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Illinois Sports Betting

IL Online Sportsbooks & Promo Codes

Illinois

Illinois sports betting is live! Ready to join the action? Get the latest IL sportsbook promotions, insight into local betting markets, and educational tips to bet responsibly in The Prairie State here.

Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook Launches in IL

Hard Rock Bet is now available in Illinois! Back in July 2023, Hard Rock announced its regulatory approval from the Illinois Gaming Board, allowing it to develop both retail and online operations in the state. 

Current plans include the construction of a brand new retail sportsbook at the Hard Rock Rockford Casino, plus updated online sports betting offerings via Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook. The licensing deal is valid until January 2027, when it will be up for renewal.

Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Illinois is one of the leading sports betting states in the U.S. Here are some key takeaways to note about legal online sports betting in Illinois.

🤔 Is IL Sports Betting Legal?

Yes, and if you're a first-time user, you can register from your phone or computer.

🚀 IL Mobile Sports Betting Launch Date Four years ago on March 9

👍 Live IL Sportsbooks

Fanatics SportsbookBetMGM, DraftKingsCaesarsESPN BET, and FanDuel 

✅ Last Verified

October 08, 2024

Who Can Bet on Sports in Illinois?

Bettors in North Carolina can now make sports wagers at retail tribal properties and online from the comfort of their homes!

In order to participate in online sports betting, you'll have to meet the requirements below:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Use an approved sportsbook while being physically present in the state
  • Verify your account and comply with the sportsbook's terms and conditions

How to Start Betting in Illinois

It's easy to get started with sports betting as a resident. Here's how:

Step 1: Pick your preferred sportsbook(s)

Whether you want to stick with just one sportsbook or bounce back and forth between a few, identify the sportsbook or books that you like the most (we recommend finding those with the best promotional offers to get started) to get started.

Step 2: Sign up using relevant promotional codes

Register for your chosen sportsbook(s) using the relevant sign up codes to claim promotional offers. Be aware, though, that registration requirement could vary from one sportsbook to another. For example, FanDuel will ask for personal details to verify your identity. Some sportsbooks may even require you to submit various forms of documentation to validate the information you provide.

Step 3: Deposit funds into your account(s)

Each sportsbook may have different depositing options, but most legitimate sportsbooks make it easy to deposit utilizing a variety of convenient options. It's worth noting that most sportsbooks do require a minimum deposit amount.

In most cases, the same withdrawal options are available for users to cash out their winnings. 

Step 4: Start betting 

After you complete the registration information and make a funds deposit, you're ready to get started!

If you need resources to help bet with savvy, check out our educational resources. Select your picks — Bulls totals, anyone?

Illinois Sports Betting Background and Legalization Timeline

Among states that have legalized, Illinois has had the most uncertainty and confusion around what their sports betting market will look like. This is primarily due to successful special interest lobbying. 

This was supposed to protect local business interests and reprimand improper compliance behavior — the controversial "penalty box provision." Initially, lawmakers settled on 18 months of increased constraints. For that time, the only online operators allowed would be the ones that also own physical casinos across the state.

Other states do require sites like FanDuel and DraftKings to partner with existing casinos to offer their products online. It’s worked fine in New Jersey — the big online players get market access, and local casinos don’t get left in the dust because they can’t or won't scale their own online operations. The heavier restrictions, however, are unheard of and speak to the powerful political influence of casinos throughout the state. Rivers Casino took the first in-person sports bet in March 2020, then went live with BetRivers in June 2020.

With great legal maneuvering, DraftKings was able to set up for an IL launch in July 2020. They fought to partner with Casino Queen in St. Louis — but due to legal restrictions, the casino brand must be featured in advertisements. A casino must own 80% of the business if another brand is used.

BetRivers was the first to offer online betting because its parent company, Rush Street Interactive, owns the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, IL. 

Licensing fees — up to $20 million for online-only operators and $10 million for land-based casinos to offer online betting — are also among the highest of any state, which will prevent smaller players from entering the market. It already flushed out USA Sports Gaming, which planned to launch BetChicago but turned its attention to Indiana instead.

