Illinois Sports Betting: Best Illinois Sportsbooks in 2023

Illinois sports betting updates

In the spring of 2019, the Illinois state legislature passed a bill that permitted Illinois sports betting at riverboat casinos, horse racetracks, and select sports facilities. Online sports betting arrived in June 2020 with the launch of the BetRivers sportsbook.

This timeline provides a snapshot of Illinois' sports gambling history:

Jan. 31, 2023: Rep. Bob Rita introduces an amendment to Illinois' Sports Wagering Act that would permit sports betting exchanges in the state. At present, only New Jersey allows for betting exchanges.

Jan. 19, 2023: Circa CEO Derek Stevens indicates that its sportsbook will soon come online in Illinois, pending the opening and full licensure of The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan. 

Jan. 13, 2023: PointsBet Sportsbook opens its fourth retail location in Illinois at Villa Park's Crazy Pour Sports Bar located inside of Club Hawthorne. 

Dec. 8, 2022: Illinois joins the billion-dollar month club, with its October sports betting handle setting a state record of $1.03 billion.

Nov 29, 2022: Representative Lamont J. Robinson, Jr. (D) introduces HB5847 in an effort to allow Illinois professional sports teams to apply for Illinois sports betting licenses.

Oct. 4, 2022: Tekkorp Digital Acquisition, which was aiming to garner an online-only sports betting license in the state, announces it will not seek a vote to extend talks with Playtech, Caliente Interactive, and Caliplay. As a result, it is effectively withdrawing from its attempt to enter the market.

Sept. 26, 2022: Hard Rock Sportsbook applies for both retail and mobile Illinois sports betting licenses. 

Sept 12, 2022: Bally's applies for a Management Services Provider license in Illinois. If the application is approved, Bally Bet will launch in IL.

May 31, 2022: It is revealed that WynnBET has applied for a mobile Illinois sports betting license. It is not yet known which casino the operator will be tied to.

May 25, 2022: The Chicago City Council officially approves Bally's casino by a vote of 41-7. The casino is scheduled to open its doors in 2026 and projects to bring in $200 million a year in tax revenue.

May 9, 2022: Circa Sports partners with Full House Resorts, announcing plans to operate an online sportsbook and retail sportsbook at the new American Place casino in Waukegan. While America Place is under construction, Circa will house its retail location in "The Temporary" — a temporary casino facility projected to open in Fall 2022.

May 5, 2022: Bally’s was tapped as the preferred bidder for a $1.7B casino project by the City of Chicago. Plans for Bally’s Chicago include a 500-room hotel and sprawling entertainment center.

May 5, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook and the Chicago White Sox agree to a sports betting partnership. 

April 28, 2022: Caliente Interactive is awarded an online-only sports betting license by the Illinois Gaming Board. Should the Mexico-based operator receive final licensure, "Caliplay" will launch in Illinois.

April 6, 2022: Construction begins on the new FanDuel Sportsbook Lounge at Chicago's United Center. The 13,000-square-foot venue is expected to be completed by August 2022.

March 10, 2022: Illinois sets a new monthly high for sports betting handle in January, posting a total of $876.5 million.

March 9, 2022: Caesars Sportsbook's new welcome offer goes live in Illinois. New sports bettors are able to claim up to $1,100 in first bet insurance without visiting a retail sportsbook.

March 5, 2022: Illinois sports bettors are once again permitted to create an online sportsbook account from anywhere in the state. Remote registration returns after nearly a one-year hiatus.

Feb. 15, 2022: FanDuel is first to launch a pre-registration offer ahead of Illinois' move to remote registration on Mar. 5, offering new bettors $100 in site credits.

Jan. 31, 2022: FanDuel, a partner of the Bulls and Blackhawks, announces plans to open a two-story FanDuel Sportsbook lounge in the United Center.

Jan. 27, 2022: The Illinois Gaming Board unanimously approves rewarding BetMGM with a license to operate in the state.

