Illinois sports betting apps include some of the best options available in the US, each with unique promotions and competing odds. Some also have partnerships with Illinois brick-and-mortar casinos. All are legitimate, legally-licensed apps with strong security protocols.
Bettors no longer need to register for a new account in person at the online sportsbook’s partner casino; instead, Illinois bettors can now register for a sports betting app account and complete registration from the comfort of their homes.
Editors’ Choice: Best Sports Betting App in Illinois
- DraftKings Sportsbook: Best for New Promos
- BetMGM Sportsbook: Best for New Bettors
- PointsBet: Best for Closest Retail Betting
- BetRivers: Best for 1x Playthrough
- Caesars Sportsbook: Best for Loyalty Program
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Best for iOS & Android App
Best Illinois Betting App Promo Codes This Week
In search of the best sports betting app? Illinois sports betting apps are offering special promos this week to new users in Illinois who sign up for their mobile apps.
| 📱 DraftKings Illinois Promo Code | 💰 Claim a $50 Free Bet + 20% Deposit Match Up to $1,000 |
| 📱 BetMGM Illinois Bonus Code | 💰 TODAY To Claim $1,000 Risk-Free |
| 📱 PointsBet Illinois Promo Code | 💰 BONUSDAY to Claim 2 Risk-Free Bets Up To $2,000 |
| 📱 BetRivers Illinois Bonus Code | 💰 SHARP250 To Claim $250 Deposit Match |
| 📱 Caesars Illinois Bonus Code | 💰 TODAYCZR To Claim $1,100 in first bet insurance |
| 📱 FanDuel Illinois Promo Code | 💰 Claim a $1,000 Risk-Free Bet |
Illinois Sports Betting News
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May 10, 2022:
Circa Sports is expanding its national footprint with a new retail sportsbook in Illinois as part of a deal with Full House Resorts. The new casino and sportsbook, American Place, will be located in Waukegan, a northern suburb of Chicago and is expected to be completed within three years.
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April 28, 2022:
Caliente Digital received licensing to open a sports betting app in Illinois. The company is based in Tijuana. Out of the 23 licenses Illinois will award, only three allow for online-only operators.
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April 19, 2022:
It’s opening day for the 97th season for horse racing at the FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing in Collinsville, Illinois.
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March 9, 2022:
Caesars Sportsbook launches its app in Illinois and offers bettors up to $1,100 in first bet insurance.
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March 5, 2022:
Illinois allows bettors to register for mobile sports betting accounts online after the in-person registration requirement was lifted.
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February 15, 2022:
The Illinois Gaming Board reported $54.79 million in online betting handle for Super Bowl LVI – up nearly $10 million from the previous Super Bowl.
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December 16, 2021:
The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance to allow sportsbooks inside or adjacent to five Chicago stadiums.
The 6 Best Illinois Sports Betting Apps
Best for New Promos
at DraftKings at Casino Queen IL
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY / (CT)
Best for New Promos
DraftKings at Casino Queen
Promo Offer
$50
20% up to
$1,000
Retail Partner
Casino Queen
Licensed by
IGB
The DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook is second to none. With the best mobile platform for both iOS and Android devices, a lucrative welcome offer, and extremely competitive odds, DraftKings tops the list of options in the state.
The welcome bonus is a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. To receive the maximum amount, you’ll need to deposit $5,000, but you can deposit as little as $5 to qualify. DraftKings Illinois will then credit your account with $1 in bonus month for every $25 in real-money wagered. That’s effectively a 5x wagering requirement on a 20% deposit match, which is pretty reasonable for those betting long-term.
For most bettors, the 100% deposit bonus up to $250 at BetRivers Illinois is the better deal due to budget restraints. To get the same amount in betting credits at DraftKings, you’d need to deposit $1,250. But if you’re planning on deposit more than that, DraftKings Illinois is the better deposit-match offer.
- Highest rated betting platform in the App Store
- Biggest deposit-match bonus
- New promos and special offers added daily
- Free daily tournaments with huge prize pools
- Popular loyalty program
- Works seamlessly with DraftKings DFS
Terms and Conditions Apply & 21+
Best for New Bettors
at BetMGM Sportsbook IL
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
Best for New Bettors
BetMGM Sportsbook IL
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
Bonus Code
TODAY
Licensed by
IGB
BetMGM Sportsbook is now live in Illinois. The popular sports betting app launched on March 5 when in-person registration ended in the state. Bettors can now access and download BetMGM from their mobile devices. Backed by MGM International, BetMGM Sportsbook is one of the best apps available in the US, and one Illinois residents will want to download.
BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois offers a $1,000 risk-free bet with bonus code TODAY.
- Great rewards program – MGM Rewards
- Competitive odds
- Fantastic selection of sports
Terms and Conditions Apply & 21+
Best for Closest Retail Betting
at PointsBet IL
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
Best for Closest Retail Betting
PointsBet Illinois
Up To
$2,000
Use Promo Code
BONUSDAY
Retail Partner
Hawthorne Race Course
Licensed by
IGB
PointsBet, an Australian company, is making waves in every state it’s launched in so far as well as Illinois, where bettors have access to some of the most creative promotions available.
The PointsBet Illinois Sportsbook offers new members two risk-free bets up to $2,000 – one fixed-odds wager up to $500 and one PointsBetting wager up to $1,500.
With Points Betting, you choose a totals wager, such as NBA total points or NFL passing yards. When the game ends, you receive a multiplier based on how accurate you were.
But that multiplier applies to both winning and losing bets. For example, if you bet the over on 200 total points for an NBA game and it ends in 210 total points, you’d win a 10x multiplier. But if you bet the under on that same game, your lost wager is multiplied by ten.
- Unique “Points Betting” feature for totals
- Huge number of daily promotions every day
- “No Juice” spreads on points spread NFL bets
- Tons of market depth for MMA and international sports
Terms and Conditions Apply & 21+
Best for 1x Playthrough
at BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NY, PA, VA; CT & NJ (Under SugarHouse brand)
Best for 1x Playthrough
BetRivers Sportsbook IL
Deposit Bonus
$250
Retail Partner
Rivers Casino
Licensed by
IGB
The BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook offers a robust sports betting platform, with somewhat competitive odds and some interesting special offers. However, it shines brightest in the promotions and reward category.
BetRivers Illinois will double your first deposit up to $250, and the amount is tied to a mere 1x wagering requirement. That means you only need to bet the full amount (using any combination of bets), and whatever is leftover is yours to withdraw.
The BetRivers Illinois mobile app is currently subpar. And they do not consistently offer much better odds than other options. But they compensate well for those significant downsides with lots of free chances to win.
Claim the offer with BetRivers Promo Code: SHARP250
- Best deposit-match T&Cs
- High-quality loyalty program (iRush Rewards)
- Integrated live streams of select events
- Daily odds boosters in the “House Specials” section
- PayPal available as deposit and cashout method
Terms and Conditions Apply & 21+
Best for Loyalty Program
at Caesars Sportsbook IL
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA, WV / (PA)
Best for Loyalty Program
Caesars Sportsbook IL
Up To
$1,100
Promo Code
TODAYCZR
Licensed by
IGB
Caesars Sportsbook Illinois is one of the most recent apps to join an already impressive list of betting apps. Caesars Sportsbook is brought to you by Caesars Entertainment, so you can expect a first-class mobile experience and some of the best odds on the market.
New users in Illinois can claim first bet insurance up to $1,100 using Caesars Sportsbook Illinois promo code TODAYCZR.
- Competitive odds
- Great mobile app experience
- Caesars Rewards offer an excellent loyalty program
Terms and Conditions Apply & 21+
Best Sportsbook iOS & Android App
at FanDuel Sportsbook
Available On: iOS, Android, Web Browser
States Accepted: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV
Best Sportsbook iOS & Android App
FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
Retail Partner
Fairmount Park Racetrack
Licensed by
IGB
The FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook offers an exceptionally smooth and intuitive platform that’s a joy to navigate. And that’s on top of the hyper-competitive odds and some of the best parlay deals in the state.
FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois offers a risk-free bet up to $1,000 for new members. If the bet is won, you keep the winnings and the wager. But a losing bet is refunded in site credits, which then need to be bet a single time (in any combination) before you can cash out.
While DraftKings offers a deposit-match bonus that some bettors may prefer, FanDuel often offers better odds on certain events. But joining both may be a smart move to compare win potential before placing a bet.
- Smooth, intuitive platform
- Fantastic odds boosters
- Lucrative NFL betting offers
- DFS platform
Terms and Conditions Apply & 21+
Illinois Sports Betting Important Dates
- Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and the Chicago White Sox announced on May 5, 2022 a partnership to make Caesars Entertainment the Exclusive Casino Partner and to name Caesars Sportsbook an Official Sports Betting Partner of the team.
- Illinois lifts the requirement for in-person registration on March 5, 2022. Sports bettors can now register for mobile sports betting accounts online.
