Illinois Sports Betting

Is sports betting legal in Illinois right now?

Yes. Sports betting is legal in Illinois, online and in person. The law that brought this about was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker on June 28, 2019 and is called the Illinois Sports Wagering Act. 

The Act does five things that Illinois sports bettors need to know:

• It legalizes wagering conducted through a licensed sportsbook under the Illinois Gaming Board. Anything else is illegal gambling in Illinois, no matter where the website is based.
• The minimum legal gambling age is 21+.
• It allows a sportsbook to accept a wager from a person physically located in Illinois.
• Wagers on minor leagues or any sub-high school level sports are not allowed.
• Wagers on any sports event involving an Illinois collegiate team are not allowed. This is the biggest restriction in the state. One for readers to remember.

Who regulates Illinois sports gambling?

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) regulates all gambling within the state. All sportsbooks operate under their supervision alongside the state's 17 casinos and roughly 9,000 video gaming locations.

This means you can check any app against a government page in about ten seconds to find out if they're legit or not.

It also issues orders prohibiting specific betting markets at the request of a sports league, which is the actual reason some bets you have seen elsewhere are missing from your app in Illinois. The IGB runs the statewide self-exclusion list that every Illinois licensee must honor.

Is in-person registration still required in Illinois?

No, it ended permanently on March 5, 2022. You can create an account, deposit and bet from anywhere inside Illinois. Any page still telling you to sign up at a casino is out of date by more than four years.

What does it actually cost to place a bet in Illinois?

Illinois is the only state in the country that taxes each individual online wager rather than only taxing what sportsbooks keep.

Every app in the state responded by passing that cost to you, either as a per-bet fee or as a minimum stake. This is the single biggest difference between betting in Illinois and betting anywhere else, and it changes the math on every small bet.

We have gone through and checked what the sportsbook regularly charges for you, but you can always see this in your bet slip before you confirm a wager, the fee must be displayed there. Be sure to double check as these can change throughout the year.

Wagers placed in person at a casino counter or kiosk are not subject to the taxes.

Only FanDuel and DraftKings reliably exceed 20 million Illinois wagers a year, so they place a $0.50 fee on all wagers, while smaller books pay 25 cents.

Things to remember when placing a sports bet in Illinois

• If you bet small, the book you choose matters more in Illinois than in any other state.
• The difference between bet365's structure and FanDuel's is roughly $100 a year for someone placing 200 bets at $8.
• The fee is charged per betting slip, not per leg.
• Four singles cost four fees while a four-leg parlay costs one.
• Retail wagers carry no per-wager tax at all.
• Why not use a casino counter for a large ticket if you live near one? You can avoid any extra charges on your wagers this way.

What sportsbooks are legal in Illinois in 2026?

Ten sportsbook apps are authorized to take online wagers in Illinois. Every one of them is tied to an Illinois casino or racetrack licensee.

bet365	🎰 Walker's Bluff Casino Resort
BetMGM	🎰 Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino
BetRivers	🏈 Chicago Bears, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Caesars	⚾️ Chicago White Sox, Grand Victoria Elgin
Circa Sports	🎰 New American Place Casino
DraftKings	⚾️ Chicago Cubs, Casino Queen
theScore Bet	🎰 Penalty Box Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Aurora
Fanatics Sportsbook	🐎 Hawthorne Race Course, The Sportsbook at Argosy Casino Alton
FanDuel	🏒 Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and Fairmount Park
Hard Rock Bet	🎰 Hard Rock Casino Rockford

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics stands alone in what it can give back to Illinois sports fans. Its currency FanCash can be used not only for betting but for merchandise in the Fanatics retail store, which is worth more to most people than points.

They do charge 25 cents on every Illinois bet, and market depth and live betting are the shallowest among the national brands.

Action Network Score

9.7/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

BetMGM

BetMGM is alone among the large books as it declined to add an Illinois surcharge, settling for a $2.50 minimum bet instead of passing costs onto you. With a broad in-play menu, generous cash-out on singles, strong tie-in with MGM Rewards, the sportsbook has its benefits for players.

BetMGM stands as one of the best first accounts for a beginner in Illinois and a good option for live betting, so long as you do not expect it to win a price comparison.

Action Network Score

9.6/10. See our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks

bet365

bet365 stands alone when it comes to live betting, also having the best fee structure in Illinois. The deepest in-play market count, the quickest re-pricing, and Early Payout as a permanent feature rather than a promotion. It charges 25 cents only on bets under $10, nothing above, and refunds the fee if a wager is voided.

This is comfortably the sharpest choice in Illinois for anyone who bets small and often or enjoys live betting. It launched here in March 2025 and is relatively under-used within the state considering how good it is.

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our bet365 Illinois bonus code and review for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
bet365 vs Other Sportsbooks

DraftKings

DraftKings offers the widest markets in Illinois. Everything from player props, alternate lines, same-game parlay combinations, and a bunch of promos and boosts almost daily.

Its Illinois fee policy is also the most bettor-friendly of the surcharge books, exempting parlays over $10, straight bets over $50, bonus bets and Silver-tier-and-above customers.

One of the best accounts in Illinois for parlay bettors and prop players, provided you understand you are paying for convenience in the price rather than in a visible fee.

Action Network Score

9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks

FanDuel

FanDuel brings Illinois sports bettors the best app quality and speed. The cleanest interface in the state, the most reliable in-play experience, the fastest withdrawals, and a same-game parlay builder that is more transparent about pricing than DraftKings.

They charge 50 cents on every Illinois bet with no exemptions, and its market depth outside the major leagues is slightly thinner than DK, but much wider than the rest.

It is well worth checking out FanDuel if you bet in larger units and value the product. Not the best choice for a small-stakes bettor placing lots of singles, purely because of the fee.

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our FanDuel Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks

TheScore Bet

If you're looking for the lowest minimum bet in Illinois, theScore Bet is the place to go. At $1, with no transaction fee, these are the friendliest terms in the state for genuinely small wagers.

It is the successor to the discontinued ESPN Bet brand, and market depth, live betting and promotions all trail the leaders. The app, despite going through two rebrands in three years, is still impressive and easy to use. theScore Bet is the cheapest place in Illinois to place a $1 bet, perfect for small stakes bettors.

Action Network Score

9.4/10. See our theScore Bet Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about theScore Bet and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
theScore Bet vs Other Sportsbooks

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars is taking a different route from the usual first-bet refund. The Illinois offer here is bet $1 or more, then double your winnings on your next 10 wagers. That won’t be everybody’s favorite setup, but it does spread the promo across multiple bets instead of putting all the weight on your first one.

Action Network Score

9.4/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category	Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks

More Legal Sportsbooks in Illinois

BetRivers

BetRivers is a local site and enjoys rewarding regular Illinois bettors. Rush Street's book is tied to Rivers Casino Des Plaines, took the first online bet in Illinois in June 2020, and iRush Rewards is genuinely usable at the property, offering some of the fastest withdrawals among betting sites in the US, not just Illinois, right now.

The minimum bet has, however, been raised twice in response to the state tax and now sits at $5, which is the highest floor of any no-fee book in Illinois.

BetRivers is a solid Illinois-first option if you bet $5 or more and use the Des Plaines property; the raised minimum makes it a poor fit for bettors looking to try their hand with small stakes.

Circa Sports

Circa Sports comes in with some of the lowest costs and limits in Illinois, courtesy of a firm policy of not cutting winning bettors. They are the closest thing to a Las Vegas sharp book available here.

Unfortunately the $10 minimum bet, adopted specifically in response to the state's per-wager tax, prices out casual bettors entirely, and the app has none of the promotional or parlay-building polish of the national brands.

If you're a higher stakes bettor regularly staking $10 or more, this is where the best numbers are. If you bet $2 for fun, it may be worth looking elsewhere.

Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet stands apart courtesy of a clean mobile and sports betting site design and no fee on your wagers. A well-built app with no transaction charge and a $2 minimum bet, plus a real retail book at Hard Rock Casino Rockford — the only major sportsbook in northern Illinois outside Chicagoland.

They do have slightly narrower markets than the top four, and its promotions, while valuable, are not as widespread as other sportsbooks. Hard Rock Bet are an underrated no-fee option, and the obvious choice if you are in the Rockford area.

Have any sportsbooks opened or left Illinois recently?

• bet365 launched in Illinois in March 2025.
• ESPN Bet no longer exists; Penn Entertainment retired the brand and its Illinois app now operates as theScore Bet, out of Hollywood Casino Aurora.
• PointsBet, Barstool Sportsbook and William Hill left Illinois some time ago and there are no plans for them to return.

How do I check if a sportsbook is legit in Illinois?

Open the Illinois Gaming Board's "Authorized Operating Sportsbooks" page at igb.illinois.gov.

The Board states plainly that the operators listed there are the only ones authorized to conduct sports wagering in Illinois.

If the app you are checking out is not on that list, it is not licensed here, whatever its own website says. There is no partial or pending status that lets an app legally take your bet while it waits for approval.

If they are not on the IGB website they are not legal or legit, and should be avoided.

Illinois Sportsbook Promos

Illinois is one of the deeper legal markets in the country, but only a few Illinois sportsbook promos stand out. Check out the table below to see which books are worth opening right now, and which welcome offers are valid in the state. 

Sportsbook	Current Promotion	Promo Code	Terms & Conditions
Fanatics Sportsbook	Get Up To $1000 Matched in FanCash! OR Get 10x100% Profit Boost Tokens Instantly!	ACTION26	New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY. Apply promotion in bet slip and place a $1+ cash wager (min odds -200) daily for 10 consecutive days starting day of account creation. FanCash rewards will equal the qualifying wager amount (max $100 FanCash/day). FanCash issued under this promotion expires at 11:59 p.m. ET 7 days from issuance. Terms, incl. FanCash terms, apply—see Fanatics Sportsbook app.  AND New customers in IL, NY. Must establish an active and verified account during the Promotional Period to receive ten 100% Profit Boost Tokens (max wager $25, -500 min. odds). Tokens expire at 11:59pm ET on the 7th day following issuance. Terms apply - see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
BetMGM	Get Up To $1,000 In No Sweat Tokens Over 10 Days Promotion! OR Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!	TANGET  OR AN1500	No Sweat Token offer:21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). Please Gamble Responsibly. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. New player offer for new players only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. This promotional offer is not available in NJ, MA, MI, NV, NY, ON, PA, PR, and WV.  AND First Bet Offer: 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-470 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA). 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. This promotional offer is not available in MS, NY, NV, ON, PR, MI, NJ, PA, or WV. Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions.
DraftKings Sportsbook	Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!	None needed! Just click our links	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. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets. Stake removed from payout. Reward issued as $50 in Bonus Bets every 7 days via click-to-claim for 21 days. Bonus Bets and click-to-claims expire 7 days (168hrs) after issuance. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 9/20/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel	Get $350 in Bonus Bets! or No Sweat First Bet Up to $2500 Back in Bonus Bets! (Web Users Only)	None needed! Just click our links	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 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C., WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. Min $5 wager required for 7 consecutive days. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-877-770-7867 (LA).  or Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. 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). 21+ (18+ D.C., WY) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $500 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
bet365	UK: Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets!	TAN365	Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. This code is used for marketing and tracking purposes only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.
Caesars Sportsbook	Bet $1+, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Wagers!	ACTION22DYW	Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Not reissued for voided/pushed bets. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, MO, NJ, TN, VA, WV, WY, KS, ME, NC, PA: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER ( 1-800-426-2537 ) or MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF; LA, Washington, DC: Call 1-800-MY-RESET. ©2026, Caesars Entertainment
theScore Bet	Bet Reset up to $1000!	TANBONUS	New users only, 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be physically present in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MO, NC, OH, TN, and VA in order to wager. Players must sign up using a specified Promotion code and then place an Eligible Wager on an Eligible Game during the Promotion Period. Please Gamble Responsibly.

Illinois gets the same offer types as every other big market including:

• First-bet offers - Lose your first bet, get bonus bets back matched to the stake
• Deposit matches - Earn bonus bets as a % of your first deposit
• Profit boosts - Get the chance to boost wagers, either their odds or their payouts
• Bet & Gets - Place a wager ($5 or $10) and get a set amount of bonus bets back

Illinois DFS Apps

Illinois users can also use DFS apps. Check out our top IL DFS app below!

Underdog

Players in Illinois can pick their favorite lineups for a chance to gain winnings! Take a look at the exciting promo offer and bonus code below to get started!

Underdog Promo

Play $5, Get $50 in Bonus Entries!

Underdog Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

9.3/10. We recommend reading our Underdog Promo Code and review for more details on this unique DFS app.

Bonuses & Promotions
Mobile App & Website
Registering & Cashiering
Betting Options
Underdog vs Other DFS Apps

Chalkboard Illinois

Chalkboard has quickly gained traction in the social sports picks scene, offering players a fantastic app experience and unique social features that let you connect with friends while building lineups. 

Chalkboard Promo 

Get a 100% Deposit Match up to $100 + Free Pick! 

Chalkboard Promo Code

ACTION

Terms and conditions

No Purchase Necessary. Void where prohibited. All bonus funds returned from free entries require a 1x play-through before withdrawal. Other restrictions apply. See chalkboard.io for details and contact information. Age, location and other restrictions apply. Must be 18+ to enter (19+NE, 21+ MA) and present in a state where Chalkboard operates. Terms apply. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.ncpgambling.org. 

Legal Retail Sportsbooks in IL

Illinois has 11 retail casinos, most of which are owned by and partnered with legal sportsbook operators. Check them out below 👇

• Argosy Casino Alton
• Casino Queen
• Hard Rock Casino Rockford
• Harrah's Joliet & Metropolis
• Hollywood Casino Aurora & Joliet
• Jumer's Casino & Hotel
• Grand Casino Victoria
• Par-A-Dice-Casino
• Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Illinois Sports Betting Tips

Sports betting has a dictionary of its own that you’ll want to get familiar with if you’re new to the space. Get up to speed here with our sports betting glossary. Once you've got that part covered, you’re probably ready to unload some bets on the Chicago Bears and Bulls. We recommend educated, responsible decision-making, so reading up a bit can help before joining in on the action. Here are some sports betting mistakes for Illinoisans (or visitors) to avoid.

New to sports betting? Awesome! We're here to help. Check out our educational resource hub so you can get started on the right foot.

What can I bet on in Illinois? 

Everything the major leagues offer, in every standard format, minus the college betting exceptions above. There is a widespread betting market, the major options being:

• Point Spreads. Spread betting is a bet on the margin of victory in a game, or the point "differential."
• Moneylines. Moneyline betting is when you pick the winner of the game or event, either one team or another.
• First Half & Second Half Bets. Halves let a bettor treat the first half and the second half as separate matches.
• Totals. A total, also known as an over/under, is a bet on the number of points both teams will combine to score in a game.
• Futures. Future bets are a bet on an event that will be decided in the future (e.g., end-of-season results).
• Player Props. A "prop" bet, short for a proposition, is a wager that is not directly tied to the final score or outcome.

You can take advantage of the different bet types to wager on these sports legally:

• Football: NFL & CFL 
• Basketball: NBA, WNBA, European/international baseball league
• Baseball: MLB 
• Hockey: NHL, international hockey leagues
• Soccer: MLS, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League
• College sports EXCEPT mobile betting on games involving in-state schools and all college player props
• Golf: PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA European
• Auto Racing: IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One

Additional market choices like boxing, tennis, rugby and more may also be offered at in-state sportsbooks.

Bet limits and maximum payouts are set by each sportsbook, not by the state.

Illinois imposes no statutory maximum payout. In practice, limits vary by an order of magnitude across the ten books.

What are Tier 1 and Tier 2 wagers in Illinois?

Two wager types have been defined by the Illinois Gaming Board and these are worth knowing.

• A Tier 1 wager is determined solely by the final score or outcome and is placed before the event starts.
• A Tier 2 wager is everything else: props, live bets, anything settled on in-game statistics.

Can I bet on college sports in Illinois? Illini, Northwestern or NIU?

No you cannot. Not in person either. Since July 1, 2024, no sportsbook licensed in Illinois may accept any wager, of any type, on any sports event involving an Illinois college team.

That covers game lines, totals, player props, futures and live betting, online and at a casino counter. It is the strictest in-state college rule of any large betting state.

Why is there no college sports betting in Illinois?

The result of a sustained and successful lobbying campaign by the state's university athletic departments is why there is no college sports betting in Illinois.

• 2019: the Sports Wagering Act legalizes betting with a blanket ban on wagers involving Illinois college teams.
• December 2021: In-person Tier 1 wagers on Illinois college teams are allowed. But no bets tied to an individual athlete are allowed.
• May 2023: University of Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, testifying for all 13 Illinois athletic directors before the House Gaming Committee, tells lawmakers in-state college betting is harming athletes.
• July 1, 2024: Illinois college teams come off the board entirely, online and retail.
• As of 2026: No bill to restore in-state college wagering has advanced.

