Illinois offers legal online gambling in the form of sports betting, horse racing, Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS), sweepstakes casinos, and lottery draws. Online casinos are not yet legal in the state, but there are several bills in the works that may change that in the near future.
There are now seven regulated online gambling operators in Prairie State. These include BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Barstool, and Caesars. Read our complete guide to discover everything you need to know about IL online gambling. Our team of experts covers the best gambling platforms, details on how to sign up, and what bonuses are available.
Top 7 Online Gambling Sites in Illinois
- BetMGM – Best online gambling site in Illinois for betting on popular sports, offering leading odds, exclusive markets, and a unique rewards program that is available in local casinos.
- Barstool – Offers daily odds boosts along with customer offers and extra promotions designed to enhance the sports betting experience and the profits on the online gambling platform.
- FanDuel – The only gambling site in Illinois with a sportsbook, a racebook, a fantasy section, and a faceoff app where players compete against other users in a variety of games for cash prizes.
- DraftKings – Covers dozens of American and international sports and provides a wide range of bet types while keeping the odds sharp and adding extra bonuses and promotions on top.
- BetRivers – Complete online sportsbook with betting options for more than 20 sports and countless leagues and tournaments, plus a full BetRivers social casino with hundreds of free games.
- Caesars – The best Illinois gambling site for bonuses, promotions, and rewards when betting on sports on the site and on the mobile apps thanks to the exclusive Caesars Rewards program.
- PointsBet – Offers PointsBetting gambling options where the payout is determined by the actual result instead of a simple win or lose, which can result in massive wins in some scenarios.
Illinois Online Gambling Legislation Timeline
Many different types of online gambling are allowed in Illinois, including sports betting, DFS, and pari-mutuel horse racing betting. Illinois online gambling is easier than ever before, as IL lawmakers got rid of the requirement for players to visit a retail sportsbook and register in person for a betting site. Online casinos remain illegal, but sweepstakes casinos are permitted.
Latest Updates on Online Gambling in IL:
- March 17, 2023 – Bills HB2239 and SB1656 both moved to the Senate Assignments Committee. Inaction from the Senate Executive Committee means probable delays and even a complete halt on any resolution of Illinois’ online casino gaming laws.
- February 8, 2023 – State Senator Cristina Castro files a new bill, SB 1656, that would legalize online casinos in Illinois. The bill has a small license fee for operators, a low tax rate of 15%, and allows for up to three skins for each license.
- January 10, 2023 – The Illinois Senate bill to legalize online casinos, HB 3142, also known as the Internet Gaming Act, receives some updates to make it ready for the vote later in 2023.
- March 5, 2022: The in-person registration requirement for Illinois ends.
- December 17, 2021: After the success of online registrations during Covid-19, Gov. Pritzker signs HB 3136 to allow online sign-ups. This bill also legalizes betting on in-state college teams.
- June 18, 2020: BetRivers Sportsbook becomes the first online sportsbook to accept players in IL.
Reviews of the Top Illinois Online Gambling Sites
With many of the best online gambling sites already available in Illinois and more to come, interested players might have a difficult choice ahead. The following reviews will help you discover what each platform has to offer before you even join the action.
1. BetMGM – Best Overall Illinois Online Gambling Page
- Website: sports.il.betmgm.com/
- Payout Time: 3-5 days
- Established: 1986
- Land-Based Partner: MGM Resorts International
- Headquarters: Nevada, US
Our Verdict: 9.7/10
MGM Resorts International is one of the top names in luxury casinos across the US, including in Illinois’ neighbor with the MGM Grand Detroit. The company matched its casino experience with the sports betting know-how of huge gambling operator Entain and launched BetMGM.
BetMGM has one of the best desktop sites in Illinois, allowing you to navigate between markets in seconds. The odds are competitive and clearly displayed, thanks to the gray and white color scheme. You will also find a wide betting range, with some games having over 200 markets. One Game Parlay is also available for most major league events.
