2024 FTN NFL Power Rankings Through Week 15: Who Takes Over the Top Spot?
Daniel Kelley
Illinois is home to some of the best sports fans and betting opportunities in the United States. Online sports betting is legal in Illinois, and there are many online sportsbook options for placing bets in Illinois.
It has never been easier to bet on Chicago Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox and Blackhawks games with moneylines, totals, and prop bets.
Illinois sports bettors can also bet on NCAA basketball and football, English Premier League soccer and many other sports (check your favorite sportsbook for all offers).
There are several legal sports betting apps available in IL, and we’ll go over some of the best options to help you place online bets in the state.
Top Illinois Sportsbooks
DraftKings Sportsbook IL
- Launch: DraftKings online sports betting in Illinois launched in June 2019.
- Bonus offer*: $1,000 deposit bonus
- Sign up: DraftKings Sportsbook IL
DraftKings was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Boston. DraftKings is a top DFS platform and is also one of the best online sportsbooks. DraftKings Sportsbook can be accessed on a mobile app or website.
- DraftKings Sportsbook Website
- iOS: DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino on the Apple App Store
- Android**: Not yet in Google Play Store, but accessible on Android devices.
FanDuel Sportsbook IL
- Launch: FanDuel online betting in Illinois arrived in August 2020.
- Bonus offer*: $1,000 risk-free bet
- Sign up: FanDuel Sportsbook IL
FanDuel was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in New York City. FanDuel is a top DFS platform and is also one of the best online sportsbooks. FanDuel Sportsbook can be accessed on a mobile app or website.
- FanDuel Sportsbook Website
- iOS: FanDuel Sportsbook & Casino on the Apple App Store
- Android**: Not yet in Google Play Store, but accessible on Android devices.
PointsBet Sportsbook IL
- Launch: PointsBet IL sportsbook launched in September 2020.
- Bonus offer*: Up to $250 deposit match
- Sign up: PointsBet IL
PointsBet, owned by PointsBet Holdings Limited, was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Australia. PointsBet Sportsbook can be accessed on a mobile app or website.
- Website: PointsBet Website
- iOS: PointsBet: Sports Betting on the Apple App Store
- Android**: Not yet in Google Play Store, but accessible on Android devices.
BetRivers Sportsbook IL
- Launch: BetRivers online Sportsbook for IL launched in June 2020.
- Bonus offer*: $250 deposit match
- Sign up: BetRivers Sportsbook IL
BetRivers was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Malta. BetRivers Sportsbook can be accessed on a mobile app or website.
- BetRivers Website
- iOS: BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois on the Apple App Store
- Android**: Not yet in Google Play Store, but accessible on Android devices via the BetRivers website.
* Bonus offers shown here are as of Feb. 2021; bonus offers are subject to change.
** Google has not allowed online sports betting apps on its official Google Play Store on Android devices. However, on March 1, 2021, that policy will change, per Google.
Sports you can bet on in Illinois
Illinois sports bettors can bet on a wide range of sports, including but not limited to those shown in the chart below:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Cycling
- Darts
- Football
- Golf
- Hockey
- MMA
- Motor Sports
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Tennis
Check with your sportsbook for all available sports and leagues, as the options can differ between different sportsbooks.
Bet types in Illinois
Online IL sports betting offers all of your typical bet types, including but not limited to those shown in the chart below:
| Bet Type | Description |
| Moneyline | Pick which team will win the game. |
| Point Spread | The team you pick has to cover the spread (+/- points) |
| Total | Pick over/under the total amount of points scored |
| Game Prop | Side bets on the game (e.g. first team to score) |
| Player Prop | Side bets on individual players (e.g. over/under yards) |
| Parlay | Multiple bets on the same slip; all must hit to win |
| Round Robin | Multiple parlays on the same slip, but money on all possible parlays on the slip |
| Futures | Bet on events that will occur in the future (e.g. league MVP) |
| Teaser | Alternative spread parlay bets |
| Live Betting | Betting on events that are in progress |
Check with your sportsbook for all available bet types, as the options can differ between different sportsbooks.
How to legally make sports bets in Illinois
Illinois sports betting is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board. Regulations in IL may differ from other states, and wagers offered in some states may not be available in IL (and vice versa).
General rules for legal online sports betting in IL include but are not limited to:
- You must be at least 21 years of page
- You must be located in the state of IL (you do not have to live in the state, but you do have to be physically present within its borders to place a bet).
- You must use an approved sportsbook, such as one of the options listed above
Check with your sportsbook for all rules and regulations that must be followed, including tax laws on any winnings.
Illinois Sports Betting FAQs
Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois formally legalized online sports betting in 2019.
What is the legal age for online sports betting in IL?
You have to be at least 21 years old.
Do I have to live in Illinois to do online sports betting in Illinois?
No. You just have to be located within the state when you place the wager.
What are Illinois resources for responsible gambling?
You can visit the Illinois Gaming Board website for helpful information. Illinois sports bettors can self-exclude, call 1-800-GAMBLER, chat online, text ILGAMB to 53342 and more.
