Signing up and placing your first bet with an Illinois sportsbook app is a simple process. Below, we explain how to claim a welcome offer and get started. For more help, check out the How to Bet guide.
Illinois Sports Betting 2026: Best Sportsbooks & Promos
Illinois sports betting has been legal since the state passed the Illinois Gambling Act in June 2019. Eight licensed Illinois sportsbooks offer prospective bettors a mix of online and retail betting options.
If you’re looking for the latest Illinois sports betting news, revenue updates, an overview of Illinois gambling laws, or any other information for Prairie State bettors, then you’ve come to the right place.
Best Illinois Sports Betting Apps for July 2026
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win* *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF Use Bonus Code: BETGTODAY Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win* *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF Use Bonus Code: BETGTODAY Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens) Available on Desktop, Android & iOS Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens) Available on Desktop, Android & iOS Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook To Claim: Click CLAIM OFFER Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook To Claim: Click CLAIM OFFER Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit T&Cs Apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+ Use Bonus Code: GTODAY Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit T&Cs Apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+ Use Bonus Code: GTODAY 1
Up to $1,500 In Bonuses Up to $1,500 In Bonuses 2
Bet $5 Get $200 In Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days Bet $5 Get $200 In Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days 3
Up to $1,000 In FanCash Matched Bets Up to $1,000 In FanCash Matched Bets 4
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets New User Bonus Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets New User Bonus 5
Bet $10 Get $150 In Bonus Bets Win or Lose Bet $10 Get $150 In Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Affiliate Disclosure: If you place a bet at a sportsbook through one of our links, we may earn a commission.
21+ and present in IL. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Top Illinois Sportsbook Promos and Bonuses
These are the best IL sportsbook promotions available right now. Choose the one that better fits your play style.
BetMGM IL Sportsbook Promotion
Illinois sports bettors can use the BetMGM bonus code BETGTODAY to receive up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first bet doesn’t win.
To activate this offer, new users must sign up for the sportsbook using our exclusive link, enter the promo code during registration, and place an initial wager of at least $5. After the qualifying bet settles as a loss, the bonus bets will instantly appear in your account.
Up to $1,500 In Bonuses
Up to $1,500 In Bonuses
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
Use Bonus Code: BETGTODAY
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
*Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF
Use Bonus Code: BETGTODAY
See BetMGM.com for Terms. 21+ only. IL only. New Customer Offer. Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. If you feel you or a loved one has a gambling problem, call the gambling problem hotline at 1-800-GAMBLER...Read More
Does BetMGM Have an App?
Yes. BetMGM has been said to have the best app experience among industry competitors. It has a 4.8 rating on the App Store and a 4.5 rating on the Google Play Store.
How Long Do I Have To Claim the Bonus After Signing Up?
After signing up and placing at least a $5 bet, you will have seven (7) days to use the bonus bets before they expire.
How Will I Receive My Bonus Bets?
After registering and placing a qualifying bet, users will receive their bonus bets within 48 hours of it settling as a loss.
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FanDuel IL Sportsbook Promotion
Illinois bettors can use the click-to-claim FanDuel promo code to receive an exciting welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins.
The $200 in Bonus Bets will be issued within 72 hours of your qualifying wager settling if it wins.
The minimum deposit and minimum wager amounts are $5, so this Illinois sportsbook bonus requires very little financial commitment to unlock. With deposit matches and first-bet offers, you must deposit substantially to maximize the bonus value. In contrast, FanDuel’s Bet and Get offer is simple to claim and quick to reward new customers.
Bet $5 Get $200 In Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Bet $5 Get $200 In Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
Easy Deposits, Fast Withdrawals
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER....Read More
- 21+ and present in IL
- $5 minimum deposit and $5 minimum wager required.
- Wager on any FanDuel Sportsbook market (no odds limits) live on the platform
- First bet must win to get $200 in bonus bets
- $200 in Bonus Bets will be issued within 72 hours of the bet settling.
