★★★★★★★★★10/10
MOBILE & WEB UX★★★★★★★★★9/10
PAYMENT OPTIONS★★★★★★★★★★10/10
BETTING FEATURES★★★★★★★★★★10/10
CUSTOMER SUPPORT★★★★★★★★★9/10
SUMMARY★★★★★★★★★9/10

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Caesars Sportsbook Illinois

Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets

Extensive Rewards Program
Generous Welcome Bonus
Most Odds Boosts across the board
NFL live streaming

SGP offering only on big games
Live betting offering could be expanded

Retail Partner: Grand Victoria

Best Site for Odds Boosts

Caesars Sportsbook, a household name in the U.S. betting scene, has successfully transitioned from its legendary retail presence into one of the most respected online platforms in Illinois.

Known for delivering competitive odds across a broad range of sports markets, Caesars has become a go-to sportsbook for Illinois bettors looking for great value and diverse betting options - especially thanks to their robust selection of daily Odds Boosts.

But it doesn’t stop there—Caesars offers one of the best bonus packages in the industry, from their superb welcome bonus, to their ongoing promos, and finally their crown jewel: The Caesars Rewards Program. Every bet you place at Caesars will award you with Reward Credits, which can then be redeemed for bonuses or a variety of perks on Caesars properties nationwide - including hotel stays, dining, and event tickets, and more.

BONUSES & PROMOS★★★★★★★★★★10/10
BETTING VARIETY & ODDS★★★★★★★★★9/10
MOBILE & WEB UX★★★★★★★★★★10/10
PAYMENT OPTIONS★★★★★★★★★9/10
BETTING FEATURES★★★★★★★★★★10/10
CUSTOMER SUPPORT★★★★★★★★★9/10
SUMMARY★★★★★★★★★9/10

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List of All Illinois Sports Betting Sites

While Illinois offers up to 26 licenses for online sports betting operators, there are currently only 9 betting sites operational in the Land of Lincoln:

  1. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best Recurring Promos & Rewards Program
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook - #1 Site for Parlay Betting
  3. DraftKings Sportsbook - Best Betting Site for Beginners
  4. Caesars Sportsbook - Top Site for Odds Boosts
  5. BetMGM - Great Parlay Betting
  6. BetRivers - NHL & MLB live streaming
  7. Hard Rock Bet - Great Flexible Parlay feature
  8. ESPN BET - Underwhelming effort from ESPN
  9. Circa Sports - No welcome offer

Illinois Sports Betting Promos

Top Betting Bonuses Illinois

If you're looking for the best betting offers in Illinois, you've come to the right place!

Our team consists of avid bonus hunters that are constantly looking for the latest and greatest betting offers around the country, and we have gathered all the best promos offered by legal betting sites in Illinois in one place!

Illinois Welcome Bonuses

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
BEST BETTING SIGN UP BONUSES IN Illinois
Betting Site Sign Up Bonus
#1
Get up to $1000 in No Sweat Bets
#2
Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
#3
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
+ 3 Months of NBA League Pass
#4
Get Up to $300 Instantly

Betting Promos for Existing Customers in Illinois

While sign-up bonuses might be what attracts you to a betting site initially, experienced players know that long-term value comes from the ongoing promotions sportsbooks offer to their loyal customers.

Bettors in Illinois can access a range of recurring promotions like odds boosts, no sweat bets, and free contests. Additionally, sportsbooks frequently run seasonal or event-specific promotions, whether for March Madness, the Super Bowl, or local favorites like the Chicago Bulls or Bears.

These promotions allow you to maximize your potential returns or reduce risk, adding long-term value that far surpasses the allure of a one-time welcome bonus.

Types of Existing Customer Betting Promos in Illinois

Bet Boosts

A favorite among US bettors, Boosts enhance your profits on selected lines or increase the odds for specific bet types like Parlays.
Look for Profit Boosts, Odd Boosts, and Parlay Boosts to increase the payouts on your bets.
Best Odds Boosts:
Caesars Sportsbook Logo

'Bet & Get' Promos

Place bets on chosen markets or events and get rewarded with a bonus bet once your wager settles.
Example: Bet $25 on a Detroit Lions game this weekend and get a $10 bonus bet.
Best 'Bet & Get' Promos:
Fanatics Sportsbook Logo

Bet Insurance

Place bets on selected events and get your stake back as bonus credit if your bet loses.
Similarly, Parlay Insurance allows one leg of your parlay to fail, yet still return your bet amount.
Best Bet Insurance Promos:
FanDuel Sportsbook Logo