Thanks to House Bill 3136's passing, Illinoisans no longer have to abide by the in-person registration requirement, which ended two years ago in March 2022, enabling online registration for users located anywhere within the Prairie State. 

University of Illinois Institute of Government & Public Affairs (IGPA) released a report covering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state of the local economy. Potential sports betting revenue may help momentum with policy revisions to maximize revenue in the near future to level the playing field for operators and bettors.

Below is a complete timeline of IL's legalization process.

Click for Previous Illinois Sports Betting Legalization Updates
Date Legalization Update

March 2022

Green check mark Online registration for sports wagering officially launches.

December 2021

House Bill 3136 amends the ban on in-state college sports wagering, making it legal to bet on IL college teams in person at participating retail locations.

October 2021

With House Bill 3136 passing, the need to sign up at a brick-and-mortar casino will soon be a thing of the past. Come March 2022, anyone will be able to sign up for a mobile sportsbook as long as you are located within state lines.

September 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker again reinstates the option for online sign-up for bettors.

August 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker reinstates his Executive Order, once again lifting the in-person registration rule for 30 days.

DraftKings Sportsbook goes live, in partnership with Casino Queen.

June 2020

Gov. J.B. Pritzker lifts the in-person registration rule temporarily via Executive Order, but no books are live online yet.

March 2020

Rivers Casino opens the first sportsbook in the state, days before casinos shut down due to COVID-19, and before any online operators could get live.

December 2019

IL begins the sports betting license application process.

June 2019

IL lawmakers create a compromise between the two parties, allowing online-only operators to enter the market after 18 months. Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the sports betting bill into law.

March 2019

Neil Bluhm, a casino mogul who owns Rivers, begins the charge to keep FanDuel and DraftKings out of the state. He argued that their DFS operations had been running against state law for years, and this should be punishment.

February 2019

IL begins to hammer out details for a sports betting bill.

August 2018

IL lawmakers hold first hearing on legalized sports betting.

Permitted Sports Betting Markets & Sports in Illinois

Here are the permitted bet types and sports markets in Illinois.

Legal Bet Types

Bettors can wager on a range of bet types like:

  • Point Spreads. Spread betting is a bet on the margin of victory in a game, or the point "differential."
  • Moneylines. Moneyline betting is when you pick the winner of the game or event, either one team or another.
  • First Half & Second Half Bets. Halves let a bettor treat the first half and the second half as separate matches.
  • Totals. A total, also known as an over/under, is a bet on the number of points both teams will combine to score in a game.
  • Futures. Future bets are a bet on an event that will be decided in the future (e.g., end-of-season results).
  • Player Props. A "prop" bet, short for a proposition, is a wager that is not directly tied to the final score or outcome.

You can take advantage of the different bet types to wager on these sports legally:

  • Football: NFL & CFL 
  • Basketball: NBA, WNBA, European/international baseball league
  • Baseball: MLB 
  • Hockey: NHL, international hockey leagues
  • Soccer: MLS, English Premier League, UEFA Champions League
  • College sports EXCEPT mobile betting on games involving in-state schools
  • Golf: PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA Tour Champions, PGA European
  • Auto Racing: IndyCar, NASCAR, Formula One

Additional market choices like boxing, tennis, rugby and more may also be offered at in-state sportsbooks.

Sports Betting Laws to Be Aware Of

Betting on In-State College Teams

Bettors are now able to bet on in-state college teams. Sports bettors were originally banned from betting on the games that involved in-state schools to avoid putting the athletes at risk. But the new law comes with a caveat: Bets placed on games involving in-state schools have to be placed at retail sportsbooks and not through mobile wagering. There will also be no wagering on individual performances such as player props for games involving schools in the state.

State Sports Betting Restrictions

❌  No bettors under 21 years of age

❌  No mobile betting on games featuring in-state schools

❌  No betting on individual performances like player props in games featuring in-state college teams

❌  No betting on high school sporting events

❌  Sporting officials (coaches, referees) or players with a vested interest in a given game or season cannot bet on their events

Alternatives to Online Sports Betting in Illinois

If you're searching for betting alternatives in Illinois, there are plenty of options. 

Daily Fantasy Sports

Like many other states, Illinois currently has no laws that explicitly authorize nor prohibit DFS contests.