- Bonus Bets are non-withdrawable and expire seven (7) days after receipt
- Bonus Bet stake not returned as part of winnings
- Limit of one bonus per person
Does FanDuel Have an App?
Yes, FanDuel has an app that’s considered among the best overall betting apps, per our findings. It offers a mix of competitive odds, good promotions, and various betting markets. iOS users rate it 4.9/5 stars on the Apple App Store, while Android users rate it 4.5.
How Can I Use My FanDuel Bonus?
The bonus bets can be used on any sporting event within seven (7) days of opting into the offer. After receiving them, you will have seven days to use them before they expire. These bonus bets only have a 1x wagering requirement.
Are Bonuses Available for Existing Customers?
Yes, FanDuel offers many promotions to its existing customers, such as profit boosts, odds boosts, same-game parlay options, and more. After signing up on this page, you will be able to access all of these.
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Fanatics IL Sportsbook Promotion
Sign up with our click-to-claim Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to receive a very rewarding bonus offer: Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets.
Up to $1,000 In FanCash Matched Bets
Up to $1,000 In FanCash Matched Bets
Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days
Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games
Get a 100% Bet Match up to $100 in FanCash for 10 Days
Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
Daily Odds & Profit Boosts on Select Games
You don’t need to use a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to claim the welcome offer. Below are the terms and conditions for when you’re ready to claim the offer.
- For new customers only.
- Open a new account with Fanatics Sportsbook. You won’t need a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code.
- Deposit at least $5 into your account.
- The $1,000 bonus is paid out in 10 no-sweat bets, each worth up to $100. You’ll get a no-sweat bet token each day for 10 straight days
- Use the token on a bet each day from $1-$100; this bet must have odds of -500 or longer.
- You’ll get a 100% refund in Fanatics Sportsbook bonus bets if it loses. By the way, your 10 days begin when you establish your account. The wager must settle as a loss to qualify for the Bonus Bets.
- You have seven days to use the bonus bets before they expire.
With this exciting offer, new Fanatics customers can receive as many as 10 Bonus Bets (up to $100 each).
Place a $1+ bet on your first day with a Fanatics account (with odds of -500 or longer). If it loses, you will receive a Bonus Bet equal to its value (up to $100). If the wager wins, however, it will pay out like a regular bet, and the bonus for that day will expire. Repeat this process over your first 10 days as a new customer to receive up to 10 $100 Bonus Bets.
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER...Read More
Does Fanatics Have an App?
Yes, Fanatics Sportsbook offers an app, which you can download via the App Store (iOS users) or Google Play Store (Android users). The app has high average user ratings in both stores. Bettors will find competitive odds, features like live NFL streaming, and plenty of odds boosts. Fanatics Sportsbook has no website, so you must download the app to place bets.
How Can I Use My Fanatics Sportsbook Bonus?
You can use the Fanatics Illinois Sportsbook promo to claim up to 10 Bonus Bets that can be used on any sporting event (with -500 odds or longer). Just complete a 1x playthrough requirement, and any winnings will be paid in cash. You will be given seven (7) days to complete the playthrough requirement.
Are Bonuses Available for Existing Customers?
Yes, Fanatics Sportsbook offers regular odds boosts to existing customers. There are also short-term promotions, and the app has an excellent loyalty program called FanCash, too.
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Bet365 IL Sportsbook Promotion
Bet365 Sportsbook is now live in Illinois! With the launch, the sportsbook offers new customers a decent sign-up bonus: $150 in Bonus Bets, Win or Lose when you bet $5.
Bet $10 Get $150 In Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Bet $10 Get $150 In Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
T&Cs Apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+
Use Bonus Code: GTODAY
Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
T&Cs Apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-MY-RESET. 21+
Use Bonus Code: GTODAY
Below are the terms and conditions for when you claim the offer. Please note the welcome offer is for new Bet365 customers only.