Jan. 19, 2022: BetMGM confirms its plans to launch online operations in Illinois in Q1 of 2022.

Dec. 21, 2021: Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs legislation that lifts the ban on in-state collegiate betting. However, bets on Illinois-based teams can only be placed in person.

Dec. 20, 2021: Illinois' in-person registration requirement for online sportsbooks will end on March 5 or sooner. Currently, bettors must register in person at a brick-and-mortar location before placing an online wager. 

Dec. 13, 2021: Aldermen backed an ordinance to permit Chicago’s pro sports teams to open Illinois sportsbooks within their stadiums and venues. Wrigley Field could be home to the state's first stadium sportsbook via its partnership with DraftKings.

October 2021: Illinois sportsbooks witnessed a surge in September betting thanks to football, recording nearly $600 million in bets.

April 2021: Governor Pritzker did not renew an executive order that temporarily suspended the requirement to sign up in person for online sports betting. Illinois bettors must once again visit retail sportsbooks to complete the registration process. 

March 11, 2021: The Barstool Sportsbook debuts. There are now six legal Illinois sportsbooks.

December 2020: Illinois registers $491 million from sports betting, its highest handle of the year. 

October 2020: Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued Executive Orders 2020-60 and 2020-61, limiting casinos and retail sports betting venues to 25% capacity. 

June 2020: Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker temporarily waived the state's in-person registration requirement, thus allowing individuals to set up sports betting accounts remotely.

June 2020: BetRivers launches the first online sportsbook in Illinois. 

March 2020: Rivers Casino opens the first Illinois sportsbook in history.

June 2019: Governor J.B. Pritzker passes Bill SB 690, legalizing sports gambling in Illinois. The bill prohibits out-of-state providers from entering the market for an additional 18 months.

March 2019: Rivers Casino owner Neil Bluhm pushes to keep heavy-hitters DraftKings and FanDuel out of the state as punishment for their questionable DFS operations.

Aug. 2018: IL lawmakers introduce five bills with the hope of legalizing sports betting. Illinois may legalize both retail and online wagering.

Why DraftKings is the best sportsbook in Illinois

There are several fantastic Illinois sports betting sites, but Covers has crowned DraftKings the best sportsbook in Illinois in 2023. DraftKings IL has the best mobile sports betting app, a steady flow of intriguing promos, and a robust live betting platform, giving Illinois bettors the ultimate online sports betting experience.

DraftKings Illinois’ mobile app checks all of the boxes. From its intuitive layout and aesthetically pleasing design to its stable of exciting features — including same-game parlays — DraftKings serves as the go-to app for many IL sports bettors.

Along with its solid sign-up offer — a bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets bonus that expires on Feb. 12, 2023 — DraftKings rewards existing users with parlay boosts, early wins, a referral program, and free-to-play daily pools offering real cash prizes. 

Few Illinois sportsbooks can match DraftKings’ increasingly popular live betting section. Betting options are aplenty, and odds are constantly updating in real time. If you want to place an in-game wager, DraftKings is the sportsbook for you.

Check out our detailed DraftKings review to learn more about the best sportsbook in Illinois.

Best offers and bonuses in Illinois

With the return of remote registration, sports bettors can claim the best Illinois sportsbook bonuses from anywhere in the state.

Here is our ranking of the best introductory offers currently available to Illinoisans in 2023:

Caesars - Up to $1,250 on Caesars: New Caesars customers can claim up to $1,250 in bet credit should their initial wager lose by using promo code COVERSBONUSFULL at sign up. Doing so will also trigger 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits, a huge win for new Illinois customers.

FanDuel - $3,000 no sweat first bet: FanDuel's new sign-up promo provides you with the chance to claim up to a $3,000 no sweat first bet. If your initial wager with the sportsbook loses, FanDuel will return your stake, up to $3,000, as bonus bets.

