Top Illinois Online Sports Betting Sites: 100% Trusted Sportsbooks 2023 | New Bettors Claim $3,125+

Illinois legalized online sports betting in 2020 and dozens of online sportsbooks are now operating in the state. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about online sports betting in Illinois and review the 5 best Illinois sports betting sites.

Illinois Sports Betting at a Glance

Illinois retail sportsbooks and online apps started taking bets in 2020. Sports betting in the state is hugely popular with a record of over $840 million wagered in one month. The current sports betting market in the state is outlined below.

• Legal Sports Betting: In-Person (inland), Online/Mobile (inland and offshore)
• Minimum Sports Betting Age in Illinois: 21 (inland), 18 (through offshore sites)
• Offline Betting in Person: Yes available at casinos, sports stadiums, and racetracks
• Online Sportsbooks: Inland and via offshore
• Live/In-Play Betting: Inland and via offshore
• College Sports Betting: Inland (cannot bet on Illinois teams online and player props and in-game betting are unavailable for instate teams), Offshore (available online with no restrictions)
• Horse racing: Inland and Offshore
• Estimated Sports Betting Revenue: Over $43 million
• Permitted Sports Betting Operators: Multiple casinos, racetracks, and Wrigley Field home of the Cubs
• Licensing Fee: $10 million ($20 million for online-only license) and a $1 million dollar 4-year renewal
• Tax Rate: 15%
• Tax Funded:The sports wagering fund and any excess funds go to the Capital projects fund.

Timeline of Sports Betting Legislation in Illinois

Since the in-person registration on mobile sports betting accounts was lifted in March 2022, there have been some key milestones such as total handles in the state. However, there have not been any updates on sports betting as it is fully and completely legal. 

• March 2022: The requirement of in-person registration to bet on sports in Illinois was lifted. This was met with widespread approval by many pro-gambling supporters throughout the state.
• August 2021: The Illinois Gaming Board published applications for the state’s three online-only sports betting licenses. A license costs $20 million and it is unclear if any sports betting outfit will apply for them at this time. The in-person registration requirement will be lifted if and when an online-only sports betting license is issued.
• April 2020: Illinois Governor JB Pritzker suspended the requirement for sports bettors to register in person in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The requirement was reinstated in June, suspended again in August, and then reinstated in April 2021.
• June 2019: The Illinois legislature passed a bill that legalized sports betting and doubled the number of casino licenses available in Illinois. The bill was being amended right up until it passed, and the final language excluded online sportsbooks from receiving their own licenses for 18 months – although they could partner with existing Illinois casinos. After 18 months, three licenses would be available for online-only sportsbooks. In addition, bettors would be required to register for online sports betting accounts at in-person casinos.
• May 2019: Illinois Rep. Mike Zalewski introduced a bill to legalize sports betting. It included unusually high fees and an 18-month waiting period for online sportsbooks and was widely criticized by the sports betting industry.
• 2018: 5 bills to legalize sports betting were introduced to the Illinois legislature this year, although they were primarily intended to explore the possibility of legalizing sports wagering than to be voted on.

List of the Best Illinois Sportsbooks in 2023

The number of online sites for sports betting in Illinois is quickly growing. If you’re new to the online sports gambling scene in IL, here are our top 10 picks for placing a wager:

1. BetOnline – Best online sports betting Illinois site for live streaming
2. Bovada – Overall best Illinois sports betting site for 2023
3. MyBookie – Best Illinois sports betting site with top promos
4. Everygame – Competitive odds and deep markets
5. XBet – Best mobile sportsbook app in Illinois
6. Lucky Block – An Illinois betting site with competitive odds and speedy payouts
7. BetUS – One of the best Illinois sports betting sites for bonuses
8. BetNow – Deeper markets than most other IL sports betting sites
9. BUSR – One of the best Illinois online sportsbooks for horse racing
10. Jazzsports – Wide variety of US and international sports with great lines

Best Illinois Online Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 platforms for online sports betting in Illinois.