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER...Read More
Does Bet365 have an app?
Yes, Bet365 Sportsbook has an app, which you can download via the App Store (iOS users) or Google Play Store (Android users). The app has high user ratings in both stores. Bettors will find an assortment of features like Bet Boost, Winnings Boost and Live Streaming to make engagement fun. On the top of their list is Bet Share where you can share your bets with friends on social media or send it to them as a message.
What are the Terms & Conditions to claim the Bet365 Sportsbook bonus?
- A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer.
- You must claim the offer via the bet365 app, within 30 days of registering your account.
- Once released, your Bonus Bets will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable.
- Place qualifying bets of $5 or more to get $150 in Bonus Bets.
- Your qualifying bets must settle within 30 days of claiming the offer. Only qualifying bets placed and settled after claiming the offer will count towards releasing your Bonus Bets.
- Bets placed must contain at least one selection at odds of -500 or greater.
- Only the largest cumulative wager on an individual selection within a market/fixture combination (either pre-game or Live In Game) will count towards the settled bets requirement.
- Cashed Out, event-specific Bonus Bets placed by selecting ‘Use Bonus Bet’ from the bet slip, Live In Game bets that are settled as a push, and bets deemed No Action do not count.
- Bonus Bets wager is excluded from any returns. Any returns from Bonus Bets placed will be added to your Withdrawable Balance.
- Bonus Bets cannot be used on certain products, offers/promotions and bet types. See full Terms and Conditions for details.
- Bonus Bets expire 7 days after they are added to your Bonus Bets balance.
- Super Boost is only available to new customers on a maximum wager of $50. Bet restrictions, time limits, and T&Cs apply.
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DraftKings IL Sportsbook Promotion
New users at DraftKings Sportsbook in Illinois will receive up to $1,200 in bonuses upon signing up with Gaming Today’s click-to-claim DraftKings promo code. No code is required during the registration process. Use one of our sign-up links to apply the offer to your account.
Here’s how the $1,200 breaks down. Your initial deposit is matched up to 20%, maxing out at $1,000. You receive a bonus bet when you deposit at least $5. Lastly, you receive a bet-and-get bonus, which is dictated by your opening cash bet. Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets instantly. T&Cs below.
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets New User Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets New User Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook
To Claim: Click CLAIM OFFER
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Plus Get up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
Bet on All Your Favorite Sports With America's Top-Rated Sportsbook
To Claim: Click CLAIM OFFER
21+ only. New Customer Offer. Minimum $5 deposit, minimum $5 bet. $200 issued as eight $25 Bonus Bets. Bonus bets expire after seven days are single-use and non-withdrawable. Stake removed from payout when using a Bonus Bet. Deposit match has a 25x playthrough. Must deposit $5,000 to get the maximum 20% deposit bonus of $1,000. Bet + Get offer ends 3/30/2025...Read More
Does DraftKings Have an App?
Yes. DraftKings has an app available to iOS and Android users, who rated it a solid 4.8 and 4.7 (out of 5 stars) on their respective app stores. The DraftKings app is known for its unique features, such as existing user promotions and live streaming options.
How Will I Receive My Bonus Bets?
After depositing at least $5, you will receive a bonus bet. You also gain a 20% deposit match up to $1,000, so you’ll receive 20% of your first deposit back as Bonus Bets. And you get an additional bet-and-get offer worth up to $200 paid out instantly as eight $25 bonus bets.
Are There Restricted Payment Methods for This Offer?
No, there are no restrictions on how to deposit money for this offer. New users can use direct deposit, credit/debit cards, PayPal, and other payment methods available on the app.
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How To Bet on Illinois Sports Betting Sites
1
Claim a Sportsbook Offer
New users who sign up using Gaming Today’s links and codes can redeem sportsbook welcome bonuses. Use this page to learn more about what each Illinois sportsbook offers its new users. Then, select one of the offers shown to be taken straight to the sportsbook.
