Illinois Sports Betting: A Complete Guide to Illinois Sports Betting Apps

Yes, sports betting in Illinois is legal. Governor JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Senate Bill 690 into law on June 28, 2019. The first in-person bet was placed at Rivers Casino Des Plaines on March 9, 2020, and the first online wager was placed on June 18, 2020. 

Illinois sports bettors must be at least 21 years of age and within the state's borders. You don’t have to be a resident of Illinois, but you must be located within the state. 

Yes, Illinois bettors can bet on in-state college teams, but they must do so in person at a retail sportsbook. However, they cannot bet on college player props. 

Yes, FanDuel is legal in Illinois and is one of the top online sportsbooks for UFC betting and more.

Illinois online sports betting gives bettors access to the best online sportsbooks in the U.S. Here are the top four Illinois betting sites of 2026 according to our team of expert analysts.

Want to learn more about our review process? Check out our full methodology to learn how we rate and review sportsbooks.

1. Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois 

Fanatics Sportsbook's greatest attraction is its FanCash Rewards Program. Bettors can accumulate FanCash with each bet, which can translate into bonus bets or apparel at Fanatics.com. The dividend you earn is correlated to the odds of your bet. The longer your odds, the more FanCash you'll receive. 

Another pleasant Fanatics feature is the ability to choose your own welcome bonus. Variety is the spice of life, and not every bettor is interested in the same reward. The welcome bonus must be claimed on the app, which, by the way, is outstanding. As a mobile-only platform, Fanatics has perfected its craft in the app department. We love its straightforward design, color scheme, and simple navigation.

• App Store: 4.8 out of 5 ⭐ (111.7K reviews)
• Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 ⭐ (23.7K reviews)
• Welcome bonus (option #1): Up to $1,000 in FanCash
• Welcome bonus (option #2): Bet $20, get $350 in FanCash
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Take a deeper dive with our Fanatics Sportsbook review and Fanatics promo code pages.

2. BetMGM Illinois 

BetMGM stands out to us for its unmatched sports coverage. The sportsbook has a vast pool of sports, including all the fan favorites and hidden gems like racing and WNBA. 

Another BetMGM highlight is its exclusive NFL markets, offering unique betting opportunities you won’t find at other NFL betting sites. The sportsbook is known for its generous welcome bonus, regularly ranked among the largest in the industry. For any Illinois bettor looking for one of the top sportsbook referral bonuses, this popular sportsbook is a must-have in their lineup.

• App Store: 4.8 out of 5 ⭐ (250K reviews)
• Google Play: 4.1 out of 5 ⭐ (38.8K reviews)
• Welcome bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
• Bonus code: SI1500
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Read our full BetMGM review for analysis of one of the fastest payout sportsbooks in the game.

3. bet365 Illinois 

bet365 is a global brand that hasn't quite conquered the U.S. landscape, but it's on its way. The sportsbook is our top choice for odds, including the most popular markets like NFL, NCAAF, and NBA.

You'll find 30+ sports to bet on, including a wide range of soccer leagues and nook-and-cranny markets like motorsports and wrestling. The well-designed betting app lets you cruise from feature to feature without friction. You'll find a promo carousel on the home screen that easily allows you to find a daily betting edge. 

• App Store: 4.7 out of 5 ⭐ (363.3K reviews)
• Google Play: 4.6 out of 5 ⭐ (185.4K reviews)
• Welcome bonus (option #1): Bet $10, get $150 win or lose
• Welcome bonus (option #2): $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Read our bet365 review and bet365 bonus code pages to learn more.

4. theScore Bet Illinois

theScore Bet earns its spot for live betting and daily promos that actually move. The app leans into in-play markets harder than most competitors, letting you bet on shifting lines as a game unfolds rather than locking in before kickoff and hoping for the best. Pair that with a rotating slate of daily boosts and odds enhancements, and there's usually a reason to open the app even on a slow Tuesday.