1. BetOnline – Overall Best Illinois Sports Betting Site for 2023

BetOnline is one of the most reputable sportsbooks in the industry and is our #2-rated sports betting in Illinois site for 2023. This online sportsbook stands out for its enormous range of sports, generous welcome bonus, and excellent customer service support.

On top of that, BetOnline offers in-game betting and live streaming for most matches. You can bet on all major sports such as NFL, MLB, college games like the NCAA, as well as UFC.

The BetOnline welcome bonus can be used across your favorite sports, with no restrictions on what sports you can bet on or what odds you can take.

This top sportsbook also offers a massive range of betting contests across several sports, so if you’re looking for a new and exciting betting challenge with big prizes, BetOnline is one to check out.

2. Bovada – Best Online Sports Betting Illinois Site for Live Streaming

Bovada is our top pick for Illinois sports bettors who want to place futures wagers. This betting site offers NBA futures, NFL futures, and even college sports futures, this selection is unmatched by any other Illinois sportsbook.

On top of this, there are a huge variety of wager options and an impressive and easy-to-use prop builder so you can add your favorite sports betting Illinois teams to your betting slip at any time.

If you’re online betting on Illinois sports teams, Bovada offers a ton of tools and features for players, including full statistics for every match. You’ll also find a wide range of in-game bets to make matches more exciting. It also has mobile apps for iOS and Android, and these support all the same features as you’ll find on the website.

This top sportsbook offers a great deposit match for new players which you can claim using the Bovada promo code, INSIDERS. Bovada also offers a very appealing Bitcoin promotion for new users which can be used to place bets on the wide range of sports they have on offer.

3. MyBookie – Best Illinois Sports Betting Site with Top Promos

Since being established in 2014, this top Illinois sports betting site has proven to provide an excellent and seamless sports betting experience. You can wager on major US leagues like the NBA, NFL, and MLB, plus college sports, esports, MMA, soccer, rugby, and much more.

MyBookie makes it easy to place bets with a seamless web interface and mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. You’ll also find support for in-game betting and a wide range of live-betting options available.

Like BetOnline, MyBookie offers a large welcome bonus for new users to enjoy across the platform. There is also a refer a friend promo worth mentioning, which rewards you for each new bettor that you refer.

4.Everygame – Competitive Odds and Deep Markets

Everygame sportsbook has been doing business since the mid-nineties. Headquartered in Antigua, the bookmaker is known for offering some of the best reduced-juice lines, allowing you to extract more value out of your wagers making it one of the top Illinois sports betting sites.

If you are looking to bet on the Bulls, the Bears, or the Cubs then Everygame is perfect as it has in-depth markets on all major US sports and leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL,and MLB. With a huge range of other sports and esports available plus a superb parlay betting feature, you can bet on them all to try to increase your winnings.

In-play betting had grown in popularity and Everygame is one of the best sites to bet on action already underway. The odds they offer are some of the best available and it’s easy to keep an eye on all of the action on their multiview feature on their website, which lets you track multiple games plus the lines and spreads on offer.

One key factor many punters look for when choosing what site to use is bonuses and Everygame has some great ones. Every new user can claim a welcome bonus up to $750 using the promo code INSIDERS. Returning users also have access to some fantastic promotions including free NFL bets, the Parlay-prince, and rebates to name just a few.

 

5. XBet – Best Mobile Sportsbook App in Illinois

XBet is one of the most impressive new betting sites available to bettors in Illinois. It has many of the same cutting-edge features as other Illinois sportsbooks, including in-game betting, live streaming, and a simple-to-use parlay builder.

This sportsbook also has extremely user-friendly mobile betting apps for iOS and Android devices. The apps are among the best we’ve encountered, running quickly and making it incredibly easy to add wagers to your bet slip.

This top Illinois online sports betting site offers new players a $500 welcome offer which can seem smaller in comparison to the other sportsbooks but they also offer a daily cash rebate of up to 7% when you wager across any qualifying racing tracks, making XBet one of the best Illinois sports gambling sites to use for horse racing wagers.