2
Register an Account and Verify Your Identity
Once you’ve selected your sportsbook and welcome bonus, you can create an account. You must provide personal information such as your legal name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. These are all standard industry requirements that allow a sportsbook to verify your identity.
3
Deposit Funds
After your identity is verified, the next step is to deposit money into your new account. Some common deposit methods available at most sportsbooks are debit cards, PayPal, and online bank transfers. Some sportsbooks also offer Venmo and Apple Pay. If you have an Illinois sportsbook promo code, you can apply it here.
4
Download a Sportsbook App
If you want to bet from your cellphone, downloading the mobile app from your respective app store is the easiest way to proceed. Apple users can check out the Apple App Store, and Android users can browse the Google Play Store. Those looking to bet from their computers can use their preferred web browser to wager.
5
Place Your First Bet
Explore the betting markets and odds before selecting a wager to add to your betslip. If using a bonus code, check the terms and conditions, as there are often odds limits. Typically, the bonus will apply only to your first wager with the sportsbook unless it’s a multi-part offer.
Illinois Sports Betting: Quick Facts
Illinois is the largest sports betting market in the Midwest. The state has great regional teams to bet on, and the sign-up process is easy in the Land of Lincoln. See our Illinois sports betting apps and Illinois sportsbook promos pages for more information.
| Illinois Population | 12.6 million |
| Legal Betting Age | 21+ |
| Sports Betting Regulator | Illinois Gaming Board |
| Online Sportsbooks | ✅ Available |
| Retail Sportsbooks | ✅ Available |
| College Sports Betting | ⚠ Available (In-state team bets must be in person) |
| Esports Betting | ✖️ Not Available |
| Tax Rate | 20-40% |
Illinois Sports Betting Laws
Here, we break down Illinois gambling laws and how the industry got to where it is today.
Background of Illinois Gambling Industry
Illinois is a pioneer in the gambling industry. In March 2012, it became the first state to sell online lottery tickets. IL also has the largest video gaming terminal (VGT) network of its kind in the world—46,400 VGTs and counting.
From the start of his term in 2019, Gov. J.B. Pritzker was instrumental in the legalization of sports betting and the expansion of gambling. Just six months into his term, Pritzker marshaled bipartisan support for a gambling expansion that included a casino in Chicago and sports betting. Illinois online and retail sports betting has been legal since Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act into law on June 28, 2019.
Nearly a year after legalization, on March 9, 2020, the state accepted its first legal in-person wager through BetRivers at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. BetRivers followed up its brick-and-mortar debut with the state’s first legal sports betting website and app on June 18, 2020. DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook arrived about a month after BetRivers’ debut. Today, five more sportsbooks are available to bettors (Caesars, BetMGM, Circa, Fanatics, and ESPN Bet.)
In-Person Registration Requirement
For the first two years of legalization, customers had to register for online accounts at an Illinois casino.
On March 5, 2022, lawmakers lifted the in-person registration restriction, allowing bettors to register from their phones.
College Betting Parameters
The Illinois Gambling Act allows bettors to wager on professional and collegiate sports. However, college betting has two stipulations.
Bettors looking to wager on college teams must do so in person at a retail sportsbook. Furthermore, they are limited to betting on moneyline, spread, and totals. Prop bets on teams and players are not permitted.
Tax Rate Change
The most recent development in Illinois sports betting is the taxation of sportsbooks. When the sports betting bill was first passed in 2019, the state taxed sportsbooks 15% of their adjusted gross revenue.
