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Illinois Sports Betting

IL Online Sportsbooks & Promo Codes

Illinois

Illinois sports betting is live, and the convenience of fully online registration is here. There are seven legal sportsbooks available with more on the way: BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings and ESPN BET. Ready to join the action? Get the latest IL sportsbook promotions, insight into local betting markets, and educational tips to bet responsibly in The Prairie State here.

ESPN BET is live in Illinois: ESPN and PENN Entertainment have officially launched their new sportsbook in many states, as part of a partnership formed in August 2023. ESPN BET provides users with live updates, news and odds all in one app. Be sure to check back for updates on the latest ESPN BET promo codes and bonuses for new users!

Illinois Sports Betting Key Takeaways

⚖️ Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, and if you're a first-time user, you can finally register from your phone or computer.

💸 What are the requirements to bet online in IL? You must be 21+ years of age and physically in the state (verifiable by your mobile device's geolocation tech or a downloadable desktop plugin) to place wagers from your phone.

📒 What mobile sportsbooks are available in IL?

BetMGM, CaesarsESPN BET, FanDuel, and DraftKings

🏈 What sports can you bet on in Illinois?

You can bet on all major sports (relative to other legal U.S. markets), but you can't place mobile bets on college games involving IL schools. All bets on in-state schools must be done in person. Also, betting on in-state school player props is not allowed.

In addition to legal sports betting, Illinois sports bettors can play PrizePicks, a DFS provider that is currently available in over 30 states and Washington D.C. Bettors simply select their favorite players like Justin Fields or DeMar DeRozan, choose an over/under player prop, and they're entered in to win cash prizes. 

How to Sign up for PrizePicks in Illinois

  • Step 1. Sign up using our PrizePicks promo code.
  • Step 2. In the app (or on your desktop), select the “Deposit” button in the top right corner of the page. 
  • Step 3. Select the amount of money that you want to deposit and the funding source (PayPal, credit, etc).
  • Step 4. Submit deposit. Once the deposit is submitted and credited to your account, you’ll automatically be given the promotional value matching your initial deposit (up to $100).

Where to Play: Legal Online Sportsbooks in Illinois

BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the newest additions to the state's sports betting market. New users can claim BetMGM's welcome offer by redeeming the exclusive promo offer below!

 BetMGM Bonus

Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus! (10x wagering requirement in terms & conditions)

Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

TANMATCH1600

AN1500

BetMGM Terms & Conditions

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or Call 1-800-270-7117 for confidential help (MI). Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Action Network Score

9.8/10. 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 starstarstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstarstar

FanDuel logo

FanDuel

FanDuel has a seamless sign-up offer and a hard-to-beat promo in Illinois.

FanDuel Promo 

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets If Your First Bet Wins!

FanDuel Promo Code

There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer.

Action Network Score

9.6/10. 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 starstarstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstarstar

Caesars logo

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars offers new IL users an exciting bonus bets promo below!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION221000

Action Network Score

9.3/10. 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 starstarstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstar

ESPN BET

ESPN BET Illinois is live! Use promo code TANBONUS for a welcome bonus!

ESPN BET IL Promo

Make Any Sportsbook Bet, Get $150 in Bonus Bets!

ESPN BET IL Promo Code

TANBONUS

Action Network Score

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

DraftKings Logo

DraftKings

DraftKings is one of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois. Sign up today and redeem the promo code below!

DraftKings Promo

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

DraftKings Promo Code

No promo code is required to claim the DraftKings sign-up offer

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 starstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstarstar

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (CO/IL/IN/KS/LA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY)

Fanatics Sportsbook Logo

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook is expected to replace PointsBet in IL sometime in 2024.

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo

TBA

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code

TBA

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up when it launches in IL.

DFS in Illinois

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

PrizePicks

PrizePicks Promo

Instant $100 deposit match

PrizePicks Promo Code

ACTION6

Action Network Score

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

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

How to Place a Sports Bet in Illinois

It's easy to get started with sports betting as a resident. Here's how:

Step 1: Pick your preferred sportsbook(s)

Whether you want to stick with just one sportsbook or bounce back and forth between a few, identify the sportsbook or books that you like the most (we recommend finding those with the best promotional offers to get started) to get started.