6. BetUS – Overall Best Illinois Sportsbook

BetUS is our favorite Illinois sports betting site for players in search of the best promotions. This sportsbook offers a whopping deal for new bettors worth an enormous $3,125! This is a combined 100% sports and 25% casino bonus for you to use across any sports markets and casino games!

Another thing we like about the BetUS sports betting Illinois site is that it tends to offer more favorable odds than other IL sportsbooks. That means that when your bet wins, you can win more than you would at competing sports betting sites. Plus, BetUS offers live betting during matches and HD streaming so you can watch the action unfold.

BetUS broadcasts odds and lines on all the major US professional and college sports leagues, plus sports like rugby, soccer, Aussie rules football, and even golf betting lines. The sportsbook also has accessible customer support with a 24/7 live chat service.

7. BetNow – Deeper markets on US sports than most other IL sports betting sites

BetNow is a relatively new Illinois sports betting site. However, it has managed to establish a loyal fanbase. Besides having a competitive overall gambling product, the bookie has excellent BetNow promo codes with low rollover requirements. So, whether you’re only just signing up or you’ve been wagering at the sportsbook for a while, you’ll find top value.

BetNow offers a top-notch gambling experience for Illinois’ sports betting users looking to wager on the premier US leagues: NBA, NFL, MLB, etc. They have some of the best moneylines on NFL and the NCAA. If you plan to bet on more niche European sports, however, you might not be as impressed as options are limited to mostly soccer.

BetNow offers simple and easy-to-use live betting on a well-designed web interface. Their spreads and totals are constantly updated and any bets are graded and credited to your account in real-time. For these reasons, it’s one of the most user-friendly sites to wager on in-play betting.

One area where BetNow shines in is the selection of banking options. You can deposit via a wide range of payment processors, including major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. Bitcoin is one of the few crypto options available. The minimum deposit amount is a reasonable $20 and bettors can deposit as much as $40,000 at a time.

More on gambling in Illinois…

Learn about all types of online gambling in Illinois in our expert guides below:

• Illinois Real Money Online Casinos
• Chicago Online Casinos
• Biloxi Online Casinos
• Illinois Online Poker
• Illinois Online Gambling
• Illinois Sports Betting Apps

The Best Regulated Betting Sites in Illinois Reviewed

The top 5 sites appearing in the above selection of mini-reviews are available in most states and also provide upper betting lines on college sports, which is why we favor them slightly.

There are, however, also several geo-restricted sites that are available to bettors gambling in Illinois that are well worth checking out (if you haven’t already).

As such, we’ve reviewed Illinois sports betting online and regulated sites below:

Illinois Sportsbooks Compared

Wondering which Illinois sportsbook is right for you? We’ve put together a detailed table to help you compare the top 10 IL sportsbooks in 2023:

Discover Our Top Betting Guides

Who can Bet on Sports in Illinois

Sports betting is legal in Illinois, both in retail and mobile settings. To wager, you must be 21 years of age and located in the state of Illinois at the time you wish to wager.

Alternatively, you can explore offshore sportsbooks that require you to be 18 years of age.

How to Bet on Sports in Illinois

1. Create Your Account

Choose the sportsbook you wish to play at and create your account.

2. Explore the Promotions

Next, view the promotions the sportsbook offers. This could help you decide how much you should deposit.

3. Deposit Money Into Your Account

After figuring out how much you want to deposit, head over to the deposit page, pick which method you wish to deposit, and complete the process.

4. Make A Bet

Go back to the home page. Here, select what you want to bet on. Your selection will appear in the bet slip where you can complete the process.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois

Yes, sports betting has been legal in Illinois since 2019. The first sportsbooks launched in 2020 and bettors now have a large selection of betting sites to choose from.  

Sports Betting Guides State by State

Previous Sports Betting Bills in Illinois

2022

• HB 3136: This bill allowed for mobile sportsbook registration. Before this, you needed to go to the sportsbook to create an account. 

2019

• HB 3136: This bill legalized sports betting in Illinois.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Illinois

At present, there is a flat sports betting tax rate of 4.95% in the state of Illinois. 

