Illinois Online Sportsbooks – Best IL Betting Sites 2024

Amelia Walker By Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer at Betting.us Updated: February 2, 2024
Amelia Walker Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer at Betting.us

Amelia Walker, a J.D. holder and senior content writer at Betting.us, is a legal expert in responsible gambling. Initially skeptical, she now has over six years in professional gambling. She’s studied gambling law and currently educates gamblers on our site in legal and safe play.

The Best Illinois Betting Sites for 2024

Few operators can meet the requirements for providing excellent online sports betting in Illinois. Except for being licensed, operators should comply to other criteria, such as having various sports and bet types available, offering a great welcome bonus, and a great mobile app. Here are the best Illinois online sportsbooks for 2024:

IL Online Sportsbook Welcome Bonus Bonus Code Top Sports Site Rating Secure Link
Show Details Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets ILBet5 American Football Baseball Volleyball 4.9 Bet Here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $500 Free Bet SPORTS Boxing Basketball Ice Hockey 4.8 Bet Here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars IGAMING1000 Soccer Darts Snooker 4.8 Bet Here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets Not Needed Golf Cricket Cycling 4.7 Bet Here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.

The Best IL Online Sportsbooks by Category

🥇 #1 IL Online Sportsbook DraftKings
🏈 #1 NFL Betting Site BetMGM
⚾ #1 MLB Betting Site BetRivers
🏒#1 NHL Betting Site DraftKings
🏀 #1 NBA Betting Site Caesars
⚽ #1 Soccer Betting Site Caesars
🎁 Top Sports Betting Bonus BetMGM
🔝 Best Sports to Bet On BetRivers
🏅 Best Types of Sports Betting Caesars
📱 Best Sportsbook App IL BetRivers

There are a wide range of Illinois online sports betting sites, and each has an aspect they excel in. That is why we have listed the top operators and categorized them based on their best features. Some are better in certain sports or leagues, while others focus more on the experience.

All sports betting sites in Illinois offer odds for all the popular leagues to bet on; some are more oriented towards specific sports. There are also great Illinois sports betting apps for gamblers who are looking to play on the go from their mobile devices.

Players have different preferences. That's why we created an overview of the best Illinois sports betting sites by category. Some operators offer the best mobile experience, while others have the most bet types available. Some IL betting sites focus mostly on offering great promotions.

Though we might rate a sportsbook as the best overall, it might not suit you. You should think about the type of gambler you are, find a few of the best Illinois betting sites that fit those needs, and test them out before you sign up.

Our Rating Criteria

To create our list of the best online sportsbooks in Illinois, our rating system examines several factors important for judging their quality. Throughout our years of gambling experience, we've found these aspects of online sportsbooks to be highly correlated with user satisfaction.

The most vital factor is having a license. From then on, players should always look at the mobile compatibility, the available bets, sports, bonuses, and payment providers that an operator offers. You should also be on the lookout for any other features, such as live streaming of games, in-play betting, and early cashouts.

Security & Licensing

The first step we take before evaluating Illinois online sports betting sites is confirming their licensing statuses on the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) website. It's responsible for enforcing all gambling regulations and laws in the Prairie State.

You can cross-check any online sportsbooks you're considering joining with the list of IGB licensed operators. If you come across an operator not listed on that page, then it's likely an illegal offshore sportsbook.

  • Illinois State Seal
  • Illinois Gaming Board
  • Illinois Department of Revenue

We suggest you avoid illegal operators at all costs. They do not hold the required licenses, break Illinois gambling laws, and do not pay the required Illinois gambling taxes. Stick to the legitimate, legal betting sites Illinois gamblers can use listed on this page.

Lastly, only operators licensed by the IGB can guarantee your safety. This is because they must follow regulations like obtaining the proper licenses, going through stringent safety and security checks, and following routine government audits.