Illinois players signing up with BetMGM automatically join the MGM Rewards program, where you can earn points for placing bets. You can use these points to redeem extra bets, bonus funds, and real-life rewards like hotel stays. There is also a welcome offer where new players from Illinois can place a first bet of up to $1,000 and receive the money back if it doesn’t win.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.4/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
- Registration Process: 9.6/10
- Account Verification: 9.7/10
- Payment Methods: 9.3/10
- Sportsbook: 9.8/10
- Customer Support: 9.7/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.8/10
BetMGM bonuses & promos:
| Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Available in Illinois? |
| First Bet Back up to $1,000 | N/A | 1x | $10 |
✅ |
Pros:
- Easy Parlay highlights the top competitions and markets
- Great live betting interface with tens of betting options
- Features include Cash Out and the unique Edit My Bet
- MGM Rewards unlocks extra perks just for gambling
- Around-the-clock customer support for any assistance
Cons:
- Withdrawals can take up to five business days
2. Barstool – Straightforward Betting Platform
- Website: www.barstoolsportsbook.com/
- Payout Time: 3-5 days
- Established: 2020
- Land-Based Partner: Hollywood Casino Joliet
- Headquarters: New York, NY
Our Verdict: 9.4/10
While Barstool may be best known for its famous sports journalism platform, it has grown into the sports betting market thanks to backing from Penn Entertainment. It operates the “Hollywood” casino brand, which has many locations across the US, including the Hollywood Casino Joliet in Illinois, thus allowing Barstool to launch online as well.
Barstool lets you navigate through its range of more than a dozen sports thanks to its unique desktop layout, with sports events in boxes rather than in a list. You can view all of the available sports from a list at the top and pick between major US leagues and international tournaments. The odds are very sharp as Barstool often has some of the best prices around.
It is worth noting that Barstool doesn’t always have as many markets as some of its competitors. However, it does cover a great range of bet types, including alternative moneylines, props, totals, and halves. Live betting is also solid, with odds that update quickly, but the interface can use some work.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.3/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
- Registration Process: 9.6/10
- Account Verification: 9.7/10
- Payment Methods: 9.2/10
- Sportsbook: 9.4/10
- Customer Support: 9.5/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.5/10
Barstool bonuses & promos:
| Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Available in Illinois? |
| First Bet Back up to $1,000 | N/A | 1x | $10 |
✅ |
Pros:
- More Parlay+ markets now available on the site
- Earn Tier Points and PENN Cash on every bet
- Extra bonuses for betting on featured leagues
- Live betting coverage of all the big sporting events
- Fast and secure banking options for IL gambling
Cons:
- Not the best live betting interface
3. FanDuel – Provides the Most Gambling Verticals
- Website: www.fanduel.com/sportsbook-il
- Payout Time: 1-5 days
- Established: 2012
- Land-Based Partner: Fairmont Park
- Headquarters: Massachusetts, US
Our Verdict: 9.3/10
After starting as a Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) operator in 2009, FanDuel was acquired by Flutter Entertainment, a publicly traded gambling giant, in 2018. This allowed FanDuel to expand into the sports betting market, and now you can wager on more than 20 sports with its easy-to-use app and site. FanDuel got its license from the Illinois Gaming Board thanks to its partnership with Fairmont Park.
As well as providing sports betting, a FanDuel account allows you to build DFS teams on major league events and bet on and stream horse racing through TVG. This is a major advantage over the other online gambling sites in Illinois and it continues with the new Faceoff mobile app. This allows users to compete with other players in different games and win cash prizes.
With that being said, the sportsbook remains the main attraction for online gambling in the state. It has around 20 sports and focuses heavily on NBA, NHL, MLB, NFL, NCAA, soccer, and tennis tournaments. We also found some of the best promotions during our FanDuel IL review, including a $150 welcome bonus for betting $5.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.1/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.5/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.3/10
- Registration Process: 9.4/10
- Account Verification: 9.6/10
- Payment Methods: 8.9/10
- Sportsbook: 9.3/10
- Customer Support: 9.4/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.5/10
FanDuel bonuses & promos:
| Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Available in Illinois? |
| $150 in Bonus Bets | N/A | 1x | $10 |
✅ |
Pros:
- Can bet on sports, horses, DFS, and more
- Profit boosts for select markets and parlays
- Free picking contests with real money prizes
- Great odds provided for the big leagues
- More live betting games than other bookies
Cons:
- Withdrawal approval can take up to 48 hours
4. DraftKings – Top Mobile Gambling Apps with Live Streaming
- Website: sportsbook.draftkings.com/il-sports-betting
- Payout Time: 1-5 days
- Established: 2012
- Land-Based Partner: Wrigley Field
- Headquarters: Massachusetts, US
Our Verdict: 9.3/10
DraftKings has come a long way from humble beginnings when it was founded by three people in Massachusetts in 2012. The company is now one of the biggest DFS providers in the US, and you can enjoy its contests in Illinois. It also operates a hugely successful sportsbook, letting you bet on dozens of sports.
