John Ford | September 28, 2023 | Updated on: December 21st, 2023
Illinois online sports betting is now live and legal. Residents and visitors of Illinois can now legally place bets on sports events within the state. If you’re looking for the best sportsbooks and offers all Illinois bettors are eligible for, you need to read this guide. We provide valuable insights on Illinois sports betting and highlight enticing bonuses and promotions for new users.
Top Illinois Online Sportsbooks
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Yes, online sports betting in Illinois is fully legal. The legalization came about when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed bill SB 690, a substantial gaming expansion and capital bill, on June 28, 2019. The bill included provisions for legal sports betting within its extensive 816-page content.
How to Start Betting Online in Illinois
In the Prairie State, residents and visitors can easily open online sports betting accounts from anywhere within Illinois. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Choose Your Sportsbook: Select a sportsbook or mobile sports betting app that aligns with your betting preferences. Consider factors such as reviews, available betting options, customer support, ongoing promotions, and the convenience of financial transactions.
- Unlock Bonuses: New players in Illinois can take advantage of various promotions when opening an account with an online sportsbook. Although the options are limited, there are still enticing offers available. The most common types of bonuses in Illinois include:
- First Deposit Bonus Match: Some Illinois online sports betting sites match your first deposit to a specified amount, often with play-through requirements.
- No Deposit Bonus: Enjoy free credits as a new user, which must be wagered before withdrawal.
- Select Your Bet: Within Illinois, commonly favored bet types encompass the point spread, moneyline, parlays, Over/Under (totals), and futures. Additionally, the availability of live betting, facilitated by real-time data access, provides bettors with constantly updated odds and fresh wagering opportunities.
- Make a Deposit: Common deposit methods in Illinois include PayPal, credit cards, debit cards, and online banking. Be vigilant for any unexpected fees before confirming your transaction.
- Start Betting: Illinois sports bettors should research and select a sports wager that aligns with their goals and risk tolerance. It’s essential to understand the risks associated with each bet. We cover betting options in detail below. Additionally, different sportsbooks may offer slightly better odds, so comparing lines can be advantageous.
- Withdraw Your Winnings: Remember that withdrawals may take some time to process. It’s advisable to review the terms and conditions of each Illinois sports betting site, as some withdrawal methods may entail higher fees for gambling transactions.
A Guide to Illinois Online Sports Betting
To place sports bets in Illinois sports betting apps or sportsbooks, you have several popular methods at your disposal:
Moneylines
This is the simplest type of bet – you’re essentially predicting the winner. Pre-game odds determine payouts. Positive odds represent the underdog, while the favorite has “negative” odds. Those odds influence your potential winnings.
Point Spreads
Point spreads revolve around wagering on the specific margin of victory or defeat determined by oddsmakers. For example, with a +4.5 spread for the Chicago Bears, they must lose by a margin of no more than 4 points for the bet to be successful. Conversely, a -4.5 spread means that the team must secure a victory by at least 5 points to “cover” the spread.
Over/Under Totals
With over/under totals, you’re wagering on the combined score of both teams in a game based on a predefined line. For example, if the total is over 50 for a matchup like Northwestern vs. Illinois, both teams must collectively score at least 51 points to exceed the total. You can also bet on the under if you expect fewer points.
Player Props
Player props involve betting on individual players’ statistics, irrespective of the team’s outcome. These bets can include predictions like “player to make the first basket” or “player to score the first touchdown.” The game’s final result doesn’t affect prop bets; it’s all about whether the player meets or fails to meet a specific statistical mark.
Parlays
Parlays are a way to combine multiple betting lines for potentially higher odds and payouts. However, all components of the parlay must win for the bet to be successful. While parlays offer the chance for substantial payouts, they are notoriously challenging to win and often rely on luck as much as skill.
Popular Sports to Bet Online on in Illinois
Illinois online sports betting options cater to a wide range of interests. Sports enthusiasts can participate in any of their favorite games and competitions. Whether you’re a football fanatic, a basketball buff, or a baseball aficionado, there’s a betting option for everyone in the Prairie State.
Professional Illinois Sports Teams
| Club | League |
| Chicago Cubs | MLB |
| Chicago White Sox | MLB |
| Chicago Bulls | NBA |
| Chicago Sky | WNBA |
| Chicago Bears | NFL |
| Chicago Blackhawks | NHL |
| Chicago Fire FC | MLS |
Best Illinois Mobile Sportsbook App Promo Codes
- BetOnline Sportsbook Welcome Bonus: Kickstart your betting journey with a generous 50% welcome bonus, extending up to $1000, when you deposit a minimum of $55. Don’t forget to enter the bonus code: BET1000 during your deposit. To unlock this promotion, you’ll need to fulfill a rollover requirement of 10 times (10x).
- MyBookie Sportsbook Welcome Bonus: Your first deposit is met with a fantastic 50% bonus match, reaching a maximum of $1000, as long as your deposit is at least $50. Simply enter the bonus code: MYB50 during the deposit process. Please note that this bonus comes with a rollover requirement of 10 times (10x).
- Sports Betting Sportsbook Welcome Bonus: By depositing a minimum of $55, you can seize a 50% welcome bonus, generously capped at $1000, using the bonus code: SB1000. Just be aware that this offer carries a rollover requirement of 10 times (10x).
- XBet Sportsbook Welcome Bonus: Dive into the action with a 50% welcome bonus, worth up to $500, when you make an initial deposit of at least $45. Remember to input the bonus code: XBET50 during your deposit. Keep in mind that this offer entails a 7x rollover requirement and applies exclusively to your first casino deposit.
What’s Currently Happening in Illinois Sports Betting?
- September 20, 2023: In July 2023, the Illinois sports betting handle reached $611.3 million, marking an 8.1% decline from the previous month. Nonetheless, revenue showed a positive trend, surging to $61.8 million, up from $52.2 million in June.
- September 14, 2023: An Illinois court has ruled that a lawsuit against Underdog Fantasy, an unlicensed sports betting operator, will be dismissed unless the plaintiff can present a stronger case.
- September 13, 2023: Harrah’s Casino in Metropolis has unveiled a brand-new Caesars Sportsbook within its premises, adding to the growing number of retail casinos in Illinois, which now stands at 15.
- September 13, 2023: Bally’s temporary casino at the historic Medinah Temple in Chicago has officially opened its doors for business.
- September 8, 2023: The Bally’s temporary casino at the Medinah Temple in Chicago is on the verge of opening. Pending a successful trial run this week and approval from the Illinois Gaming Board, it is poised to become the city’s first retail casino.
- September 5, 2023: Gaming Leisure Properties has acquired the land beneath the future Hard Rock Casino in Rockford. The Hard Rock brand holds a 99-year lease on the property, signaling progress in the casino’s development.
- August 29, 2023: Carterville welcomes the newly opened Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, which plans to introduce a retail sportsbook within its existing sports lounge in the near future.
Illinois Sports Betting FAQs
In Illinois, you can bet on sports through online sportsbooks and retail sportsbooks. Here are some of our recommended options for betting on sports in Illinois:
Yes, land-based sports betting is legal in Illinois. The state legalized sports betting in June 2019, and since then, several land-based sportsbooks have opened in Illinois. Some of the prominent land-based sportsbooks in Illinois include:
- Rivers Casino in Des Plaines
- Argosy Casino Alton
- Hollywood Casino Aurora
- Grand Victoria Casino Elgin
- Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria