Illinois Sports Betting Guide: Best Illinois Sportsbooks December 2024

Our team of sports betting experts has reviewed and rated all legal sportsbooks in Illinois out of 10 stars.

Illinois offers some of the best sportsbook promos in the country, worth thousands in bonus bets. 

Since its legalization on March 9, 2020, Illinois online sports betting has seen a remarkable rise, with eight of the best sports betting apps available for bettors to use legally and freely. Illinois is expected to add more operators in the future, as per the latest Illinois sports betting news.

Our RotoWire sports betting team of experts has reviewed all the best online sportsbooks in Illinois. Here's some details about each Illinois sportsbook:

1. Caesars Sportsbook Illinois

Caesars Entertainment is one of the most recognizable brands in the gambling space. So, when it comes to Caesars Sportsbook, Illinois sports bettors have access to one of the best sports betting apps in the industry. Caesars Sportsbook Illinois lives up to those expectations in every way.

Along with competitive betting odds, lines, and terrific promotions, you will also find an excellent new user welcome bonus at Caesars Sportsbook Illinois. When deciding which one of the best Illinois sports betting apps to join, Caesars Sportsbook Illinois should be at the top of your list. Use the Caesars Illinois promo code ROTODYW for a bet $1, double your winnings on your next 10 bets welcome offer. 

2. BetMGM Illinois

BetMGM is one of the most popular online sports betting sites in the United States. So, it makes sense that BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook is just as popular in the Illinois sports betting market. BetMGM has partnered with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria for Illinois market access.

From competitive odds to a laundry list of bet types and markets, BetMGM has a little bit of everything to meet the needs of every Illinois sports bettor. When it comes to Illinois betting sites, BetMGM also features a top-notch welcome bonus for new users. You can use BetMGM Illinois bonus code ROTOSPORTS for up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

3. Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois

Fanatics Sportsbook may be new to the sports betting industry, but they have quickly become a popular option for bettors in Illinois and several other states. The company formerly known for their apparrel, collectibles and team merchandise entered the legal gambling industry in early 2024 and continues to expand.

Use our Fanatics Sportsbook Illinois promo code today for up to $1000 in bonus bets.

4. DraftKings Illinois

Of all the Illinois sports betting apps to choose from, DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois is one of the best in the business. From an easy-to-use interface to a plethora of recurring daily promotions and odds boosts for existing users, DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois meets the needs of every user. Through a partnership with the Chicago Cubs, DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois also has a retail sportsbook at Wrigley Field.

If all the outstanding features offered by DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois aren't enough to entice you to sign up today, then check out all the bonuses and promos for new and existing customers provided on the DraftKings Sportsbook promotions page. So, before you join any other Illinois sports betting app, be sure to check out DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois and use the DraftKings Illinois promo code for a bonus bets welcome bonus.

5. FanDuel Illinois

You will be hard-pressed to search for a new Illinois sports betting site and not come across FanDuel Sportsbook. FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois is one of the most prevalent betting platforms in the state.

From the ability to build complex same-game parlays to the most obscure betting markets, FanDuel Sportsbook brings plenty to the table for both experienced sports bettors and newbies. So, when you are considering a new Illinois sportsbook to join, be sure to consider FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois. You can use the FanDuel promo code for a generous welcome bonus.

6. ESPN BET Illinois

With the ESPN BET Illinois promo code, new users can enjoy a generous bet-and-get welcome offer that gives them a $1,500 first bet welcome offer. Make the most of this welcome offer to wager on a wide range of popular sports betting markets available at ESPN BET Illinois. Plus, you get the bonus bets no matter the outcome of your first bet. 

7. Circa Sports Illinois

Known among the sports gambling industry for their NFL Survivor contest and other contests, Circa Sports has now entered the Illinois sports betting market. The sportsbook has just recently started expanding outside of Las Vegas, and as they are just operating a few states. 

As Circa gets settled in Illinois and other new states, we expect the sportsbook to begin offering more frequent promotions.

The process to sign up at Illinois sportsbooks is easy. Per the latest Illinois sports betting law, you can now complete this registration process online.

You no longer must do this in person, which makes it easier and more convenient for new sign-ups in the state. Follow these steps to register for a new Illinois sportsbook account:

1. Select the Illinois sportsbook you want to sign up for in our exclusive promos list below.
2. Click the BET NOW button to register on the Illinois sportsbook online site, or download the sports betting app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
3. Begin the registration process.
4. During this process, you will be asked to enter basic information including your name, address, phone number, and email address. You will also be asked for your DOB and the last 4 digits of your SSN.
5. If necessary, be sure to enter one of exclusive bonus or promo codes listed below once prompted.
6. Sign into the app or online sportsbook and make your qualifying deposit to claim your sign-up bonus

After you complete these steps, you can make your first bet at one of these Illinois sportsbooks.

You can bet on sports in Illinois in two different ways. If you are over 21 and physically located in the state of Illinois, you can place a wager on your computer or mobile device by using an Illinois sports betting app. You can also place a wager at one of the following Illinois retail sportsbooks:

• Rivers Casino Sportsbook
• Grand Victora
• Hollywood Casino Aurora
• Hollywood Casino Joliet
• Par-A-Dice Casino
• Sportsbook at Argosy Casino Alton
• Hawthorne Race Track
• Casino Queen
• FanDuel at Fairmount Park
• New American Place

There are many betting types available at Illinois online sportsbooks. Not only will you find all the most popular sports, but you will find obscure sports across both professional and collegiate markets. And when it comes to types of bets, you won't fall short of options there either.

Spreads

When you place a points spread wager, you are betting on one team's margin of victory or defeat against their opponent. The team with minus spread is the favorite whereas the team with the plus spread is the designated underdog.

For example, if the Chicago Bulls (-3.5) are hosting the Charlotte Hornets (+3.5) and you think the Bulls will take care of business at home and win by at least 4 points, then you can place your bet on the Bulls giving (-3.5) points on the spread. If the Bulls win by at least four points, then they will cover the spread and you will win your bet. If the Bulls win by three points or fewer or even lose outright, then they failed to cover and you lose your bet.

Totals

When you bet on the total, you are making an over/under wager. With this betting type, you are betting on the number of expected points scored between the two sides. Simply place a bet on the over or the under, depending on how you think the game will play out.

For example, if the Chicago White Sox are playing the Chicago Cubs and the total is set at 7.5 runs, and you think the game will go under that total, then place your bet on the under. If the game's final score totals seven runs or fewer, then you win your bet. If eight runs or more are scored, then your betting slip will be graded as a loss. You can bet an Over/Under on a matchup, like the example above, or on a specific team (for example, the White Sox to score Over 3.5 Runs).

Moneyline

When you bet on the moneyline, you are wagering on the most simplistic form of sports betting. All you have to do is pick the side you think will win the game outright. This is also called outright betting in some parts of the world.

For example, if the Chicago Bears (+205) are facing the Green Bay Packers (-280), and you think the Bears will pull off the upset, then you can place your wager on the Bears getting +205 odds to win. Here, the Bears are the underdogs. If the Bears win, you will win your Illinois sports bet. If you bet $100 on the Bears in this scenario, you'll win $205 plus get back your $100 stake.

Prop Bets

With prop bets, you are betting on an outcome that is not directly correlated with the final score or the result of the game. Prop bets can come in the form of game props, team props and player props. You will also find exotic props surrounding an event of magnitude like the Super Bowl.

Here are a few examples of prop bets you will find at Illinois sportsbooks:

• David Montgomery over/under 79.5 total yards
• DeMar DeRozan over/under 1.5 three-pointers made
• Tim Anderson over/under 1.5 total bases

Futures

When you bet on a futures wager, you are betting on an outcome that is not determined until the end of a season, postseason, or after a specific event is completed.

Here are some examples of futures bets:

• Chicago Bears over/under 7.5 wins
• Chicago Bulls to win the NBA Championship
• Justin Fields to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year

Parlays

Parlay bets combine two or more bet selections into one individual bet slip. Each individual selection is called a leg. If all the legs in the parlay are successful, then you win your parlay bet. If just one leg loses, your entire ticket will be graded as a loss.

Here is an example of a parlay bet:

• Chicago Bears (-175)
• Bears-Packers Over 45.5 points (+115)
• Darnell Mooney to score a touchdown (+330)
• Parlay Odds: +1352

If you bet $25 on the above parlay, you stand to win $332.20 if all the legs hit.