Step 2: Sign up using relevant promotional codes

Register for your chosen sportsbook(s) using the relevant sign up codes to claim promotional offers. Be aware, though, that registration requirement could vary from one sportsbook to another. For example, FanDuel will ask for personal details to verify your identity. Some sportsbooks may even require you to submit various forms of documentation to validate the information you provide.

Step 3: Deposit funds into your account(s)

Each sportsbook may have different depositing options, but most legitimate sportsbooks make it easy to deposit utilizing a variety of convenient options. It's worth noting that most sportsbooks do require a minimum deposit amount. Some of the most common deposit options include:

  • ACH/eCheck
  • Cash
  • Debit or credit card
  • Online banking
  • PayNearMe
  • PayPal

In most cases, the same withdrawal options are available for users to cash out their winnings. 

Step 4: Start betting 

After you complete the registration information and make a funds deposit, you're ready to get started!

If you need resources to help bet with savvy, check out our educational resources. Select your picks — Bulls totals, anyone?

Illinois Sports Betting Regulations

Legal Bet Types

Bettors can wager on a range of bet types like:

  • 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.

Available Sports Markets

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
  • 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.

Sports Betting Laws to Be Aware Of

Betting on In-State College Teams

Bettors are now able to bet on in-state college teams. Sports bettors were originally banned from betting on the games that involved in-state schools to avoid putting the athletes at risk. But the new law comes with a caveat: Bets placed on games involving in-state schools have to be placed at retail sportsbooks and not through mobile wagering. There will also be no wagering on individual performances such as player props for games involving schools in the state.

State Sports Betting Restrictions

❌  No bettors under 21 years of age

❌  No mobile betting on games featuring in-state schools

❌  No betting on individual performances like player props in games featuring in-state college teams

❌  No betting on high school sporting events

❌  Sporting officials (coaches, referees) or players with a vested interest in a given game or season cannot bet on their events

Illinois Sports Betting Tips

Sports betting basketball Sports Betting for Beginners 

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. 

Sports betting baseball Sports Betting Glossary 

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

Sports betting football Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid

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.

How Illinois Sports Betting Compares: The Sports Betting Report Card

We graded Illinois on its sports betting bill and experience relative to other states. For another opinion, check out Bleacher Nation's top Illinois sportsbooks.

Illinois Grading Card

For starters, it took quite a while for online registration to become live in the state. 

In the short term, however, their sports betting market wasn't poised to be the most bettor- or operator-friendly. There were time delays and legal complications that made it hard for larger national books and platforms to enter the market.

The Prairie State's original plan required in-person sign-ups, which made sports betting adoption less inclusive. However, having to jump through these hoops will soon be a thing of the past. The recent passing of HB 3136 has brought an end to on-site mobile sign ups, creating more flexibility for those wishing to bet on sports in IL.

Mobile Betting Options

Overall, IL created an environment with a somewhat high barrier for entry for operators (unlike New Jersey and Colorado). That will make things tougher for consumers since they’ll have fewer betting options. 

Sign Up & Deposits

In-person registrations are bad for consumers (who can’t easily shop for the best prices) and for operators (because it will be more difficult to sign up new customers). Casinos are not centrally-located either, outside of a cluster in the Chicagoland area. While this has been an issue in recent years, in-person registration for sports betting expired last March.

Fair Pricing

The odds offered by IL sportsbooks have been comparable to other big states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Colorado. The states/areas that require books to offer completely uncompetitive pricing are those like Washington D.C., which are run by the lottery as opposed to a casino gaming commission. Gambling is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, and the bill allows for good consumer pricing.

Offerings

A few months ago, lawmakers lifted the ban on wagering on in-state college teams through HB 3136. The one caveat, however, is that placing wagers on college teams can only be done at retail locations within state lines. As one of the premier college sports states, IL has just three D1 football teams (Illini, Wildcats, Huskies) and 13 D1 basketball teams.