Live Betting Options

Live betting is currently all the rage. Nothing beats the interactive experience of betting on sports while you watch the games. You no longer have to rush to get your bets down before the game starts, and youou can find it at almost any of the legal betting sites in Illinois.

  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Hockey
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Soccer

Though live betting in Illinois is extremely popular, it can prove more difficult than pre-game wagering. Sportsbooks charge higher margins, and odds fluctuate rapidly. Therefore, beginners should stick to making bets before the games start.

An excellent operator for live betting is the BetRivers Sportsbook in Illinois. This platform offers a great user interface to easily place your wagers and is one of the better Illinois sports betting apps out there.

Best Illinois Sportsbook Bonus Offers

When you sign up for the first time with Illinois online sports betting sites, you can usually take advantage of a welcome bonus. These offers are the primary way sportsbooks attract new customers. They usually come in the form of a free bet (also known as a risk-free bet), deposit bonuses, and, in some cases, Illinois sports betting bonus codes.

We have listed these IL betting offers below, as they offer the best mix of bonus money, a low minimum deposit for claiming the offer, and fair wagering requirements. Here are the best online sports betting bonus offers in Illinois:

Up to $500 Free Bet $10 SPORTS Claim Bonus! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars $20 IGAMING1000 Claim Bonus! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets $10 Not Needed Claim Bonus! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.

We evaluated each Illinois sports betting promo and found the one with the fairest terms and conditions. It's worth pointing out that it's only available for gamblers creating a new account and depositing for the first time. On the other hand welcome offers are some of the best betting bonuses in general.

Many IL online betting sites like Caesars and BetRivers also have ongoing promotions for existing members. You can check these out under the "promotions" tab at any online sportsbook in Illinois. Some operators have great one-time offers in the form of claimable Illinois sports betting promo codes. When claiming a welcome bonus at Illinois online sportsbooks, you should check the terms and conditions.

Top-Ranked Illinois Sports Betting Apps

If you're often on the go, it's worth evaluating the sports betting apps provided by the operators. The best Illinois sports betting sites put a lot of time and effort into app development to provide you with the most complete product possible.

All Illinois sports betting apps have unique quirks and features, but all of them offer a full gaming library, great promotions, and flexibility. You will be able to fully manage your sportsbook account as if you were on a desktop PC. Here are the best mobile Illinois betting apps:

IL Sports Betting Apps Betting Offer Compatibility Secure Link
DraftKings - 4.9/5.0 Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets and , iOS Compatible Bet Here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
BetRivers - 4.8/5.0 Up to $500 Free Bet and , iOS Compatible Bet Here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
BetMGM - 4.7/5.0 Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets and , iOS Compatible Bet Here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.

These platforms stood out above other Illinois sports betting apps with their fast loading times, Android and iOS compatibility, and high-powered features. The operators can also be accessed via your device's browser, so there's no need to download the native apps. Claiming an Illinois sports betting promo is just as easy as with the desktop variant of the platform..

Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals

You can find several payment methods accepted by sports betting sites in Illinois. Most people prefer using their Visa or Mastercard debit cards, but there are other options worth considering. For instance, many Illinois sports betting sites also accept PayPal, PayNearMe, and online banking transactions.

Before you deposit with your chosen payment method, be sure to read the operator's terms and conditions. Some Illinois online sportsbooks make you withdraw using the same method you deposited with.

Other deposit methods, like credit cards, cannot process withdrawals at all. In this case, many Illinois online sports betting sites may require you to use a specific option. A convenient and safe way to withdraw is at betting sites that accept bank transfers or by using online banking.

Payout Times at IL Online Sportsbooks

Licensed IL betting operators have strict legal requirements to follow regarding payouts. However, the best Illinois sports betting sites payout even faster. Depending on the payment method with which you withdraw, some can facilitate payouts within 24 hours.

Here are the Illinois online sportsbooks with the fastest payouts:

IL Betting Site Min. Deposit Payout Times Recommended Payment Method All Deposit Options Secure Link:
BetRivers $10 1-5 Days 8 Bet here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
BeetMGM $10 1-5 Days
9 Bet here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Caesars $20 1-3 Days 7 Bet here! Valid only for new IL players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.

While these are the sportsbooks with the fastest payouts, other factors may affect the payout times. If you claim one of the Illinois online sportsbook welcome bonuses, you will likely need to play through the entire wagering requirement before you can cash out your bonus funds.

Likewise, the payment method you choose to withdraw with may take longer than average to process your transaction. If you feel there's a problem, visit your betting provider's land-based sportsbooks in Illinois or contact its customer support team for help regarding your account.

Legal Online Sports Betting in Illinois

Illinois online sports betting sites are available to anyone over 21 years of age. If you know someone who is gambling underage, we urge you to reach out to one of the Illinois responsible gambling organizations for potential next steps.

The original bill legalizing sports betting sites in Illinois required users to register in-person at a mobile sportsbook's retail location. However, after Governor J.B. Pritzker signed HB 3136, you no longer need to register in person at an operator's land-based location as of March 5, 2022. You can now make pregame, in-person bets on in-state colleges, which was banned under prior Illinois gambling law.

The Coronavirus pandemic highlighted the practicality of removing the in-person registration requirement. Therefore, since HB3136 took effect in March 2022, you can complete the entire Illinois sportsbook sign-up process online.

In December 2021, Mayor of Chicago Lori Lightfoot signed off on a Chicago City Council approved ordinance that allows land-based sportsbooks to open at stadiums in the city. A retail sportsbook is planned for Wrigley Field, but the Soldier Field ownership group refused all potential partnerships.

The Chicago skyline behind a judge's gavel, which rests on a laptop computer.

While there aren't any online casinos in Illinois, there are several land-based and riverboat casino properties. You can play slots and table games at the Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Hollywood Casino in Joliet, and Harrah's Metropolis to name a few.

Fans of horse racing can visit three tracks in the Prairie State. Hawthorne Race Course outside of Chicago is the oldest family-run track in the country, but all of them have sportsbook partners. These operators are some of the best Illinois sports betting sites on the market.

On top of the more traditional forms of gambling, the Illinois Supreme Court overturned a lower court decision banning daily fantasy sports (DFS) in 2020. This was a big win for gamblers and big-name DFS operators, most of which now run Illinois online sportsbooks.

Sports Betting Taxes in Illinois

If there's one certainty in gambling, it's that the state wants its cut of the profits. Potential tax revenue is normally the driving force behind legalized sports betting in the US. As a gambler in the Land of Lincoln, you must pay the state 15% of any gambling winnings over $600 in total that you accrue over the year.

Sportsbooks running inside Chicago city limits must pay an extra two percent tax that was agreed upon by the City Council as part of the ordinance legalizing sports betting in the Windy City.

You should receive an IRS Form W2-G from any Illinois online sportsbooks that pay you out. This has all your total winnings and withholdings from each sportsbook you withdraw from.

With the in-person registration requirement in effect, it's been standard practice for Illinois sports betting sites to automatically withhold 25% of your winnings, provided they have your tax ID number (your Social Security number for US citizens). If they don't have your TIN or SSN, they can withhold as much as 28%.

On the federal side, the IRS taxes gambling winnings at a rate of 24%. The information you must include on your return is outlined on the completed Form W2-Gs you receive from each operator you gambled with throughout the year. Don't file until you've received all your expected W2-Gs.

The good news is losses are deductible at the federal level. You can read everything you need to know about reporting your gambling winnings by seeing IRS Tax Topic No. 419. It's worth pointing out that the IRS suggests keeping a running log of all your wins and losses throughout a calendar year.

Illinois online sports betting sites have markets for all the major sports leagues. However, betting on in-state college sports teams will be restricted to in-person sportsbooks from March 5, 2022. Before this date, betting on in-state schools was prohibited.

One of the reasons for lifting this regulation has to do with the huge number of in-state schools in Illinois. On a college football Saturday, up to five percent of the games could have an Illinois school taking part. Illinois schools can participate in up to 10% of the games on a big college basketball slate.

Illinois lawmakers realized that the state was missing out on a significant revenue opportunity, so it revised its stance on in-state college sports betting as part of its overhaul of the state's gambling laws.

Here are the most popular leagues to bet on in Illinois:

  • NBA
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NCAAB
  • NCAAF
  • EPL

The reason these sports are so popular for Illinois online sportsbooks is because of the coverage sports betting gets on major networks. Television channels like ESPN, Bally Sports, and NBC Sports Regional Networks now dedicate a sizeable portion of their programming to sports gambling.

The explosion in popularity of daily fantasy sports throughout the 2010s has also contributed to the popularity of the major leagues throughout the United States. Though only recently legalized in Illinois, a substantial part of the sports-viewing public has experience playing DFS games, which are a modified version of sports betting.

Prairie State players have a broad selection to choose from. It has not only all the standard leagues in terms of what you'll find at US sports betting sites elsewhere, but also many international ones as well.

Professional Sports Franchises in Illinois

In terms of professional sports teams, Illinois has several franchises in Chicago. It has clubs in every major sports league in the country including the MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and MLS. Here are the most popular teams to bet on in the state of Illinois:

  • Chicago Bears

    The Chicago Bears are the most popular sports team in Illinois. Perhaps surprisingly to some, the team was founded in Decatur, Illinois as the Decatur Staleys in 1920. However, the team moved to Chicago in 1921 and changed its name to the Bears in 1922.

    Playing out of Soldier Field, the organization has won nine NFL championships and a Super Bowl. The club gave us the Monsters of the Midway, the Super Bowl Shuffle, the 46 defense, and "Da Bears". The team is owned by the heirs of original owner George Halas and is worth over $3.5 billion.

  • Chicago Cubs

    One of the oldest teams in American pro sports, the Chicago Cubs began life as the White Stockings in 1870. It's a founding member of baseball's National League in 1876, the club changed its name to the Colts in 1890 and then the Cubs in 1903.

    A dominant force in the early 1900s, the team's claim to fame is the unprecedented 108-year championship drought it endured that ended in 2016. It also plays in perhaps the most famous stadium in the country, the legendary Wrigley Field on Chicago's North Side, known for its brick, ivy-covered walls.

  • Chicago White Sox

    The Chicago White Sox call Guaranteed Rate Field on the city's South Side home. Like their crosstown rivals for the NL, the organization was a charter member of the American League. It also holds the record for the second-longest championship drought in baseball, which isn't great news for Illinois baseball fans, given the Cubs have the longest.

    After a decent start to life in baseball, the team was rocked by the Black Sox Scandal in 1919. Several members of the team were accused of throwing games, including Shoeless Joes Jackson. After these players were banned for life, the team didn't win another pennant until 1959.

  • Chicago Bulls

    The Chicago Bulls are arguably one of the most recognizable teams in the world, and that's due to one man - M.J. The legendary Michael Jordan is undoubtedly the greatest basketball player of all time and is responsible for growing the sport and the franchise around the world.

    Alongside Jordan, Scottie Pippen and coach Phil Jackson took the team to six NBA championships in seven years. The team set the United Center on Chicago's West Side alight every time they took to the floor. It's unlikely there will ever be such a dominant team in the NBA again.

  • Chicago Blackhawks

    Another United Center dynasty, the Chicago Blackhawks are one of the NHL's Original Six franchises. Playing behind Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, the team won three Stanley Cups in the early 2010s to bring the team's total to six all-time.

    The foundation of the St. Louis Blues in the 1960s gave rise to one of the fiercest pro sports rivalries in the world. Blues vs. Blackhawks matchups throughout the years are known for their bench-clearing brawls, offensive trash-talk, and all-around nastiness – as demonstrated by the St. Patrick's Day Massacre of 1991.