BetMGM - $1,000 back in bonus bets: BetMGM IL welcomes new Prairie State bettors with a lucrative first bet offer of up to $1,000 paid back in bonus bets. No BetMGM promo code is required to claim this welcome bonus.

PointsBet - Up to $500 in free bets: PointsBet's Illinois sign-up bonus gives new customers a second chance to hit on their first five bets of up to $100 each. When you use the current PointsBet promo code — 5X100RC —  PointsBet will send you up to $100 in free bets if any of your first bets of the day fall short during your first five days with the sportsbook.

BetRivers - Up to a $500 free bet: New BetRivers Illinois customers can receive up to a $500 free bet. Simply make a single deposit of $10 or more, and if your wager loses, you will receive a free bet equal to your stake up to $500. Use promo code 'SPORTS' to get started.

Terms and conditions apply to all bonuses and promotional offers.

Is sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, Illinois sports betting is legal. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed bill SB 690 — an enormous gaming expansion and capital bill — on June 28, 2019, and sports betting was deemed legal as a part of the 816-page document.

Rivers Casino Des Plaines accepted Illinois’ first legal retail sports bet on March 9, 2020, while BetRivers launched the state’s first online sportsbook on June 18, 2020.

Check our USA legal tracker to monitor each state's sports betting progress. 

Top five Illinois betting sites

Prairie State bettors have access to the top names in sports betting in 2023. Here are the five best Illinois sports betting sites:

1. DraftKings Illinois

Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets

No code required

Claim Now

Purveyor of the best sports betting apps in the U.S., DraftKings is also Illinois's top overall sports betting platform. From its extensive collection of betting markets and ongoing promotions to its clean user interface and stress-free banking, the sports betting partner of the Chicago Cubs is the sportsbook of choice for many Illinois gamblers.

For more information, read our DraftKings Review.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
• Best feature: Unique sportsbook pools
• Sign-up bonus: Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
• Payout speed: 1-7 days

2. FanDuel Illinois

$3,000 No Sweat First Bet

No code required

Claim Now

The sports betting partner of the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls, FanDuel is also aligned with its Illinois users' best interests. The sportsbook has one of the most straightforward bonuses in the state — a $3,000 no sweat first bet — and top-notch live betting and live streaming sections. The FanDuel IL app is incredibly smooth and feature-rich, including unique bet types like same-game parlays and boosted odds.

Check out our FanDuel Review to learn more.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Best feature: Intuitive mobile apps
• Sign-up bonus: $3,000 no sweat first bet
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

3. PointsBet Illinois

Up to $500 in free bets

Code: 5X100RC

Claim Now

Illinois sports bettors seeking a unique sports wagering experience can turn to PointsBet, an Australia-based sportsbook now available in 11 states. The operator has several one-of-a-kind features in Illinois, including its "Karma Kommittee," boosted parlays, and proprietary Points Betting system — a bet type that rewards (or punishes bettors) based on the accuracy of their wagers.

For an expert breakdown, check out our PointsBet Review.

• App store rating: 4.8 (iOS); 4.7 (Android)
• Best feature: Innovative mobile apps
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $500 in free bets
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

4. Caesars Illinois

Up to $1,250 on Caesars

Code: COVERSBONUSFULL

Claim Now

Caesars IL rolled out a brand new offer for new Illinois sports bettors, offering up to $1,250 in bet credit and a collection of Tier Credits and Reward Credits from its revered Caesars Rewards® program. Beyond the sign-up perks, Caesars keeps sports gamblers engaged with a great mobile app and unrivaled customer support.

Read our Caesars Sportsbook Review to learn more about the best sportsbook in Illinois.

• App store rating: 4.6 (iOS); 4.4 (Android)
• Best feature: Strong customer support
• Sign-up bonus: Up to $1,250 on Caesars
• Payout speed: 1-5 days

5. BetRivers Illinois

Up to a $500 free bet

Code: SPORTS

Claim Now

The first online sportsbook to launch in the Prairie State, BetRivers has impressed with its ability to set competitive odds and provide Illinois bettors with a responsive and user-friendly mobile app. While BetRivers IL doesn't offer the best sign-up bonus, the operator's steady flow of sports betting promotions makes it a superior option to other Illinois betting sites.