On June 5, 2024, Pritzker signed a $51.3 billion budget package that included a drastic increase to the sports wagering tax. Sportsbooks are now taxed on a tier system based on their revenue. The tiers are as follows:
- First $30 million in adjusted revenue: 20%
- Adjusted revenue between $30-$50 million: 25%
- Adjusted revenue between $50 million and $100 million: 30%
- Adjusted revenue $100 million to $200 million: 35%
- Adjusted revenue above $200 million: 40%
The Sports Betting Alliance, which includes big players like FanDuel, BetMGM, and DraftKings, expressed their disapproval of the tax rate increase. In a statement, Sports Betting Alliance President Jeremy Kudon said the spike “counterproductively penalizes sports betting operators who invested millions into the local economy and created jobs in the state.”
What’s Happening in Illinois Sports Betting News Right Now?
- August 29, 2024:Attorney General Kwame Raoul credits the Illinois Gaming Board with helping to dismantle a video gaming theft ring in Illinois and beyond.
- August 26, 2024:Hard Rock Bet began accepting wagers in Illinois on Aug. 26, 2024. Illinois became the eighth state Hard Rock Bet operates in.
- August 20, 2024:The Illinois Gaming Board reported that the Prairie State’s total betting handle for June 2024 was $839.6 million. Of that total, $823.7 million came from Illinois’ online sportsbooks.
- August 13, 2024:DraftKings announced it will no longer proceed with plans to implement a tax surcharge on winning sports wagers in four states. Illinois was among the states that would have been impacted had the sportsbook implemented the surcharge.
- July 26, 2024:Illinois casinos combined to generate $138.3 million in total handle for June 2024, according to figures from the state gaming board.
- July 15, 2024:Accel Entertainment, Inc. and Fairmount Holdings, Inc. announced in a press release they have agreed to acquire Fairmount, the owner of FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, for approximately $35 million.
- July 12, 2024:According to figures released by the Illinois Gaming Board, the state’s total sports betting handle in May was $1.01 billion. This marked the ninth consecutive month that Illinois’ sports betting handle topped $1 billion.
- July 1, 2024:In June 2024, the Illinois sports betting industry joined the exclusive $3 billion club. Illinois is the third state to surpass $3 billion in all-time sports betting revenue, after New York and New Jersey.
- June 12, 2024:The Illinois sports betting handle was $1.1 billion in April, a decrease of 2.7% from March. April’s handle increased by 22.8% year over year.
- June 10, 2024:Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs HB 4951 to increase the tax on sports betting in Illinois. Sportsbooks will now be taxed between 20% and 40%, depending on their revenue.
- May 16, 2024:The Illinois sports betting handle rose to $1.26 billion in March, a 17% increase from February.
- April 25, 2024:DraftKings will be a fixture at the home of the Chicago Cubs for the next four years after the Illinois Gaming Board approved a four-year master license for online and in-person sports bets at Wrigley Field.
IL Sports Betting Legalization Timeline
Sportsbooks see a huge hike in their sports wagering receipts tax due to the passage of HB 4951. The tax rate on operators increases from 15% to between 20 and 40%.
Illinois set its all-time monthly revenue record in October 2023, eclipsing $1.1 billion for the first time.
On March 5, the Illinois Gaming Board lifts the in-person registration requirement.
In October, the Illinois General Assembly votes to rescind the in-person registration requirement and allow in-person pregame wagering on in-state college teams.
The state accepts its first in-person sports bet at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines in March and its first mobile wager with BetRivers in June.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Gambling Act into law on June 28, 2019.
Illinois Retail Sportsbooks
Use these locations for in-person bets. The venues are set up for anyone who wants the experience of using a betting window or kiosk. Then, have some food and drinks while you watch a game on a jumbo screen.