Free Contests

Join various free handicapping contests for a chance at big prizes, including Daily Free Pools, Football Squares, Pick 'em Tournaments, and more.
Example: DraftKings' Free '$30K The Football Survivor' Pool.
Best Free Betting Contests:
DraftKings Logo

Event Promos

Illinois sports betting sites often offer attractive promos and free contests for special events.
Examples: Super Bowl Bonuses, March Madness Pools, World Series Promos, etc.
Best Event Promos:
FanDuel Sportsbook Logo

Sportsbook Rewards Programs

Earn Loyalty points with each bet you place and redeem them for thrilling bonuses and prizes.
As you accumulate more points, you ascend through Reward program tiers to unlock larger rewards & prizes.
Best Rewards Program:
Fanatics Sportsbook Logo

Refer a friend

Invite your friends to join the excitement of betting and reap great rewards.
Ex. Refer a Friend Get $100, or Get $75, Give $75 (you split the referral amount with your friend)
Best Refer-a-Friend:
DraftKings Logo

Click on any logo above to check out their current promos!

Illinois Sports Betting Apps

Best betting apps in Illinois

Mobile betting apps have become the go-to platform for Illinois sports bettors looking for convenience and flexibility. Boasting user-friendly interfaces, combined with fast load times and smooth navigation, betting apps can offer a seamless experience from the moment bets are placed to when they’re cashed out.

With features like live betting, cash-out options, and in-depth game stats readily available, betting apps make it easier than ever for you to engage with your favorite sports in real-time. Illinois bettors can also enjoy free in-app live streaming on most apps, allowing you to watch the games you have money riding on.

To help bettors make the most informed decision, our team has conducted in-depth tests of all the top Illinois betting apps. We've looked at critical factors such as app speed, features, ease of use, and overall design. Based on our comprehensive evaluations, we’ve curated a list of the best mobile betting apps available in Illinois.

Top Illinois Betting Apps

1
FanDuel Sportsbook App Illinois
  • Most complete betting app
  • Top app for Same Game Parlays
  • Superb Live Betting experience
  • NFL, MLB & NHL Live Streaming
AspectApp StoreGoogle Play
Ratings4.8/5 (Out of 1.2M Reviews)4.7/5 (Out of 246k Reviews)
File Size127.7 MBNot specified
Software RequirementiOS 14.0 or laterAndroid 5.0 and up
LanguagesEnglish
Age Restriction18+ (To Download), 21+ (To Play)
App SupportAvailable In-App

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook

Fanduel Sportsbook App on iPhone
2
DraftKings Sportsbook App Illinois
  • #1 app for new bettors
  • Tons of NFL betting options (including free pools and Pick 6)
  • Odd Boosts & SGPs on all major sports
  • Great existing customer promos
AspectApp StoreGoogle Play
Ratings4.8/5 (Out of 605.7K Reviews)4.6/5 (Out of 112K Reviews)
File Size382.2 MBNot specified
Software RequirementiOS 16.0 or laterAndroid 5.0 and up
LanguagesEnglish
Age Restriction18+ (To Download), 21+ (To Play)
App Supportsupport@draftkings.com

Sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook Odds on iPhone
3
Fanatics Sportsbook App Illinois
  • Top new betting app in America
  • Curated feed highlights top events and popular bets
  • Earn FanCash & exchange for bonuses or merch
  • Top Same Game Parlay selection
AspectApp StoreGoogle Play
Ratings4.7/5 (Out of 10.5K Reviews)4.1/5 (Out of 1.22K Reviews)
File Size295.4 MBNot specified
Software RequirementiOS 15.0 or laterAndroid 6.0 and up
LanguagesEnglish
Age Restriction18+ (To Download), 21+ (To Play)
App Supportsupport@betfanatics.com

Sign up for Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook App
4
Caesars Sportsbook App Illinois
  • Best app for Odds Boosts
  • Smooth, intuitive interface with sleek design
  • NFL Live streaming
  • Great Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program
AspectApp StoreGoogle Play
Ratings4.6/5 (Out of 47.8k Reviews)4.3/5 (Out of 22.2k Reviews)
File Size184.4 MBNot specified
Software RequirementiOS 15.0 or laterAndroid 7.0 and up
LanguagesEnglish
Age Restriction18+ (To Download), 21+ (To Play)
App Supportsupport@caesarssportsbook.com


Caesars Sportsbook Same Game Parlay

Best Betting Apps in Illinois - Ranking Factors

Lewis Parker
Lewis Parker - Editor-in-Chief

Our team has conducted a thorough analysis of the best mobile betting apps available in Illinois, examining key aspects to help bettors make informed decisions:

