Sports fans in Illinois bettors can now take advantage of generous sign-up bonuses, weekly promos and enticing loyalty rewards at the state’s top online sportsbooks. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the best Illinois sportsbook promos and explain how you can redeem them today.
The Latest Illinois Sportsbook Promos September 2023 and Promo Codes
This chart highlights the best welcome bonuses available at all the licensed, regulated Illinois online sportsbooks:
Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus | Promo Code |
1. FanDuel | No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 | N/A – Claim Bonus |
2. BetMGM | First Bet Offer up to $1,000 | N/A – Claim Bonus |
3. BetRivers | Second Chance Bet up to $500 | SPORT500 |
4. DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $150 | N/A – Claim Bonus |
5. Caesars | Up to $1,250 on Caesars | CZRFULL |
6. Barstool | First Bet Back up to $1,000 | N/A – Claim Bonus |
7. PointsBet | 10 x $100 Second Chance Bets | N/A – Claim Bonus |
Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Players must be a legal gambling age and located in a regulated US gambling state. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.
Top Seven Betting Sites for Illinois Sportsbook Promos
Each legal online sportsbook in Illinois offers a unique set of promos, features and areas of expertise. We’ve compiled their distinct selling points below:
- FanDuel – The most popular Illinois sportsbook, offering a diverse range of promotions and contests. Also offers high-quality fantasy sports contests, providing users with an unmatched overall betting experience. Whether you’re into sports betting or daily fantasy sports (DFS), FanDuel is your one-stop shop for all things gaming.
- BetMGM – One of the best all-round operators in the online gambling and hospitality sector, with a top-notch sports betting experience, a generous sign-up promo and a plethora of additional bonuses, plus a multitude of great features for Illinois bettors.
- BetRivers – A user-friendly sportsbook renowned for its ongoing promotions, which include profit boosts and insurance bonuses, plus BetRivers Squares contests, community quizzes and other contests that offer regular chances to win bonus funds.
- DraftKings – With a fantastic welcome bonus, daily free-to-enter pools and an excellent VIP program with tiered rewards, DraftKings impresses on multiple fronts. It offers both DFS and traditional sports betting, with sharp odds and early lines.
- Caesars – A giant in the industry, Caesars boasts the largest sign-up bonus in Illinois, plus numerous odds boosts and regular promotions. Moreover, Caesars offers one of the most robust parlay builders out there, and it has some of the world’s highest betting limits too.
- Barstool – A sportsbook tailored for Stoolies, bringing a fun and entertaining twist to the IL sports betting scene. Expect odds boosts connected to celebrity picks, loyalty rewards and promos that let you join in on the action alongside your favorite Barstool personalities.
- PointsBet – Standing out for its innovative approach, PointsBet offers a five-part welcome promo and a series of great sports betting features. It offers an unmatched breadth of betting options, including unique, proprietary PointsBetting markets.
Reviews of the Best Illinois Sportsbook Promos
Our team of experts has conducted comprehensive reviews of each Illinois sports betting app and website, focusing specifically on their bonuses, promos, contests, and VIP programs. We’ve compiled the following list of top online sportsbooks to help you find the one that suits you best.
1. FanDuel – Best Online Sportsbook in Illinois
Our Verdict (10/10)
FanDuel is the No. 1 online sportsbook in the Prairie State, according to the latest official figures from the Illinois Gaming Board. It has a market share of around 47%, leaving it well ahead of DraftKings, BetRivers and BetMGM. It is a trusted brand among IL bettors, as it has offered DFS events in the state since 2010 and an online sportsbook since 2020.
This sportsbook provides a plethora of betting options, faster payouts compared to other Illinois gambling sites, and exceptional Illinois sportsbook promotions. If you would like to sign up, you can claim a No Sweat First Bet of up to $1,000. Simply place a bet of $10 or more on any game to qualify. If your bet loses, FanDuel IL will refund your money in site credits with just a 1x playthrough requirement.