This recent amendment and relaunch of online registration before March Madness is sure to bring in a massive amount of tax revenue. Another key fact to note is that operators are required to purchase “official league data,” which could cost sportsbooks even more that they’ll then be required to pass onto consumers.

Illinois Sports Betting Background and Legalization Timeline

Among states that have legalized, Illinois has had the most uncertainty and confusion around what their sports betting market will look like. This is primarily due to successful special interest lobbying (although some might call it corruption). 

This was supposed to protect local business interests and reprimand improper compliance behavior — the controversial "penalty box provision." Initially, lawmakers settled on 18 months of increased constraints. For that time, the only online operators allowed would be the ones that also own physical casinos across the state.

Other states do require sites like FanDuel and DraftKings to partner with existing casinos to offer their products online. It’s worked fine in New Jersey — the big online players get market access, and local casinos don’t get left in the dust because they can’t or won't scale their own online operations. The heavier restrictions, however, are unheard of and speak to the powerful political influence of casinos throughout the state. Rivers Casino took the first in-person sports bet in March 2020, then went live with BetRivers in June 2020.

With great legal maneuvering, DraftKings was able to set up for an IL launch in July 2020. They fought to partner with Casino Queen in St. Louis — but due to legal restrictions, the casino brand must be featured in advertisements. A casino must own 80% of the business if another brand is used.

BetRivers was the first to offer online betting because its parent company, Rush Street Interactive, owns the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, IL. 

Licensing fees — up to $20 million for online-only operators and $10 million for land-based casinos to offer online betting — are also among the highest of any state, which will prevent smaller players from entering the market. It already flushed out USA Sports Gaming, which planned to launch BetChicago but turned its attention to Indiana instead.

Thanks to House Bill 3136's passing, Illinoisans no longer have to abide by the in-person registration requirement, which ended on last year on March 5, enabling online registration for users located anywhere within the Prairie State. 

University of Illinois Institute of Government & Public Affairs (IGPA) released a report covering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state of the local economy. Potential sports betting revenue may help momentum with policy revisions to maximize revenue in the near future to level the playing field for operators and bettors.

Below is a complete timeline of IL's legalization process.

Click for Previous Illinois Sports Betting Legalization Updates
Date Legalization Update

March 2022

Green check mark Online registration for sports wagering officially launches.

December 2021

House Bill 3136 amends the ban on in-state college sports wagering, making it legal to bet on IL college teams in person at participating retail locations.

October 2021

With House Bill 3136 passing, the need to sign up at a brick-and-mortar casino will soon be a thing of the past. Come March 2022, anyone will be able to sign up for a mobile sportsbook as long as you are located within state lines.

September 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker again reinstates the option for online sign-up for bettors.

August 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker reinstates his Executive Order, once again lifting the in-person registration rule for 30 days.

DraftKings Sportsbook goes live, in partnership with Casino Queen.

June 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker lifts the in-person registration rule temporarily via Executive Order, but no books are live online yet.

March 2020

Rivers Casino opens the first sportsbook in the state, days before casinos shut down due to COVID-19, and before any online operators could get live.

December 2019

IL begins the sports betting license application process.

June 2019

IL lawmakers create a compromise between the two parties, allowing online-only operators to enter the market after 18 months. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the sports betting bill into law.

March 2019

Neil Bluhm, a casino mogul who owns Rivers, begins the charge to keep FanDuel and DraftKings out of the state. He argued that their DFS operations had been running against state law for years, and this should be punishment.

February 2019

IL begins to hammer out details for a sports betting bill.

August 2018

IL lawmakers hold first hearing on legalized sports betting.

