Is sports betting legal in Illinois? Yes, online sports betting in Illinois is legal, meaning you can wager from a desktop, laptop, or mobile. BetRivers and DraftKings were the first apps to go live in Illinois, 2020.
Illinois has since acquired a few sportsbook giants. So, if you need to choose one, what do you base your choice on? There are many components that make a sportsbook good and not so good. We want to show you what all of these are and provide our own recommendations so you’ll know what to look for in the future.
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Who’ll find this article about sports betting in Illinois useful?
This review focuses on all sports betting operators in Illinois, what makes them legit, what makes them the best or not the best, do they pay Illinois sports betting taxes, and what a sports bettor, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned player, should look at when choosing a provider. It is important to know as much as possible about
U.S. betting sites, especially if you are interested in making sports betting a long-term hobby.
This review will help all sports bettors finetune their ability to spot the best sportsbook operators in Illinois so they can enjoy playing, experience convenience, and win big. If this is what you are looking for, then read on, ‘cause there’s a whole lot of tips and tricks coming your way. Stay tuned to become an Illinois sportsbook expert.
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The legal history of sports betting in Illinois
In March 2020, legal sports hit a home run in Illinois, but the timing could not have been worse. The COVID-19 pandemic put everything to a halt almost immediately after they started looking up. At that point, there were a few brick-and-mortar sportsbooks open for less than one week before the statewide closure of casinos was announced by Gov. Pritzker.
Luckily, there was a silver lining for disappointed Illinois sports bettors. This sliver of light was that remote and online registration became available on an on-and-off basis since early June, set in place specifically because of the unique circumstances this pandemic caused.
Ultimately, Illinois residents and visitors alike would then already have access to a small selection of the country’s leading online sportsbooks, including BetRivers, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook. Sportsbook giants FanDuel and DraftKings have also joined in since — and a lot sooner than originally intended or expected.
That is what we would like to call history, and may it remain so. Today, Illinois has a roaring lineup of world-class operators who are fighting to get sports bettors’ attention. The question is, who deserves it most?
The shift from brick-and-mortar to online means that security needs to be super-tight, and operations should be regulated with the Illinois sports betting bill. Moreover, most statewide customers are now going to be looking for the perfect operator because they can from the comfort of their own homes. This has made competition between operators a lot more serious, leading to massive sign-up deals, advertising campaigns, and gimmicks to help them stand out from the sportsbook crowd.
And that’s where we are now. There are great bonus deals and promotions everywhere you look, but which are the better ones and for you, specifically? Going digital means approaching an Illinois sportsbook review differently, and that’s what we’re going to do. So, how’s that for an Illinois sports betting update?
Editor’s recommendation – the best sports betting operator for users in Illinois: DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook is one of the best all-around online sportsbooks in the US. It offers a modern app, a wide range of betting options, instantly updated lines, and, in some states, casino games. This operator is available in many US states, and DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois is currently our sportsbook of choice. Here‘s a rundown of all the perks you’ll enjoy if you sign up at DraftKings Illinois:
The operator accepts all expected deposit options, like credit card and PayPal, and the sportsbook’s payouts are quick and efficient. The sportsbook has respectable odds and a broad sports betting market. Overall, DraftKings offers a fantastic sports betting app, which is available for both iOS and Android. It’s putting its best foot forward by offering a deposit bonus of up to $1,000. Those of you in Illinois who are looking to make an impression won’t get much better than this!
The DraftKings DFS interface is one of the best in the industry — and as you might expect, that expertise has carried over to the Illinois sportsbook interface.
Just like the majority of online casinos across the world, DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois uses SSL protocol to protect users’ information, and so does DraftKings Casino Illinois. SSL technology triggers an instant and thorough security review if any suspicious activity is reported in your account.
You just can’t go wrong with this big boy. So many operators are very close in the race, but DraftKings Illinois just has that small but significant lead.
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Five tips for a secure and fair gambling experience in Illinois
Is sports betting legal in Illinois? It is, but you need to look for reputable operators. These tips are here and will stay here for your perusal, even if you don’t need them right now. Forget about Sports betting New Jersey and sports betting Pennsylvania for now — you’ll find just as many tips for other states, but now we’re focusing on how you can gamble safely in Illinois. Just as long as you know that using them can make a difference in choosing between a good and a bad operator or even between a mediocre and a great operator.
Trust customer reviews
You know what customers are like. Some of them are drama queens, especially if they’re rage-reviewing, but most of them are just brutally honest. This is why customer reviews are one of your most valuable tools when looking for a reputable sportsbook. For example, if the same topic comes up in several reviews, you know that this may be an ongoing issue. An example can be withdrawing issues, bad customer service, problems with the online interface, and more.
If the review interface allows the sportsbook to respond, see if they do and look at what they say. Customer reviews are a treasure chest of valuable information operators may want to keep hidden for obvious reasons.