FanDuel also hands out numerous recurring promotions each week. You can explore daily odds boosts, regular profit boosts, same-game parlay insurance, bet-and-get offers and exciting insurance bonuses. FanDuel does not have a loyalty program for sportsbook customers, but it does run lots of engaging contests, such as a $5,000 MLB Big League Pick’em contest and a $1 million season-long NFL contest.
FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois Welcome Bonus (Rating 9/10)
- Click the “Visit FanDuel” button displayed below to visit the sports betting site and secure the No Sweat First Bet bonus of up to $1,000.
- Open the sign-up form, provide your information, and submit the form. If necessary, verify your identity by scanning your driver’s license or a similar document.
- Click “Deposit” and make a minimum payment of $10.
- Wager at least $10 on any event, such as a Bears game or a UFC bout.
- If your bet wins, you’ll receive your wager amount and winnings in cash. If you lose, you’ll be refunded with bonus credits.
- The bonus credits come with a 1x rollover requirement, and you can withdraw the funds earned using these credits once the rollover is completed.
FanDuel IL Sports Bonuses:
Bonus Name | Bonus Amount | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit |
No Sweat First Bet | $1,000 | 1x | $10 |
Odds Boosts and Profit Boosts | n/a | n/a | $10 |
Bonus Bets, Contests, and Insurance Offers | Variable | 1x | $10 |
- Great bonuses with simple wagering requirements
- Very quick withdrawals, with high limits
- Offers live MLB and NHL streaming
- No rewards program
- Some competitors offer more prop bets
2. BetMGM – Elite IL Sportsbook With Great Features and Bonuses
Our Verdict (9/10)
The BetMGM Illinois sign-up bonus offers up to $1,000 paid back in bonus funds if you don’t win your first wager. For bets between $10 and $49, you’ll receive a single bonus bet. However, for rebates between $50 and $1,000, you’ll get five bonus bets. For instance, losing a $500 bet will get you 5x $100 bonus bets. The bonus credits carry a 1x rollover requirement.
BetMGM Illinois Sportsbook offers a promo named Select Your Squad too. It earns you regular Illinois sportsbook promos and boosts on your favorite NBA and NFL teams. Additionally, BetMGM offers a fantastic loyalty program, occasional odds boosts, and other regular bonuses.
BetMGM takes the crown as the best sportsbook in Illinois for live streaming. It allows you to watch live NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS games, and more sports too. With an advanced online sports betting platform packed with features and an extensive choice of betting markets, BetMGM outperforms most competitors.
BetMGM Illinois Welcome Bonus (Rating 8/10)
- Click through to the BetMGM site and select Illinois from the list of states.
- Enter your email address and create a password.
- Complete the registration form with your details and accept the terms and conditions. Verify your account if required.
- Deposit $10 or more and place a wager on a sporting event.
- If your bet loses, you’ll receive your money back in bonus bets up to $1,000. Complete the 1x wagering requirement and you can then cash out your funds.
BetMGM IL Sports Bonuses:
Bonus Name | Bonus Amount | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit |
$1,000 first bet | Up to $1,000 | 1x | $10 |
Select Your Squad | Variable | n/a | n/a |
Odds Boosts, Bonus Bets, Insurance Promos | Variable | 1x | $10 |
- Great loyalty program for IL bettors
- Generous welcome bonus
- Great features, including live streaming
- FanDuel offers more bonuses
- App can be slow to load
3. BetRivers – Best IL Sportsbook for Bonus Bets and Profit Boosts
Our Verdict (8/10)
BetRivers stands out by offering some of the best sports betting promos in the Prairie State. The sign-up bonus is a second chance bet of up to $500. Click the “Visit BetRivers” button below to apply the promo code SPORTS if you want to claim this sign-up offer, and place a bet worth $10 or more. If it loses, you’ll receive up to $500 back as a bonus bet, with a 1x rollover requirement and minimum odds of -200.
While the welcome bonus may be smaller than some rival Illinois sportsbook promo codes, BetRivers compensates with a vast selection of additional promos. They include boosts, bonus bets, contests and hometown specials. BetRivers has a great loyalty program, too, which is called iRush Rewards.