Illinois Mobile Sports and Retail Handles January-July 2022

Mobile Sports Wagering Handle (Jan-May 2022)

Retail Handle

$4,112,012,139.89 $773,163,047.37
Pro Teams in Illinois

Illinois Sports Teams & Sportsbook Partnerships

Latest Sports News in Illinois:

  • The Chicago Bulls emerged victorious against the Washington Wizards in Saturday's NBA game, securing a commanding win with a score of 127-98. (03/18)
  • The Chicago Blackhawks secured a victory against the San Jose Sharks in Sunday's NHL game with a final score of 5-2. (03/18)
  • Chicago Fire FC emerged victorious against Montreal in Saturday's MLS game. (03/18)

What to Keep an Eye on:

  • The Chicago Bulls have upcoming matchups against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday at 8pm ET, the Houston Rockets on Thursday at 8pm ET, and the Boston Celtics on Saturday at 8pm ET. (03/18)
  • The Chicago Blackhawks will take on the Los Angeles Kings on Monday at 10:00 PM ET, followed by a matchup against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday at 10:00 PM ET, and finally, they will face the San Jose Sharks on Saturday at 10:30 PM ET. (03/18)
  • Chicago Fire FC is slated to play against New England on Saturday at 2:00 PM ET. (03/18)

Pro Sports Teams in IL

All professional sports teams are based in and around Chicago. While a pro team in the state is not a requirement to have a betting market for a sport, it certainly helps momentum.

NFL logo  NFL

Chicago Bears logoChicago Bears and BetRivers

The Bears in June 2021 announced a partnership with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., the company that owns BetRivers. The Monsters of the Midway are a founding member of the NFL, one of two remaining franchises founded in 1920. The Bears play their home games at the historic Soldier Field in Near South Side, Chicago.

Bears Odds

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

NBA logo  NBA

Chicago Bulls logoChicago Bulls and FanDuel

The Bulls and FanDuel announced a new partnership in last January. With a legacy talent like Michael Jordan, it's no surprise that Chicago has been called the "basketball capital of the word." The Bulls won six NBA championships in the 90s with Jordan and Scottie Pippen, who were celebrated in ESPN's award-winning 2020 documentary "The Last Dance."

Bulls Odds

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

MLB Logo  MLB

Chicago Cubs logoChicago Cubs and DraftKings

The Cubs and DraftKings are partnered up for a multi-year agreement. The Cubs have played in the National League since 1876. The Boys in Blue won back-to-back World Series in 1907 and 1908 but then went a full 108 years as the Lovable Losers before winning it all in 2016. That was their first World Series appearance since 1945.

Cubs Odds 

Chicago White Sox logoChicago White Sox and PointsBet

The White Sox and PointsBet have been in a partnership since 2020. The White Sox are one of the American League's charter franchises and have been playing ball since 1901. The Sox played at Comiskey Park for nearly a century but now play at Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side.

White Sox Odds


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

MLB Game Odds: Chicago Cubs vs. Texas Rangers

Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated March 19, 2024 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

Team

Spread 

Moneyline

Total

Chicago Cubs

(-1.5) +155

+100

Over 8.5 (-110)

Texas Rangers

(+1.5) -190

-120

Under 8.5 (-110)

 

NHL logo NHL

Chicago Blackhawks logoChicago Blackhawks and PointsBet

PointsBet is also the official sports betting partner of the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are one of the "Original Six" teams in the NHL, competing on the ice since 1926. The team plays its home games at the United Center on the Near West Side of Chicago, an arena they share with the Bulls basketball team.

Blackhawks Odds

A recommended resource to help you bet on hockey:

WNBA logo WNBA

Chicago Sky logo Chicago Sky - No Sportsbook Partner

Chicago's second basketball team plays on the women's side. The Chicago Sky were founded in 2006 and have played in the Eastern Conference ever since. The Sky have played in five playoffs and reached the WNBA Finals in 2014. They play their home games at the new Wintrust Arena in the Near South Side of Chicago.

WNBA Odds

MLS logo MLS

Chicago Fire logo Chicago Fire FC - No Sportsbook Partner

The Fire were one of the first expansion teams in the MLS in 1998, and they won the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural season. The Fire play their home games at Soldier Field, home of the Bears, on the Near South Side.

