Sports betting in Illinois: Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s strike down of the federal PASPA Act (PASPA) in May 2018, Sports betting officially went live in the State of Illinois shortly after, with lobbying by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. June 28, 2019, marked the ascension of the Sports Wagering Act (Senate Bill 690) into law. This effectively legalized retail sportsbooks at casinos, racetracks, and large sports venues. Plus, online and mobile betting.
It also earmarked the creation of the regulatory and oversight body under the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), set the initial operator tax rate at a flat 15% of AGR, and outlined the minimum betting age as 21+. Also, noteworthy was that in-state college sports betting was prohibited. However, it was not until March 2020 that retail sportsbooks opened, and in June 2020, the first legal online sports betting in Illinois was launched. That being BetRivers.
Since then, the State of Illinois has seen an influx of betting operators, quickly becoming one of the largest U.S. sports betting markets. All to say, today, Illinois residents can legally place bets on major U.S. leagues and international ones, including well-known and niche sports.
Best Illinois sports betting sites: the top 5 IL sportsbooks
Now, onto the best Illinois sportsbooks. With the quick bill-to-law enactment opening up the market, nearly all the major US national operators, including the
best betting sites
like Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and bet365, have been approved and are legal and active in Illinois. Across the board, each has an area where it excels. But before jumping into the reviews of the top five IL sportsbooks, here’s a detailed table showing their strengths.
| Top 5 IL sportsbooks |
Best for |
Welcome offer |
| Caesars |
Low entry promos, daily odds boosts, and rewards program |
Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boosts |
| FanDuel |
Best for all-around mobile app and SGPs |
Bet $5, Get 250 in Bonus Bets |
| DraftKings |
Unmatched market depth, SGPs + SGPx, and profit boosts |
Bet $5+, Get $300 in Bonus Bets |
| BetMGM |
Best for parlays construction and ties to MGM rewards ecosystem |
Up to $1,500 in bonus bets |
| bet365 |
Best for in-play betting, with live streams, and market depth |
Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets or First Bet Safety Net bonus of up to $1,000 in bet credits |
Caesars sportsbook IL – Low entry promos, daily odds boosts, and rewards program
Caesars Pros & Cons
- Elite loyalty rewards program integration
- Wide range of betting markets
- User-friendly sportsbook and casino interface
- Frequent promotions for new players
- Limited customization in betting options
Kicking off the list is Caesars, a standout pick for Illinois sports betting thanks to generous profit boost promos and its close-knit tiered rewards program, with tie-ins to Caesars properties: you can redeem activity credits for discounted stays, dining, or merchandise. On bonuses, new IL users with a Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boosts, also oftentimes called “Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets.”
On its workings, you’d only need to place a first cash bet of $1 or more, and you’ll unlock the 10 Profit Boost token. Each applies a 100% boost, up to $25, for a grand total of $2,500 for the entire promo. As for regular promos, like in the best
Michigan sports betting
sites, these include daily or weekly odds boosts, going by Super Boosts or enhanced odds on popular games (say, boosted parlays, player props, or same-game parlays). There’s also Parlay Profit Boosts, and referral bonuses, not forgetting event-specific or seasonal boosts.
On the bigger picture, you get a clean, polished, easy-to-wrap-around website design from launch, with options for mobile apps from the respective App Stores. Get inside, and Caesars supports just about all the major U.S. leagues at length, plus many international and niche options, say the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, etc. This goes down to all the bet types you could ask for, like Moneyline, point spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, props (player/game props), futures, and live betting.
Also included are Same Game Parlays (SGPs) and boosted odds on marquee events. Other betting features available are FireBets for snappy in-game bets, Multi-Game Parlays, early cash out, and live streaming options.
FanDuel sportsbook Illinois – best for all-around mobile app and SGPs
FanDuel Pros & Cons
- Seamless integration of sportsbook and casino
- Diverse casino game selection
- Frequent promotions for both platforms
- User-friendly and responsive interface
- High playthrough requirements on bonuses
FanDuel follows up with arguably one of the best Illinois sports betting apps, and it shows. Both the Android and iOS are highly rated across the respective App Stores netting an average of 4.5-4.8/5 stars from 2.1M + users. Defining qualities being a clean, modern, fast-loading design, with a bottom-anchored navigation bar for jumping between live games, SGPs, bet boosts, and your bet slip. The same clutter-free layout extends to the desktop site.
Getting down to sports, like the top-rated
Tennessee sports betting
sites, FanDuel covers 20+ options, going from US majors like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL to soccer, tennis, golf, motorsports, cricket, darts, rugby, and niche events. These come with all the go-to bet types, starting with Moneylines and onto Point Spreads, Totals, Player Props, Futures, and Teasers, all available on IL hometown favorites like the Bears, White Sox, and Bulls. Accompanied by betting features like Same Game Parlays (SGPs) and Micro betting for ultra-short-term wagers, such as Next Play, Next Pitch, Flash Bets, or Next Play result.