  • User Experience (UX): We assess how intuitive and visually appealing each app is, focusing on the overall design and how easy it is to navigate.
  • Functionality: We evaluate the smoothness and effectiveness of core features like live betting and cash-out options.
  • Responsiveness: We review how quickly each app updates odds, processes bets, and reacts to user inputs during fast-moving games.
  • Security: Protecting users' personal and financial data is a top priority. We carefully review each app’s encryption technologies and security protocols to ensure that they are safeguarding your information and complying with industry standards.
  • App Features: We delve into the unique offerings of each app, such as live streaming, parlay builders, variety of payment methods, stats hub, and more.

With these insights, our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what each mobile betting app in Illinois has to offer, what kind of bettor it suits best, and highlight any potential areas for improvement to ensure a top-notch experience.

Illinois Betting Payment Methods

If you're just getting started with sports betting in Illinois, you'll find that the state’s top betting sites offer a variety of secure and convenient payment options to make both depositing and withdrawing funds hassle-free.

Whether you’re adding funds to your account or ready to cash out your winnings, Illinois sportsbooks provide both traditional methods like credit/debit cards and bank transfers, as well modern digital options such as Instant Banking, PayPal, and other e-wallets. Additionally, you can make cash deposits at participating retail locations.

Top Illinois Betting Sites for Payment Methods

Credit Cards PayPal Venmo Apple Pay Online Banking eCheck PayNearMe Skrill Play+ Gift Cards Bank Wire Cash at Casino
FanDuel Logo Play Now
DraftKings Logo Play Now
Fanatics Sportsbook Logo Play Now
Caesars Logo Play Now
Scroll to the right to reveal more payment methods!

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is tasked with overseeing all sports betting activities in the state.

The IGB monitors both retail sportsbooks and online platforms, making sure they comply with comprehensive rules aimed at protecting bettors and upholding the integrity of the sports betting industry. This includes performing audits, preventing fraud, and ensuring all operators follow legal age restrictions, requiring bettors to be 21 years or older.

With these regulations in place, Illinois bettors can confidently engage with licensed sportsbooks, knowing their bets are safeguarded by state law. Additionally, in the event of any disputes or concerns, the IGB provides formal channels for resolving issues, giving bettors peace of mind that their interests are protected.

Legalization of Sports Betting in IL

Lewis Parker
Lewis Parker - Editor-in-Chief

The road to legalizing sports betting in Illinois began with the passage of the Illinois Sports Wagering Act on June 28, 2019, signed into law by Governor J.B. Pritzker. This landmark legislation followed the 2018 Supreme Court decision that overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing individual states to regulate sports betting.

Illinois officially launched legal sports betting on March 9, 2020, with the first wager placed at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. This move came as part of a broader gambling expansion in the state, aimed at generating tax revenue, particularly to fund infrastructure projects.

The legalization process was driven by the need to compete with neighboring states and capitalize on the growing sports betting industry, which had been operating in the black market for decades. The Illinois law allowed betting on a wide range of sports, but initially required in-person registration for online betting accounts. This requirement was lifted in March 2022, allowing for remote registration, making it easier for bettors to access online platforms.

Today, Illinois offers numerous sports betting options, both online and at retail locations, with a tax rate of 15% on gross revenue from licensed sportsbooks, which has contributed significantly to state revenues.

Illinois Sports Betting Quick Facts

🚀 IL Betting Sites Launch DateMarch 9, 2020
🆔 Legal Betting Age21+
⚖️ Illinois RegulatorIllinois Gaming Board
🌐 # of Betting Sites9+
📱 Mobile Sports BettingYes ✅
📝 Remote RegistrationYes ✅
🎰 Retail SportsbooksYes ✅
🎲 Retail CasinosYes ✅
🏈 Betting on College SportsYes, but no in-play bets on in-state teams ❌
💻 Online CasinosNo ❌
🎮 Betting on EsportsNo ❌
♠️ Online PokerNo ❌
💵 Total Handle (2023)$11.6 billion
🧾 Illinois Tax Rate15% on adjusted gross revenue
💰 Tax Revenue (2023)$150 million+

Illinois Sports Teams

National Football League (NFL):

  • 🏈 Chicago Bears

National Basketball Association (NBA):

  • 🏀 Chicago Bulls

National Hockey League (NHL):

  • 🏒 Chicago Blackhawks

Major League Baseball (MLB):