Soccer Odds

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

NWSL logo NWSL

Chicago Red Stars logo Chicago Red Stars - No Sportsbook Partner

The Red Stars were founded in 2009 and have bounced around various women's professional soccer leagues as they've come and gone, competing in the National Women's Soccer League since 2013. The Red Stars are named after the four iconic six-pointed red stars that adorn the city's beloved flag. The Red Stars are the only NWSL team to have made the playoffs in five consecutive years.

College Sports Teams

Both Illinois and Northwestern have proud sports traditions and longstanding rivalries inside and outside the state. We expect big bets to be placed on these college games in the future.

NCAA football icon logoCollege Football Betting

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football

Even though Notre Dame is technically in Indiana, folks in Chicagoland think of the Fighting Irish as the local team. From the iconic golden-dome helmets to the larger-than-life Touchdown Jesus mural overlooking Notre Dame Stadium, the university is steeped in rich tradition and football history. Players slap the "Play Like a Champion Today" sign as they exit the locker room and head out onto the field where "Rudy" made his name in the eponymous movie.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds 

Illinois Fighting Illini Football

Football hasn't been its finest program in recent years, but the university has a long, proud pigskin tradition. Illinois claims five national championships and 15 Big Ten titles. Few universities can match Illinois's pair of incredible Hall-of-Fame football players in alumni Red Grange and Dick Butkus.

Illinois Fighting Illini Odds

Northwestern Wildcats Football

Northwestern has finally escaped a long period of futility that extended from the 70s into the mid-90s, but the university had reached No. 1 in the polls in 1936 and 1962. Under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats have improved mightily. Northwestern plays its home games at Ryan Field in Evanston.

Northwestern Wildcats Odds

Northern Illinois Huskies Football

Northern Illinois plays in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Huskies have won their conference 11 times and claim one national championship in 1963. NIU plays its games at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

Northern Illinois Huskies Odds 

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

NCAA Basketball logoCollege Basketball Betting

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball

Notre Dame is the local "home" team to many in Chicagoland, even though the Irish play their home games in the Purcell Pavilion at the Edmund P. Joyce Center in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in basketball. The Fighting Irish have been led by coach Mike Brey every year this century.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds

Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women's Basketball

Notre Dame's women's basketball team has recently risen to national prominence at the highest level. The Irish have made nine Final Fours, including seven over the past decade, and won national championships in 2001 and 2018.

Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball

Illinois has risen to prominence as a basketball school in the Big Ten in recent years, and the Illini were one of the top teams in the nation during the 2020-21 season with Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn leading the way. Illinois plays its home games at the State Farm Center in Champaign.

Illinois Fighting Illini Odds 

DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball

DePaul basketball plays in the newly opened Wintrust Arena in Chicago's Near South Side. The Blue Demons compete in the Big East Conference. They reached their peak in the 1970s and 80s including a Final Four in 1979, one of two such appearances.

DePaul Blue Demons Odds

Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball

Based out of Evanston, the Northwestern Wildcats are often regarded to as, “Chicago’s Big Ten Team." Northwestern is the second piece of representation Illinois has in the Big Ten, even though their history is not as decorated as the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Northwestern Wildcats Odds

Loyola Chicago Ramblers Men's Basketball

The Loyola Chicago Ramblers are a basketball team that play in the Missouri Valley Conference. Sister Jean and the Loyola Chicago Ramblers have made news in recent years at the NCAA Tournament.

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:

Other Sporting Events

During non-COVID-19 times, 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.

Possible 'Chicago Bowl' (College Football)

The Chicago Bowl is a proposed (aka yet to ever happen) NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football bowl game to be played in Chicago at Wrigley Field. Negotiations for the bowl game had been tabled for now until an agreement can be reached with the Big Ten Conference on a higher ranking team's entrance into the bowl.

NASCAR Cup Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway

The 2023 Cup Series will include NASCAR'S first-ever street race course in Chicago. Additionally, the NASCAR Cup Series Event that took place last summer will be hosted annually at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Check out our NASCAR page for more updates. 