In addition to the bonuses, this is an impressive IL sportsbook, with a simple layout, loads of options and features such as stats, bet builders and live streaming options. BetRivers also offers quicker withdrawals than any other IL sportsbook.
BetRivers Illinois Welcome Bonus (Rating 7/10)
- To take advantage of the offer, click the “Visit BetRivers” button provided, and it will activate the promo code SPORTS.
- Fill in the BetRivers form and verify your sports betting account.
- Make a payment worth $10 or more.
- Place a sports bet on any game. The minimum bet required to qualify is $10.
- If the bet loses, you’ll receive up to $500 back as a bonus bet.
- Before withdrawing your funds, complete a 1x rollover requirement for the bonus bet.
BetRivers IL Sports Bonuses:
Bonus Name | Bonus Amount | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit |
Second Chance Bet | Up to $500 | 1x | $10 |
Odds Boosts and Profit Boosts | n/a | n/a | $10 |
Bonus Bets, Contests, and Insurance Offers | Variable | 1x | $10 |
Pros:
- Great profit boosts and daily odds boosts
- Outstanding loyalty program
- Fast payouts
- Smaller welcome bonus than some competitors
- Interface could be improved
4. DraftKings – Great Welcome Bonus, Daily Pools and Regular Rewards
Our Verdict (8/10)
DraftKings offers one of the best Illinois sportsbook promos for new customers. You can qualify by making a $5 wager on any sport. DraftKings IL will then award you $150 in bonus bets. Your funds will be split into 6 x $25 bonus bet credits, and the best part is that this promo will only carry a 1x wagering requirement.
While DraftKings may not offer as many additional Illinois sportsbook promos as FanDuel, it makes up for that with a great loyalty program and several daily pools. The pools are free to enter and offer bonus funds as the prizes. Moreover, DraftKings presents customers with various parlay bonuses.
Originating as a DFS company just like FanDuel, DraftKings expanded into online sports wagering in 2018. Though it may not offer as many features as the FanDuel app, DraftKings appeals to bettors with its quick line releases, numerous betting options and solid odds. It is the No. 2 sportsbook in Illinois by betting volume.
DraftKings Illinois Welcome Bonus (Rating 9/10)
- Use our “Visit DraftKings” link and create an account, a process that only takes around two minutes.
- Make a $5 deposit and place a wager.
- Receive six $25 bonus bets. If your $5 bet wins, DraftKings will pay you in cash as well.
- The bonus bets will come with a 1x playthrough requirement. Roll each bonus bet over once, and your profits will then be paid in cash.
DraftKings IL Sports Bonuses:
Bonus Name | Bonus Amount | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit |
Bet $5, Get $150 | $150 | 1x | $5 |
Daily Free-to-Play Pools | n/a | n/a | $5 |
No-Sweat Same-Game Parlays | Variable | 1x | $5 |
- The best sign-up bonus in Illinois
- Daily pools and rewards offered
- Early lines and great props
- FanDuel offers more promos
- Some bettors may prefer FanDuel layout
5. Caesars Sportsbook – Large Sign-Up Offer and Loads of Odds Boosts
Our Verdict (8/10)
Caesars Sportsbook stands out with the largest online sports betting bonus in Illinois. New customers can receive up to $1,250 back as a bonus bet if their first wager loses. Additionally, they get 1,000 Tier Credits & Reward Credits for the Caesars Rewards Program. This exciting promo is known as “Go Full Caesar” or “First Bet On US.”
In addition to the generous welcome bonus, Caesars Illinois Sportsbook offers various weekly promos, including profit boost tokens, bet and get bonuses, and regular prize draws. As the official sportsbook of the New Orleans Saints, Caesars often rewards users with tickets to their games.
Caesars is unmatched when it comes to odds boosts in Illinois. Beyond the plethora of bonuses, Caesars boasts a simple mobile app, high wagering limits, excellent customer service, quick withdrawals, and a top-notch loyalty program, making it one of the state’s best online sportsbooks.
Caesars Sportsbook Illinois Welcome Bonus (Rating 9/10)
- Click “Visit Caesars Sportsbook” below to access a page highlighting your welcome bonus.