How to Start Betting in Illinois

Step 1: Pick a sportsbook

Illinois has a bigger legal market than a lot of states, so it helps to narrow the list fast. If you're comparing Illinois sportsbook promos, we recommend you check out Fanatics, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, Caesars, and theScore Bet.

Step 2: Create your account

Enter your basic details, verify your identity, and allow location services so the app can confirm you're inside Illinois.

Step 3: Claim the offer

Some Illinois sportsbook promo codes need to be entered during signup or before your first qualifying bet. Others are link-based and don't require a code.

Step 4: Deposit funds

Choose your payment method and make sure you meet the minimum requirements tied to the offer you want.

Step 5: Place your first bet

Once your account is verified and funded, you're ready to bet on the legal markets available in Illinois.

If you need resources to help bet with savvy, check out our educational resources.

What changed in Illinois sports betting in 2026?

More changed in Illinois in the first seven months of 2026 than in the previous three years combined. If you haven't played here in a while there are a few changes you need to be aware of:

Chicago now taxes sports betting on top of the state.

• A 10.25% tax on adjusted gross receipts from wagers placed inside city limits took effect January 1, 2026, as part of Mayor Brandon Johnson's 2026 budget, along with annual city license fees of $5,000 to $50,000 per operator.

The per-wager tax is still in place.

• The 0.25/0.50 charge on each online bet, in force since July 1, 2025, is still in place.

Daily fantasy sports became a licensed industry.

• The law puts in place a minimum age of 21, mandatory geolocation, and IGB rules on know-your-customer, anti-money-laundering, responsible gaming and underage play.

Illinois declared prediction market sports contracts to be sports wagering.

• Illinois passed a law imposing a transaction tax of 1.75% on each one, rising to 3.5% after $5 million in earnings. Both the federal government and Kalshi have sued the state, with litigation still occurring. Check back for the latest or see our

Illinois now treats gambling disorder as an addiction in statute.

• Signed in late July 2026, wrote gambling disorder into the Substance Use Disorder Act, which opens the same treatment pathways and improves the standard of responsible gambling protections for players in the state.

Two things did not change in Illinois sports betting. Wagering on Illinois college teams is still banned outright. Illinois also still has no legal online casino. iGaming has been discussed repeatedly against a fiscal 2027 deficit projected at $2.2 billion or more, but no bill has passed.

Who can bet in Illinois? Age, ID and location requirements for sportsbooks

You must be 21 or older and physically inside Illinois to be able to place a sports wager.

Those are the only two hard requirements. You do not need to be an Illinois resident, and you do not need to visit a casino.

A visitor from Texas standing in the Loop can open an account and bet. An Illinois resident sitting in Milwaukee cannot use an Illinois app, because they are outside Illinois.

The only information needed to start betting in Illinois is:

• Your legal name as it appears on your ID
• Date of birth
• Current residential address
• The last four digits of your SSN
• Email address and phone number

It is easy to sign up and register for sports betting in Illinois, the process being the same for visitors as for residents. You will need a U.S. mailing address for the account, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a government photo ID for verification. Your home address does not have to be in Illinois.

Note: If automated verification fails, books ask for a photo of your driver's license or state ID and sometimes a utility bill or bank statement matching the address.

How can I make sure I can register?

Licensed Illinois sportsbooks use geolocation software, depending on how you choose to play, to see if you're in Illinois or not.

Mobile bettors:

On a phone you must grant location permission to the sportsbook. Tip — set it to allow while using the app, not ask each time. This will save you from clicking it every time you open the mobile betting app.

For desktop or laptop bettors:

GeoComply is the vendor most of them use that checks GPS, Wi-Fi network data and cell tower signals rather than trusting your IP address alone.

Can I bet if I live in Wisconsin or Indiana and I'm near the border?

Your physical location when you open the app or site is all that matters.

If you live in Hammond, Indiana and work in Chicago, you can legally bet on an Illinois app during your lunch break but not from your kitchen. If you live in Zion, Illinois, your Illinois app stops working the moment you cross into Kenosha County, and Wisconsin has no statewide mobile betting to switch to.

Border residents routinely hold accounts in two states for exactly this reason; that is legal, provided each account is used only inside its own state.

Illinois is state that has a vast sports history and has pro and college teams from every major sports league.

Pro Sports Teams in IL

All professional sports teams are based in and around Chicago. 

 NFL

Chicago Bears 

Founded in 1920, the Bears are one of the NFL's oldest franchises, with nine league championships including the Super Bowl XX title after the 1985 season and a legacy built on historic defenses.