Look at the operator’s deposit and withdrawal methods
Let’s put it this way. If an operator accepts cash only, then there’s something weird going on. The reputability level of the payment methods is a fair indication of how reputable the Illinois sports betting platform would be. For example, PayPal has strict rules about the type of casinos they’ll provide their services for, so you can take this as a small nod of approval if you see PayPal as an accepted payment method. However, what you also want to look for is a wide variety of payment methods—the more support from financial institutions, the better.
Check the operator’s security credentials
These credentials are usually at the bottom of a sportsbook’s main page. In addition, the Illinois Gaming Board holds the authority to ban certain activities and casinos so that any Illinois online sportsbook would need its approval.
Check for operator contact details or a legit customer support service
Look for the operator’s contact details and a customer service chatbox/number on its online platform. They want your details, so why shouldn’t you have theirs?
Look for signs of online encryption
This is as simple as “HTTP:” versus “HTTPS:” The version with the added “s” indicates that the site is secure and that your information is secure. A must-know for all web surfers!
What do experts at TheGruelingTruth.com look for when evaluating operators for Illinois residents?
Fast Payouts
Fast withdrawal is one of the main focal points of our review. We evaluate how quickly the money transfers from the online casino into your account.
Sports betting markets
How’s the market looking? If you have to choose between a bookie where you can wager on 100 different sports and one that offers over 200, what will be your first reaction?
Security and license
We scrutinize the fast payout casinos in terms of their security protocols to ensure that gamblers’ personal information remains safe and that the operator is properly licensed.
Welcome bonus
Illinois online sportsbooks that offer online casino sign-up bonuses and promotions receive higher ratings than those that don’t. And, we check out the bonus itself for usability, especially for any unreasonable wagering requirements. We also have an best
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Software
The best Illinois online sportsbook needs to have the best software available from reputable developers. This allows for high-quality sound and visuals.
Deposit & withdrawal methods
Sports bettors don’t like to be limited by deposit and withdrawal methods. Moreover, a wide variety of payment methods can help in faster and flexible payouts.
Terms & conditions
Even the online casino with the fastest payout can trip themselves with complicated T&Cs that confuses or exasperates gamblers. So we look for straightforward T&Cs that users can easily understand instead of causing more confusion.
Customer support
It’s essential that support can be easily reached should there be any issues with the site or payouts.
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Finding the right operator for you — online sports betting Illinois
It’s QA time! We’ve made our recommendation, but what would you base your own recommendation on? If you are not currently sure, consider the following ideas and put yourself in those positions. Trust us, you’ll immediately get a “yes” or “no” feeling.
How likely is a sportsbook’s reputation going to affect your choice versus facts?
Is the security of your details and money a top priority for you?
Do you find yourself gambling during the day or night?
Do you prefer sportsbook operators to have low or high bet limits?
Do you prefer mobile gambling, or do you like using your PC?
Do you prefer U.S. online casino bonuses with no deposits?
Are you a risk-loving gambler, or do you play it safe?
Do you make high wagers, or are you modest in this regard?
Do you like visiting brick-and-mortar casinos, or would you prefer an online-only operator?
Would you choose an online casino with limited payment methods?
Are you a fan of American sports only, or do you like international or exotic sports?
Do large welcome bonuses appeal to you upfront?
Each of these answers holds a clue as to what kind of sportsbook operator you are looking for. For example, If you’re a big spender when it comes to wagering generally, you’re going to eliminate operators with low limits from your choice pool. Anyhow, irrespective of the operator you choose, don’t forget to check out its review at TheGruelingTruth.com before signing up.
Our verdict on online sports betting in Illinois
Illinois is already an established sportsbook-rockin state with numerous existing operators. Furthermore, its growth potential is also indicated in the capital gaming bill by giving horse racing tracks the potential to add “racinos” and more betting options to the mix. If you are a sports bettor looking for an Illinois online sportsbook, you are really, truly lucky because you are spoilt for choice. That, however, doesn’t mean that you just have to accept the first one you find. Remember the tips you found in this review, and ask yourself some questions about your own habits and personality to find the perfect Illinois online sportsbook partner. Thanks for joining us for this Illinois sports betting update. Now, get out there and start winning!
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Sports betting in the U.S is completely dependent on individual state laws. You can bet on sports online in Illinois legally and safely as long as you take your business to a legally regulated operator. So, get browsing’ on TheGruelingTruth.com to know if sportsbooks are legal in the state.
💲Which Illinois sports betting operator have the quickest payouts?
Once a game or contest is final, online sportsbooks and betting apps settle bets as fast as they can. However, in the case of payouts for withdrawal, it can vary depending on various factors. Moreover, any good operator will have fast withdrawal methods, so take a look at our expert guides on TheGruelingTruth.com to know more about the same.
❓What do I do if I need help with a gambling problem?
There are plenty of resources out there for those who may need help. Problem gambling can impact people from all walks of life, and it’s a serious issue. Legal and regulated sportsbooks must provide information for customers on their sites and apps. Additionally, the Illinois Gaming Board has a dedicated section on its website for help for problem gamblers. You’ll find a wealth of resources on TheGruelingTruth.com if you need any help with the same.
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you'll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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