Check out our expert BetRivers Review to learn more.

• App store rating: 4.7 (iOS); 3.6 (Android)
• Best feature: Bountiful betting markets
• Sign-up bonus: Use promo code SPORTS for up to a $500 free bet
• Payout speed: 1-14 days

What sportsbooks are legal in Illinois?

The Illinois sports betting market continues to thrive in 2023. Bettors can download these seven sports betting apps today:

1. DraftKings - Best sportsbook
   
   
2. FanDuel - Best for live betting
   
   
3. PointsBet - Unique bet types
   
   
4. Caesars - Best sign-up bonus
   
   
5. BetRivers - Best weekly promos
   
   
6. BetMGM - Best for deposits
   
   
7. Barstool - Loads of markets
   
   

Legal sportsbooks in Illinois

Illinois sports bettors may place wagers on sportsbook mobile apps or betting sites. In-person betting can be done at retail sportsbooks at a riverboat casino, a racetrack, or an off-track betting site (OTB).

With the arrival of BetMGM on March 5, 2022, there are now seven licensed and regulated Illinois sportsbooks.

Illinois' online and mobile sportsbooks

Online sportsbook	Mobile app	Odds provider	Online casino	Retail partner
Barstool Sportsbook	Yes	Kambi	No	Hollywood Casino Joliet
BetMGM	Yes	BetMGM	No	Par-A-Dice Casino
BetRivers	Yes	Kambi	No	Rivers Casino
Caesars Sportsbook	Yes	Caesars	No	Harrah's Joliet and Harrah's Metropolis
DraftKings	Yes	SBTech	No	DraftKings at Casino Queen
FanDuel	Yes	Flutter	No	FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing
PointsBet	Yes	PointsBet	No	Hawthorne Race Course

Land-based IL sportsbooks

Latest Illinois betting news

Who can bet on sports in Illinois?

All bettors, 21 years of age and older, can create an Illinois sportsbook account online or by visiting a casino, racetrack, or off-track betting facility. Remote registration returned to Illinois on March 5, 2022.

Here are some key considerations and features that will help you to navigate the Illinois sports betting landscape: 

The pros and cons of IL sports betting

Illinois is now up to seven online sportsbooks, and the sports betting market is expected to continue to grow in the Prairie State. The return or remote registration is a huge win for sports bettors.

On the flip side, college sports fanatics may also be less inclined to get in on the betting action as wagers on Illinois college teams are still restricted to in-person only.

Fully mobile betting with the March 2022 return of remote registration

Significant growth potential

Access to online and retail sportsbooks

Bets on Illinois college teams placed only in person at a casino or racetrack sportsbook

High barrier-to-entry means fewer choices for bettors

How to start betting in Illinois

Bettors in the Prairie State can now open an online sports betting account from anywhere in Illinois via legal mobile sports betting apps.

What you can't bet on in Illinois

In-state college betting received a big boost on Dec. 21, 2021. Gov. Pritzker signed a law that lifted the betting ban on in-state schools.

However, despite the return of remote registration, wagers on Illinois teams can only be placed in person at one of Illinois' retail casinos or racetrack sportsbooks. Illinois sports betting sites cannot offer betting lines on college markets.

Politics

The Illinois Gaming Board, similar to other U.S. states, does not permit betting on political events, including Presidential elections.

esports

The Illinois Gaming Board has not yet authorized esports betting to be available in Illinois. Esports are neither banned nor included in the state’s sports betting law, so the door has been left open for the future.

What about the NFL Draft?

The marquee offseason event has steadily increased in popularity, which applies to betting markets, too. Illinois is one of only a handful of states to permit betting on the NFL Draft, meaning you can cash in on all seven rounds.

