Illinois Sports Betting: Top Illinois Sportsbook Apps & Online Betting Guide (March, 2023)
Illinois sports betting is fully available right now to anyone that’s at least 21 years and located in the state!
Illinois Sports Betting Is Fully Available!
Illinois sports betting has been available since June of 2020, and it’s grown into one of the top markets for wagering. Major mobile sports betting apps have launched in the state, such as Caesars Sportsbook IL, DraftKings Sportsbook IL, BetRivers Sportsbook IL, FanDuel Sportsbook IL, and BetMGM Sportsbook IL. Each of these platforms is offering LINEUPS.com-exclusive promo codes for big welcome bonuses. Anyone that’s at least 21 years old and located in the state can sign up for any of these online sportsbooks and start placing wagers.
There are plenty of major teams to bet on in the state of Illinois. The Chicago Bulls are one of the most popular thanks to star players like DeMar DeRozen. While it’s been a tough season, the Chicago Blackhawks are beloved in the area as well. Plus, the Chicago Bears just got a massive haul from trading away the top NFL draft pick. With MLB Opening Day coming soon, the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox will start their seasons in the coming weeks. This Illinois sports betting guide has all the essentials for wagering in the Land of Lincoln.
Illinois Sports Betting Recent Updates
- January 21st, 2023: With a win over the St. Louis Blues, the Chicago Blackhawks continue an impressive 6-1 run.
- January 20th, 2023: Illinois sports betting saw another hugely successful month, with a handle over $1 billion in November.
- December 12th, 2022: October saw a major betting handle in the Land of Lincoln, with Illinois being the fourth state to exceed $1 billion
- November 27th, 2022: With starting QB Justin Fields sidelined to injury, the Chicago Bears drop to 3-9 after a 31-10 loss to the New York Jets.
- October 30th, 2022: After building some momentum in a primetime victory over the New England Patriots, the Chicago Bears fall to 3-5 with a 49-29 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Illinois Sports Betting News
After a disappointing start to the NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks have had an impressive January thus far. Heading into a January 24th showdown with the Vancouver Canucks, the Blackhawks have gone 7-4 throughout the month, including big wins over the Calgary Flames and Stanley Cup Champion Colorado Avalanche. Max Domi (14 goals), Jonathan Toews (13 goals), and Taylor Raddysh (12 goals) lead the team, with goalie Alex Stalock generating a team-high six wins this season. It will be interesting to see how Chicago carries this momentum as the team takes on Central Division rivals such as the Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Minnesota Wild.
Chicago Bulls 2022 NBA Season Preview
The Chicago Bulls might not play in the easiest conference, considering top competitors like the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Boston Celtics will pose a consistent threat. However, the Bulls have the firepower to compete, even if it won’t always be easy. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan highlight an offensive attack that could put up some serious points throughout the season. And once Lonzo Ball is back from his knee injury, Chicago could possibly make a playoff run under head coach Billy Donovan. The Chicago Bulls are facing +4000 odds to win the NBA Championship this year on BetMGM Sportsbook.
1. DraftKings Sportsbook Mobile App Illinois
On 8/5/20, DraftKings launched its app in Illinois. DraftKings at Casino Queen Sportsbook is the official name of the IL Sportsbook and the online sportsbook and mobile app are both available in the state. DraftKings Sportsbook was the second sports betting operator to enter the Illinois market. They partnered with Casino Queen in Alton, a four-hour car ride from Chicago. In July 2020, DraftKings launched its sports betting app in partnership with Casino Queen.
What is most interesting about DraftKings is that they found a loophole into the Illinois sports betting market. Initially, an online betting site like DraftKings, and its competitor FanDuel, were supposed to wait for 18-months before entering the market.
That all changed when DraftKings entered well before the 18-month period was up. This then allowed competitors to follow as DraftKings set the tone for Illinois sports betting.
2. Caesars Sportsbook at Grand Victoria Casino App Illinois
William Hill entered the Illinois market in August 2020, forming a partnership with Grand Victoria Casino Elgin. The William Hill Sportsbook at Grand Victoria Casino is roughly 40 miles outside of Chicago in the northwest suburbs of the Chicagoland area.
