Illinois sports betting has been legal since 2020. Retail outlets began opening in March of that year, with the online launch beginning in June. Illinois has proven to be a competitive and successful market for sports betting, with bettors having their choice of top books, including FanDuel and BetMGM.
Illinois Recent News
Sports are a massive draw in the state, with local favorites the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks each boasting a huge fan base. Betting is no longer a shiny new toy, but the appeal isn’t waning. Illinois is one of the top legal sports betting markets in the US.
| Top Illinois Regulated Sportsbooks | | Available States |
|---|---|---|
Image  | $1500 First Bet Offer | AZ CO DC IN IA IL KS KY LA MA MD MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV WY |
Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | AZ CO IN IA IL KY LA NJ NC OH PA VA |
Image  | Not | AZ CO CT IL IN IA LA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA VA WV |
Image  | Up to $250 Matched First Bet | AZ CO DC IL IN IA KS KY LA MA MD ME MI NC NJ NV NY OH PA TN VA WV |
Image  | Not | CO IA IL KY NV |
Image  | AZ CO CT DC IL IN IA KS KY LA MA ME MD MI NH NC NJ NY OH OR PA TN VA VT WV | |
Image  | Not | AZ CO IL IN IA KS LA KY MA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA TN VA WV |
Image  | Not | AZ CO CT DC IA IL IN KS KY OH MA MD MI NC NJ NY PA TN VA VT WV |
Image  | Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | AZ CO CT DC IL KS KY LA IN IA MA MD MI NC NJ NY OH PA TN VA VT WV WY |
Image  | Bonus is not available in your region | AZ FL IL IN NJ OH TN VA |
Illinois Sportsbooks
#1
Terms and Conditions
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/
#2
Terms and Conditions
Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/
#3
Terms and Conditions
New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
#4
#5
#6
Terms and Conditions
#7
Terms and Conditions
Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
#8
Terms and Conditions
Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games; 21+ in AZ, MA, and VA) and present in a state where Underdog Fantasy operates. Terms apply. See assets.underdogfantasy.com/
#9
#10
Terms and Conditions
NEW TO DRAFTKINGS CUSTOMERS. After registration, play a $5+ entry in Pick6 to receive $60 in Bonus Picks. Max 1 redemption per customer. Bonus Picks will expire after 14 days if unused. Promo Period: 1/26/2026 –2/8/2026. Eligibility: Must be 18+ years of age or older (19+ in NE, AL) (21+ in AZ, MA, VA).
#11
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
Illinois Promotions & Bonuses
Terms and Conditions
New customers only. Deposit min. $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
Terms and Conditions
Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/
Terms and Conditions
Bonus bets expire in 7 days. One new customer offer per user. Additional terms apply.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
Terms and Conditions
Eligible new Caesars Sportsbook accountholders can earn up to a $250 Bonus Bet by successfully opening a new Caesars Sportsbook account with a qualifying promo code and placing their first real money wager. This promotion begins at 12:00pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, and ends at 11:59am EST on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Promotion is offered by American Wagering, Inc. (“Caesars”). caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/promo-details/
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ and present in OH.
Illinois bettors will find numerous sportsbooks and promos to choose from. New players can find sports betting sign-up offers, while new sportsbook promos abound for existing users. Examples of promos and bonuses include:
- Welcome Bonus: Offers like deposit matches are available for new players.
- Odds Boosts: Look to claim boosts for chances to ramp up winnings.
- Bonus Bets: Grab available credits and place bets with no cash outlay.
- Loyalty Programs: Earn redeemable points as you lay and claim rewards.
Remember the following as you try and extract the best possible value from bonuses and promos.
- Read the Terms: Fully understand all requirements before claiming offers.
- Consider Options: Shop and compare offers before grabbing the best deals.
- Grab Promo Codes: Use codes from reliable sources to claim the best offers.
- Game plan: Know your plan of attack for using the bonuses and promos.
For more information on Illinois sports betting promos - visit our IL Promos page.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Illinois?
The Supreme Court placed the sports betting legalization question into the hands of individual states in 2018. Many states quickly launched, but it took time for things to move along in Illinois. The launch happened in 2020. It quickly evolved into a competitive market and remains that way today. Illinois sports betting is fully legal and regulated. Check out the best legal gambling sites in the USA
- Legal Framework: The regulatory and legalization process got underway in 2019. Things moved quickly with Gov. Pritzker signing it into law just months after the bill was introduced. Sports betting launched in 2020.
- Regulatory Body: The Illinois Gaming Board is the regulatory and law enforcement agency that oversees sports betting in the state. They handle licensing, enforce compliance, collect taxes, and more.
- Key Restrictions & Limitations: You must be 21 or older and physically present in the state to use Illinois sportsbooks. Betting on college sports is permitted, but no wagering is allowed on in-state programs.
top illinois sportsbooks
The Odds Shark team has spent an extensive amount of time reviewing Illinois sportsbooks. We know which books are built to last and deliver what bettors are looking for. The result for our readers is a complete list of the most trusted and reputable sports betting apps in Illinois.
New customers can lean on our guides as they decide where they want to take their business. Meanwhile, existing users get a clear roadmap on where to find the best ongoing promos. Check out our extensive reviews of industry leaders like FanDuel, Hard Rock Bet, and Caesars, all of which deliver the right stuff.
Are Online Casinos Legal in Illinois?
Online casino gaming is still not legal in Illinois. While Illinois has a thriving online sports betting market and a large network of land-based casinos and video gaming terminals, efforts to legalize online casinos have not succeeded.
In early 2025, lawmakers introduced new bills to legalize online casino gaming, but these proposals have not advanced past committee. The future of online casino gaming in Illinois remains uncertain, with no pending legislation likely to pass in the near term.