Other betting features are in-play betting, cash-outs, alternate lines, and odds or profit boosts. New IL users are credited with a Bet $5, Get 250 in Bonus Bets welcome offer, if their bet is a winner. On recurrent bonuses, you’ve SGP Profit Boosts, “No-Sweat” SGPs, MLB Daily Dinger, referral bonuses, and a fragmented loyalty program.
DraftKings – unmatched market depth, SGPs + SGPx, and profit boosts
DraftKings Pros & Cons
- Extensive daily fantasy integration
- Frequent promotions and bonus offers
- Highly competitive betting odds
- Wide variety of casino games
- High rollover requirements on bonuses
Switching gears, DraftKings is one of the earliest online sportsbooks to launch in Illinois (August 2020), known for its DFS offering, plus the larger Sports and Predictions market. Inclusive of the DraftKings apps that are just as popular as the FanDuel counterpart. Still, where DraftKings truly excels the most, deserving it of the top spot even on the
Virginia sports betting
list, is its market density. Starting with the breadth, DraftKings covers 20+ sports, with up to 40+ categories to pick from, including all the US majors, like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
Onto niche and international options like esports, cricket, darts, cycling, futsal, table tennis, rugby, and more. Getting to popular events, DraftKings leads the pack with hundreds of individual betting markets per game. Props markets are where it shines the most with player stat combinations, alternate lines, and specials. Take a Chicago Bulls game: you may find options like Passing, any-time TD, first scorer, head-to-head player props, turnovers, assists, and rebounds. Alternate lines can go from 8-10 for passing yards for a Chicago Bears NFL game.
Same considerations go for futures markets, Same Game Parlays (SGP and SGPx), Flash Props, and in-play betting. Note: SGPs are same game parlays, whereas SGPx is a tool for combining multiplier SGPs. These are paired with generous bonuses like the Bet $5+, Get $300 in Bonus Bets, if your bet is a winner. As for regulars, you’ve Profit Boosts, SGP and SGPx Boosts, Early Exit, event-specific promos, and Dynasty Rewards.
BetMGM – best for parlays construction and ties to MGM rewards ecosystem
BetMGM Pros & Cons
- Wide variety of betting options
- User-friendly mobile app interface
- Generous promotions for new users
- Extensive selection of casino games
- Limited availability in some states
BetMGM is arguably one of the biggest Illinois sports betting sites, operating across multiple US states, unlike
sports betting in Texas
which is currently illegal, and there is much to like here. Get on board, and their generous welcome offer is among the first things that’ll catch your eye. Essentially, you’re up for $1,500 in Bonus Bets if your first bet does not pan out. That’s right, if your first bet loses, you get it back as bonus bets. Remember, T&Cs apply, like the bonus bets expire within 7 days.
But, that’s not the only title they brandish; BetMGM is also known as the “King of Parlays,” a nickname it wears for its parlay-focused tool and builders for bet construction. For example, it includes an “Easy Parlay” feature that quickly suggests or assembles parlays based on upcoming games and stats, such as team form. In the same lane are prebuilt Same Game Parlays (SGPs), Parlay Boost Tokens, and flexible Parlay Construction (SGP+).
Back to coverage, BetMGM lists 30+ sports categories, with a strong focus on major US leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, as well as soccer, tennis, MMA, motorsports, and international events. These feature go-to markets like moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, futures, and parlays. Not forgetting hands-on features like in-play betting, Cash Out and Edit My Bet, Teasers, Round Robins, and Alternate Lines.
Beyond the welcome offer, you get regulars like Daily Odds Boosts Tokens, Parlay Boosts, Early Payout, referral bonuses, and an MGM Rewards tie-in. Your points are redeemable for casino comps, dining, and hotel stays at MGM properties.
bet365 – best for in-play betting, with live streams, and market depth
BET365: Pros & Cons
- Available in NJ, PA and other US states
- Sportsbook and online casino platform
- Welcome bonus for New Jersey and PA customers
- Extensive range of sports betting markets
- Not a homegrown US sportsbook
On more recent entrants, bet365 is now fully legal and licensed in Illinois, having gone live in March 2025. Its selling point is that it brings international features, giving it an edge with fast live betting, global sports, odds boosts, and market depth, without the “busy feel” often associated with DraftKings. But first, some background. bet365 is arguably among the industry pioneers worldwide, dating as far back as the early 2000s.
As for Illinois residents, bet365 makes its mark with all-out coverage, starting with 25-35+ sports categories, including US major leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, out-of-state NCAA, etc), plus international and niche options, like soccer, tennis, cricket, darts, cycling, rugby, table tennis, handball, golf, MMA, and esports. These are fitted with market depth and variety. Options like moneylines, point spreads, totals, player props, futures, parlays, teasers, and specialty props are mainstays here. Alongside betting features like Same Game Parlays (SGP+), cut-class in-play betting with rapid odds updates, Early Payout, and Bet Boosts.