Since then, Caesars has bought out the online American sportsbooks of William Hill. While it took a bit for the rebranding process to move forward in Illinois, Caesars Sportsbook Illinois has officially replaced William Hill in the state.
Caesars Sportsbook has a luxurious sportsbook at the Grand Victoria Casino. The sportsbook includes a plethora of TVs, high-top tables, and comfortable lounge chairs to watch every game.
3. BetMGM Sportsbook Mobile App Illinois
BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois officially launched on March 5th, 2022. The sportsbook is very popular across the U.S. thanks to its numerous weekly promotions and approachable design. BetMGM is rewarding new Illinois users with a $1,000 first bet offer. All you have to do is sign up for BetMGM Sportsbook using the Promo Code “LINEUPS”. Then, finish signing up and place your first bet up to $1,000. If you lose that first bet, you’ll be fully refunded in the form of a bonus bet.
BetMGM IL launched on the same day that online registration made a return to the Land of Lincoln. The sportsbook partnered with Par-A-Dice Casino and Hotel in East Peoria, a popular location for Illinois sports bettors. Now that the BetMGM Sportsbook is available in Illinois and online registration is fully available, you can sign up from the comfort of your home.
4. BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois
BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois is one of the many sportsbooks that have entered the market. They offer strong new user promotions and a friendly mobile app as well. Offering a large sports variety and live betting they don’t differ much from other sportsbooks.
New users can get a second chance bet up to $500 when you sign up with the promo code “LINEUPS”.
5. FanDuel Sportsbook Mobile App Illinois
On 8/28/20, FanDuel Sportsbook officially launched its sportsbook app in Illinois. FanDuel entered the Illinois market, partnering with Par-A-Dice Casino in Peoria, located right in the heart of the state. They were also the third sportsbook to offer mobile sports betting in the state.
The FanDuel entrance was interesting for Illinois. When sports betting launched in that state in March 2020, there were talks that FanDuel was going to buy Fairmount Park Racetrack to enter the market earlier than expected.
Now, FanDuel is with Par-A-Dice casino as they were able to get around the 18-month “penalty box” period the state of Illinois set up. With online registration back in the state of Illinois, new users can register for the sportsbook and get a $1,000 no sweat bet. Just click through this link to register for FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois.
Illinois Mobile Sports Betting
Illinois sports betting is officially approved for mobile betting. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the original sports betting bill in June of 2019. The first land-based sportsbook, BetRivers Sportsbook took its first bet in March 2020. On June 5, 2020. Governor Pritzker opened up mobile sports betting registration due to Covid-19.DraftKings Sportsbook & FanDuel Sportsbook took their first Illinois bets in August 2020.
While mobile sportsbook registration was unavailable for nearly a year in Illinois, it’s made a full comeback, and now anyone in the state can register for sportsbooks completely online.
Illinois Sports Betting | Mobile Apps Live in IL | Devices |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois | Live August 5, 2020 | Apple, Android |
| FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois | Live August 28, 2020 | Apple, Android |
| PointsBet Sportsbook Illinois | Live September 12, 2020 | Apple, Android |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Live August 28, 2020 | Apple, Android |
| William Hill/Caesars Sportsbook at Grand Victoria Casino | Live September 12, 2020 | Apple, Android |
| BetMGM Sportsbook Illinois | Live March 5, 2022 | Apple, Android |
| Governor J.B. Pritzker Approves Mobile Betting | June 2020 | Apple, Android |
| Online Registration Start Date | March 5th, 2022 | Apple, Android |
| Sports Available to Bet On | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, Soccer, UFC, Tennis, Golf | Apple, Android |
How to Bet on Sports in Chicago, Illinois
The sports betting industry in Illinois launched on March 9, 2020, but things never really took off until mobile registration was allowed in August. Currently, there are four mobile sportsbook apps up and running in the state, and they are four of the biggest names in the industry.