Read Our Sportsbook Payment Guides

Payment Methods available in Illinois

Below are various payment methods to fund your online sportsbook account. 

Crypto Betting Options

At offshore sportsbooks, you can use any of the following cryptocurrency options. However, at some sites, there are even more options than this. 

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum
• Dogecoin 
• Binance
• Avalanche
• Cardano
• Tether
• Litecoin
• Stellar
• Bitcoin Cash
• Shiba Inu

eWallet Betting Options

Acting as either a middle-man between your bank account and your sportsbook account or using the balance in your account, you can use eWallets, such as the following:

• PayPal
• Neteller
• Skrill

Traditional Payment Methods at Illinois Betting Sites 

Don’t worry—there are other more traditional methods you can use to fund your account. 

• Credit/Debit Cards
• ACH Transfer
• Online Banking
• Check my mail 
• Wire Transfer
• PayNearMe

Bonuses Available at Illinois Online Sports Betting Sites

Deposit Bonuses

Perhaps the most popular welcome bonus, a deposit bonus gives you a percentage match up to a certain dollar amount.

Let’s use an actual offshore sportsbook as an example.

• Site: BetOnline
• Deposit Bonus: 50% up to $1,000
• Wagering requirement: 10x

With this offer, if you deposit $200, you will receive a credit of $100. However, you must wager $1,000 on the site to withdraw it as cash, as all bonuses are non-withdrawable.

Reload Bonuses

Available to all players where offered, a reload bonus is a deposit bonus, usually consisting of smaller prizes and percentage matches compared to a deposit bonus welcome offer. 

To utilize these, you will either need to use a promo code during your deposit or by opting into the offer.

Risk-Free/Free Bet

When you wager using a risk-free bet, you will receive the wager back in site credit should you lose. You can use the site credit again as a second chance to win money.

No Deposit Bonus

By receiving a small bonus to your virtual wallet, you will have received a no deposit bonus.

This is a small boon to your account simply for creating an account. These bonus funds carry a small wagering requirement, typically 1x.

Grab The Best Promo Codes With Our Reviews

Popular Sports to Bet on in Illinois

The major city in Illinois is Chicago, one of the biggest sports cities in America.

Here, we will cover all of the major professional sports in the US and those most popular in the Prairie State.

NFL Sports Betting in Illinois

The NFL is one of the most wagered on sports in the world, and with that, every online sportsbook we recommend offers excellent odds that are all relatively close to one another.

You will wager on the moneyline, spread, totals, props, and more here. 

• Chicago Bears  – Won their only Super Bowl in 1985.

NBA Sports Betting in Illinois

BetOnline is the pre-eminent source of both NBA and college basketball betting. Here, you will have great odds, odds offered before other sites, and markets such as futures and props. 

• Chicago Bulls  – Six NBA Championships, all coming in the 1990s.

MLB Betting in Illinois

Bovada has offered great odds on baseball since it launched in 2011. You will have the same bet types as the NBA and NFL with baseball.

• Chicago Cubs – Won their first World Series in nearly 100 years in 2016.

NHL Betting in Illinois

MyBookie is the site to go to for NHL betting. The hockey odds get broadcast faster than at most rival sites and tend to be among the most competitive. Bet types include the same as MLB, NFL, and NBA. 

• Chicago Blackhawks – Won three Stanley Cups from 2009 to 2015.

NCAAB Betting in Illinois

Like the NBA, you will have not only the same bet types but also the same best source—BetOnline. Of course, college basketball does have March Madness which is the focus of sports betting when it comes around. 

• Illinois Fighting Illini – Won the 1915 Helms national championship.
• Loyola Ramblers  – Made it to the Final Four in 2018.
• DePaul Blue Demons – Have been to two Final Fours.

NCAAF Betting in Illinois

With college football, you’ll wager on the same things as the NFL, but there are added futures markets for the numerous awards. Also, like the NFL, you can bet on the sport at any of our recommended sportsbooks with confidence. 