Another theScore Bet highlight is how tightly it's built around its sister product, theScore's sports media app. If you're already using theScore to check scores and news, the betting integration feels less like a separate download and more like flipping a tab.

• App Store: 4.7 out of 5 ⭐ (29K reviews)
• Google Play: 4.2out of 5 ⭐ (3K reviews)
• Welcome bonus: Up to $1,000 first bet reset
• Bonus code: SIBONUS
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Read our full theScore Bet promo code page for a deeper dive.

5. DraftKings Illinois 

We've crowned DraftKings as the best Illinois sports betting app. With an eye-popping layout, effortless navigation, and a massive display of features, DraftKings Illinois is deserving of the title. 

DraftKings has a wonderful selection of props with industry-leading market depth. It should be the first betting site you check for early NFL and NBA player prop odds, as it's usually one of the first to post. Overall, it's highly rated and among the best NBA betting sites available to Illinois residents. 

If you're a boosts and bonuses bettor, you'll love DK's daily selection of awesome promos. Whether it's a PGA mystery boost, a soccer draw refund, or an NCAAB parlay boost, you'll likely find something to give you an odds bump.

• App Store: 4.8 out of 5 ⭐ (923K reviews)
• Google Play: 4.7 out of 5 ⭐ (204.9K reviews)
• Welcome bonus: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Learn more in our DraftKings review, which shows why they rank as a leader in parlay betting sites.

6. FanDuel Illinois 

FanDuel provides a strong betting experience across the board. The sportsbook's top feature has to be its beautiful design and functionality, which creates an optimal sports betting experience for a full spectrum of bettors. 

FanDuel's welcome bonus is one of our favorites, offering you up to $250 in bonus bets should your five qualifying wagers miss. The best part about one of the top sportsbook promos is that there are no restrictions on odds or markets, allowing users to go for the low-hanging fruit. 

The app's live betting experience is second to none. Players will find abundant markets, including golf, tennis, and NCAAB. The live-betting odds are above average, and we haven't experienced any lag while placing live wagers. 

• App Store: 4.9 out of 5 ⭐ (2M reviews)
• Google Play: 4.5 out of 5⭐ (384.7K reviews)
• Welcome bonus: Up to $250 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: Within 24 hours

Check out our FanDuel review for a complete breakdown of one of the top prop betting sites.

On the board: The Bears return to Soldier Field on Sunday for their home opener against Minnesota after starting the season with a 59-37 win at Carolina. Baseball remains in the spotlight as well, with the White Sox hosting Detroit for four games from Thursday through Sunday while the Cubs head to Cincinnati for a three-game weekend series.

By the numbers: Illinois bettors wagered approximately $15.4 billion during the 12 months ending June 2026, with DraftKings and FanDuel accounting for nearly two-thirds of that volume. DraftKings handled roughly $5.51 billion, while FanDuel took about $4.41 billion, giving the two operators a combined 64% share of statewide online handle. FanDuel nevertheless generated more adjusted gross revenue over the period — approximately $523.9 million compared with DraftKings’ $504.1 million — reflecting an estimated hold of about 11.9% for FanDuel versus 9.1% for DraftKings. Fanatics ranked a distant third with approximately $1.35 billion in handle, while BetMGM, BetRivers and bet365 each finished below $900 million. The figures underline how concentrated Illinois’ online market remains even with the Illinois Gaming Board currently listing 14 active, approved sportsbooks.

Most Illinois betting sites offer generous welcome bonuses designed to attract new users. With thousands of dollars in bonus funds up for grabs, we recommend claiming offers from multiple Illinois sportsbooks, many of which also happen to be on our list of the best super bowl betting sites.

Below are the top Illinois sportsbook promos available in 2026:

Fanatics Sportsbook - Up to $1,000 in FanCash

Fanatics Sportsbook structures its welcome offer around consistency rather than a single big wager. Place a qualifying $1+ bet at odds of -200 or longer once a day for 10 straight days, and you get that day's stake matched in FanCash, up to $100 per day, win or lose. Stay active for the full stretch and you're looking at up to $1,000 in FanCash total. FanCash can go toward bonus bets in the sportsbook or merch on Fanatics.com, which is a nice option most competitors don't offer.