If you are someone that lives in Chicago or looking to bet from any city in Illinois, here are five steps that you need to take to bet on sports in the state.
1. Research Illinois Sportsbook
The first thing that you want to do if you plan on betting in Illinois is to research all of the available sportsbooks in the state. The Illinois sports betting market is continuing to grow, as seen with the recent relaunch of online sportsbook registration.
You will want to check out what sites offer the best welcome bonuses, and will also want to look at the betting options or sports offered. You can find reviews of each sportsbook on Lineups.com, as we offer full reviews of the best bonuses and apps out there.
You are going to be spending money at this site, and it has to be a site that you trust and feel comfortable with.
2. Click through our links or banners to take advantage of the biggest promotions
Now that you have done your research on the sports betting apps available in Illinois, it is time to choose one. We can help you out with that by providing you with a link to the best promotions offered from the sportsbook.
Top Rated Illinois Sportsbook Apps | Illinois Promo Code | Illinois Promo Value |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook IL | No Code - Click thru for Max Bonus | $50 Bonus Bet $1,000 Deposit Match |
| Caesars Sportsbook IL | LINEUPS | $1,250 First Bet on Caesars |
| BetMGM Sportsbook IL | LINEUPS | $1,000 First Bet Offer |
| BetRivers Sportsbook IL | LINEUPS | 2nd Chance Bet up-to $500 |
| FanDuel Sportsbook IL | No Code - Click thru for Max Bonus | $1,000 No Sweat Bet |
The top four online sportsbooks in Illinois are listed below. Each link to a detailed page describing their Illinois promotion. Be sure to check out each one of the offers below before choosing a site.
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
3. Download the Mobile App
The next step is to download the mobile app that the sportsbook that you have chosen provides. It is wise to download multiple mobile apps to give yourself some variety when trying to make bets.
All of the sportsbooks in Illinois provide download links right on their website, and they are all available for download on both Android and iOS devices.
After you have downloaded the mobile app, you will have to verify your name, age, and location. Location services must be enabled when using the mobile app so that you are able to place bets in the state.
4. Make a Deposit
After you have chosen a sportsbook and have taken advantage of the bonus offer, it is time to make a deposit. Sportsbooks offer different deposit methods, but there are usually some similarities as well.
You can use a credit card to make a deposit, or you can provide the sportsbook with your banking information. Most sportsbooks will also allow you to use sites such as PayPal or Skrill to make a deposit.
5. Place a Bet
If you have made it this far, then you are ready for the final step. You are ready to start exploring the sportsbook to find games that you wish to bet on.
All you have to do for this step is to select a game and then make a betting pick. You will be asked how much money you want to wager, and then you submit the bet for approval.
Your bet is in, and you can now sit back and enjoy the games.
Illinois Futures Bet: Chicago White Sox To Win The AL Central ()
The Chicago White Sox are a fun team to watch. The team features one of the best groups of hitters in Major League Baseball, led by shortstop Tim Anderson. And he’s just one of the many offensive pieces on the White Sox, as center fielder Luis Robert, first baseman Jose Abreu, and designated hitter Andrew Vaughn all give headaches to opposing pitchers. But, speaking of pitching, the White Sox have been lackluster in that department with both the starting pitchers and bullpen. If the pitching can tighten up a bit and the hitters don’t slow down, the Chicago White Sox should be able to take the AL Central division title from the Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins this season.
Illinois Physical Sportsbooks
There are plenty of different retail sportsbooks available in Illinois right now. Some of these sportsbook locations launched back in March of 2020 such as the Rivers Casino Sportsbook and BarStool Sportsbook at Argosy Casino Alton. Plenty of others are available right now as well, such as FanDuel Sportsbook at Par-A-Dice Casino, PointsBet Sportsbook at Hawthorne Race Course, Caesars Sportsbook at Grand Victoria, and many more. While mobile betting has definitely taken some business away from classic retail sportsbooks, some bettors prefer the charm of a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
Illinois Physical Sportsbooks | Legal Sportsbooks in IL Launch |
|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook at Queen | August 2020 |
| FanDuel Sportsbook at Par-A-Dice | August 2020 |
| William Hill Sportsbook at Grand Victoria | September 2020 |
| BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino | March 2020 |
| PointsBet Sportsbook at Hawthorne Race Course | March 2020 |
| Barstool Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino | October 2020 |
| Updated | March 2023 |
Illinois FAQ
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Can I Download Mobile Betting Apps in Illinois?