  • Chicago Fire

    The latest addition to the world of Chicago pro sports is the Chicago Fire. Named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, it was founded on the event's 126th anniversary in October 1997. It was one of the MLS's first expansion teams and shares Soldier Field with the Bears.

    The team found instant success, winning the MLS double, comprised of the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup, in its first year of existence. It won several MLS Supporters' Shields in the mid-late 2000s, but hit a rough patch in the mid-2010s.

Daily Fantasy Sports

In Illinois, DFS is considered legal and regulated as a game of skill, providing a fun and controlled environment for players. It's popular among sports fans who enjoy the thrill of daily or weekly competitions and the chance to win lucrative prizes.

Playing at the legal IL daily fantasy sites is like building your own dream team with real-life athletes, such as the Bears, Bulls, or Cubs, and competing against others based on their actual performance. It's a mix of skill and luck, where strategic decision-making and sports knowledge play a key role.

5.0/5 Up to $500 Deposit Bonus 15 Android Bet At Draftkings Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Help is available for problem gambling. Call (888) 789-7777 or visit ccpg.org(CT). 18+ in most eligible states, but age varies by jurisdiction. Eligibility restrictions apply.

Bet Types & Options for Illinois Sports Gamblers

If you're a beginner, odds boards can be overwhelming. There are many bet types and markets to choose from, and several ways to combine your wagers for potentially higher payouts. The best Illinois sports betting sites also include other features like bet builders, providing you with even more strategic options.

You should first consider the potential value a bet type or betting market presents. You can find value by comparing a sportsbook's given odds against your assessment of what the odds should be.

The ability to find markets with value is the most important skill for a sports player to have. Here are the most common bet types and betting markets available at online sportsbooks in Illinois:

The betting markets covered here are available at each online sportsbook in Illinois. You can usually see the moneyline, point spread, and totals markets for each game on the league's main page at all the sports betting sites in Illinois. To see the rest, you need to drill down on specific games.

We suggest that beginners stick to the first three bet types in the table, as they supply the basis for odds on other markets. Advanced gamblers who know how odds in one market influence the rest can use that to their advantage when making prop bets or in-play wagers.

Exclusive Sports Betting Partnerships in Illinois

To help with brand exposure, many sportsbooks enter exclusive partnerships with professional sports teams. This is doubly good for gamblers in the Land of Lincoln who closely follow Illinois pro sports, as you can usually find unique cross-promotions involving online sportsbooks, their land-based casino and racetrack partners, and pro franchises.

Several Illinois sports betting sites have agreements with professional teams in Chicago. A few fans have already benefitted by winning once-in-a-lifetime opportunities involving their favorite teams. Here is a list of partnerships involving IL sportsbooks:

  • BetRivers and Chicago Bears – BetRivers receives signage in and around Soldier Field. BetRivers created a free-to-play game on the Bears' mobile app.
  • DraftKings Sportsbook and Chicago Cubs – DraftKings is building a sportsbook and betting lounge at Wrigley Field.
  • FanDuel Sportsbook and Fairmount Park – FanDuel installed a sportsbook and lounge at Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville, IL, a suburb of St. Louis.

Many of the partnerships supply VIP experiences for sports betting fans. At the very least, you may receive a special promo code only valid during TV broadcasts. Plus, the BetRivers game on the Chicago Bears' app provides a fun way to watch along on NFL Sundays.

It is still to be seen how the removal of the in-person registration requirement will affect these types of partnerships. When you must no longer travel to a retail location for registration, it should open more valuable opportunities for teams and sportsbooks alike.

Online vs. Land-Based Sportsbook in Illinois

With the Illinois requirement to register at a land-based sportsbook, you're likely familiar with the land-based sportsbook experience. Illinois sports betting sites are different in several ways. Like anything in life, there are upsides and downsides to both options.