- Da Bears Making Moves – The Chicago Bears formed a partnership with BetRivers and put in a bid to purchase the for-sale Arlington park.
- In-State College Betting Bill Fails – Illinois’ proposed lift on the in-state college betting ban failed, but it could resurface in November.
- Illinois Takes First Step Toward Online Casinos – Illinois legislators introduced HB 3142 in February 2021, which would create the Internet Gaming Act and authorize casinos to offer online casino gaming in the state.
All Illinois Sportsbook Apps
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Retail Partner |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Illinois | $50 Free Bet + 20% Deposit Match Up To $1,000 | Casino Queen |
| BetMGM Illinois | Risk-free Bet Up To $1,000 | No Partner Casino |
| PointsBet Illinois | Up to $2,000 in risk-free bets with code BONUSDAY | Hawthorne Racecourse |
| BetRivers Illinois | 100% Deposit Match Up To $250 with SHARP250 | Rivers Casino |
| Caesars Sportsbook Illinois | Up To $1,100 in First Bet Insurance | Grand Victoria Casino |
| FanDuel Illinois | Risk-free Bet Up To $1,000 | Par-A-Dice Casino |
| Barstool Illinois | Risk-free Bet Up To $1,000 | Hollywood Casino (Aurora & Joliet) |
Illinois Legal Sportsbooks
The legally licensed sportsbooks available in Illinois are some of the best sports betting apps in the world. It’s simply not worth the risk of joining an illegal site when you have access to these options.
One of the biggest reasons to avoid an illegal sportsbook is the fact that you’re not protected from fraud. You have no legal recourse if the website disappears, they refuse to pay out your winnings, or if they allow your information to be compromised.
The Illinois Gaming Board regulates state-licensed sportsbooks, and also offers dispute resolution directly on its website.
Remember, you’re legally obligated to report net winnings from gambling every year, and they’re subject to income tax at both the state and federal level. The online sportsbooks in Illinois are obligated to provide tax documents and make it easy to receive them if needed. And, yes, the sportsbook will report net winnings to the IRS and the Illinois Department of Revenue.
Illinois Sports Betting Revenue
Sports betting handle hit a record in March 2022 with $971.3 million wagered during the month in Illinois. That figure bested the previous record of $867.5 million set in January.
Experts believe that the total amount wagered in Illinois could exceed $5 billion within the first three years of legalization. And based on the monthly numbers and the fact that remote registration is available that estimate seems more realistic than optimistic.
How Illinois Compares To Other States
When Illinois first launched legal online sports betting, the in-person registration requirement made the Indiana and Iowa laws more appealing. But now, bettors in Illinois can complete registration from home instead of needing to complete registration at a retail casino.
Illinois currently offers some of the best online sportsbooks. Indiana also offers top-tier choices like BetMGM, Unibet, and Caesars Sportsbook. Iowa offers 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 will expire in July 2023; however, many are hopeful that the ability to bet on collegiate sports will be extended.
Indiana and Iowa allow betting on all collegiate sports.
In the meantime, Illinois has most of the best online sportsbooks. So unless you’re determined to bet on the University of Illinois or Northwestern football after next year, you have all sports betting action you need in-state.
Illinois Betting Successes And Failures
Illinois Sports Betting Success
The immediate and gradually increasing popularity of sports betting in Illinois has been a success that’s expected to continue. As the sixth-largest state in the US—and with Chicago boasting some of the biggest professional sports teams in the world—it’s no wonder that sports betting would be a successful market for the state.
Now that remote registration is possible in the state, the Illinois sports betting market should continue to grow at a tremendous pace.
Illinois has one of the largest sports betting markets in the country. Online sports betting handle totaled over $971.3 million in March 2022.
Chicago’s City Council passed an ordinance late last year permitting sportsbooks inside or adjacent to five Chicago stadiums: Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, Soldier Field (Bears), the United Center (Bulls, Blackhawks), Guaranteed Rate Field (White Sox) and Wintrust Arena (Chicago Sky, DePaul University).
Where Could Illinois Improve Online Gambling
Several line items in the state’s sports betting regulations have received a significant amount of criticism.
But for both sports bettors and sportsbook operators, the biggest failure seemed to be the licensing issue with mobile-only brands. The Illinois Gaming Board has since approved three mobile-only licenses, which cost $25 million apiece.
It’s also disappointing that only ten mobile licenses can be approved. Illinois has a population that could support far more. For example, New Jersey has 14 options and about 4 million fewer people.