More Reading on Illinois

Sports Wagering Act (SB3432)

To dive into the specifics of Illinois' Sports Wagering Act (SB3432), you can reference materials from the Illinois State Assembly directly

Public Commentary on Illinois Sports Betting Bills

Illinois’ public had a powerful and impassioned response to the state’s sports betting bill on both sides. You can read public comments here.

ProPublica Illinois and WBEZ Chicago Insights

Read a thorough overview of the evolution of the broader gambling market in Illinois to date in Chicago: Illinois Is Poised to Become the Gambling Capital of the Midwest.

Local News Coverage

For more on Illinois-focused sports coverage to supplement The Action Network, you can check out The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, and The Daily Herald.

Gambling Support & Resources

Illinoisians have expressed concerns about sports betting. Todd Hefferman, who covers SIU Athletics for The Southern Illinoisan, explores some of the “social costs” he fears sports betting will bring to the state. He recommends a firm investment in education and prevention plans.

Illinois is serious about bettor protection and behavioral support, including the following resources: The Illinois Gaming Board supports a self-exclusion program via the Problem Gambler Registry. The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) is the statewide resource in Illinois for awareness and education related to problematic issues. Finally, the Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling (IAPG) is an organization that aims to raise awareness, coordinate resources and prevent underage gambling.

Still have questions on Illinois sports betting? Here is a fantastic deeper dive into common sports betting questions in the state of Chicago. The piece is from Joe Barnas, a fully-community-invested writer at the Illinois Policy Institute and the University of Illinois at Chicago Grad.

Local Sports Betting Casinos & Books

DraftKings at Casino Queen

Sportsbook: DraftKings. While you can currently sign up and bet fully online via DK's app, Casino Queen is DraftKings retail location option if you prefer in person action. DraftKings at Casino Queen is nestled along the Mississippi River just across from St. Louis. If you plan to stay awhile at the hotel: there's a sportsbar, a steakhouse, and famous views of the St. Louis Skyline. Other amenities include a pool, an on site gym, and a full-service RV Park.

Harrah's Joliet

Sportsbook: Joliet Sportsbook. On-site, there are five sports wagering terminals, 40+ HDTV’s for games watching, and five sports wagering kiosks. In addition to the sportsbook, the casino offers table games and a World Series of Poker Room. There are also three restaurants on the property — one for upscale dining, one casual, and one buffet.

Harrah's Metropolis

Sportsbook: Caesar's/Harrah's Metropolis. The sportsbook planned to follow the Vegas plan for sportsbook, offering a bar, comfortable stadium-like seating, and of course, plenty of TVs to catch all of the action. The casino includes about 36,000 square feet of gaming space, and it houses three different restaurants and a bar.

Hollywood Casino Aurora

Sportsbook: Penn National. Located on the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. It is owned by Gaming & Leisure Properties and operated by Penn National Gaming. The sportsbook is located at Center Stage in the middle of all gaming and offers three sports wagering kiosks, four teller windows, and a number of TVs.

Grand Victoria Casino

Sportsbook: William Hill (pending). The sportsbook at the Grand Victoria Casino is located on the casino floor and is provided by William Hill. The property also features three restaurants: a deli, steakhouse, and buffet. There are also spaces to hold banquets and meetings, with specially-created menus.

Hollywood Casino Joliet

Sportsbook: Penn National. The sportsbook, located inside of the Inside 99 Hops House restaurant, possesses sports betting terminals and 14 sports betting kiosks on the casino floor and pavilion. In addition to the sports betting amenities, the casino holds three restaurants, including a steakhouse, deli, and buffet.

Argosy Casino Alton

Sportsbook: Penn National. The sportsbook at the Argosy Casino Alton features individual viewing stations to watch games and 36 TVs that are at least 65 inches. Located next to Hops House, the book aims to be a convenient place to catch the action while wagering. In addition to the Hops House sports bar, the casino also houses the Captain's Table Buffet.

Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Sportsbook: BetRivers / Rush Street Gaming. Rivers Casino Des Plaines features the state's BetRivers Sportsbook, which became the first live online book in Illinois in June. The casino also opened the first in-person sportsbook in March, just days before casinos were forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sportsbook has an LED HD video wall with monitors lining the rest of the room. At the 26-seat bar, tabletop video poker is installed to entertain during breaks. The casino also includes six dining options.