They still play at Soldier Field, but their long-term home is unsettled: after buying the Arlington Park site in 2023 and floating a lakefront dome, the board of directors voted in June 2026 to advance a stadium project in Hammond, Indiana.

As of 2026, team CEO Kevin Warren says Hammond is the organization's sole focus, with two sites near Wolf Lake under evaluation, while chairman George McCaskey has confirmed the franchise would keep the Chicago Bears name regardless of where it lands.

Bears Odds

A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football in Illinois:

• How to Bet on Football Guide
• Check our Expert NFL Picks
• Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data

 NBA

Chicago Bulls 

Established in 1966, the Bulls became a global brand in the 1990s behind Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, winning six NBA championships and remaining one of the most iconic teams in league history. The modern version is in a full reset: Chicago went 31–51 in 2025–26 to miss the playoffs for a fourth straight season, and Billy Donovan stepped down in April 2026 after six years.

The Bulls hired 41-year-old Tiago Splitter, fresh off a 42–40 interim stint in Portland, as head coach in June 2026, pairing him with a young core and a new front office at the United Center, where the team still leads the NBA in home attendance.

Bulls Odds

Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Illinois:

• How to Bet on Basketball Guide 

 MLB

Chicago Cubs

A charter member of the National League since 1876, the Cubs are one of baseball's oldest teams, with World Series titles in 1907 and 1908 and the 2016 championship that ended a 108-year drought. Under Craig Counsell they went 92–70 in 2025 to claim the National League's top wild card and win a playoff series over San Diego, ending a long October absence. 

Cubs Odds 

Chicago White Sox

Founded in 1901 as one of the American League's original franchises, the White Sox have won three World Series titles — 1906, 1917 and 2005 — and remain rooted in the South Side with a loyal fan base. Their ballpark was renamed Rate Field ahead of the 2025 season after sponsor Guaranteed Rate rebranded, under a naming rights deal that runs through 2029.

The bigger story is on the field as after a modern-record 121-loss season in 2024 and a 60–102 follow-up, manager Will Venable has helped the the club to just above .500 in 2026,. This is one of the sharpest turnarounds in recent baseball memory.

White Sox Odds

Recommended resource to help you make informed bets on baseball in Illinois:

• How to Bet on Baseball Guide

 

NHL

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks joined the NHL in 1926 and are one of the league's "Original Six," with six Stanley Cup championships and a most recent title in 2015. The rebuild is still in progress however. Chicago finished 29–39–14 in 2025–26 under first-year head coach Jeff Blashill, missing the playoffs again and finishing near the bottom of the Western Conference.

Connor Bedard led the team with 73 points and Tyler Bertuzzi added 32 goals at the United Center, giving the roster a clear young foundation even as the wins lag behind.

Blackhawks Odds

A recommended resource to help you bet on hockey:

• How to Bet On Hockey Guide

WNBA

Chicago Sky 

Since joining the WNBA in 2006, the Sky have built a competitive presence, peaking in 2021 when they won the franchise's first championship behind a standout playoff run. They are currently rebuilding in 2026, under head coach Tyler Marsh, who added UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez with the fifth overall pick in the April 2026 draft. The Sky play their home games at Wintrust Arena, with select high-demand dates moved to the United Center.

WNBA Odds

MLS

Chicago Fire FC 

Founded in 1997, Chicago Fire FC made an immediate impact by winning the MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural 1998 season and have added multiple Open Cup titles since. The club plays at Soldier Field, but broke ground in March 2026 on McDonald's Park, a $750 million privately funded, 22,000-seat soccer-specific stadium at The 78 along the Chicago River, targeted to open for 2028.

On the pitch, Gregg Berhalter's side reached the playoffs in 2025 for the first time since 2017 and then landed Robert Lewandowski as a Designated Player in June 2026 the Polish striker one of the largest signings in MLS history.

Soccer Odds

Here's a recommended resource to help you bet on soccer in Illinois:

• How to Bet On Soccer Guide

NWSL

Chicago Red Stars

The Red Stars have been a fixture in women’s professional soccer since 2007. Competing in the NWSL since 2013, they are one of the league’s longest-standing clubs and have reached multiple playoff appearances. The Red Stars play their home games at SeatGeek Stadium.