The sportsbook is also the official betting partner of the Chicago Cubs, and you can find a branded DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field.
DraftKings allows users to live stream events like tennis and basketball when using the Apple or Android app. This has a great design and runs well on just about any modern iPhone or Android smartphone. It has the full range of sports betting options found on the desktop version, including features like single-game parlays.
Deposit methods include Venmo, PayPal, VIP Preferred, wire transfer, and even cash at the local sportsbook in Illinois. These options can also be used to withdraw the winnings from the gambling cash, with processing usually taking one business day.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 8.9/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.6/10
- Registration Process: 9.5/10
- Account Verification: 9.9/10
- Payment Methods: 9.1/10
- Sportsbook: 9.6/10
- Customer Support: 9.7/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.6/10
DraftKings bonuses & promos:
| Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Available in Illinois? |
| $150 in Bonus Bets | N/A | 1x | $5 |
✅ |
Pros:
- Often has top odds on popular sporting events
- One of the two leading DFS providers in the US
- New customers receive six $25 bonus bets
- Rewards program with Crowns for every bet
- Sports news and betting predictions on the site
Cons:
- Site layout is not welcoming for beginners
5. BetRivers – Best for Streaming Live Games
- Website: il.betrivers.com/
- Payout Time: 24 hours.
- Established: 2010
- Partnerships: Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls
- Headquarters: Pennsylvania, US
Our Verdict: 9.2/10
BetRivers is effectively competing on home turf in Illinois, as its parent company, Rush Street Gaming, started in IL and is named after a famous street in Chicago. The sportsbook is one of the best in IL for existing player promotions, with free picks games, daily bonus drops, and frequent odds boosts. The operator also has a social casino, known as BetRivers.net with hundreds of free casino games.
BetRivers is also the official betting partner of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Bulls and provides exclusive promotions on these teams through its iRush Rewards program. All members will earn points when betting on the site and these can be used to buy bonuses from the online store. More points also boosts players to higher levels where they can claim additional benefits.
For live betting, BetRivers provides great live-streaming coverage, especially for international leagues. Players can follow the action and bet on the same page. The range of bets is great and SGP is now available for quite a few sports.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.3/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.6/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.5/10
- Registration Process: 9.4/10
- Account Verification: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Sportsbook: 9.3/10
- Customer Support: 9.5/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.5/10
BetRivers bonuses & promos:
| Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Available in Illinois? |
| Second Chance First Bet up to $500 | SPORTS | 1x | $10 |
✅ |
Pros:
- Multiple sportsbook promotions every month
- Bets earn you points for extra bonuses and perks
- Mobile apps for Android and iOS devices
- RushPay feature approves withdrawals instantly
- House specials provide better odds on markets
Cons:
- Only a few deposit methods at this time
6. Caesars – Top Loyalty Program for Online Gambling
- Website: caesars.com/sportsbook-and-casino/il/
- Payout Time: 1-3 days
- Established: 1966
- Partnership: Chicago White Sox
- Headquarters: Nevada, US
Our Verdict: 9.1/10
Many Illinois gamblers will be familiar with the Caesars name, as Caesars Entertainment operates famous casinos like Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The company also operates a land-based casino in IL, Harrah’s Joliet. Moreover, Caesars Sportsbook is the official betting partner of the Chicago White Sox and offers prizes like fan experiences and tickets through the Caesars Rewards program.
This loyalty program is available for all real money customers and will provide points for every bet. New users will also receive 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits right away. Accumulated points determine the tier in the program and you can exchange them for bonuses and real-life rewards like hotel stays.
