Illinois Sports Betting
IL Online Sportsbooks & Promo Codes
Illinois sports betting is live, and the convenience of fully online registration is here. There are seven legal sportsbooks available with more on the way: BetMGM, Caesars, PointsBet, BetRivers, FanDuel, DraftKings and Barstool. 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.
Illinois Sports Betting Key Takeaways
| ⚖️ Is online sports betting legal in Illinois? |
Yes, and if you're a first-time user, you can finally register from your phone or computer. |
| 💸 What are the requirements to bet online in IL? | You must be 21+ years of age and physically in the state (verifiable by your mobile device's geolocation tech or a downloadable desktop plugin) to place wagers from your phone. |
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📒 What mobile sportsbooks are available in IL? |
BetMGM, Caesars, Barstool, PointsBet, BetRivers, FanDuel and DraftKings |
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🏈 What sports can you bet on in Illinois? |
You can bet on all major sports (relative to other legal U.S. markets), but you can't place mobile bets on college games involving IL schools. All bets on in-state schools must be done in person. Also, betting on in-state school player props is not allowed. |
In addition to legal sports betting, Illinois sports bettors can play PrizePicks, a DFS provider that is currently available in 30 states and Washington D.C. Bettors simply select their favorite players like Justin Fields or DeMar DeRozan, choose an over/under player prop, and they're entered in to win cash prizes.
How to Sign up for PrizePicks in Illinois
- Step 1. Sign up using our PrizePicks promo code.
- Step 2. In the app (or on your desktop), select the “Deposit” button in the top right corner of the page.
- Step 3. Select the amount of money that you want to deposit and the funding source (PayPal, credit, etc).
- Step 4. Submit deposit. Once the deposit is submitted and credited to your account, you’ll automatically be given the promotional value matching your initial deposit (up to $100).
Where to Play: Legal Online Sportsbooks in Illinois
Top Illinois Sportsbooks
Caesars Illinois
Caesars launched in Illinois last March, when online registration officially began in the state.
Caesars Sportsbook Promo
Get up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Loses!
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 Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options Caesars Sportsbook vs Other Sportsbooks
BetMGM Illinois
BetMGM is one of the newest additions to the state's sports betting market. New users can claim BetMGM's welcome offer by using the exclusive promo code AN1500!
BetMGM Bonus
First Bet Offer: Get up to $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets If You Don't Win!
BetMGM Bonus Code
AN1500
Action Network Score
9.8/10. See our BetMGM Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about BetMGM and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks
FanDuel Illinois
FanDuel has been live in IL since August 2020. FanDuel has a seamless sign-up offer and a hard-to-beat promo.
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Promo Period: 9/19 – 10/2 @ 11:59 PM EST
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 about FanDuel and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks
BetRivers Illinois
BetRivers is a strong sportsbook with impressive sign-up offers and key features like odds boosts and reward points. Get your 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 when you sign up for the first time. The BetRivers Sportsbook features great perks like odds boosts and in-game cash-outs of existing bets.
BetRivers Promo
BetRivers Promo Code
ACTION
Action Network Score
9.1/10. See our BetRivers Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about BetRivers and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options BetRivers vs Other Sportsbooks
PointsBet Illinois
PointsBet has some of the best sign-up offers, as well as creative options to keep bettors engaged. As one of our top-rated sportsbooks, PointsBet offers exciting promos year-round while their exclusive "Points Betting" bet type continues to set them apart from other books.
PointsBet Promo
Get Up to $1000 in Bonus Bets, Starting With $100 on Any Market!
PointsBet Promo Code
No promo code required
Action Network Score
9.3/10. See our PointsBet Illinois Promo Code and review for more in-depth information about PointsBet and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options PointsBet vs Other Sportsbooks
PrizePicks Illinois
PrizePicks Promo
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 Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options PrizePicks vs Other Sportsbooks
How to Place a Sports Bet 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, PointsBet 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. Some of the most common deposit options include:
- ACH/eCheck
- Cash
- Debit or credit card
- Online banking
- PayNearMe
- PayPal
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 Regulations
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.
Available Sports Markets
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
Illinois Sports Betting Tips
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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.
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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.
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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.
How Illinois Sports Betting Compares: The Sports Betting Report Card
We graded Illinois on its sports betting bill and experience relative to other states. For another opinion, check out Bleacher Nation's top Illinois sportsbooks.
For starters, it took quite a while for online registration to become live in the state.
In the short term, however, their sports betting market wasn't poised to be the most bettor- or operator-friendly. There were time delays and legal complications that made it hard for larger national books and platforms to enter the market.
The Prairie State's original plan required in-person sign-ups, which made sports betting adoption less inclusive. However, having to jump through these hoops will soon be a thing of the past. The recent passing of HB 3136 has brought an end to on-site mobile sign ups, creating more flexibility for those wishing to bet on sports in IL.
Mobile Betting Options
Overall, IL created an environment with a somewhat high barrier for entry for operators (unlike New Jersey and Colorado). That will make things tougher for consumers since they’ll have fewer betting options.
Sign Up & Deposits
In-person registrations are bad for consumers (who can’t easily shop for the best prices) and for operators (because it will be more difficult to sign up new customers). Casinos are not centrally-located either, outside of a cluster in the Chicagoland area. While this has been an issue in recent years, in-person registration for sports betting expired last March.