- Open the Caesars sign-form and fill it in with your details, create a password and complete the form. Verify your account if necessary.
- Make a minimum deposit of $20.
- Bet $10 or more on any game.
- If your bet loses, you’ll receive up to $1,250 back as a wagering credit.
- The bonus comes with a 1x wagering requirement. You can’t split it up, so make a single wager, and your profits will be paid in cash.
- Within a week of placing your first bet, win or lose, you’ll receive 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits.
Caesars Sportsbook IL Sports Bonuses:
Bonus Name | Bonus Amount | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit |
Go Full Caesar | Up to $1,250 | 1x | $20 |
Hundreds of Odds Boosts per Week | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Profit Boosts, Bonus Bets, Insurance Bonuses | Variable | 1x | n/a |
Pros:
- Largest welcome offer in Illinois
- Best odds boosts in IL sportsbook
- Live Sunday Night Football streaming
- Bonus bet can only be used on a single pick
- FanDuel offers a smoother interface
6. Barstool – Large Welcome Bonus and Great Loyalty Program
Our Verdict (8/10)
Barstool Sportsbook offers a new player bonus worth up to $1,000 in Illinois. If your initial bet fails, you can recoup up to $1,000 in bonus funds, so it is similar to the FanDuel offer. While Barstool may not provide as many supplementary promotions in Illinois compared to rivals like BetRivers and FanDuel, it does offer a great rewards program.
Penn Entertainment, a prominent player in the industry, established this sportsbook after acquiring Barstool Sports, the sports entertainment brand founded by Dave Portnoy. Portnoy remains actively involved, and the platform showcases boosts and insights tied to selections made by the various personalities featured on the Barstool Sports network.
You will notice that Barstool offers a very similar sportsbook to BetRivers, as they both run on Kambi software and risk management. However, it plans to shift to its own in-house technology in the near future, currently being developed by its subsidiary, theScore Bet. This transition will inevitably bring changes to the user experience.
Barstool Sportsbook Illinois Welcome Bonus (Rating 8/10)
- Follow any of our bonus links to access the Barstool Sports platform and proceed with setting up your new account.
- When it is approved, make a minimum deposit of $10.
- Place a wager of at least $10 on any available pick, such as a point spread or total.
- In the event that your bet is unsuccessful, fear not, as you will receive full reimbursement in the form of bonus credits, subject to a 1x rollover requirement.
- To withdraw your winnings, you must successfully complete this requirement within a span of 30 days, and there are no minimum odds.
Barstool IL Sports Bonuses:
Bonus Name | Bonus Amount | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit |
New Player Bonus | Up to $1,000 | 1x | $10 |
- Sign-up bonus of up to $1,000
- Boosts and contests linked to Barstool personalities
- Great sports betting app
- Does not offer many weekly promos
- No live streaming service provided
7. PointsBet – Offers Unique Markets and Betting Features
Our Verdict (8/10)
PointsBet extends a warm welcome to new customers in Illinois, offering an exciting opportunity to earn up to $1,000 in second-chance bets. After signing up, you can place a wager of between $10 and $100 on each of your first 10 days. Any winning bets will be paid in cash, while any losing bets will be reimbursed with a single bonus credit, which will be subject to a 1x rollover requirement.
While PointsBet may not feature additional Illinois sportsbook promo codes, it does boast a loyalty program and sometimes offers enticing odds boosts. This sportsbook stands out for its innovative features, including the unique “Name a Bet” service, partial cash-out options and the intriguing PointsBetting wagering format. Furthermore, PointsBet delivers a top-notch user experience.
However, in the competitive landscape of sports betting, PointsBet has faced challenges in keeping pace with market leaders such as FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM and Caesars. In May 2023, Fanatics, the world’s largest apparel and collectibles company, announced plans to acquire PointsBet’s US business. If the deal goes through, PointsBet IL could be replaced by BetFanatics in the Prairie State. However, DraftKings has now entered the race to buy PointsBet too, so its future is up in the air.
PointsBet Illinois Welcome Bonus (Rating 7/10)
- Create a PointsBet Illinois account and take steps to verify your identity.