Another strength worth mentioning is live betting variety. Fanatics keeps its odds board clean and easy to scan mid-game, and the sportsbook is rolling out NFL Squad Bets for the 2026 season, letting you build player-prop combos with live tracking and cash-out options on select markets.

BetMGM - Up to $1,500 in bonus bets

Use our exclusive BetMGM bonus code SI1500, and unlock a first bet offer worth $1,500. Just make an initial deposit of at least $10, and place your first wager. If you lose, you'll receive 100% of your original stake back in bonus bets on your first bet, up to $1,500.

💡 We encourage you only to bet what you're comfortable with, but if you have the means, this is a nice time to go big. The safety net is wide, so try to make the most of it.

bet365 - Bet $10, get $150 win or lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net

As a new bet365 user, you can use our bet365 bonus code, which applies automatically when you use any link on this page to sign up. Then, you can choose between two welcome promos after a minimum $10 first deposit.

Bet $10, get $150 in bonus bets win or lose

Place a $10 wager on any sports betting market of -500 odds or longer and receive $150 in bonus bets, win or lose.

$1,000 first bet safety net

If your first bet loses, you'll receive the full stake back in bonus bets up to $1,000.

Note: You can only claim the welcome promos on the bet365 app.

💡 If you're looking for guaranteed bonus bets, the $150 promo is a perfect way to get started. However, if you're interested in taking a big shot right out of the gate, the $1,000 first bet safety net is the choice for you.

theScore Bet - Up to a $1,000 first bet reset

theScore Bet's welcome offer works as a First Bet Reset rather than a flat bonus. Place your first cash wager, up to $1,000, and if it loses, you get 100% of your stake back split into five bonus bets, each worth 20% of the original wager. So a $200 loser comes back as five $40 bonus bets. Bonus bets expire seven days after they land and only the winnings are withdrawable, not the stake itself.

Another perk worth flagging is the weekly Parlay Club promo, which pays out $10 in bonus bets just for placing a qualifying four-leg parlay (each leg priced at -500 or longer), win or lose. Combined with daily odds boosts and same-game parlay boosts, there's usually something worth checking even outside the welcome offer window.

DraftKings - Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets

DraftKings offers $150 in bonus bets distributed over 21 days for just a $5 first bet.  Every sports bettor should be taking advantage of this DraftKings promo code offer.

Another offer gives you 20% of your initial deposit back in bonus bets, up to $1,000. However, the high deposit and wagering requirements make it less suitable for most bettors.

💡 You don't need to win your first bet to get the bonus, so feel free to take a swing with your initial wager.

Important terms and conditions:

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA).Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit http://ccpg.org (CT), or visit Home (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR).21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: http://sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 10/18/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.  

FanDuel - Up to $250 in bonus bets

Illinois residents can now sign up for an account at FanDuel Sportsbook and take advantage of this current welcome bonus of up to $250 in bonus bets. 

Just wager $5 per day for five straight days. The maximum bet reset token is $50 per day. You do not need a FanDuel promo code to claim this offer.

Note: You can only claim the welcome offer on the FanDuel app.

In Illinois, legal sportsbooks operate under the oversight of the Illinois Gaming Board, which enforces rigorous standards to protect bettors, ensure fairness, and promote responsible wagering. Every licensed operator must prove it can process payments securely, safeguard customer information, and remain in full compliance with state laws.

The state’s licensing approach favors partnerships with reputable operators and well-known gaming brands, many of which have a proven track record in other regulated markets. This structure fosters a sports betting landscape built on transparency, trust, and accountability.

Placing a bet with a licensed Illinois sportsbook means you’re using a platform that has undergone thorough vetting for security, reliability, and adherence to state regulations.