PrizePicks is a unique over/under platform that prompts users to select their favorite players from IL teams like the Chicago Bulls or the Chicago Bears. New users can claim a deposit match of up to $100 using our PrizePicks promo code: ACTION!

Horse Betting

Horse betting is legal in Illinois, with several racebooks, tracks, and OTB sites available throughout the state.

Lottery

The Illinois Gaming Board oversees the legalized lottery system within Illinois.

Illinois Sportsbooks

Residents in Illinois can register and redeem the following sports betting offers available below! 

Sportsbook Current Promotion
Fanatics Sportsbook Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
DraftKings Sportsbook Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
BetMGM Sportsbook Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus! (10x wagering requirement in terms & conditions)
Caesars Sportsbook Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!
ESPN BET Get a $1,000 First Bet Reset!

Fanatics Sportsbook Logo

In April 2024, Fanatics Sportsbook replaced PointsBet in IL.

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo

Bet and Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code

No promo code needed!

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up when it launches in IL.

Terms & Conditions

Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO/DC/IL/KS/KY/LA/MD/OH/MI/NC/NJ/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), (800)-327-5050 or http://gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), (888) 789-7777 or http://ccpg.org (CT), or 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), or www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), or morethanagame.nc.gov (NC), or 1800gambler.net (WV). Must apply this Promotion in your bet slip & place and settle $5+ cash wager with odds of - 200 or longer to get a Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you sign up. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. Add'l Terms apply, see Fanatics Sportsbook app.

DraftKings Logo

DraftKings

DraftKings is one of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois. Sign up today and redeem the promo code below!

DraftKings Promo

Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets Instantly!

DraftKings Promo Code

No promo code is required to claim the DraftKings sign-up offer

Action Network Score

9.2/10. See our DraftKings Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about DraftKings and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions starstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstarstar

Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).[1.5%] 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS).$200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours).

BetMGM logo

BetMGM

BetMGM is one of the newest additions to the state's sports betting market. New users can claim BetMGM's welcome offer by redeeming the exclusive promo offer below!

BetMGM Bonus

1) Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus! (10x wagering requirement in terms & conditions)

OR

2) Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

BetMGM Bonus Code

1) TANMATCH1500

OR

2) AN1500

BetMGM Terms & Conditions

21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA). 21+ to wager. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (KS, NV), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), or Call 1-800-GAMBLER for confidential help (MI), or 877-718-5543 (NC). Visit BetMGM.com for Terms & Conditions. Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.

Action Network Score

9.8/10. See our BetMGM Bonus Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions starstarstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstarstar

Caesars logo

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars offers new IL users an exciting bonus bets promo below!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!

Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

ACTION221000

Action Network Score

9.3/10. See our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about Caesars and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions starstarstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstar

ESPN BET

ESPN BET Illinois is live! Use our promo code for a welcome bonus!

ESPN BET IL Promo

Get a $1,000 First Bet Reset!

ESPN BET IL Promo Code

TANBONUS

Action Network Score

9.5/10. See our ESPN BET Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about ESPN BET and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

FanDuel logo

FanDuel

FanDuel has a seamless sign-up offer and a hard-to-beat promo in Illinois.

FanDuel Promo 

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets!

New players only, 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, CT, IL, TN, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, VT, WV, WY only. Full T&C apply.

FanDuel Promo Code

There is no promo code required to claim the FanDuel offer


Action Network Score

9.6/10. See our FanDuel Promo Code and review for more in-depth information and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions starstarstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstarstar

Illinois DFS Apps

Illinois users can also use DFS apps. Check out our top IL DFS app below!

PrizePicks

Players in Illinois can pick their favorite lineups for a chance to win cash prizes! Take a look at the exciting promo offer and bonus code below to get started!

PrizePicks Promo

Place a $5 Lineup, Get $50 Instantly - No Strings Attached!

PrizePicks Promo Code

ACTION

Action Network Score

9.4/10. See our PrizePicks Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about PrizePicks and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.