- Make a deposit and wager a minimum of $10 on any fixed-odds market, as PointsBetting options are not covered.
- If you lose, you’ll be refunded with a bonus bet of up to $100m which will have a 1x playthrough requirement.
- Repeat that process on each of the next nine days for a total of up to $1,000 in second-chance bonus bets.
PointsBet IL Sports Bonuses:
Bonus Name | Bonus Amount | Wagering Requirement | Minimum Deposit |
10 x $100 Second- Chance Bets | Up to $1,000 | 1x | $5 |
Pros:
- Welcome bonus stretches over 10 days
- Huge array of sports betting options
- Many unique, exciting features
- Uncertain future following takeover bids
- No additional promos for existing players
How to Claim a Sportsbook Promo in Illinois
To claim a sportsbook promo in Illinois, follow the steps outlined below. Although we’ll use FanDuel as an example, the process is similar for all IL sportsbooks.
1. Click Our Link to Visit FanDuel Illinois
Click here to visit FanDuel. Using this link ensures you get the best welcome promo – a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000. Click the “JOIN NOW” button, and the sign-up form will appear.
2. Choose Your State
Select Illinois as your state.
3. Enter Your Details
Provide your email address, choose your FanDuel IL username, select a password, and hit the “Create account” option. Complete the FanDuel sign-up form. You may also need to verify your account by submitting some documents.
4. Make a Deposit
Go to the cashier and click the green “Add Funds” button to make a payment of $10 or more.
5. Place a Qualifying Bet
Make a bet worth $10 or more on any game. If your bet loses, you’ll receive the money back in bonus credits within 72 hours, subject to a 1x rollover requirement
Types of Sports Bonuses Available
Illinois sportsbooks offer a wide range of promos falling into different categories, as described in the chart below:
Bonus Type
About
Recommended Site
Welcome Bonuses
First Bets
Second Chance Bets
No Sweat Bets
Ongoing Promotions
No Deposit Bonuses
Parlay Insurance
Odds Boosts
Referral Bonuses
Loyalty Bonuses
Illinois Sportsbook Promos Terms and Conditions
Every sportsbook promo in Illinois will have clear terms and conditions. They explain how to claim the bonus and what you must do to convert the site credits into cash. These terms can be found in the small print attached to each offer. Key points to consider include:
- Promo Codes | Some sportsbooks might require specific codes to claim a sign-up bonus, but clicking the provided “Visit” buttons in our reviews should suffice in most cases.
- Rollovers | Indicates how many times you must wager your bonus funds before withdrawing. Most Illinois sportsbook promos have a 1x rollover requirement.
- Wager Requirements | This term encapsulates the rollover requirements, along with any additional conditions, such as minimum odds. For example, BetRivers will require players to roll over bonus credits 1x on markets with odds of at least -200 ago.
- Min/Max Deposit | To claim the best IL sportsbook promos, you’ll need to make a minimum deposit, which is typically $10 at most sportsbooks. However, DraftKings and PointsBet only require a minimum deposit of $5. There is not usually a maximum deposit limit, but keep in mind that you can only receive a set maximum amount in bonus credits, such as $1,000 at FanDuel and $1,250 at Caesars.
- Eligible Sports/Bets | Some sportsbooks may have restrictions on using bonus funds for certain bet types, such as futures or certain parlay bets. Additionally, specific promos may only apply to certain sports and markets, like NCAA basketball same-game parlay insurance, overtime insurance on NHL games or soccer profit boosts.
- Expiry Date | Bonus credits have an expiration date, and you must use them before that time or risk forfeiting them. Similarly, promotional offers also have expiry dates, so make sure to redeem the offers you’re interested in before they become unavailable.
Mistakes To Avoid When Claiming a Bonus
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when claiming Illinois sports betting promotions:
- Some players fail to use their bonus credits before they expire, and they end up forfeiting them. Make sure you use your bonus funds in the allotted time.
- Don’t limit yourself to one IL sportsbook. You can redeem multiple top bonuses by registering with several different sports betting sites.