Illinois bettors currently have access to multiple licensed sportsbooks, including some of the best World Cup betting sites. Finding the right one can make a big difference in your experience. Before you download an app and make your first deposit, it’s worth comparing key features to see which platform fits your style and preferences.

🎁 Welcome offers and promos

Illinois sports betting sites compete hard for new customers, and many roll out enticing sign-up bonuses, from deposit matches to bonus bets. Compare offers to find ones that are easy to unlock and provide genuine value based on how you plan to wager.

📱 Mobile app performance

Your betting app should work as smoothly as possible. The best Illinois sportsbook apps are quick to load, simple to navigate, and make it easy to find your preferred betting markets without digging through endless menus.

💳 Flexible payment options

When it’s time to deposit or withdraw funds, speed and security are key. Top Illinois sports betting sites typically support popular payment methods such as PayPal, debit cards, ACH transfers, and Apple Pay. While credit cards are permitted for deposits in Illinois, check minimums, maximums, and potential fees before you fund your account.

⚡ Fast payouts

No one wants to wait too long for a winning payout. Look for sportsbooks that can process withdrawals in 24 hours or less with no hidden charges. Quick access to your winnings is a sign of a customer-focused operator.

🔒 Trusted security

Always confirm that the sportsbook you choose is fully licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board. Reputable operators use advanced encryption and often provide two-factor authentication to protect your account and personal information.

🏈 Wide range of betting markets

The strongest Illinois betting sites cover more than just football, basketball, and baseball. They should offer deep markets on niche sports, international competitions, and alternate betting options like props and live wagers.

🤝 Reliable customer support

Good customer service can save you a lot of frustration. The best Illinois apps offer 24/7 live chat, responsive email support, and detailed help resources. An active social media presence for quick follow-ups is an added advantage.

Getting started with the best IL sports betting apps is incredibly easy and can be done in a matter of minutes. We’ll walk you through the steps below.

1. Choose a sportsbook 

We encourage you to create betting accounts with multiple online sportsbooks. By doing so, you'll receive multiple welcome bonuses and have the ability to line shop. Even if you aren't active on all of them, it's nice to have the option to find better odds.

2. Download the betting app

You can click on any of our sportsbook links on this page to get started, which will set you up for your welcome bonus. The apps can be downloaded at the App Store or Google Play, depending on your mobile device. 

3. Register 

When signing up, you must provide several personal details. While this can seem unsettling, you can have confidence that Illinois betting sites have many safeguards and prioritize protecting your information. The entire registration process is straightforward and hassle-free.

4. Claim your welcome bonus 

You may need to enter a promo code to secure your welcome bonus. After claiming your offer, it's time to put it to use. Most sportsbooks require you to use it within seven days, so keep that in mind along with other terms and conditions tied to the offer. 

5. Deposit funds

Depositing is easy and instantaneous. Illinois sports betting provides several options, including debit cards, credit cards, bank transfers, Venmo, Apple Pay, and PayPal. 

 6. Place a bet 

Now for the fun part — placing your first bet. Depending on your welcome bonus, there will be plenty of strategies here. If your bonus bets are guaranteed, you can be more aggressive. Conversely, aim for the proverbial 'gimme' if you need to win your initial wager.

7. Withdraw winnings 

Withdrawals can be initiated directly through your IL sports betting sites, usually through the same methods as your deposit. Most sportsbooks pay out in under 24 hours and sometimes in mere minutes. 

With numerous Illinois sports betting apps available, you’re not limited to sticking with just one. Signing up for multiple platforms can give you an edge, expand your options, and help you find the experience that feels right for you.

Here’s why having more than one Illinois sportsbook account can be a winning move:

🌟 Find your favorite

Every Illinois sportsbook has its own personality, from app layout and navigation to bonus structures and reward systems. Sampling several gives you a chance to figure out which one you enjoy most.