Legalization Effort In Illinois
It’s easy to say that legal sports betting wouldn’t exist in Illinois if it weren’t for the push by Governor Pritzker. Just six months into his first term, the Governor garnered bipartisan support for a gambling expansion. This included a casino in the city of Chicago as well as sports betting.
However, state senators had been pushing for this initiative since at least 2018, when the Supreme Court repealed the law restricting legal sports betting in the US. And, really, New Jersey lawmakers and voters are responsible for attempting to legalize sports betting in their state in 2011. That triggered a challenge in the federal courts, and New Jersey eventually prevailed on behalf of all US states, ending Nevada’s monopoly on legal US sportsbooks.
Meanwhile, Indiana and Iowa also legalized sports betting, and both states were faster with their rollout than Illinois. This meant Chicagoans would travel to Indiana to bet on sports, as Horseshoe Hammond offered Windy City bettors free shuttles to and from Chinatown and other locations.
But when Governor Pritzker replaced Bruce Rauner, sports betting was quickly on the docket, and the state legalized online and retail sportsbooks in March 2020.
Timeline For Illinois Sports Betting
June 28, 2019- Governor Pritzker signed the Gambling Act into law, which expanded gambling regulations considerably, including legalized sports betting.
September 1, 2019- Indiana launches sports betting, creating easy access for Chicagoans who still don’t have a legal option in-state.
March 9, 2020- Rivers Casino in Des Plaines began accepting the first legal sports bets in Illinois at their retail BetRivers Sportsbook.
June 11, 2020- By this day, seven sports betting licenses were granted to seven gambling properties: Rivers Casino, The Argosy, Grand Victoria Casino, Par-A-Dice, Casino Queen, Hollywood Casino Aurora, and Hollywood Casino Joliet. Each could also launch an online sports betting brand.
June 18, 2020- BetRivers launched online, becoming the state’s first legal sports betting website and app. Through an Executive Order, the Governor also suspended in-person registration requirements. DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook launched in Illinois the following month.
January 2022- Illinois bettors can now register and begin betting from their mobile phones instead of needing to complete registration at sportsbooks’ partner casinos.
Illinois Professional Sports Teams
Chicago Bears
Betting on the NFL is the most popular wager in Illinois, and the Chicago Bears are the most popular NFL team in Illinois. The Monsters of the Midway are an institution that dates long before Coach Mike Ditka led the the team to its only Super Bowl championship in 1985. The Bears’ most recent playoff appearances came in 2018 and 2020 but will need significant improvement to become title contenders again.
Illinois bettors can wager on the Super Bowl all season long. But, perhaps more realistically, you can bet on the Bears to become the NFC North Division Champions.
Chicago Bulls
Since the double three-peat days of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, the team has seen more downs than ups. But they remain one of the most popular sports teams in the world, and folks in Illinois love to bet on the NBA – and Bulls games in particular.
Chicago Cubs
For decades, the Chicago Cubs offered the best live sports experience in Illinois that you could attend for under $10. But those days are behind us now that the Cubbies broke their 108-year World Series drought in 2016. And while ticket prices are none too cheap, they’ve been a contender for another ring every year since, which makes for great MLB betting in Illinois.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox won the World Series in 2005, and they’ve had some great teams in the years since. And while the South Siders don’t receive the kind of national attention the Cubs enjoy, they’re a popular team in Illinois that inspires plenty of wagers.
Chicago Blackhawks
Seeing the Chicago Blackhawks play in-person at United Center is absolutely electrifying. Combined with the excitement of placing bets, and that’s an irresistible level of excitement that thousands will enjoy when the crowds return post-coronavirus. NHL betting is one of the most popular options in Illinois, and bettors can expect some lucrative promotions surrounding the Blackhawks games.
Illinois College Sports Teams
Illinois boasts 18 D1 college football teams and 22 D1 college basketball teams. The top programs include the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, and DePaul, all of which are popular options for bettors across the US.
In fact, during the college football and NFL seasons, the collegiate level events were a close send to the pro games for most wagering in Illinois.
Illinois bettors will be able to bet on in-state Illinois teams, but not until July 2023. That means all those wagers placed in Illinois—including much of the $435 million worth in October 2020—were placed on out-of-state college football teams.
While the Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats have a lot of alumni throughout the state, Chicago residents as a whole may have more love for other midwest teams. For example, you’re never more than a mile or two from a Notre Dame, Michigan, or Ohio State bar.