College Sports Teams

College Football Betting

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish may play across the border in Indiana, but the campus is very close to Chicago, and there are many, many Irish fans in Illinois. The Fighting Irish play their home games at Notre Dame Stadium.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds 

Illinois Fighting Illini Football

The University of Illinois football program has been competing since 1890 as a member of the Big Ten Conference. The Illini play their home games at Memorial Stadium.

Illinois Fighting Illini Odds

Northwestern Wildcats Football

The Wildcats have won several Big Ten championships throughout their history and are known for strong academic and athletic balance. The Cats play their home games at Ryan Field.

Northwestern Wildcats Odds

Northern Illinois Huskies Football

The Huskies have won multiple MAC championships and made appearances in major bowl games, including the 2013 Orange Bowl, marking a historic milestone for the program. The Huskies play their home games at Huskie Stadium.

Northern Illinois Huskies Odds 

Recommended resource to help you bet on college football in Illinois:

• College Football Betting Tips for Profitability
• College Football Betting Tips on Fading the Public

College Basketball Betting

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball

Notre Dame’s men’s basketball program has been competing since 1897 and has earned multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. The team is known for historic wins over top-ranked opponents and a Final Four run in 1978.  Notre Dame plays their home games at the Purcell Pavilion.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women's Basketball

The women’s team has become one of the most successful programs in the nation, winning NCAA national championships in 2001 and 2018. They have produced numerous WNBA players and are consistently strong in postseason play. The Fighting Irish play their home games at the Purcell Pavilion.

Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball

Illinois college sports still draw a lot of attention, but there’s one state rule bettors need to know: if you’re physically in Illinois, sportsbooks can’t accept wagers on events involving Illinois collegiate teams.

Illinois Fighting Illini Odds 

DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball

DePaul’s men’s basketball program, founded in 1923, is known for its rich history under legendary coach Ray Meyer. The Blue Demons play their home games at the Wintrust Arena.

DePaul Blue Demons Odds

Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball

Northwestern men’s basketball has been competing since 1901 and is a founding member of the Big Ten. The program earned its first NCAA Tournament berth in 2017, marking a milestone in its history. The Wildcats play their home games at the Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Northwestern Wildcats Odds

Loyola Chicago Ramblers Men's Basketball

Loyola’s men’s basketball program gained national recognition with its 1963 NCAA Championship, becoming the first team from Illinois to win it all. They play their home games at the  Joseph J. Gentile Arena.

Loyola Ramblers Odds 

We've got a few recommended resources to help you bet on CBB in Illinois:

Recommended resources to help you bet on college basketball in Illinois:

• How to Bet on College Basketball

Other Sporting Events

Illinois normally plays host to several other sporting events throughout the year, including:

The John Deere Classic

The John Deere Classic is an annual PGA event hosted in Silvis, Illinois at TPC Deere Run, a Midwest golf destination. The event is a final chance for a player not already exempt to earn entry into The Open (traditionally scheduled a week later in Britain) if he finishes in the top five out of the tournament. High stakes make the JDC of particular interest to golf enthusiasts and sports bettors alike.

NASCAR Cup Series Races at Chicagoland Speedway and World Wide Technology Raceway

Illinois still gets two NASCAR Cup stops in 2026. The downtown Chicago street race is off the schedule this year, with Chicagoland Speedway taking its place for a July 4-5 race weekend. Later in the season, the Cup Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison for the Enjoy Illinois 300 on Sept. 13.

For odds, race-week coverage, and betting updates, check our NASCAR page.

Prediction Markets and Illinois

Federally regulated prediction markets like Kalshi, Polymarket, Robinhood and Crypto.com are not widely available in Illinois.

Illinois has taken the most aggressive position of any state, and the sequence matters:

• April 2025: the IGB issues cease-and-desist letters to Kalshi, Robinhood and Crypto.com, taking the position that their sports event contracts are unlicensed sports wagering. Kalshi and the Attorney General's office subsequently agree to hold enforcement pending a ruling in related litigation.
• October 2025: the IGB warns its own licensed sportsbooks that partnering with a prediction market could put their Illinois licenses at risk, and issues a memorandum stating that prediction markets constitute gambling activity under Illinois law.
• January 2026: Polymarket receives a cease-and-desist letter.
• April 2026: Pritzker signs an executive order barring state employees from trading on prediction markets using nonpublic information.
• June 23, 2026: Kalshi sues, arguing the CFTC has exclusive jurisdiction and Illinois law is preempted. The federal government is already suing Illinois on the same theory.
• Late June 2026: Illinois agrees not to bring enforcement actions against Kalshi while the case is decided.