In addition to the industry-leading rewards program for gambling, Caesars Sportsbook in Illinois offers sharp odds on a range of sports. It highlights the popular tournaments and has great live coverage of the games. The interface is very simple and beginners can quickly learn how to bet on sports from the provided guides.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 9.6/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.3/10
- Mobile Experience: 9.1/10
- Registration Process: 9.5/10
- Account Verification: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Sportsbook: 9.2/10
- Customer Support: 9.4/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.5/10
Caesars bonuses & promos:
| Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Available in Illinois? |
| First Bet Back up to $1,250 + 1,000 Reward Credits & 1,000 Tier Credits | CZRFULL | 1x | $10 | ✅ |
Pros:
- Rewarding loyalty program for frequent bettors
- Very fast withdrawals approved in just an hour
- Mobile app is easy to use and keeps the same markets
- In-play betting has good odds and fast updates
Cons:
- Some sports don’t have a lot of betting options
7. PointsBet – Unique Points Betting feature
- Website: il.pointsbet.com
- Payout Time: 1-3 days
- Established: 2015
- Land-Based Partner: IL Hawthorne Race Course
- Headquarters: Melbourne, Australia
Our Verdict: 8.9/10
PointsBet launched in Australia in 2017 and made its name through its unique Points Betting feature. The operator brought this across to the US, and now Illinois bettors can place totals wagers and get bigger payouts the more correct they are. The online sportsbook also has standard fixed-odds betting options on 17 different sports.
PointsBet operates a retail sportsbook at the famous IL Hawthorne Race Course, where you can bet on sports and horse racing.
The betting site definitely stands out with its black and red theme, which is great for highlighting some information. It has a compact menu and a list of popular picks at the top. Furthermore, it allows you to live stream events like tennis and soccer.
Sportsbook features include same-game parlay, teasers, quick parlay, and lightning bets. As for banking, players can choose from Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, wire transfers, and other methods. Withdrawals are generally approved in one or two business days.
Sections Overview:
- Bonuses: 8.9/10
- Desktop Experience: 9.1/10
- Mobile Experience: 8.9/10
- Registration Process: 9.4/10
- Account Verification: 9.5/10
- Payment Methods: 9.0/10
- Sportsbook: 9.1/10
- Customer Support: 9.5/10
- Responsible Gambling: 9.7/10
PointsBet bonuses & promos:
| Bonus amount | Promo code | Rollover | Minimum deposit | Available in Illinois? |
| 5 Second Chance Bets up to $100, each | WELCOME | 1x | $10 |
✅ |
Pros:
- PointsBetting gambling can provide large payouts
- Great mix of features, like Cash Out and SGP
- Better welcome bonus than most IL gambling sites
- PointsBet Rewards with loyalty points for every bet
Cons:
- Only has a few promotions and bonuses
Illinois Online Gambling Regulation
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) is the regulatory body for overseeing all forms of gambling in the state, including sports betting, casino gambling, and online poker. Sports betting operators are required to obtain a license from the IGB and pay a fee of $10 million. In addition, sportsbooks must pay a 15% tax on their adjusted gross revenue.
The gambling age in Illinois is 21 or older to place online or retail sports bets or visit a casino. However, you can buy lottery tickets, play DFS, and enjoy pari-mutuel wagering if you are 18 and above.
The only way to play legally in Illinois is by using a site licensed by the IGB. Any other gambling sites are illegal in IL. All Illinois online gambling sites listed on this page are licensed and operate safely in the state.
FAQs
What types of gambling are legal in Illinois
Do you have to be an Illinois resident to gamble?
What is the minimum gambling age in Illinois?
Are you allowed to bet on college sports in Illinois?
Is online gambling safe in Illinois?
Online Gambling Bonuses in Illinois
Many Illinois online gambling operators use welcome bonuses to attract new players and ongoing promotions to reward existing customers for their loyalty. Bonuses provide ample opportunity to cash out real winnings in a less risky way, where you can use the additional funds you receive to experiment with new games or boost your odds.
There are many shapes and forms of bonuses, but mostly they are divided between casino bonuses and sports bonuses.