- Keep the qualification terms in mind. If a minimum bet of $10 is required, don’t bet $8, or you will not be eligible. Make sure you hit the minimum odds too. For example, WynnBET requires a qualifying bet at -120 or longer, so don’t place a bet at -130.
- Don’t forget the Illinois promo code. Some bonuses require a specific code during registration or deposit process. Forgetting to activate the code could mean missing out.
Types of Payment Methods
You must make a minimum deposit and place a qualifying bet after signing up to remain eligible for the sportsbook’s sign-up bonus. Here are the most common payment methods accepted by sportsbooks in Illinois:
- Bank Cards: Visa, MasterCard and Discover are accepted at the best sportsbooks.
- Wire Transfer: This method is typically reserved for high-stakes customers, with higher minimum deposit and withdrawal limits than online banking or ACH payments.
- E-Wallets: Widely accepted options include PayPal and Venmo, while some may accept Skrill.
- Prepaid Cards: Many IL sportsbooks offer prepaid cards powered by Play+.
- Casino Cage Cashier: Online sportsbooks will allow you to make deposits and withdrawals at the casino cages of the retail casinos in Illinois that they have partnered with for market access, such as Casino Queen in East St Louis for DraftKings.
- Online Banking: Direct bank transfers, online banking through PayWithMyBank, and eChecks/ACH deposits through VIP Preferred will be available at most legal online Illinois sportsbooks.
The Best Illinois Sportsbook Promo
FanDuel stands as the best online sportsbook in Illinois for promos. It offers a sign-up bonus worth up to $1,000, with simpler wagering requirements than BetMGM and Caesars. Additionally, there are numerous ongoing promotions, such as odds boosts, bet and get offers and no sweat bets. FanDuel also runs free-to-play contests for NFL, NBA, MLB and NCAA football fans, providing plenty of extra ways to earn bonus cash.
If you use the button below to visit FanDuel, you will receive the No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 bonus. You can then start entering contests and claiming odds boosts immediately at the No. 1 online sportsbook in Illinois, so get started today.
What More Illinois Sportsbook Bonuses are Coming in 2023?
The current crop of Illinois sportsbooks are likely to introduce new bonuses to herald the start of the new football season. Those Illinois sportsbook bonuses will likely include Bet & Get bonuses for new and existing customers, plus a raft of exciting contests for all bettors. You may find basketball bonuses when the NBA season begins too.
Any new arrivals to the market will also launch Illinois sports betting promos. It is the second largest sports betting market in the United States, after New York, but it still only has seven online sportsbooks. If operators such as SI Sportsbook, Unibet, WynnBET and so on expand into Illinois, they will launch welcome promos.
BetFanatics will come to the table with a sign-up offer too if it replaces PointsBet in the Prairie State. We will keep on top of any new sportsbooks launching in Illinois and update this page to include their offers.
Are There Taxes on Bonuses?
Sports bettors will not be taxed specifically on any winnings from Illinois sportsbook bonuses. Instead, you are taxed at the end of each calendar year on all gambling activity. It is important to bear in mind that your gambling losses can be deducted from your winnings – including winnings from bonuses – for tax purposes.
That means you only need to pay state and federal taxes when you make a profit in a year. At that point, it will be deemed taxable income and added to all your other earnings. For that reason, the taxes you pay will be determined by your tax bracket. Keep a ledger of your wins and losses if you use multiple IL betting sites, as that will make the filing process easier.
The Best Illinois Sportsbook Promo for July: DraftKings
This month, signing up with DraftKings Sportsbook will grant you a Bet $5, Get $150 bonus. With just a $5 wager, you’ll receive $150 in bonus credits, split into 6 x $25 bonus bets. Each bonus bet carries a 1x rollover requirement. Place six wagers on any sports, and all profits will go directly into your DraftKings Illinois cash balance, available for withdrawal.
It is the best bonus available this month, as it only requires you to bet $5. The bonus bets are guaranteed, even if your $5 bet loses. You only need to win one bet at minimum odds of -490 to make an overall profit, so this is a very exciting promo.