Further, March Madness betting attracts more wagers than any other multi-event postseason in the US. Illinois has 30 appearances, DePaul has 18, and Northwestern has just one. That means there’s a decent chance that folks in the state can bet on all the March Madness games, and the vast majority are always fair game.
Other Sports To Bet On In Illinois
International Sports
PointsBet and Caesars Sportsbook are two international sportsbook brands available in Illinois. As such, both offer tons of bets on the more obscure competitions.
However, for mainstream international sports like the Premier League or Champions League, all the sportsbooks will offer tons of action, particularly DraftKings and FanDuel. This includes DFS contests as well.
Individual Sports
You can bet on golf, tennis, MMA, boxing, and all other individual sports at the professional level in Illinois. As betting on the PGA and MMA continues to grow in popularity, the action will only get more robust as time goes on.
Racing
The Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, IL boasts top-tier NASCAR events, which means you could attend a race and bet on it online simultaneously. Illinois sportsbooks also offer bets on Formula 1 and other racing events.
Esports
Illinois defines a sport in a way that makes betting on esports a real possibility. Only time will tell, but in Indiana and Iowa, esports betting is prohibited, so the potential alone is promising.
How To Place A Bet In Illinois
Step 1: Find The Right Sportsbook
You can safely join any of the legally licensed online sportsbooks in Illinois. If you’re unsure which to join, consider choosing the platform with the best odds on an event you like. You can view the odds at all sportsbooks via before joining by visiting their websites.
Step 2: Download The App Or Bet Via Desktop
If you’re using Apple’s App Store, make sure the app is specific to your state. In the case of FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet, the same sportsbook app applies to all legal states. But you’ll need to download BetRivers Illinois and Caesars Sportsbook Illinois specifically.
For Android users, most apps are available in the Google Play store since Google recently allowed legal gambling apps. However, you may need to download the Android app directly from the sportsbook website if it’s not yet listed in the Google Play Store.
Step 3: Make A Deposit And Get The Welcome Offer
Make a deposit using one of the banking methods offered by your preferred sportsbook. The most common options include:
- Debit Card
- PayPal
- Online Bank Transfer
- ACH/E-Check
- PayNearMe retailers (7Eleven, Walgreens, CVS, etc.)
- Credit Card (not recommended because it can count as a cash advance charge)
You can also deposit in your online sportsbook account and receive winnings in cash at the partnering casino cage. For example, BetRivers deposits and cashouts are accepted at Rivers Casino Des Plaines.
You may also need to provide a promo code during signup or deposit. In some cases, the promo can be automatically applied. Even though you need to visit a casino to complete registration, the bonus offers are rarely available to claim at the sportsbook location. The bonus offers are generally only available when you start your registration online.
Step 4: Place Your Bet
If you’re using a promotion, make sure you read the terms and conditions. For example, a risk-free bet usually only applies to your first wager, and the odds normally have to be -200 or longer.
Otherwise, simply select the bet you want to place, and add the amount you want to wager into your bet slip. The sportsbook will automatically generate the amount you stand to win.
Illinois Sports Betting FAQs
Yes. Online sports betting is legal in Illinois. Licensed sportsbooks currently available include DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, PointsBet, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, and Barstool.
Illinois bettors can choose from several “best in class” sports betting apps including DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM.
Yes. You can bet on college sports in Illinois, and you can bet on in-state college teams in person. Late last year, Gov. Pritzker signed a measure that will disallow Illinois bettors from betting on in-state college teams beginning July 2023.
That means the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, DePaul, and all the rest will be strictly off-limits. However, you can place in-game bets on out-of-state college teams, and bet on tournaments like March Madness as long as it’s not on a single-game event with an Illinois school.
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.
Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Illinois in partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, which also has a retail DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’re over 21, you can join DraftKings Illinois right now and receive a $50 free bet plus a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000. But you have to be physically inside Illinois to wager.
Yes. The FanDuel Sportsbook launched as part of a partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, IL, which also houses a FanDuel Sportsbook lounge inside for those who prefer in-person betting. FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois offers a welcome bonus: a risk-free bet up to $1,000.
More Resources On Illinois Sports Betting
- Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), which 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.
- You can find Chicago’s breaking sports news at the Chicago Tribune online Sports Section and the Chicago Sun-Times online Sports Section.
- The Illinois College Sports News page at the Decatur Tribune and the Chicago Tribune College Sports page offer daily updates on in-state college sports.
- College Football News and ESPN’s College Football page offers nationwide coverage of college football, which will likely be more useful than in-state coverage for Illinois bettors.
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