Can I play on prediction markets in Illinois?

Some sports event contracts remain available to Illinois users, like Novig, ProphetX and DraftKings right now.

Illinois says they are illegal sports wagering, the state has agreed not to enforce that position for now, and a federal court in Chicago will decide.

The outcome here is being decided. Courts in New Jersey and Arizona have sided with Kalshi, while courts in Maryland, Nevada and Ohio have not. Check the current status before you rely on any of it.

How are sports betting winnings taxed in Illinois?

Illinois taxes gambling winnings at the flat individual income tax rate of 4.95%. This is the part that costs Illinois bettors real money. Illinois does not allow you to deduct gambling losses.

The Illinois Department of Revenue's Schedule M instructions say so directly. You owe 4.95% of your gross winnings whether or not you finished the year ahead.

• You report gross winnings, not net profit. Every winning ticket counts as income. Your losing tickets do not reduce that figure for Illinois purposes.
• Where it goes on the return: Gambling winnings go into Form IL-1040. Use Schedule IL-WIT if Illinois tax was withheld, and keep the W-2G forms your books issue.
• Nonresidents who bet in Illinois report Illinois-source winnings on Form IL-1040 with Schedule NR.
• Withholding: Under Illinois Department of Revenue Publication 130, an Illinois payer must withhold Illinois income tax from gambling winnings, including sports wagering winnings.
• Promotional winnings count. Winnings from bonus bets, odds boosts and free-bet credits are taxable at fair value.

What do the Illinois sports betting taxes look like?

Assume you wagered through the year, your winning tickets returned $5,000 gross, your losing tickets totaled $4,000, and your federal marginal rate is 22%. Your actual profit is $1,000.

How do Illinois taxes compare with Indiana?

Indiana taxes sportsbook revenue at 9.5% and imposes no per-wager charge, so Indiana books post modestly better prices and promotions and no bet slip fee.

But an Illinois resident who bets in Indiana pays Indiana tax on those winnings.

The saving from crossing the border is on the price of the bet, not the tax on the win.

Learn more about the best tax-free Illinois sportsbooks.

How do I fund my Illinois betting account?

There are a few main ways to fund your sports betting account in Illinois. We have put together a complete list of them all below, including if you can withdraw via these methods, and how long they regularly take.

Can I use credit cards for sports betting in Illinois?

No. Credit cards are on their way out in Illinois. The Illinois Gaming Board adopted a rule on April 24, 2025 prohibiting the use of credit cards to fund sports wagering accounts.

Credit cards have long been barred for casino and video gaming wagers in Illinois. Separately, DraftKings stopped accepting credit cards nationwide in August 2025. Plan to fund an Illinois account with a debit card or a bank transfer.

What responsible gambling tools are available in Illinois?

Every licensed Illinois app carries the same core tools, mandated by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

In-app you can set deposit limits (daily, weekly, monthly), wager and loss limits, session time limits and reminders, take a cooling-off period, and self-exclude from that operator.

The IGB has run the Self-Exclusion Program since 2002 and expanded it to sports wagering when the 2019 Act required it.

How do I self-exclude from sports betting in Illinois?

You must enroll in person. You go to an IGB office; there is one at every Illinois casino, no appointment needed. Simply bring a valid driver's license or state ID. The IGB also maintains enrollment sites across Illinois.

There is no online form.

Once self-excluded, every Illinois casino sportsbook will no longer permit any access of any kind.

Illinois self-exclusion does not cover other states. An Illinois self-exclusion binds Illinois sportsbooks and casinos; it does not stop an account you hold in Indiana or Missouri, and an enrollment in another state does not bind Illinois books.

Where can I get help with gambling in Illinois?

• 1-800-GAMBLER — the National Problem Gambling Helpline, the number every Illinois licensee is required to display. Free, 24 hours.
• IGB Self-Exclusion Program — (312) 814-8832, or 1-877-968-7848 from an Illinois area code.
• Are You Really Winning? — the state's public awareness campaign, at helplineil.org.
• Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery — state-funded treatment and referral.

Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Illinois: 

theScore Bet Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or by texting ILGAMB to 53342. 

 

• Must be 21 years or older
• Learn about Illinois' Self-Exclusion Program