Teasers

Teasers are like parlay bets as they involve multiple legs. However, with teasers you can move the spread in your favor to make your betting ticket more likely to hit. However, in exchange for doing this you will receive lower odds.

Live Betting

With live betting markets, the odds and lines are always changing depending on game flow. Live betting is a great way to find value. You can find all the bet types discussed in this article when live betting, except futures bets. At some sportsbooks, you will find that live betting is also called "in-play" betting as you are wagering on the action as it takes place.

You can bet on professional and collegiate sports in Illinois. You will also find some obscure sports that are found in other regions like rugby. But there are some restrictions on Illinois betting when it comes to wagering on college sports.

While initially bettors in the state couldn't place wagers on games involving in-state schools, that is no longer the case because bettors can now wager on games involving Illinois schools at retail sportsbooks. However, you still cannot place these bets online.

NFL Betting in Illinois

The NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in the United States and Illinois. In fact, BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook is the official betting partner of the Chicago Bears, which is the only NFL team in the state. Super Bowl Odds are available months before the season, showing how popular the league is.

When looking at NFL betting options, the betting markets are endless. You will find betting options during the season and throughout the offseason, with a laundry list of futures betting types available year-round. Take a look at the best NFL betting sites to wager on football in the state of Illinois.

NBA Betting in Illinois

Illinois bettors can wager on NBA markets of all shapes and sizes. However, Illinois bettors typically like to place bets on their Chicago Bulls, the state's only NBA franchise. While NBA betting sites are not as popular as NFL betting, it is not far behind. When NBA betting, you will find ample markets to bet on during in-season play. You will also find futures markets for the NBA, like the Bulls to win the NBA Championship and Zach LaVine to win MVP.

MLB Betting in Illinois

With two MLB teams in the state -- the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs -- Illinois bettors never get bored betting on their favorite MLB clubs. With 162 games to bet on plus the postseason, MLB betting rarely takes a break. During the quiet period in the United States' sports betting calendar - which is between the time the NBA and NHL playoffs conclude and the NFL season begins - the MLB is in full swing and is the primary focus for Illinois betting.

NHL Betting in Illinois

The NHL may not be as popular as the other three major sports in the United States, but Illinois bettors are still able to bet on their Chicago Blackhawks during the NHL season. Like other sports, you have a multitude of betting markets and bet types to choose from for NHL betting purposes in Illinois. You will even find NHL futures betting during the offseason, primarily focusing on the upcoming year's Stanley Cup Finals.

College Football Betting in Illinois

While you can bet on college football in Illinois, there are limitations. For example, you cannot bet on in-state teams on your mobile device. You must place those wagers in person at a retail sportsbook. However, college football betting in Illinois is fully available for out-of-state teams.

College Basketball Betting in Illinois

Just like college football betting as described above, college basketball betting in Illinois operates in a similar fashion. If you want to bet on in-state programs, you must do so physically at a retail sportsbook. You cannot place these bets on your device at an online sports betting site. However, you can wager on out-of-state teams.

There are eight notable professional and collegiate sports teams to bet on when it comes to sports betting in Illinois. And although Illinois bettors can wager freely on pro clubs, the rules operate slightly differently for collegiate teams located in the state.

If you want to bet on a college team located in the state of Illinois, you must do so at an in-person retail sportsbook. You cannot place these wagers at one of the many betting apps in Illinois.

Chicago Cubs

If you want to bet on the Chicago Cubs, you will find plenty of game markets to choose from. Not only will you also find unique player props, but you can also bet on futures markets like the NL Cy Young award winner.

Chicago White Sox

When you bet on the Chicago White Sox at one of the mobile sportsbooks in Illinois, you will find ample betting types. In addition to your bread-and-butter standard wagers, you can also build complex same-game parlays at most Illinois betting apps. The action does not stop when the MLB season ends either. You can bet on MLB futures like the upcoming World Series winner at most online sportsbooks in Illinois.

Chicago Blackhawks

If you want to bet on the Chicago Blackhawks, you have your choice from all the different NHL markets offered at Illinois sportsbooks. From game and player props in-season all the way through to the upcoming winner of the Stanley Cup playoffs with offseason futures betting, you can place just about any type of NHL wager at your favorite mobile sportsbook in Illinois.