Category Star Rating
Bonuses & Promotions starstarstarstarstar
Mobile App & Website starstarstarstarstar
Registering & Cashiering starstarstarstar
Betting Options starstarstarstarstar
PrizePicks vs Other Sportsbooks starstarstarstar

Sportsbooks Partnered with Illinois Sports Teams or Venues

Check out the list of partnerships below 🤝

Bally Bet 🎰 Bally's Quad Cities (pending launch)
bet365 🎰 Century Casinos
BetMGM 🎰 Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino
BetRivers 🏈 Chicago Bears, Rivers Casino Des Plaines
Caesars ⚾️ Chicago White Sox, Grand Victoria, Harrah's Metropolis and Joliet
Circa Sports 🎰 New American Place Casino
DraftKings ⚾️ Chicago Cubs, Casino Queen
ESPN BET

🎰 Hollywood Casino (Argosy Casino Alton, Aurora, and Joliet)

Fanatics Sportsbook 🐎 Hawthorne Race Course
FanDuel 🏒 Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, and Fairmount Park
Hard Rock Bet 🎰 Hard Rock Casino Rockford 

Banking With NC Sports Betting Sites

Here are the most common deposit and withdrawal options available in Illinois.

💳 Credit Card Deposit ✅ Withdrawal ❌
🏦 ACH/Bank Transfer Deposit ✅ Withdrawal ✅
💸 PayPal Deposit ✅ Withdrawal ✅
🔵 Venmo Deposit ✅ Withdrawal ✅
📱 Apple/Google Pay Deposit ✅ Withdrawal ✅

Legal Retail Sportsbooks in IL

Illinois has 11 retail casinos, most of which are owned by and partnered with legal sportsbook operators. Check them out below 👇

  • Argosy Casino Alton
  • Casino Queen
  • Hard Rock Casino Rockford
  • Harrah's Joliet & Metropolis
  • Hollywood Casino Aurora & Joliet
  • Jumer's Casino & Hotel
  • Grand Casino Victoria
  • Par-A-Dice-Casino
  • Rivers Casino Des Plaines

Illinois Sports Betting Tips

Sports betting basketball Sports Betting for Beginners 

New to sports betting? Awesome! We're here to help. Check out our educational resource hub so you can get started on the right foot. 

Sports betting baseball Sports Betting Glossary 

Sports betting has a dictionary of its own that you’ll want to get familiar with if you’re new to the space. 

Get up to speed here with our sports betting glossary

Sports betting football Sports Betting Mistakes to Avoid

You’re probably ready to unload some bets on the Chicago Bears and Bulls. We recommend educated, responsible decision-making — so reading up a bit can help before joining in on the action.

Here are some sports betting mistakes for Illinoisans (or visitors!) to avoid.

$4,112,012,139.89 $773,163,047.37
Pro Teams in Illinois

Most Popular Illinois Teams to Bet on

Illinois is state that has a vast sports history and has pro and college teams from every major sports league.

Latest Sports News in Illinois:

    • The Chicago Bears dominated the Carolina Panthers, winning 36-10 behind Caleb Williams’ 304 passing yards and two touchdowns. DJ Moore had a standout game with two touchdown receptions, and D’Andre Swift added 120 total yards and a score. With this win, the Bears move to 3-2, finding their rhythm after a slow start to the season.

    Upcoming Sports Events in Illinois:

      • The Chicago Bulls will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in an NBA preseason matchup at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday, October 8th. Both teams will be looking to fine-tune their rosters and build momentum ahead of the regular season. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. in Cleveland.

      • The Chicago Bears will head to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars in an NFL International Series matchup at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kickoff is set for Sunday, October 13th, as the Bears look to keep their momentum going overseas. 

      Pro Sports Teams in IL

      All professional sports teams are based in and around Chicago. 

      NFL logo  NFL

      Chicago Bears logoChicago Bears 

      The Chicago Bears are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season last year after finishing with a 7-10 record and missing the playoffs. The Bears are coached by Matt Eberflus and play their home games at Soldier Field in Chicago.