Not to forget, a live streaming option on thousands of events, plus Micro betting with play-by-play options like Next Pitch, Next Play, etc. These are all on a clean, easy-to-use, data-rich website, with the signature black, green, and white color scheme used across both the desktop site and mobile apps. On bonuses, new IL users get two main options to start with, including a Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets, regardless of the outcome. Alternatively, you can opt for the First Bet Safety Net bonus of up to $1,000 in bet credits. TandC apply.
Pros and cons of Illinois sports betting
Now that you’re well caught up on the current state of the sports betting Illinois market and the top Illinois sportsbooks. Here’s a trimmed-down look at what works and the drawbacks.
Pros and Cons
- Strong regulation and player protection
- Generous sign-up offers and regular promos
- Support all the U.S. major leagues
- Solid coverage of in-state favorites
- Age restriction is on the higher end at 21 or older
- Betting on IL college teams is prohibited
Get started with these top-rated Illinois sportsbooks
The Illinois sports betting market went live in June 2019, having been among the early adopters since the quashing of the federal PASPA Act (PASPA) in May 2018. Credit where credit is due, the quick bill-to-law enactment played a key role in Illinois being one of the biggest US sports betting markets. Today, Illinoisans have top-rated picks to go with, like Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and bet365, with the key differentiator being what you’re after.
Just to recap, we have Caesars edging out for its low entry promos, like the Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boosts welcome offer. FanDuel pivots with arguably the best all-around mobile app and SGPs. DraftKings takes the crown for market depth, BetMGM for parlay construction, and bet365 for in-play betting, with live streams. Across the board, you’re getting generous bet-and-get offers, Profit Boosts, SGP and SGPx Boosts, no-sweat bonuses, event-specific promos, and well-built loyalty programs.
Make your pick from our recommended list, use the on-page banners to grab your bonus, and back your favorites.
The best online sports betting bonuses
1.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
Wagering (WR): New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days. (Up to $1,000 Bet Reset Tokens)
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, IA, KY, WV) only. New users only or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Casino, First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Min $5 wager required for 5 consecutive days. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable Bet Reset tokens. Refund from token issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bet that expire 7 days after receipt. Max refund $200 per day. Restrictions apply, including token expiration. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
2.
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $150 in Bonus Bets *Paid Within 14 Days
Min. Deposit: 5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/NH/PR/WY). Void in CAN. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days after issuance. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 14 days. 7 days = 168hrs. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 8/23/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
5.
Best Alternative
Open FanDuel
FAQs about Illinois sports betting
🏈 Is sports betting Illinois legal?
Yes, sports betting in Illinois is legal and regulated, with the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) as the oversight authority. This goes back to June 28, 2019, when the Sports Wagering Act was signed into law, paving the way for retail sportsbooks launch in March 2020, then mobile and legal online Illinois sportsbooks followed in June.
📊 What are the best Illinois sportsbooks to go with?
Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, and bet365 stand out as the top picks, each with strengths like low entry bonuses, all-around mobile app, unmatched market depth, parlay constructions, and in-play betting (including live streams).
🏀 Can you bet on in-state teams in Illinois?
Absolutely. You can wager on Illinois-based teams like the Chicago Bears, Cubs/White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks. The only caveat is that betting on in-state college teams is prohibited. Also, you must be physically located within Illinois borders to place bets online (sportsbooks use geolocation services to enforce this), and 21 or older to participate.
Absolutely. Illinoisans are eligible for generous bet-and-get bonuses or first bet safe net promos of up to $1500 in bet credits, as welcome offers. This is alongside regular bonuses like Profit Boosts, SGP and SGPx Boosts, no-sweat bonuses, sports or event-specific promos, and well-built loyalty programs for returning users.
✅ Is bet365 legal in Illinois?
Yes, bet365 is one of the more recent entrants, now live in Illinois—it’s fully legal and licensed in the State, as of March 16, 2025. It joins the likes of DraftKings, Caesars, FanDuel, and BetMGM; all 100% legitimate Illinois sportsbooks. It is best for in-play betting, with live streams and market depth, plus it includes generous bonuses, such as the multi-choice sign-up offer (Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets) or the First Bet Safety Net bonus of up to $1,000 in bet credits.
🔍 How do I choose the best Illinois sports betting site for me?
It all boils down to what you’re after (or what matters the most for you). For instance, if you want an all-around mobile app and Same Game Parlays, go with FanDuel. DraftKings edges out with in-depth market coverage, Caesars low-entry welcome offers, BetMGM for parlay constructions, and bet365 for in-play betting and live streaming. From there, use our banners to qualify for your signup offer.