Illinois sports betting handle

Illinois set a monthly record with its $840 million October handle and surpassed $7 billion in total handle in 2021.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Illinois sports betting operations were suspended on March 16, 2020 —  one week after it had become legal in the state. Online and in-person wagering resumed on July 1, 2020. 

The Illinois Gaming Board reported that the Illinois sports betting handle for June fell 17.8% from May. Despite the dip, retail and online sportsbooks handled approximately $628.5 million in bets for June — up 32% from June 2021.

We compiled the financial figures to illustrate the breakdown of sports betting revenues in Illinois:

Yearly breakdown

Monthly handle

Home team advantage: Illinois sports

If you’re betting on your favorite Illinois player or team, be sure to do your research and never let your emotions get the best of you.

Brush up on the basics of sports betting with our how to bet guides.

NHL

Chicago Blackhawks

St. Louis Blues

Get live NHL odds

NBA

Chicago Bulls

Get live NBA odds

NFL

Chicago Bears

Get live NFL odds

MLB

Chicago Cubs

Chicago White Sox

St. Louis Cardinals

Get live MLB odds

Other types of gambling

Illinois boasts nearly a dozen casinos, three racetracks, and a number of live and online poker rooms. Daily fantasy sports were also legalized with the Lawful Internet Gaming Act of 2019.

Quick facts: Illinois sports betting

Illinois has become a sports betting powerhouse with astounding total handle numbers to match their rabid fandom. 

For all the IL sports betting facts, refer to the table below:

Responsible gaming in Illinois

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) created a self-exclusion policy for problem gamblers in 2002, and this is now a part of Illinois’ gambling law. This includes the Statewide Casino Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program (SEP) and the Problem Gambling Registry.

Those with gambling problems may voluntarily enroll in both or either of these programs at an IGB office in any Illinois casino.

Similarly, the Responsible Gambling Database houses a list of individuals who voluntarily prohibit themselves from betting online at Illinois betting sites.

Visit the Illinois Gaming Board

Illinois' first-ever gambling assessment revealed that more than 11% of adults either have a gambling problem or are at risk of developing one.

Legal U.S. sports betting markets

Sports betting legislation at the state level has already produced a number of additional legal betting markets. The following U.S. jurisdictions permit online and/or retail sports betting:

Arizona

Arkansas

Colorado

Connecticut

DC

Delaware

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Mississippi

Nevada

New Hampshire

New York

North Carolina

Ohio

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Puerto Rico

Rhode Island

Tennessee

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Upcoming legal U.S. sports betting launches

Maryland has now joined a long list of U.S. states with legal online sports betting.

Sports bettors had been limited to retail wagering since late 2021, but that changed on Nov. 23, 2022, when seven legal Maryland betting sites went live.

Ohio residents rang in the new year with the launch of Ohio sports betting sites. The Buckeye State tabbed Jan. 1, 2023, as its universal go-live date.

Brick-and-mortar sports betting locations will arrive in Massachusetts in January, while online sportsbooks should meet final regulatory approval in March 2023. Legal Massachusetts sports betting will include 15 mobile sportsbooks.

Potential legal U.S. sports betting markets

States moving toward legal sports betting that could potentially provide bettors the opportunity to gamble legitimately in the near future include:

Alabama

California

Florida

Georgia

Kentucky

Minnesota

Missouri

Oklahoma

Conclusion: Illinois Sports Betting

Illinois sports bettors can wager with confidence with as many as seven regulated sports betting sites. Given the size of Illinois' population, nearing 13 million, we would have expected more online sportsbooks to set up shop. However, the $20 million licensing fee has caused some operators to rethink the investment.

The return of fully remote registration was a significant boost to bettors and Illinois sportsbooks. Illinois nixed the in-person registration requirement in March 2022. Limitations on college sports betting could prove costly, though: Wagering on in-state college teams is limited to pregame wagers made in-person at an Illinois casino or racetrack.