Since operators frequently change their promotions, we encourage you to check out the bonuses available in Illinois by clicking on any link in this guide. Here are some examples of the types of bonuses and promotions you might find at Illinois gambling sites:
Welcome Bonuses
A welcome bonus is a promotion specifically available for new customers signing up. You can get deposit match bonuses, no deposit bonuses, bonus bets, and more just by registering and following simple instructions like depositing. These can add extra funds and help you overcome the sports betting vig for more profits.
Deposit Match Bonuses
With a deposit match bonus, a gambling operator will match a percentage of your qualifying deposit up to a certain amount. Some deposit bonuses provide you with matches of 100% or higher. Most deposit match bonuses will have wagering requirements, which tell you how many times you need to use your funds before withdrawing.
No-Deposit Bonuses
As the name suggests, no-deposit bonuses allow you to get rewards like bets and bonus funds without adding any money. Instead, you can get these promotions by registering with a sportsbook or opting in.
Bonus Codes
Bonus codes allow Illinois gambling operators to provide players with exclusive bonuses. You can enter a bonus code during your deposit or while signing up to claim no-sweat bets, cash reloads, and more.
Cashback
When you claim a cashback bonus, an online gambling site will pay back a percentage of your losses as cash. You can earn cashback through loyalty programs or claim these offers for special events.
Referral Bonuses
An online gambling site may give you a referral code or link, which you can give to friends to use during their registration. If your friend signs up and follows terms and conditions, like making a minimum deposit, you can both get bonuses.
Loyalty Programs
Many online gambling sites will provide loyalty programs to reward customers returning to gamble. You can earn loyalty points for placing bets, which you can use to redeem prizes like bonuses, restaurant meals, and hotel stays.
How to Register with Gambling Sites in Illinois
Signing up with an online gambling site in Illinois is quick and easy. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Click any link on this page to visit one of our recommended online gambling operators.
2. Click on the ‘Sign Up’ button.
3. Enter your details, such as your name, address, email, phone number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
4. Enter your bonus code if you have one to claim an exclusive promotion. However, you can leave this box blank if you don’t have a promo code.
5. Confirm the terms and conditions to complete your registration.
6. Go to the cashier section and select a payment method to make your first deposit. You can choose how much money to add, so be sure to meet any minimum deposit requirements for a welcome bonus.
7. Browse through the online gambling site’s list of markets, and select a betting line. Add it to your bet slip, choose your stake, and confirm your bet.
8. If your wager wins, return to the cashier section and follow the withdrawal instructions.
When you play on a mobile device, you must activate your geolocation services so your online gambling app can prove you are playing in Illinois. You should receive a push prompt asking you to allow this when you open the app. However, you can also activate geolocation manually in your device’s settings.
You must verify your online gambling account before you can cash out your winnings. You can do this by providing copies of identification documents such as a driver’s license or passport and proof of address. Once you submit these documents, your gambling operator will need a couple of days to confirm your identity. You can continue depositing and betting while you wait, and once you’re verified, you won’t have to go through this process again.
Illinois Online and Mobile Gambling
Betters in Illinois no longer need to travel to physical locations to place bets. With the advent of online and mobile gambling, players can enjoy certain games and sporting events from the comfort of their own homes. Let’s explore the two types of online gambling available in Illinois:
Desktop Gambling in Illinois
Desktop gambling in Illinois allows players to enjoy games from their home computer or laptop. You can place bets and live stream events at sportsbooks and pari-mutuel horse racing betting sites or visit sweepstakes casinos and DFS platforms through a desktop. The larger screens make it easy to see the latest odds and navigate between markets with a few clicks.
Mobile Gambling in Illinois
If you want to gamble on the go, you can do so in two ways on your mobile. The first is by visiting an HTML5-optimized browser site for your online gambling platform. This site will fit any screen size and allow you to tap between markets and games easily. You also don’t need to download anything onto your phone.
You can also download a native mobile app for Apple or Android to get a tailored gambling experience. Mobile apps give you exclusive features like event notifications, exclusive payment methods and bonuses, and live streaming.