• Illinois Fighting Illini – Last bowl game victory came at the 2011 Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.
• Northern Illinois Huskies – Won the MAC Conference in 2021.
• Northwestern Wildcats – Have an all-time record under .500. 
• Eastern Illinois Panthers – Have produced players like former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and current San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

Golf Betting in Illinois

Boasting such iconic courses as Glen View, betting on golf is big business in Illinois. Bettors can wager on outright winners and top-five, 10, 15, and 20 finishes at most betting sites. Bovada would be our pick, though: the site offers excellent odds on golfers in all tournaments, especially golfers that are the top favorites. 

Horse Racing Betting in Illinois

Horse racing is legal in Illinois. However, if you want to stick with one of the offshore sites, BetUS and BetOnline offer multiple races worldwide to bet on every day. 

There are numerous ways to wager on horse racing, but the more popular methods are win, place, show, exacta, daily double, and picks 3-6. 

• Arlington Park
• Balmoral Park Harness Racing
• Fairmount Park
• Hawthorne Race Course
• Maywood Park

DFS is Legal in MI

You can craft a lineup at sites like DraftKings and FanDuel while staying under the salary cap to compete in competitions for millions in cash prizes.

Live Betting with Illinois Online Sports Betting Sites

If you’ve ever forgotten to bet on a contest before it started, you no longer need to worry about live betting. This feature is available on all of the sites we recommend. There are dedicated pages for completing this type of wager, and the odds shift quickly as the game progresses.

Learn More About Betting With BBI Guides

Sports Bets that are Illegal in Illinois

In Illinois, you cannot currently wager on any college sports games taking place in the state. 

How Illinois Stacks Up to the Nearby States

Illinois borders five states: Wisconsin, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, and Iowa. 

Of those states, Indiana and Iowa are entirely legal, Missouri is moving toward legalization, and Kentucky and Wisconsin are not legal yet.

Casinos with Sports Betting in Illinois

In Illinois, seven casinos offer sports betting in a retail setting.

• Rivers Casino
• Argosy
• Grand Victoria
• Casino Queen at DraftKings
• Hollywood Aurora
• Hollywood Joliet
• Par-A-Dice
• PointsBet Sportsbook at Hawthorne Racetrack

More on Illinois Gambling

There are other ways to gamble in Illinois, and our team has you covered. If you’re interested in trying out different ways to wager, check out the following links.

• Best online casinos in Illinois
• Online gambling in Illinois
• Online poker in Illinois

IL Legislative Resources

For residents of Illinois interested in finding out more information on current legislation to do with sports betting and gambling in the state or would like to contact local and state representatives to express their opinions or concerns on the subject they can use the links below.

• Illinois.gov
• Illinois Legislature General Assembly.gov

IL Gambling Resources

If you believe that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, then we encourage you to get in contact with the NCPG Illinois, Illinois Gaming Board, or the Illinois Department of Human Services found at the links below, they can provide advice and local information, and treatment services in your area.

• NCPG Problem Gambling Resources in Illinois
• Illinois Department of Human Services: Problem Gambling
• Illinois Gaming Board: Help for Problem Gambling

Best Online Illinois Sportsbook

While we recommend you explore all of the sportsbooks on our list to see which one fits your needs, we rank BetOnline atop the rest due to its welcome bonus, favorable odds, and 24/7 customer service. 

Illinois Online Sports Betting FAQs

Where can I bet on sports in Illinois?

You can bet on sports in Illinois with online sportsbooks like BetMGM, DraftKings, or BetRivers. You can also visit in-person sportsbooks at Rivers Casino, Hollywood Casino, Harrah’s, and others around the state.

Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Illinois. You can register on your mobile device or in person at a casino.

Is DraftKings legal in Illinois?

Yes, the DraftKings online betting Illinois sportsbook has been legally allowed to operate in the state since 2020.

What is the legal gambling age in Illinois?

You must be 21 or older to bet on sports in Illinois, although betting on horse racing is legal at age 18.

Who oversees IL sports betting?

Illinois sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board.

Is mobile sports betting available in Illinois?

Mobile sports betting is available in Illinois through BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and PointsBet. Registering on a mobile device is legal as of March 2022.

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