🛍 Line shopping

Even slight differences in betting lines can add up over time. By keeping accounts with multiple sportsbooks, you can quickly compare odds and grab the most favorable number before placing a wager. It’s one of the simplest ways to give yourself an advantage.

📚 Sportsbook rules

Not all sportsbooks handle things the same way, whether it’s how long bonus credits last, how pushes are graded, or how postponed events are settled. Having options means you can choose the rules that work best for your style of play.

🎁 Welcome bonuses

This is the most significant immediate benefit of signing up for more than one app. Each Illinois sportsbook rolls out its own sign-up incentives, from risk-free bets to deposit matches and profit boosts. Claiming multiple offers can stretch your bankroll and make your early betting more flexible.

On June 2, 2025, the state of Illinois introduced a per-bet tax on online sportsbooks, charging 25 cents per bet up to 20 million bets and 50 cents afterwards.

This has, in turn, prompted operators to tax sports bettors, with some examples being DraftKings and FanDuel charging sports bettors 50 cents per bet or BetRivers increasing their minimum bet size from 10 cents to $1.

Here is a summary of how Illinois betting sites have addressed the state betting tax:

• bet365: Currently a 10-cent minimum on all bets
• BetMGM: A minimum wager of $2.50 has been put into place
• BetRivers: Instituted a $1 minimum bet, but has said they could change their approach during the 2025 NFL season
• Caesars Sportsbook: Implementing a 25-cent fee on all bets
• Circa: $10 minimum wager
• DraftKings: A 50-cent transaction fee was put into place on Sept. 1, 2025.
• Fanatics Sportsbook: Bettors must pay a 25-cent transaction fee on all bets.
• FanDuel: A 50-cent transaction fee is in place for all wagers.
• Hard Rock Bet: Bettors must wager at least $2 on all bets.

🧑‍⚖️ Legal age 

The legal age for Illinois sports betting is 21 years old. 

📲 Remote registration 

Illinois initially required sports bettors to register in person, but as of March 5, 2022, remote registration has been available in the Prairie State.

📍 Geolocation rules 

Sports bettors in Illinois must comply with geolocation regulations, allowing sportsbooks to verify that gamblers are placing bets legally within the state. To wager, one must be physically located within Illinois' borders, under state laws.

🏦 Tax on sports betting winnings in Illinois

Sports bet winnings over $600 are subject to a 15% tax rate in Illinois. It’s also standard procedure for casinos in Illinois to withhold 25% of winnings for federal tax purposes.

What you can’t bet on in Illinois 

🗳️ Politics

Betting on political elections is not allowed at regulated Illinois sports betting sites to prevent any potential cheating in the election process.

⛹🏾 In-state college betting and college player props

Placing wagers on Illinois college teams is only allowed in person at a physical sportsbook location. Betting on college player props at college football betting sites or March Madness betting sites is strictly prohibited.

🏆 Entertainment and awards shows

Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, or any other type of awards show betting is not permitted at legal sportsbooks in Illinois.

📅 June 2025: Several operators decide to implement a bet tax in the state on wagers.

📅 Nov. 2023: The state sets an all-time single-month wagering record for itself with $1.375 billion in wagers.

📅 April 2022: DraftKings announces plans to open a retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field the following year.

📅 Oct. 2021: The Illinois General Assembly votes to rescind the in-person wagering requirement that COVID-19 necessitated and in-state college teams are allowed to be wagered on.

📅 June 2020: Online sportsbooks open in the state with BetRivers leading the way.

📅 March 2020: The first retail sportsbooks in the state go live at River Des Plaines and Argosy Casino Alton.

📅 June 28, 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker signs SB 690 into law, legalizing online sports betting.

Illinois' sports betting handle and tax revenue have continued to climb since betting became legal in 2020. In 2024, the state generated a substantial $276.5 million in tax revenue. Here are the numbers through the years.

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Illinoisans have access to several quality Illinois sports betting apps. Here's a look at some of the pros and cons of Prairie State betting.