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What Sportsbook are in Illinois?
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Does DraftKings offer any promotions?
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Will other mobile betting sites be available?
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Why are DraftKings and FanDuel now Available?
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Can I bet in-person?
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What sports can I bet on?
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What is the largest welcome bonus in Illinois?
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Can I bet on collegiate sports in Illinois?
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Who is the official betting partner of the Chicago Bears?
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Online registration for sportbooks in Illinois was on hold for quite some time, but has since made a full return. Now, you have the option to sign up for a sports wagering platform directly from your mobile device, which is much more convenient than going to a retail casino.
There is a wide variety of Illinois sportsbooks to choose from. FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and BetRivers Sportsbook were all available just in time for the kickoff of the 2020 NFL season, with PointsBet, BetMGM, and Caesars Sportsbook coming soon after. BarStool Sportsbook is likely to join in 2022.
DraftKings Sportsbook offers one of the best welcome bonuses out there. Basically, you get a 20% deposit match bonus capped off at $1,000 as well as a $50 bonus bet. So basically, deposit $5,000 to get $1,050 bonus.
You should expect more Illinois sportsbooks to be available soon, although approval is needed from the Illinois Gaming Board first. Master Sports Wagering licenses were given to seven different Illinois casinos, with the opportunity for mobile wagering. Expect more sportsbooks to make their way to Illinois soon.
There was a “penalty box” period of 18 months for Illinois sportsbooks, with the intention to focus on retail sportsbooks for a bit and let them build a clientele. Now, the major online sportsbooks are available, with mobile registration making a full comeback in the state.
Yes! Although online sportsbook registration has made a return, you can still place bets in-person at retail sportsbook locations. As long as you are 21 years of age or older, the legal betting age in the state, you can place a wager at these locations.
You can bet on the sport of your choice while you’re in Illinois. All the major leagues are available, such as the NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, college sports, and much more. As of March 5, 2022, you can only wager on Illinois college teams from retail sportsbooks.
There are plenty of options for signup bonuses in Illinois, although DraftKings Sportsbook might have the most beneficial. Considering you get a $50 bonus bet as well as a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000, you can start off with a $1,250 bankroll with DraftKings Illinois.
You can bet on college sports in the state of Illinois! However, betting on in-state schools is where things get interesting. In order to bet on college teams located in the state, you need to place your wagers from a retail sportsbook.
The Chicago Bears have partnered with PointsBet, one of the biggest sportsbooks available in the state. PointsBet offers plenty of different promos and odds boosts, as well as a great welcome bonus for new users that gives them $2,000 in second chance bets.
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Fees in Illinois
One issue mobile sportsbooks might have is paying to get in. Illinois is making these large retailers pay a $20 million licensing fee to enter the Illinois market. The state hopes that this might detract some retailers from entering, or waiting longer before they enter. The goal is to help the casinos around the state create more revenue. If more revenue goes to local casinos, then the state will also get more.
In Illinois, there is an 18-month “penalty box” period for major U.S. retailers. The state decided that this would be the best way to jumpstart local sportsbooks is to give them a chance to build clientele before the big players enter the Illinois market. The “penalty box” period will help local sportsbooks hash out the kinks in their sites and offerings to make sure they retain as many clients as possible.
Having to compete with DraftKings and FanDuel will not work out for small books like BetRivers if players aren’t satisfied with the site.