Are Sweepstakes Casinos Legal in Illinois?
Sweepstakes casinos are currently legal and accessible to Illinois residents, as there are no state laws explicitly banning or regulating these platforms. These sites operate under a no-purchase-necessary model and are generally not classified as gambling under existing Illinois law. However, the legal landscape may change.
In 2025, lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 1705, which specifically targets online sweepstakes casinos and removes exemptions for games that do not require a purchase when conducted via the internet. The bill passed several committee stages but has not yet become law.
For now, most major sweepstakes casinos accept Illinois players who are at least 18 years old, though some platforms may set the minimum age at 21.
Learn More About Sweepstakes Casinos
history of sports betting legislation in illinois
Introducing and regulating a new industry is never easy. That has been especially true for the legalization of sports betting in numerous states, including Illinois. Here’s a look at the notable steps taken along the way.
- 2019: Legislation is introduced in May and proceeds rapidly. Sports betting was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker in June.
- 2020: Sports betting goes live in the state. Retail books begin opening in March, followed by the online launch in June.
- 2021-23: The market continues to grow, but separation among operators becomes apparent with new arrivals and departures.
- 2024: Betting on in-state collegiate programs is banned in July. Previously, wagering was allowed on these clubs at retail locations only.
- June 2, 2025: Illinois’ state legislature (both chambers) approved a budget with a fee of 25 cents per wager (for the first 20 million online sports bets), rising to 50 cents per bet after that. The Illinois Governor says he will sign the bill.
- June 10, 2025: FanDuel announced that beginning September 1, it will be adding a 50 cent fee to wagers in Illinois in direct response to the state's decision to operators that same rate.
how to start betting in illinois
You can get started with betting in Illinois in just a few minutes from your desktop or mobile device. If you’re physically located in the state, 21 or older, and ready to start, just follow the below steps.
choose a book
Review the best legal options here on this page. Click on your book of choice to claim the welcome offer and begin registering for an account.
account registration
Follow the prompts to enter your info. Verify your age, location, and identity. Accept the terms and click through to create your account.
deposit funds
Locate the cashier section. You’ll add funds by choosing a banking method, entering the amount, and following the instructions to process.
place your bet
Check out the lines to decide what you want to wager on. Click the odds to place it on the slip, enter your stake, and place your bet.
withdraw
Winnings are credited once wagers settle. If you want to withdraw, go back to the cashier section. Pick a method, enter the amount, and process the withdrawal.
Illinois Sports Betting Partnerships
If you’re into sports, Illinois is an excellent place to call home. All of the major sports are represented with local favorites for fans to root for. The Bears, one of the NFL’s most historic franchises, are a huge draw and a year-round focal point for local sports media.
The Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks have passionate fanbases and have delivered many memorable moments through the years. Illinois and Northwestern are the headliners for college programs, while other sports such as Soccer and UFC also generate plenty of interest.
Several of the local teams have partnership deals in place with top sportsbooks:
Comparison with Other States
The midwest portion of the US has proven to be quite the hotbed for legal sports betting. Several neighboring states also have thriving markets, with Illinois among the overall largest on a national level. Here’s how the state stacks up versus nearby competitors.
Market size and wagering handle
- Illinois has a population just south of 13 million, leaving it well ahead of both Indiana (6.9 million) and Iowa (3.2 million). For Dec. 2024 here’s what each state brought in for betting handle.
- Illinois: $1.4 billion
- Indiana: $563 million
- Iowa: $293 million
Tax rates and market impact
- Illinois has the highest tax rate of the three states and recently implemented a graduated plan based on revenue. In addition, lawmakers approved an additional tax of 25 cents per wager on the first 20 million wagers. Indiana (9.75%) and Iowa (6.75%) are more tax-friendly options for books. In Dec. 2024, the three states collected:
- Illinois: $36 million
- Indiana: $2.9 million
- Iowa: $896k
Overall implications
- Illinois is the most populous US state in the Midwest region, making it an attractive destination for sportsbooks. The market is massive and should have little trouble keeping pace in the coming years.
Future of Sports Betting in Illinois
The legalization of sports betting in Illinois has been a success. The market continues to evolve, and we could see some additional changes in the coming months and years. Here are some of the developments worth monitoring.
- Legislative changes: The winds of change have already blown with a graduated tax rate. Initially 15% across the board, it could be up to 40% on revenue over $200 million.
- Wagering changes: It will be interesting to see if other sportsbooks follow FanDuel's lead in charging customers 50 cents per transaction.
- Available sportsbooks: Will the high tax rate and additional new tax started in 2025 lead to sportsbooks leaving the state. Some sportsbooks stocks fell on the news of the new tax and one sportsbook owner said it could be the end of smaller bets in the state.
- Emerging trends: Change is a given in competitive marketplaces, and the legal sports betting industry isn’t immune. Trends to watch for Illinois bettors include:
- Speed: Live betting could get even faster, and payment processing speeds could improve. At least that’s the hope as the industry matures.
- Tech: AI technology is going to upend many things. On the sports betting front, the hope is that it’ll lead to more efficiency and better overall products.
- Other: There are no guarantees of what's to come, but Items that have long been hoped for include more live streaming and additional payment options.
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
When betting on sports, it’s meant to be a form of entertainment. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for all who play. Problem gambling is a real issue. For those who have been impacted and need some assistance, there are resources to lean on.
- National problem gambling hotline - 1-800-GAMBLER
- Illinois Council on Problem Gambling website
- Illinois Gaming Board website
Bettors should always adhere to responsible gambling tenets, such as only playing with funds that they can afford to lose. Additionally, sticking to the legal and regulated sites, a list of which can be found here, is highly recommended.
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