Chicago Bears

Since the NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in the United States, it makes sense that it is just as popular in Illinois. So, if you want to bet on the Chicago Bears, then you will never fall short of betting options. Of all the sports, the NFL offers the most betting markets at Illinois sportsbooks.

Illinois Fighting Illini

You can bet on college sports in Illinois. However, if you want to bet on the Illinois Fighting Illini, you can only do so in person at a retail Illinois sportsbook. However, any other collegiate market is permitted, like March Madness bets involving out-of-state teams.

Northwestern Wildcats

If you want to bet on the Northwestern Wildcats, you must do so in person at a retail Illinois sportsbook. However, every other college team not located in Illinois is fair game for Illinois bettors. So, if you want to place a bet on the winner of the upcoming Duke vs North Carolina game or the winner of the College Football National Championship game between Alabama and Georgia, you can do so at any Illinois mobile sports betting site.

Chicago Bulls

You will find ample betting markets for the NBA at Illinois sportsbooks. From complex same-game parlays to a variety of offseason futures betting options like the winner of the upcoming NBA Finals, you can find them all at your favorite Illinois sports betting app. If you think the Chicago Bulls will be the next NBA champion, place a futures bet on them today.

Chicago Fire

If you want to bet on MLS soccer, you can do so at all your favorite Illinois online sports betting sites. While the Chicago Fire is Illinois' only MLS team, you are not limited to only betting on them. You can place wagers on any MLS team or almost any soccer market in general at Illinois sportsbooks, including the EPL.

While sports betting in Illinois was legalized on March 9, 2020, the first sportsbook did not launch until June 18, 2020. Per the latest Illinois sports betting law, bettors can legally place wagers both online and at retail sportsbooks.

Illinois sports betting does have some restrictions, which are listed below:

You must be 21 years old to place a sports wager in Illinois

You must be physically located in Illinois to place a bet in the state

You cannot place a wager on in-state college teams or minor league teams at an online sportsbook. However, you can place a wager on an in-state college team at an in-person retail sportsbook.

You cannot place a player prop bet on players who play on an in-state college team.

You cannot place wagers on high school teams.

Illinois Sports Betting Timeline

• 4/20/2023: Illinois sportsbooks gear up for the spring betting season by deploying generous welcome offers to use on MLB odds, NBA Finals odds, and NHL Playoffs best bets. 
• 3/5/2022: The state passed a law allowing users to register online to bet in Illinois.
• 6/2021: A bill was passed allowing in-state college sports betting at retail in-person sportsbooks.
• 6/18/2020: BetRivers Sportsbook became the first sportsbook to launch in Illinois.
• 3/9/2020: Sports betting was legalized in Illinois.
• 6/3/2019: The state of Illinois passed a bill to allow both online and in-person sports betting.

Illinois Sports Betting Bill

On June 3, 2019, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker passed a bill to legalize both in-person and online sports betting in the state of Illinois. The online gambling bill (SB690) stipulated a 540-day waiting period before online-exclusive platforms could apply to the Illinois Gaming Board. Retail locations that are allowed to offer sports betting in Illinois include casinos, racetracks, and larger sports venues. This bill also allowed for only three online sports betting licenses to be awarded to online-only sports betting operators in 2021.

This bill also demanded an in-person registration requirement. In the state of Illinois, you must register with the state to legally place a bet. However, on May 5, 2022, a law was passed to permit remote registration. This bill also included a sports betting tax rate of 15% of gross gaming revenue, while online-only gaming licenses require a $20 million fee. Operators that feature both in-person and online sports betting require a fee of 5% of the previous year's handle with a maximum fee of $10 million.

Illinois sports betting laws are on par with other states with the greatest difference being the registration needed to place a bet. Another primary difference is the fact that you can place a bet on an in-state team at a retail sportsbook. Some states do not allow this at all.

You will find that Illinois betting sites are not only safe and legal, but they are also licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. They are also generous with new user welcome bonuses and recurring weekly promos for their existing customers.

So, if you live in Illinois or are just passing through the state, you can legally place a bet on your mobile device or at a land-based casino without worry. You can be assured that your money and personal information are safe, secure, and protected.