Illinois Online Gambling Payment Methods
When you deposit and withdraw from Illinois online gambling sites, you can use a variety of trusted payment methods you’ll recognize from day-to-day life. Every payment option has its benefits and drawbacks, and we’ve highlighted these for you below.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Bank cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted by online gambling sites, but other bank cards may block online gambling transactions. Bank cards also may not be available for withdrawals.
- E-Wallets: Popular options include PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill, allowing quick and easy withdrawals.
- Casino Cage Cashier: Some land-based casinos in Illinois allow you to make deposits and withdrawals from your online account at partnered casino cage cashiers.
- Prepaid Cards: With prepaid cards like PayNearMe, you can top up your balance at retail locations like 7-Eleven and CVS. You can also use Play+ cards, which allow you to make fast deposits and withdrawals.
- Wire and Bank Transfer: You can make transactions directly from your bank account, which allows you to make larger deposits and withdrawals. However, bank transfer withdrawals tend to be slower than other options.
- Mobile Payment: When you play with mobile gambling apps, you can make payments using services like Apple Pay or Google Pay.
Illinois online gambling deposits will hit your account instantly, but withdrawal times will vary depending on your payment method. Most transactions take a few business days, but your withdrawal will be faster if you use a payment method like e-wallets.
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
Each Illinois online gambling site must have a responsible gambling section that includes self-help tools such as time limits and deposit limits. Illinois gambling sites also need to provide resources for problem gamblers and links to problem gambling organizations.
Illinois also operates a self-exclusion program that allows individuals to voluntarily ban themselves from all Illinois casinos and video gaming locations for a specified period. You can also self-exclude from online sportsbooks.
Illinois Problem Gambling Resources
- Illinois Council on Problem Gambling – 1-800-522-4700
- Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling – 217-717-4398
Illinois Sports Betting
Retail and online sports betting were legalized at the same time in 2019, with retail sports betting going live first in March 2020. While the Covid-19 pandemic derailed the initial rollout of the sports betting industry, both online and retail sportsbooks are now thriving.
You can bet on a huge range of sports in Illinois, which allows fans to support local teams. Here are some of the most popular betting markets.
- NFL: Online and retail sportsbooks offer a variety of markets for the Chicago Bears and all other NFL teams, including moneylines, point spreads, and totals.
- NBA: Bettors can find a range of markets for the Chicago Bulls and other NBA teams, including moneylines, point spreads, and player props.
- MLB: Online and retail sportsbooks offer a variety of markets for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox, as well as all other MLB teams, including futures on teams to win the World Series.
- NHL: Bettors can find a range of markets for the Chicago Blackhawks and other NHL teams, with betting lines available pre-game and in-play for every matchup.
- NCAA: You can place college sports bets in Illinois, including on in-state teams like the Illinois Fighting Illini, across sports like football, hockey, and basketball.
- International Sports: Along with US sports, you can find betting lines for plenty of international sports like European soccer, rugby, and motorsports.
- Minor Leagues: Some Illinois sports gambling sites offer markets for minor league baseball, basketball, and hockey.
- Other Sports: Aside from major league teams, you can bet on US favorites like tennis, MMA, and golf.
Types of Bets in Illinois
There are dozens of online sportsbooks, and you can use these betting platforms to place a huge range of wagers. Below, you’ll find some of the top betting options at Illinois sports gambling sites.
- Moneyline: A simple wager where you bet on which team will win an event.
- Point Spreads: A bet on whether the favorite can overcome a point deficit and the underdog to lose within a point advantage.
- Totals: A wager on whether there will be over or under a particular statistic in an event.
- Player Props: With a player prop, you wager on how a player performs in a particular statistic, such as passing yards from the quarterback, rushing yards from the running back, or total sacks made by the defensive end.
- Team Props: Betting on particular statistics for a team in an event, such as total yards of offense (NFL) or total rebounds (NBA).
- Futures: A future is a wager on significant events in the future like the Chicago Bears winning the Super Bowl.
- Parlays: Combines multiple bets into a single wager at high odds, where if one bet goes wrong, the whole wager loses.