Par-A-Dice-Casino

Sportsbook: Boyd Gaming in partnership with FanDuel. Par-A-Dice Casino recently launched Illinois' lone FanDuel sportsbook, which allows in-person and online betting to take place. In addition to the new brick-and-mortar book in East Peoria, the casino offers a number of different dining options, including a steakhouse, bar and grill, buffet, and deli.

Jumer's Casino & Hotel

Sportsbook: TBD. Right on the Iowa border, Jumer's Casino & Hotel offers more than 42,000 square feet of gaming complete with over 870 slots and 25 table games. It also has the Lucky North Players Club in which customers can earn play points and promotions. In addition to the hotel and four dining options available, Jumer's also features a nightclub and live entertainment.

Hard Rock Casino Rockford

Sportsbook: TBD. This casino is operating temporarily while the permanent casino is being built near I-90. This 37,000 square foot casino is expecting to operate for 2 years, and is the host to 625 slot machines. This casino also has two dining options available, an upscale option and a casual option. A pop-up retail shop is also available for all of your Hard Rock merchandising needs!

Illinois stadium

Sam is a former sports betting reporter for the Action Network, where he covered the latest legal and industry news, among other things. A two-time Society of Business Editors and Writers award winner, Sam is based out of Washington DC. His interests are limited to the New York Knicks, combing through government regulations and his rescue-pup, Bowie.

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Illinois Sports Betting FAQ
Commonly asked questions about sports betting in The Prairie State.
Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in Illinois. 

How old do I have to be to bet?
You must be 21 years old to bet on sports in Illinois.
Is Bovada legal In Illinois?

Bovada is an illegal offshore sportsbook that operates without jurisdiction by any governing body. It’s not legal in Illinois and won’t be necessary to use soon with legal operators coming online.

Can I bet if I’m in Illinois, but don’t live there?

Anyone inside the state borders can bet.

Where can I make a sports bet in Illinois?
For now, anywhere inside state borders will do if you use the app or bet online. You can also bet at one of the state's 10 casinos or at seven select sporting venues.
Can I bet on my favorite college teams that are located in Illinois, such as the Illinois Fighting Illini or Northwestern Wildcats?

No, you can not place wagers on any college teams that are located in Illinois while you are betting within Illinois state lines.

Who can apply for a Illinois sports betting license?

The licensing rules are complicated. Online-only operators will pay a $20 million fee and can only enter the market after 18 months. Any company that owns a land-based casino can begin offering online sports betting right away and must pay up to a $10 million license.

Can I bet online in Chicago?

Yes, you are able to place sports bets online in Chicago and the entire state of Illinois as of June 2020. Now that the statewide in-person registration requirement ended on March 5, 2022, bettors can sign up online moving forward. 

Do I have to be within Illinois state lines to place a bet?

Yes. Because sports betting is legalized and regulated at the state-wide level, each state implements geo-tracking technology to restrict bets just to bettors within state lines. That’s true for Illinois sportsbooks as well. But you don’t have to be an Illinois resident to bet. That means if you’re from California but in Chicago for a business trip, you can download a betting app, sign up, and bet while you’re in the state. You can withdraw from anywhere.

Can I bet on my favorite college players that play for college located in Illinois?

No, if you are placing bets while located in Illinois you can not wager on players that play for a college located in Illinois.

Can I sign up, deposit and withdraw online?

Yes and no. You currently have to visit a brick-and-mortar casino to sign up for mobile sports betting apps. However, new legislation has passed that allows new users to register completely online as of March 5, 2022.

Will Illinois ever get rid of the in person registration requirement for mobile bettors?

Yes! House Bill 3136 was passed in October 2021. This bill eliminates the need for first time bettors to sign up at brick-and-mortar casinos. The bill took effect on March 5, 2022. Illinois mobile bettors are now able to fully register and bet online. 

Claim Promo Code Offers from IL Sportsbooks

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


ESPN 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. 

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