      Bears Odds

      A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football in Illinois:

      NFL Game Odds: Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears

      Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming NFL game: Updated October 08, 2024 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change

      Team

      Spread 

      Moneyline

      Total

      Jacksonville Jaguars

      (+2.5) -110

      +120

      Over 44.5 (-105)

      Chicago Bears

      (-2.5) -110

      -145

      Under 44.5 (-115)

      NBA logo  NBA

      Chicago Bulls logoChicago Bulls 

      The Chicago Bulls and Billy Donovan fell short of the playoffs last season after finishing with a 39-43 record and losing their second Play-In game against the Miami Heat. Hopefully Lonzo Ball can make his return so the Bulls can turn around their latest struggles over the past couple of seasons. The Bulls play their home games at the United Center in downtown Chicago.

      Bulls Odds

      Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Illinois:

      MLB Logo  MLB

      Chicago Cubs logoChicago Cubs

      The Chicago Cubs finished with an 83-79 record last season, missing the postseason once again. Craig Counsell manages the team and the Cubs play their home games at Wrigley Field.

      Cubs Odds 

      Chicago White Sox logoChicago White Sox

      The Chicago White Sox finished with a 61-101 record last season. The White Sox are managed by Pedro Grifol and play their home games at Guaranteed Rate Field.

      White Sox Odds


      Recommended resource to help you make informed bets on baseball in Illinois:

       

      NHL logo NHL

      Chicago Blackhawks logoChicago Blackhawks

      The Chicago Blackhawks continued to struggle last season after finishing with a 23-53-6 record under coach Luke Richardson. The Blackhawks play their home games at the United Center.

      Blackhawks Odds

      A recommended resource to help you bet on hockey:

      WNBA logo WNBA

      Chicago Sky logo Chicago Sky 

      The Chicago Sky finished last season with a 18-22 record and were ultimately eliminated from the First Round of the WNBA Playoffs by the Las Vegas Aces. With their new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon and Angel Reese, the future is bright in Chicago. The Sky play their home games at the Wintrust Arena.

      WNBA Odds

      MLS logo MLS

      Chicago Fire logo Chicago Fire FC 

      The Chicago Fire FC finished last season with a 10-10-14 record and are coached by new coach Frank Klopas. Chicago Fire FC plays their game at the SeatGeek Stadium.

      Soccer Odds

      Here's a recommended resource to help you bet on soccer in Illinois:

      NWSL logo NWSL

      Chicago Red Stars logo Chicago Red Stars

      The Chicago Red Stars finished 12th in the NWSL with a 7-3-12 record and fourth in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Red Stars are coached by Lorne Donaldson and play their home games at SeatGeek Stadium.

      College Sports Teams

      Both Illinois and Northwestern have proud sports traditions and longstanding rivalries inside and outside the state. We expect big bets to be placed on these college games in the future.

      NCAA football icon logoCollege Football Betting

      Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football

      The Notre Dame Fighting Irish may play across the border in Indiana, but the campus is very close to Chicago and there are many, many Irish fans in Illinois. finished with a 10-3 record and as Sun Bowl champions under head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish play their home games at the Notre Dame Stadium.

      Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds 

      Illinois Fighting Illini Football

      The Illinois Fighting Illini finished last season with a 5-7 record under head coach Bret Bielema. The Illini play their home games at the Memorial Stadium.

      Illinois Fighting Illini Odds

      Northwestern Wildcats Football

      The Northwestern Wildcats finished with an 8-5 record and Las Vegas Bowl win with head coach David Braun. The Cats play their home games at Ryan Field.

      Northwestern Wildcats Odds

      Northern Illinois Huskies Football

      The 7-6 Northern Illinois Huskies finished last season with a Camellia Bowl win against Arkansas State under head coach Thomas Hammock. The Huskies play their home games at Huskie Stadium.

      Northern Illinois Huskies Odds 

      Recommended resource to help you bet on college football in Illinois:

      NCAA Basketball logoCollege Basketball Betting

      Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball

      The Notre Dame Fighting Irish missed an NCAA Tournament appearance after finishing with a 13-20 record last season. Notre Dame is coached by Micah Shrewsberry and play their home games at the Purcell Pavilion.

      Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds

      Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women's Basketball

      The Notre Dame Fighting Irish dominated last season, finishing with a 28-7 record before being eliminated by Oregon State in the third round of the NCAA Tournament. The Fighting Irish are coached by Niele Ivey and play their home games at the Purcell Pavilion.

      Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball

      The Illinois Fighting Illini made a great run last season after finishing 29-9 before being eliminated by UConn in the fourth round of the NCAA Tournament. Brad Underwood coaches the Illini and the team plays their home games at the State Farm Center.

      Illinois Fighting Illini Odds 

      DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball

      The DePaul Blue Demons underperformed and finished with a 3-29 record last season. Let's see if new head coach Chris Holtmann can turn the program around this upcoming season. The Blue Demons play their home games at the Wintrust Arena.

      DePaul Blue Demons Odds

      Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball

      The Northwestern Wildcats and Chris Collins finished last season with a 22-12 record before being eliminated in the second round of March Madness by UConn. The Wildcats play their home games at the Welsh-Ryan Arena.

      Northwestern Wildcats Odds

      Loyola Chicago Ramblers Men's Basketball

      The 23-10 Loyola Chicago Ramblers had a great season before being eliminated by Bradley in the first round of the NIT Tournament. Drew Valentine is the team's coach and they play their home games at the  Joseph J. Gentile Arena.

      Loyola Ramblers Odds 

      We've got a few recommended resources to help you bet on CBB in Illinois:

      Recommended resources to help you bet on college basketball in Illinois:

      Other Sporting Events

      Illinois normally plays host to several other sporting events throughout the year, including:

      The John Deere Classic

      The John Deere Classic is an annual PGA event hosted in Silvis, Illinois at TPC Deere Run, a Midwest golf destination. The event is a final chance for a player not already exempt to earn entry into The Open (traditionally scheduled a week later in Britain) if he finishes in the top five out of the tournament. High stakes make the JDC of particular interest to golf enthusiasts and sports bettors alike.

      NASCAR Cup Series Races in Chicago and at World Wide Technology Raceway

      The 2023 Cup Series now includes NASCAR'S first-ever street race course in downtown Chicago. Additionally, the NASCAR Cup Series Event that took place last summer will be hosted annually at the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, just outside St. Louis. Check out our NASCAR page for more updates. 

      Local Sports Betting Casinos & Books

      DraftKings at Casino Queen

      Sportsbook: DraftKings. While you can currently sign up and bet fully online via DK's app, Casino Queen is DraftKings retail location option if you prefer in person action. DraftKings at Casino Queen is nestled along the Mississippi River just across from St. Louis. If you plan to stay awhile at the hotel: there's a sportsbar, a steakhouse, and famous views of the St. Louis Skyline. Other amenities include a pool, an on site gym, and a full-service RV Park.

      Harrah's Joliet

      Sportsbook: Joliet Sportsbook. On-site, there are five sports wagering terminals, 40+ HDTV’s for games watching, and five sports wagering kiosks. In addition to the sportsbook, the casino offers table games and a World Series of Poker Room. There are also three restaurants on the property — one for upscale dining, one casual, and one buffet.

      Harrah's Metropolis

      Sportsbook: Caesar's/Harrah's Metropolis. The sportsbook planned to follow the Vegas plan for sportsbook, offering a bar, comfortable stadium-like seating, and of course, plenty of TVs to catch all of the action. The casino includes about 36,000 square feet of gaming space, and it houses three different restaurants and a bar.

      Hollywood Casino Aurora

      Sportsbook: Penn National. Located on the Fox River in Aurora, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago. It is owned by Gaming & Leisure Properties and operated by Penn National Gaming. The sportsbook is located at Center Stage in the middle of all gaming and offers three sports wagering kiosks, four teller windows, and a number of TVs.

      Grand Victoria Casino

      Sportsbook: William Hill (pending). The sportsbook at the Grand Victoria Casino is located on the casino floor and is provided by William Hill. The property also features three restaurants: a deli, steakhouse, and buffet. There are also spaces to hold banquets and meetings, with specially-created menus.

      Hollywood Casino Joliet

      Sportsbook: Penn National. The sportsbook, located inside of the Inside 99 Hops House restaurant, possesses sports betting terminals and 14 sports betting kiosks on the casino floor and pavilion. In addition to the sports betting amenities, the casino holds three restaurants, including a steakhouse, deli, and buffet.