The best Illinois sports betting sites have several benefits you won't find at their land-based counterparts. The biggest difference is that they are open 24/7, 365 days a year. They offer better odds, and a wider range of Illinois sports betting promo offers.

Here are the main pros and cons of using land-based versus online sportsbooks in Illinois.

Online Betting
  • Better odds
  • Open 24/7
  • Larger market selection
  • Mobile apps
  • No food or drink service
  • Longer withdrawal times
  • No social engagement
Land-Based Betting
  • Food and drink service
  • Can exchange bet slips with others
  • Opportunity to socialize
  • Personalized service
  • Lower odds & payouts
  • Fewer live betting options
  • Limited opening hours

Problem Gambling Help

Compulsive gambling is a serious issue. The best Illinois sports betting sites go above and beyond the minimum requirements for supporting problem gambling initiatives. Plus, most legal betting sites in Illinois gamblers can use feature adjustable deposit limits, voluntary cooling-off periods, age verification. On top of that, they inspire players to bet responsibly, bu sharing information and tips with them.

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the following gambling-related issues, it might be time to get help:

  • An inability to stop thinking about gambling.
  • Owing gambling debts.
  • Gambling larger amounts of money to get the same thrill.
  • Becoming irritable when one is not gambling.
  • Gambling is impacting relationships with other people, a job, or schoolwork.
  • Thinking about stealing money to gamble with.

Gambling addiction affects many people. There is no shame in admitting you may have a problem. If you decide you need support, here is a list of responsible gaming resources available in Illinois:

You can stay ahead of gambling addiction by remembering to bet with your head, not over it. Please gamble responsibly and stay within your limits.

FAQ

Which is the best IL online sportsbook?

The best Illinois online sports betting sites are licensed and secure operators that offer a wide range of sports, bet types, great odds and promotions. What makes them even more appealing is that they also offer additional features like live streaming, live betting and early cashouts.

Are online sports betting sites legal in Illinois?

Yes, online sports betting sites are legal in Illinois. Legislation passed in 2021 and according to the Illinois gambling laws in-person registration requirement no longer applies as of March 5, 2022. Just ensure that the operator is licensed by the IGCB before you register.

What are the best online betting bonus offers in Illinois?

The top betting bonuses in IL usually come as a deposit match or risk-free bets. The best online betting offers for Illinois gamblers are the welcome bonuses, which are available only for new players. Ensure to thoroughly read the promotional terms and conditions before you claim an offer.

Do all online sportsbooks in IL offer live betting?

All the major online sportsbooks in IL offer live betting. This was a major point of contention when the Chicago Cubs signed an agreement with a betting operator to open a sportsbook at Wrigley Field. Nevertheless, you can still have an excellent experience live betting in Illinois.

Which online sportsbooks in Illinois payout the fastest?

The legal sports betting sites Illinois players can gamble with are all legitimate operators and have respectable payout times. The IL sports betting sites with the fastest payout times can pay you out within 24 hours, depending on your chosen payment method.

Conclusion – Signup to the Best Illinois Online Sportsbooks in 2024

Since we only rank Illinois sports betting sites on this page that we'd use ourselves, we can confidently say we picked the best ones. We hope that our ranking and criteria for picking the best operator helped our readers. Of course, each player has different preferences, so we have thoroughly researched each aspect of these Illinois betting sites. Having said that, the outstanding platform for us was the BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois, which boasts quality features few platforms can match.

Delaware-born Amelia Walker takes the senior content writer and legal expert position at Betting.us. Her main professional focus is responsible gambling and operator safety. With a J.D. in Business Law, her professional gambling journey began after a law firm colleague introduced her to safe betting. She is an advocate of strict bankroll management and self-restraint.

Amelia Walker Senior Content Writer at Betting.us More about Amelia

We tested, rated, and reviewed all the best IL sports betting sites licensed with the IGB. That way, you know the options listed on this page are safe, secure, and legitimate. You can easily pick the most suitable operator for your style based on the sports, bet types, odds, and promotions that it offers.