Illinois Sports Betting Timeline
Governor J.B. Pritzker legalized sports betting as part of a larger capital bill in what became an extended session of the general assembly. The new sports betting law allows for both physical and state-wide mobile betting. However, mobile betting can not begin until 18 months after the launch of retail sports betting, unless a master license is obtained. This is the state’s way of keeping out the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings from operating on their own, giving local casinos a leg up on the competition.
Before the current bill passed, there were a few others that Illinois considered since the PASPA decision in 2018. The first bill was HB4214. HB4214 was actually introduced prior to the PASPA ruling. In January of 2018, HB4214 was introduced by Representative Lou Lang. The bill was merely an attempt for Illinois to begin a discussion on the issue of legal sports betting.
A few more bills were introduced between Lang’s HB4214 and the bill that Pritzker signed into law. The most notable of those was perhaps SB3432. This bill was introduced in February of 2018 by former NFL player Napolean Harris. Senator Harris’ bill was the first, and only, in the state that included the highly debated “integrity fee” that the major sporting leagues were seeking from each state that legalized sports betting.
SB3432 would have allowed for sports betting to operate at facilities authorized under the Riverboat Gambling Act. It also would have allowed for both in-person and mobile betting. Taxes were set at 12.5% of gross sports wagering revenue. The bill eventually died in January 2019.
The bill that Pritzker eventually signed into law, SB690, was an 816-page bill with a $45 billion infrastructure plan. Aside from legalizing sports betting, the bill also called for six new casinos in the state, among other things.
One notable aspect of sports betting in Illinois is the “bad actor” clause. This is the clause that kept the likes of FanDuel and DraftKings out of Illinois for at least 18 months. This penalty period gave local casinos a chance to get a leg up on the online giants. Out-of-state providers were allowed to partner with in-state racetracks, casinos, or sporting venues during the 18-month period. After that, online operators were allowed to operate independently. An online wagering license in Illinois is set a $20 million.
For quite some time, bettors were required to visit a physical casino in-person to apply for an online betting account. However that has since been reversed, and Illinois sports bettors can once again register for sports betting platforms online from the comfort of their homes.
Neighboring Competitive Landscape
The slow and steady approach in Illinois has caused the state to fall behind the neighboring competition. However, IL is quickly catching up. Sports betting launched to the West in Iowa on August 15th, 2020. Indiana, to the East, saw sports betting begin in early September of that year. Tennessee to the south has sports betting legalized via mobile-only. To the Northeast, Michigan launched in January of 2021.
Two neighboring states already offered sports betting at the time of launch, so, Illinois was losing money with each passing month. Once sports betting went live in IL, residents from specific areas in Missouri, Kentucky, and Wisconsin could more easily access sports betting by traveling across state lines to bet in Illinois. This has put more pressure on these states to pass bills and keep the revenue within their borders.
Slow and steady may win the race in some aspects, but the slow mobile start put Illinois behind other states in its region. Still, thanks to the return of mobile sports betting registration and the possibility for more sportsbooks to join the state soon, Illinois sports betting should have a bright future.
DraftKings Illinois Sports Betting App
Name: DraftKings Illinois Sports Betting App
Description: There are a number of viable and trustworthy mobile apps available in Illinois. Each has it's own unique features, design and sign up bonus. However, our #1 recommended mobile app in IL is the DraftKings Sportsbook. With an industry-leading selection of sports and betting options, DraftKings takes the top position. DraftKings Sportsbook offers $1,050 in bonuses via their mobile app for new users.
Operating System: Apple iOS, Android
Application Category: Game
Author: Nick Wojcik
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Mobile Apps in IL Recap
There are four mobile sports betting apps in Illinois that we recommend. The leaders in IL are also the leaders throughout the gaming software industry in the US. Our top app recommendation is DraftKings Sportsbook, following by FanDuel, BetRivers, and PointsBet. Each app offers its own unique design and feel. Each app has a unique promo offer specifically for Illinois residents. All of the apps reviewed are available on iOS and Android devices.
Well Done
- Wide selection of apps
- High bonus offers
- Vast betting options
- All sports offered
Needs Help
- No book has a no-deposit bonus