      Argosy Casino Alton

      Sportsbook: Penn National. The sportsbook at the Argosy Casino Alton features individual viewing stations to watch games and 36 TVs that are at least 65 inches. Located next to Hops House, the book aims to be a convenient place to catch the action while wagering. In addition to the Hops House sports bar, the casino also houses the Captain's Table Buffet.

      Rivers Casino Des Plaines

      Sportsbook: BetRivers / Rush Street Gaming. Rivers Casino Des Plaines features the state's BetRivers Sportsbook, which became the first live online book in Illinois in June. The casino also opened the first in-person sportsbook in March, just days before casinos were forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The sportsbook has an LED HD video wall with monitors lining the rest of the room. At the 26-seat bar, tabletop video poker is installed to entertain during breaks. The casino also includes six dining options.

      Par-A-Dice-Casino

      Sportsbook: Boyd Gaming in partnership with FanDuel. Par-A-Dice Casino recently launched Illinois' lone FanDuel sportsbook, which allows in-person and online betting to take place. In addition to the new brick-and-mortar book in East Peoria, the casino offers a number of different dining options, including a steakhouse, bar and grill, buffet, and deli.

      Jumer's Casino & Hotel

      Sportsbook: TBD. Right on the Iowa border, Jumer's Casino & Hotel offers more than 42,000 square feet of gaming complete with over 870 slots and 25 table games. It also has the Lucky North Players Club in which customers can earn play points and promotions. In addition to the hotel and four dining options available, Jumer's also features a nightclub and live entertainment.

      Hard Rock Casino Rockford

      Sportsbook: TBD. This casino is operating temporarily while the permanent casino is being built near I-90. This 37,000 square foot casino is expecting to operate for 2 years, and is the host to 625 slot machines. This casino also has two dining options available, an upscale option and a casual option. A pop-up retail shop is also available for all of your Hard Rock merchandising needs!

      Illinois stadium
      Steve Petrella

      Steve Petrella runs the Action Network’s written content team, which specializes in industry news, betting advice on specific games and slates, betting education and more. He got his start betting about 10 years ago, and got his first job in the sports betting media industry since 2015. Prior to joining Action in 2018, he worked for Sporting News, MLB.com and Cox Media Group.

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      Illinois Sports Betting FAQ
      Commonly asked questions about sports betting in The Prairie State.
      Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?

      Yes, online sports betting is legal in Illinois. 

      Is Bovada legal In Illinois?

      Bovada is an illegal offshore sportsbook that operates without jurisdiction by any governing body. It’s not legal in Illinois and won’t be necessary to use soon with legal operators coming online.

      Where can I make a sports bet in Illinois?
      For now, anywhere inside state borders will do if you use the app or bet online. You can also bet at one of the state's 10 casinos or at seven select sporting venues.
      Can I bet on my favorite college teams that are located in Illinois, such as the Illinois Fighting Illini or Northwestern Wildcats?

      No, you can not place wagers on any college teams that are located in Illinois while you are betting within Illinois state lines.

      Who can apply for a Illinois sports betting license?

      The licensing rules are complicated. Online-only operators pay a $20 million fee and can only enter the market after 18 months. Any company that owns a land-based casino can begin offering online sports betting right away and must pay up to a $10 million license.

      Can I bet online in Chicago?

      Yes, you are able to place sports bets online in Chicago and the entire state of Illinois as of June 2020. Statewide in-person registration requirement ended on March 5 two years ago.

      Do I have to be within Illinois state lines to place a bet?

      Yes. Because sports betting is legalized and regulated at the state-wide level, each state implements geo-tracking technology to restrict bets just to bettors within state lines. That’s true for Illinois sportsbooks as well. But you don’t have to be an Illinois resident to bet. That means if you’re from California but in Chicago for a business trip, you can download a betting app, sign up, and bet while you’re in the state. You can withdraw from anywhere.

      Can I bet on my favorite college players that play for college located in Illinois?

      No, if you are placing bets while located in Illinois you can not wager on players that play for a college located in Illinois.

      Claim Promo Code Offers from IL Sportsbooks

      Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Illinois: 


      ESPN BET Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code

      If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or by texting ILGAMB to 53342. 

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