Pros 

✅ Easy registration

The convenience of registering remotely via mobile device is a big-time win for Illinois bettors, especially since it was not part of the equation initially. 

✅ College betting

Betting on college sports, whether that's college football or using March Madness betting promos, is a big plus for Illinoisans. However, to bet on in-state teams, you'll have to go to one of the physical retail sportsbooks.

✅ Great variety

The Prairie State now has 10 fully licensed and regulated sportsbooks.

Cons 

✖ College restrictions

Illinois bettors can bet on college sports, even in-state college programs. However, if an Illinois-based school is involved, bettors must bet in-person at retail sportsbooks. Additionally, Illinois bettors are not permitted to wager on college player props. 

✖ Non-sports betting restrictions

Illinois bettors can only wager on sports, not award shows or elections. That’s fine for the vast majority of bettors, whose focus is only on sports. However, it could be disappointing for some casual bettors.

Here's a look at the updated championship odds for Illinois teams at the best sports betting app, which includes Super Bowl 61 odds for the Chicago Bears:

Odds via BetMGM Sportsbook, updated Sept. 15, 2026

With 10 legal betting sites in the state, there's no reason to deposit at offshore sportsbooks, which can put you at risk. Here are some online sportsbooks to avoid in Illinois:

There are plenty of Illinois teams you can bet on, with all of the professional teams residing in the Chicago area.

🏈 Chicago Bears

The Bears are one of the oldest NFL teams. You can wager on their Super Bowl futures or bet on them on a weekly basis.

🏀 Chicago Bulls

The Bulls have a storied history, with legend Michael Jordan leading the way for their dynasty in the '80s and '90s.

⚾ Chicago Cubs

One of the most historic teams in baseball, the Cubs serve as one of Chicago's two MLB teams, the other being the White Sox. You can bet on them to win the World Series, or one of their near-daily games.

🏒 Chicago Blackhawks

One of the Original 6 teams, the Blackhawks have a long and impressive history as a top NHL team.

Illinois has a wide selection of legal online and retail sportsbooks, with Super Bowl betting promos available at licensed operators statewide.

Licensed online sportsbooks

Check out our bet365 bonus code page for a glance at on of IL's best sportsbooks.

 Physical retail sportsbooks

Yes, online gambling is legal in Illinois, offering bettors a range of options beyond sports betting. 

🎰 Casinos

Unfortunately, online casino games like slots, blackjack, and roulette are currently illegal in Illinois.

🐴 Horse racing

If you are 18 or older, horse race betting is legal in Illinois. There are a few racetracks where you can wager in person, and you can also bet on horses online.

🏆 Daily fantasy sports (DFS)

DFS is legal in Illinois, with popular sites including mainstays like DraftKings, FanDuel, and Underdog.

📈 Sports prediction markets

iSports predictions markets are technically not illegal in Illinois, but the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) considers platforms like Kalshi, Robinhood, and Polymarket as unlicensed and illegal sports wagering.

🎟️ Illinois Lottery

You can play popular lottery games like the Powerball and Mega Millions in Illinois.

There are several banking options available for Illinois sports betting to deposit and withdraw money safely and securely. You should look for the fastest payout sportsbooks so you can bet more efficiently.

Illinois sports bettors have access to helpful resources in the event they need more sports betting information, recent updates, or help accessing responsible gambling tools. The Illinois Gaming Board oversees state sports betting. 

• Illinois Gaming Board
• Illinois State Senate
• Illinois monthly sports wagering reports

Across the U.S., sports betting is legal and live in many states, and the list is still growing. Missouri sports betting went live in December 2025, adding another state with full retail and online access. Our state-by-state guides provide an overview of what to expect.

Like every legal sports betting market, Illinois is serious about responsible gambling and providing the tools necessary to promote a safe experience. Illinois sports bettors looking for more information regarding the resources available, including voluntary exclusions, can visit the sites below for more details.

• Illinois Council On Problem Gambling
• Illinois Gaming Board - Help for Problem Gambling
• Illinois Help Line