Illinois Online Sportsbooks, Legal Betting Sites, and Mobile Betting Apps
Sports betting has been active in Illinois since PASPA was overturned, making the state one of the earlier markets to embrace regulated wagering. Thanks to that early rollout, bettors in Illinois now have access to a strong selection of best betting sites that offer competitive odds and well-built platforms.
In this guide, I take a close look at the top sportsbooks currently operating in Illinois and break down what sets each apart. I examine market variety, pricing strength, welcome offers, mobile app performance, and ongoing promotions. You can also check out the latest Illinois sportsbook promos to maximize your value when signing up. By the time you finish reading, you should have a clear idea of which Illinois sportsbook lines up best with your betting style and preferences.
Top Illinois Sportsbooks for Betting Online
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Are sportsbooks legal in Illinois?
The Illinois sports betting landscape has expanded and now offers some of the top betting brands in the world. These betting sites operate under regulation by the Illinois Gaming Board, which ensures that betting remains fair. All sportsbooks must obtain a license and continue to meet strict requirements to operate in the state.
Best sportsbooks in Illinois
Now that you know betting on sports is legal in Illinois, let's take a closer look at five of my favorite sportsbooks for locals.
| Illinois Sportsbook | New User Promo | Main Sports |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets | Soccer, Basketball, and Baseball |
| Caesars | 20 100% Profit Boosts | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | NFL, MLB, NBA, College Basketball |
| FanDuel | $150 in Bonus Bets | Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, and College Sports |
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Detailed overview of the top betting sites in Illinois
Are you ready to dive in and explore the best online sportsbooks in Illinois? Here are five of the top sportsbooks, handpicked by me:
BetMGM - The ultimate Illinois sportsbook
BetMGM is a household name in the US, so it will come as no surprise to see it in my top five lineup. While there are a multitude of reasons to bet on BetMGM, the variety of sports is what makes it stand out. You will receive a tailored list of top sports, where you can find the top 7 in the state, to help you pinpoint the hottest markets. Plus, the live betting service caters to both local and international sports, so you can follow the action on your favorite matches.
New users can pick up a sportsbook welcome bonus of up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets, which is paid out if your first wager doesn't win. From there, you will encounter a selection of rewards that are frequently updated. To give you an idea, I found a college basketball odds boost token and an any sport parlay boost token. If you refer friends to the site, you will both receive a $100 bonus.
Caesars - Great for niche sports betting options
Caesars is offering new users a competitive welcome offer that I have never seen before. By betting just $1, you will receive 20x 100% Profit Boosts, up to $25 each. That's right, your next 20 bets will receive double winnings! What a way to welcome you to the site. As you settle into things, you can also start to take advantage of the Caesars Rewards program, where you can collect real-world rewards for your bets.
While Caesars puts a focus on the NFL, you will encounter a varied mix of sports, including soccer, basketball, baseball, and horse racing. Whether you are interested in major or niche sports, there is something for everyone at Caesars. Speaking of niche sports, I found options like snooker, futsal, and handball, just to name a few.
DraftKings - Top sports betting app
DraftKings is yet another major player in the US sports betting industry, so I couldn't list my top five without bringing DraftKings into the mix. DraftKings has made a name for itself in the industry and is known for offering one of the best betting apps around. Whether you have an iOS or Android device, the app works flawlessly for both smartphones and tablets.
One of the standout features for me is the 'My Budget Builder' that allows you to set personalized limits, while building bets that fit your needs. Another top feature is the iRush Rewards Program, where you can collect exclusive promotions and experiences on your wagers. But the main offers are profit boosts, which you will find for most sports, including the NBA, Soccer, and College Basketball.
FanDuel - Valuable odds on major sports
FanDuel welcomes new users to the site with a generous promo of $150 in Bonus Bets. All you need to do here is wager $5+, and if your initial bet wins, you will get the full $150 in Bonus Bets. With this promo incentive, it's a great way to join one of the leading daily fantasy sports platforms. While FanDuel made a name for itself through daily fantasy sports, you can also wager on major sports.
FanDuel offers competitive odds on most US sports, including on same-game parlays. Whether you are interested in soccer, basketball, rugby, or tennis, FanDuel delivers on the top sports in Illinois.
ESPN Bet - Best for live betting
ESPN Bet brings the credibility of the ESPN brand to online sports betting in Illinois, making it a natural fit for fans who already follow the network's coverage. ESPN Bet is particularly well-regarded for its live betting options, which cover major US sports including the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and MLB. The integration of ESPN's editorial content and analysis helps you make more informed wagers in real time. New users can claim a strong welcome promo to get started. ESPN Bet also delivers a range of same-game parlay profit boosts and cash-out opportunities throughout the season, keeping the value flowing well beyond your first deposit.