  • ⚾ Chicago Cubs
  • ⚾ Chicago White Sox

Major League Soccer (MLS):

  • ⚽ Chicago Fire FC

College Football (NCAA - FBS):

  • 🏈 Illinois Fighting Illini
  • 🏈 Northwestern Wildcats

College Basketball (NCAA):

  • 🏀 Illinois Fighting Illini
  • 🏀 Northwestern Wildcats
  • 🏀 DePaul Blue Demons
  • 🏀 Loyola Chicago Ramblers
  • 🏀 Southern Illinois Salukis
  • 🏀 Northern Illinois Huskies

Illinois Betting Site Restrictions

Illinois Legal Betting Age

In Illinois, the legal age for sports betting is 21 years or older. This applies to all forms of sports gambling, including betting at retail sportsbooks, online platforms, and mobile apps. This regulation is strictly enforced across all licensed sportsbooks in the state.

Geolocation

To legally place a bet in Illinois, you must be physically located within state boundaries. While you can register and deposit funds from anywhere, actual bets must be placed within Illinois.

Licensed betting sites in the state use geolocation technology to confirm that users are in Illinois when placing wagers. Therefore, you will want to make sure to turn on your device's location services to ensure a seamless betting​ experience.

College Sports Betting in Illinois

Betting on college sports is legal in Illinois, but with some restrictions.

While you are allowed to bet on out-of-state college teams online, you will only be able to wager on Illinois college teams like the Illinois Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats at retail locations, as betting on Illinois college teams is prohibited online.

High School Sports Betting in Illinois

Similar to most other states, betting on high school sports is strictly prohibited in Illinois. This measure ensures the integrity of amateur competitions and protects underage athletes from any potential harm related to gambling.

Illinois Politics Betting

Betting on political outcomes, such as elections, is not permitted in Illinois.

Like in most U.S. states with legal sports betting, Illinois limits its regulated market to athletic competitions, keeping political events outside the scope of legal betting options.

Illinois Entertainment Betting

Betting on entertainment events, such as award shows or reality TV, is currently not allowed under Illinois sports betting laws. The state's sports betting legislation is focused exclusively on sports events and competitions.

Illinois eSports Betting

While many states are beginning to embrace eSports betting, Illinois currently does not allow wagering on eSports.

Despite the growing popularity of competitive gaming tournaments like League of Legends, Dota 2, and Call of Duty, Illinois’ sports betting legislation has yet to include eSports as an approved market.

Before sports betting became legal in Illinois, sports enthusiasts faced limited and unreliable options for placing wagers. Many turned to offshore sportsbooks that operated outside U.S. regulations. These platforms, lacking consumer protections and accountability, posed significant risks to bettors, including a lack of legal recourse in the event of disputes.

This landscape shifted in June 2020, when Illinois officially launched legal sports betting through online sportsbooks, giving Illinois residents access to trusted, licensed platforms for betting on professional and collegiate sports.

With the Illinois Gaming Board overseeing all operations, bettors now enjoy enhanced safeguards like consumer protection, financial security, and a regulated market that ensures fair play.

CategoryLegal Illinois SportsbooksOffshore Sportsbooks
Legality✅ Fully licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.❌ Operate outside U.S. legal frameworks and regulations.
Consumer Protections✅ Provide robust protections with established mechanisms for dispute resolution.❌ Offer minimal consumer protections, making dispute resolution difficult.
Oversight & Regulation✅ Subject to stringent oversight by state authorities to ensure fair play and ethical practices.❌ Lack regulatory oversight from U.S. authorities, leading to questionable accountability.
Safety & Security✅ Employ advanced security protocols to safeguard financial and personal information.❌ Can lack adequate security measures, posing a higher risk of data breaches.
Payouts✅ Ensure consistent and timely payouts via trusted and regulated payment methods.❌ Payouts are not guaranteed; payment options are not well known.
Economic Impact✅ Contribute to Illinois' economy through taxes and local job creation.❌ Do not support the local economy, as profits are directed offshore.
User Experience✅ Offer high-quality apps available on official app stores❌ Apps are typically unavailable on official stores and lack features like live streaming

In Illinois, sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), which ensures that all licensed sportsbooks comply with strict legal guidelines. These regulations are designed to protect consumers, promote fairness, and maintain the integrity of the state’s sports betting industry.

The IGB actively monitors operators to ensure they are following rules, such as protecting user data, ensuring financial transparency, and providing proper dispute resolution channels. If any issues arise, like payout disputes or account management concerns, bettors can rely on the Illinois Gaming Board to intervene and help resolve them fairly.