| Location | Sportsbook | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hawthorne Racecourse | Fanatics | 3501 S. Laramie, Stickney/Cicero, IL 60804 |
 | Rivers Casino Des Plaines Sportsbook | BetRivers | 3000 S River Rd, Des Plaines, IL 60018 |
 | Par-A-Dice | BetMGM | 21 Blackjack Blvd, East Peoria, IL 61611 |
 | Grand Victoria | Caesars | 250 S Grove Ave, Elgin, IL 60120 |
 | Hollywood Aurora | ESPN Bet | 1 W New York St, Aurora, IL 60506 |
 | Argosy Casino Alton Sportsbook | ESPN Bet | 1 Piasa St, Alton, IL 62002 |
 | Hollywood Joliet | The Sportsbook (Kambi) | 777 Hollywood Blvd, Joliet, IL 60436 |
 | Harrah’s Joliet and Metropolis | Caesars | 151 N Joliet St, Joliet, IL 60432 |
 | Casino Queen | DraftKings | 200 S Front St, East St Louis, IL 62201 |
Other Types of Gambling in IL
Online real-money casino betting would be a promising new revenue stream in the state, but it remains hypothetical for now. In the meantime, the state has a generous number of alternative betting options at your disposal. See our sports betting apps and sportsbook promo pages for more information.
| Gambling Alternative | Legal? |
|---|---|
| Daily Fantasy Sports | ✅ |
| Social Sportsbooks | ✅ |
| Horse Racing Betting | ✅ |
| Lottery | ✅ |
| Online Casinos | ❌ |
| Online Poker | ❌ |
DFS (Daily Fantasy Sports) in Illinois
DFS is a type of platform that allows its users to build a team of real-life athletes and compete against other players. In Illinois, it is legal but not regulated. Its legality was an ongoing debate until the Illinois Supreme Court settled the matter in 2020 with a ruling that gave DFS operators the legal protection they needed.
DFS options in Illinois include Betr, SuperDraft, PrizePicks, Underdog, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Some of the most common forms of DFS are daily and weekly drafts, with payouts organized by the DFS site. Users can also make yes/no or “more than/less than” player stat predictions as part of the gameplay.
DFS Apps: Betr Promo Code | PrizePicks Fantasy Promo Code | SuperDraft Fantasy Promo Code | Underdog Fantasy Promo Code
Social Sportsbooks in Illinois
Apps like Fliff and Rebet combine sports betting and social media experience. Players compete with friends and move about the leaderboard based on sports picks. The sites offer badges and coins for correct picks. The premium currency at social sportsbooks can usually be redeemed for cash prizes if you win enough.
Horse Race Betting in Illinois
Live racing meets take place at Fairmount Park (April 16-Nov. 16), Hawthorne Race Course (Jan. 1-Oct. 13), and Suburban Downs (Jan. 1-Feb. 12, and Oct. 19-Dec. 30).
Bettors can place remote bets with:
- Hawthorne Race Course app
- FanDuel Racing
- NYRA Bets
- TVG
- TwinSpires Racing and
- Xpressbet
Illinois has three Off-Track Betting (OTB) sites for Fairmount Park and 12 OTB sites for the Hawthorne Race Course. Here are the locations (*= Fairmount OTB).
- *Alton
- Crestwood
- Evergreen Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Joliet
- Lansing
- McHenry
- Mokena
- North Aurora
- Oakbrook Terrace
- Prospect Heights
- Rockford
- *Sauget
- *Springfield and
- Villa Park
More Horse racing info — Best Horse Betting Apps
Illinois Lottery
The Illinois Lottery has generated essential funding for the State of Illinois for 50 years. The Common School Fund is its major funding recipient. Since 1985, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $24 billion to the Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools.
Those 18 or older can buy Powerball, Mega Millions, and Lucky Day Lotto tickets to get a piece of the jackpots.
Illinois Online Casinos
Online casinos are still illegal in Illinois despite lobbying attempts to gain traction. It has been estimated that Illinois online casinos could generate as much as $230 million for the economy. However, retail casinos don’t want to share the market with online competitors.
Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. and Sen. Cristina Castro filed online casino bills this year. Legislators have until January 2025 to advance either bill.
Illinois Online Poker
Online poker is also illegal in Illinois.