What you can bet on at Illinois sportsbooks
Illinois sports betting offers a diverse range of sports, including professional and college sports. You can also wager on many niche markets, meaning that online sportsbooks cater to most sports fans and bettors.
| Available Sports | Details |
| Professional sports | NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MMA, Soccer, Basketball, Darts, Horse Racing, and Rugby |
| College sports | All college sports, except for in-state teams |
| Esports | CS:GO, LoL, Valorant, and Rainbow Six |
The bookmakers we recommend
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
What you can't bet on at Illinois sportsbooks
Just like most US states, there are some restrictions on what you can bet on in Illinois:
| Unavailable Sports & Markets | Details |
| In-state college teams | You are not permitted to bet on Illinois college teams |
| College player props | You cannot bet on individual player props for college athletes, both in and out of state |
| Novelty events | Betting on political elections and other novelty events, like the length of the national anthem at the Super Bowl, is prohibited |
Most common promos at Illinois sportsbooks
Sports betting is highly competitive in Illinois, so sportsbooks are continuously trying to attract new bettors. A key way of doing this is by creating new and exciting promos. You will encounter a range of welcome offers and existing customer promos, which vary depending on the sportsbook you choose to join. Let's take a look at some of the best Illinois sportsbook promos you will find:
🌟 Welcome Offer
This is a specific promo that is geared toward new users. Generally, you must be a new customer who hasn't had an account before. A welcome offer can come in all shapes and sizes, including a match deposit bonus, free bets, cashback, and more.
💰 Deposit Match Bonus
A deposit match bonus will match a qualifying deposit by the specified percentage. For example, a 100% deposit bonus will instantly double your deposit, up to a certain threshold. So, a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $100, means that you can deposit up to a maximum of $100 and receive another $100 in bonus funds.
🎁 Bonus Bet
A free bet is one of the most popular types of promos that you will encounter, especially for new users. Typically, a bonus bet will require you to place a bet of a specified amount or on a certain sport, in exchange for a free bet. Bonus bets are often a fixed amount, regardless of the size of your qualifying bet, provided that you meet the minimum limit. For instance, 'Bet $5 and Get $25 in Bonus Bets'.
📈 Early Payout
Another common promo is an early payout deal, which allows you to secure a profit if the team you are backing takes the lead. For example, 'EPL 2 Up Early Payout' means that if your team gets ahead by 2 goals, you can claim an early payout.
Pros and cons of wagering at Illinois sportsbooks
I have introduced you to five of my top-rated sportsbooks and given you an overview of what you can bet on in-state. But if you are still weighing things up, allow me to help by giving you a summary of the key pros and cons:
- Fully legal and regulated
- Convenient mobile betting
- Generous sports promos
- Broad selection of sports
- Restrictions on college sports
Illinois offers a pretty diverse betting experience
Illinois rolled out legal online sportsbooks as soon as PASPA was overturned, making it one of the first states in the US to offer sports betting. Apart from a few restrictions, in-state sports betting brings a lot to the table. You have access to a variety of top sportsbooks that offer diverse betting options, competitive odds, and generous sportsbook promo codes. While there are restrictions on in-state college teams, player props, and novelty bets, it's important to take note of these limitations. Of course, as the Illinois betting industry evolves, rules can change, so make sure you keep up to date.
If any of my recommended sportsbooks caught your eye, you can get started today by tapping the promotional banners on this page. From here, you can register a new account, claim a welcome promo, and enjoy betting on your favorite sports. You can also check out our free predictions to help inform your wagers before you place them.
Unlock our favorite sports betting bonuses
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
Illinois sportsbooks FAQs
️ What betting sites are legal in Illinois?
With online sports betting being legal in Illinois, you can join a variety of sites, including BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and ESPN Bet. I have reviewed five of the top betting sites available in the state to help you find one that works for you.
What sports are available to bet on in Illinois?
You can bet on most sports, including soccer, basketball, rugby, tennis, and horse racing. You will find professional sports, college sports, and international leagues. As you can see, there is something for everyone at sportsbooks in Illinois.
What's the best sportsbook in Illinois?
It's difficult for me to rate the best sportsbook in the state, because it is such an individual choice. Instead, take a look at my reviews on this page to find one that aligns with your preferences.