While offshore sportsbooks may offer tempting bonuses or odds, they operate outside of U.S. regulatory frameworks, leaving bettors unprotected. At MyBettingSites, we've learned from experience that it's crucial to choose licensed operators who are fully compliant with state laws. Betting through reputable sportsbooks gives you peace of mind, knowing that your money and personal information are safeguarded.

Responsible Gambling in Illinois

Illinois takes responsible gambling seriously, with numerous programs and initiatives aimed at helping those affected by problem gambling. The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), alongside the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), leads these efforts through prevention, treatment, and education programs designed to reduce gambling-related harm.

A significant portion of the state’s commitment is reflected in the $10 million annual funding that is allocated to support treatment, prevention, and education initiatives related to gambling addiction​

One of the primary resources available to Illinois residents is the Problem Gambling Helpline (1-800-GAMBLER), which provides round-the-clock support for individuals struggling with gambling-related issues. This confidential service offers immediate assistance and referrals to professional counseling services for those in need. The state also offers a Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program, allowing individuals to self-ban from all licensed casinos and sports betting platforms in Illinois.

Beyond self-exclusion, Illinois provides access to counseling and treatment services through IDHS. These services include individual therapy, group sessions, and family support programs, ensuring that not only those affected by gambling addiction but also their loved ones can receive the care they need. Treatment options are designed to be either low-cost or free, depending on the individual's financial situation, ensuring that help is accessible to everyone.

Problems with Gambling in IL?

Lewis Parker
Lewis Parker - Editor-in-Chief

Sports betting can certainly enhance the excitement of watching your favorite teams, but it's crucial to keep your betting activities fun and manageable. In Illinois, there is a strong commitment to promoting responsible gambling and offering support to those who may need it.

It's important to always bet within your financial means and never wager money that you cannot afford to lose. Gambling should be treated as a form of entertainment, not a way to address financial stress or create additional burdens.

If you ever feel that your gambling habits are becoming problematic, Illinois provides confidential assistance available 24/7. You can access support through various methods, including phone calls, text, or online chat, with licensed professionals trained to help. Services are available through the Problem Gambling Helpline and other local resources.

Being aware of the signs of problem gambling is key. These signs include chasing losses, betting more than you initially planned, or feeling anxious about your gambling activities. Illinois encourages anyone struggling to keep their betting habits in check to seek help early and make use of the available resources.

Where to Get Help:

  • Illinois Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

Illinois Sports Betting FAQ

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, sports betting has been legal in Illinois since March 9, 2020. This came after the Illinois legislature passed the Illinois Sports Wagering Act in June 2019.

Bettors aged 21 or older can place wagers both in-person at retail sportsbooks and online betting sites licensed across the state.

Is bet365 legal in Illinois?

No, bet365 is not currently legal in Illinois.

While bet365 has been expanding considerably in the US during the past year, Illinois has not yet granted them a license to operate in the Prairie State.

Is FanDuel Sportsbook legal in Illinois?

Yes, not only is FanDuel Sportsbook fully legal and available in Illinois, but it is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the state.

Offering features like Same Game Parlays, live betting, and live streaming of NFL, MLB & NHL games, FanDuel has established itself as one of the market leaders among Illinois bettors​.

Can you bet online in Illinois?

Yes, online sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 2020.

Bettors can wager on a wide variety of sports using desktop or mobile betting apps, as long as they are physically located within the state.

What is the Illinois betting age?

In Illinois, the legal age for sports betting is 21 years old. This applies to both online and retail sports betting.

Licensed sportsbooks must follow age verification procedures to ensure compliance with state laws, meaning you will probably be asked to proof of age before you can place any real-money wagers​.

How many online betting sites are there in Illinois?

While the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has approved a maximum of 26 betting licenses, at the time of writing, only 9 online betting sites are open for business in Illinois:

  • BetMGM
  • BetRivers
  • Caesars Sportsbook
  • Circa Sports
  • DraftKings Sportsbook
  • ESPN BET
  • FanDuel Sportsbook
  • Fanatics Sportsbook
  • Hard Rock Bet

          Illinois Sport Betting Sites - Recap

          Lewis Parker
          Lewis Parker - Editor-in-Chief

          Did you catch all that?

          If you'd like to revisit any of the sections in this guide to make sure you choose the best sportsbook for your needs, just click on any of the following topics:

          Top Illinois Sports Betting Sites
          Illinois Betting Offers
          Illinois Sports Betting Apps
          Illinois Legal Sports Betting
          Responsible Gambling Illinois
          Illinois Betting FAQs