Retail Sportsbooks in Illinois
| Venue | Address | Operating Partners |
| Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002 | Barstool |
| DraftKings at Casino Queen | 200 S. Front Street, East St Louis, IL 62201 | DraftKings |
| FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing | 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville, IL 62234 | FanDuel |
| Grand Victoria Casino | 250 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 | Caesars |
| Hawthorne Racecourse | 3501 S Laramie Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804 | PointsBet |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W. New York Street, Aurora, IL 60506 | Barstool |
| Hollywood Casino Joliet | 777 Hollywood Boulevard, Joliet, IL 60436 | Barstool |
| Par-a-Dice Casino | 21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL 61611 | FanDuel |
| River Des Plaines | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 | BetRivers |
Illinois Sports Betting Bonuses
While all Illinois online gambling platforms will provide bonuses for new and existing players, specific bonuses are available for sports betting sites. Check out what offers are available for Illinois sports bettors.
- Bonus Bets: Receive a bet to use on a specific game or event.
- Odds Boosts: Your sportsbook will offer higher odds on select games or events.
- Parlay Insurance: If one leg of your parlay loses, your gambling site will refund you with either the return of your stake or bonus bets up to a certain amount.
Illinois Casinos
The Riverboat Gambling Act of 1991 legalized land-based casinos in Illinois, and currently, there is a mixture of commercial, Native American, and riverboat casinos you can visit. However, online casinos are not legal.
Which Casino Games Can You Play at IL Brick-and-Mortar Casinos?
It doesn’t matter whether you play at a Native American casino, riverboat casino, or commercial casino, you’ll get access to a wide range of casino games. You can enjoy slots with various themes, practice blackjack strategy, or spin the wheel in roulette. Our experts have listed some of the most popular below.
- Slots
- Progressive Jackpot Slots
- Video Poker
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Baccarat
Land-Based Casinos in Illinois
| Venue | Address |
| Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa Street, Alton, IL 62002 |
| Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel | 777 Bally Boulevard, Rock Island, IL 61201 |
| DraftKings at Casino Queen | 200 S. Front Street, East St Louis, IL 62201 |
| Grand Victoria Casino | 250 S. Grove Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120 |
| Hard Rock Rockford Casino | 610 N Bell School Road, Rockford, IL 61107 |
| Harrah’s Casino Joliet | 151 N Joliet Street, Joliet, IL 60432 |
| Harrah’s Metropolis Casino | 100 E Front Street, Metropolis, IL 62960 |
| Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W. New York Street, Aurora, IL 60506 |
| Hollywood Casino Joliet | 777 Hollywood Boulevard, Joliet, IL 60436 |
| Par-A-Dice Casino | 21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL 61611 |
| Rivers Des Plaines | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018 |
Illinois Poker
Online poker is not yet legal in Illinois. However, many land-based casinos throughout the state offer poker tables where you can play cash games and tournaments. Popular variations in Illinois include Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven-Card Stud.
Illinois Lottery
The Illinois State Lottery launched in 1974 and offers a variety of games, including scratchcards and draws like Powerball and Mega Millions. You can buy tickets at thousands of retailers across Illinois or play instant games online.
Illinois Sweepstakes Casinos
While online casinos are not available in Illinois, you can still register with the best sweepstakes casinos to enjoy your favorite casino games for free. You can’t win real money, but you can buy on-site currency, which you can then exchange for cash. Many top sweepstakes casinos are available in IL, including local favorite BetRivers.net.
Illinois DFS
Illinois legalized Daily Fantasy Sports games in 2019 in the same bill that allowed retail and online sports betting. Using operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, you can build teams of athletes from major leagues and win cash prizes for getting the most points.
Best Illinois Online Gambling Site
There are a lot of strong contenders for the best online gambling site in Illinois, but our experts agree the top platform is BetMGM. Anyone that signs up in Illinois automatically joins the MGM Rewards program, where you can earn real-life prizes for betting. BetMGM also provides players with one of the desktop sites and mobile platforms, giving you a straightforward way to wager on dozens of sports.
Click the links on this page to sign up with the sportsbook today. Or, choose one of our other recommended IL gambling sites and register to claim a welcome bonus.
Sam is the Gambling Law Expert on Techopedia.com, and has been working in the sports and gambling industries for more than a decade across many North American and European sites such as Casino.org, SportBusiness.com and Coral bookmakers. An expert on US gambling regulations, Sam oversees content on the site.
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