Lawmakers introduced a bill to legalize online poker during the 2021-2022 legislative session, but it fell short of the necessary vote. Three bills have been introduced since then, but they’ve had difficulty gaining momentum.
Esports Betting in Illinois
Esports betting is not legal in Illinois; however, it is regulated. Regulated access allows players to access esports betting options, but specific rules and regulations apply that would not if it were fully legal.
DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365 are some of the big-name operators that offer esports betting options.
How Illinois Sports Betting Compares to Other State Markets
Indiana and Iowa legalized sports betting, and both states were faster with their rollouts than Illinois. Before legalization, bettors from Chicago would travel to Indiana to bet on sports. In fact, Horseshoe Hammond offered Windy City bettors free shuttles to and from Chinatown and other locations.
But when Gov. J.B. Pritzker replaced Bruce Rauner, sports betting was quickly on the docket, and the state legalized online and retail sportsbooks in March 2020.
Illinois currently offers some of the best online sportsbooks. Indiana also offers top-tier choices like BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars Sportsbook. Iowa offers close to 20 sportsbooks, including BetMGM, which has an app quality that’s on par with DraftKings.
Illinois currently only allows betting on in-state schools in person. That option was set to expire in July 2023. However, state lawmakers approved a one-year extension so bettors can still make pre-game, in-person bets for the 2023-24 football and basketball seasons.
Indiana and Iowa allow betting on all collegiate sports, including online bets on in-state university programs.
See more comparisons on our legal sports betting states page.
Pros and Cons of Illinois Sports Betting
Pros
- Quality sportsbooks live
- You will be able to bet at sports stadiums
- Licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board
Cons
- Limits on college betting
Illinois Responsible Gaming
Sports betting should add enjoyment whether you’re at home, in a stadium, or at the sports bar around the corner.
But not everyone can manage the thrill of a win or the disappointment of a loss in a healthy way. Illinois is among the states affiliated with the national 1-800-GAMBLER (426-2537) hotline. See our responsible gaming page for additional information.
The Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling can help residents maintain control over their betting decisions. Text “ILGAMB” to “53342” to access a helpline. The problem gambling alliance site has a chat option on its main page.
Other features include:
- A directory of treatment providers and support groups
- Information to self-assess your relationship with gambling
- Self-exclusion tools to block your access to unhealthy betting
- Informational materials for responsible gambling and problem gambling.
Illinois Sports Betting Industry: More Resources
- The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) regulates and collects taxes from gambling companies, including land-based casinos and sportsbooks, as well as online sportsbooks.
- Check this page of the IGB website to download PDFs of sports betting revenue reports as they’re released.
- Read the full Sports Wagering Act, which details all rules and regulations surrounding online and retail sportsbooks in Illinois.
Illinois Sports Betting FAQ
Yes. Legal in-person sports betting became available in March 2020, and the state’s first legal online sports bet took place in June 2020.
You must be 21+ to place bets using an online sportsbook or sports betting app. Betting on in-state college teams is not available online, but it is in person.
Yes. DraftKings is live and legal in Illinois—both online and in-person at Casino Queen. DraftKings also offers DFS in the state.
Yes. FanDuel is live and legal for bettors in Illinois. In addition to its mobile platform, it is available in person at Par-A-Dice Casino.
No. You can bet at Illinois sportsbooks as long as you’re at least 21 years old and physically located in the state. This law applies to both online and retail sportsbooks. To place a wager, you must turn on geo-tracking to verify your location inside the state.
To sports bet in Illinois, you must be at least 21 years old. The age requirement for DFS is 18.
Illinois bettors have access to eight sportsbooks: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, Fanatics, and ESPN Bet.
College sports betting is readily available online—unless the event involves an in-state team. You’ll need to visit a casino’s betting window or kiosk to bet on Illinois college programs.
Yes. You would be transferring funds into an unlawful sportsbook account. That would be a violation of federal laws.
Sports betting is legal. The state does not yet allow online casino games or online poker.