Fair Pricing
The odds offered by IL sportsbooks have been comparable to other big states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Colorado. The states/areas that require books to offer completely uncompetitive pricing are those like Washington D.C., which are run by the lottery as opposed to a casino gaming commission. Gambling is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board, and the bill allows for good consumer pricing.
Offerings
A few months ago, lawmakers lifted the ban on wagering on in-state college teams through HB 3136. The one caveat, however, is that placing wagers on college teams can only be done at retail locations within state lines. As one of the premier college sports states, IL has just three D1 football teams (Illini, Wildcats, Huskies) and 13 D1 basketball teams.
This recent amendment and relaunch of online registration before March Madness is sure to bring in a massive amount of tax revenue. Another key fact to note is that operators are required to purchase “official league data,” which could cost sportsbooks even more that they’ll then be required to pass onto consumers.
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 (although some might call it corruption). Major IL players like BetRivers, which owns casinos in the state, advocated keeping heavyweight national books like DraftKings and FanDuel out of the local sports betting market for as long as possible.
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. William Hill and PointsBet, which entered a 20-year partnership with Hawthorne Race Course, are also available in IL now. Barstool Sportsbook currently has a presence due to the Penn properties Hollywood Casino, Aurora, Hollywood Casino, and Joliet being located within the state.
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 on last year on March 5, 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 |
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March 2022 |
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| December 2021 |
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| October 2021 |
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| September 2020 |
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| August 2020 |
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| June 2020 |
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| March 2020 |
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| December 2019 |
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| June 2019 |
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| March 2019 |
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| February 2019 |
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| August 2018 |
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Online registration for sports wagering officially launches.Illinois Mobile Sports and Retail Handles January-July 2022
Mobile Sports Wagering Handle (Jan-May 2022) |
Retail Handle |
| $4,112,012,139.89 | $773,163,047.37 |
Illinois Sports Teams & Sportsbook Partnerships
Latest Sports News in Illinois:
- The Chicago Bears suffered a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in yesterday's game, with a final score of 10-41. (9/25)
- The Chicago Cubs emerged victorious in a three-game series against the Rockies in MLB, securing the wins with scores of 0-6, 3-6, and 3-4. (9/25)
- The Chicago White Sox completed a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox with the following scores: 2-3, 1-0, and 3-2. (9/25)
- Chicago Fire FC played to a 2-2 draw against New England in Saturday's game. (9/25)
What to Keep an Eye on:
- The Chicago Bears are scheduled to take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday at 1 PM ET. (9/25)
- The Chicago Cubs are scheduled to play a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves from Tuesday to Thursday, and they will face the Milwaukee Brewers from Friday to Sunday. (9/25)
- The Chicago White Sox will be facing the Arizona Diamondbacks in a three-game series from Tuesday to Thursday, followed by a series against the San Diego Padres from Friday to Sunday. (9/25)
- The Chicago Blackhawks are scheduled to play against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET in the NHL Preseason, and they will also face the Minnesota Wild on Saturday at 7 PM ET. (9/25)
Pro Sports Teams in IL
All professional sports teams are based in and around Chicago. While a pro team in the state is not a requirement to have a betting market for a sport, it certainly helps momentum.
![NFL logo]()
NFL
![Chicago Bears logo]()
Chicago Bears and BetRivers
Chicago Bears and BetRiversThe Bears in June 2021 announced a partnership with Rush Street Interactive, Inc., the company that owns BetRivers. The Monsters of the Midway are a founding member of the NFL, one of two remaining franchises founded in 1920. The Bears play their home games at the historic Soldier Field in Near South Side, Chicago.
NFL Game Odds: Denver Broncos vs. Chicago Bears
Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming NFL game: Updated October 01, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change
|
Team |
Spread |
Moneyline |
Total |
|
(-3.5) -110 |
-165 |
Over 45.5 (-115) |
|
|
(+3.5) -110 |
+140 |
Under 45.5 (-105) |
A recommended resource list to help you make informed bets on football in Illinois:
- How to Bet on Football Guide
- Check our Expert NFL Picks
- Keep an eye on betting activity and bet/money distribution with our NFL Public Betting data
![NBA logo]()
NBA
![Chicago Bulls logo]()
Chicago Bulls and FanDuel
Chicago Bulls and FanDuelThe Bulls and FanDuel announced a new partnership in last January. With a legacy talent like Michael Jordan, it's no surprise that Chicago has been called the "basketball capital of the word." The Bulls won six NBA championships in the 90s with Jordan and Scottie Pippen, who were celebrated in ESPN's award-winning 2020 documentary "The Last Dance."
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Illinois:
![MLB Logo]()
MLB
![Chicago Cubs logo]()
Chicago Cubs and DraftKings
Chicago Cubs and DraftKingsThe Cubs and DraftKings are partnered up for a multi-year agreement. The Cubs have played in the National League since 1876. The Boys in Blue won back-to-back World Series in 1907 and 1908 but then went a full 108 years as the Lovable Losers before winning it all in 2016. That was their first World Series appearance since 1945.
![Chicago White Sox logo]()
Chicago White Sox and PointsBet
The White Sox and PointsBet have been in a partnership since 2020. The White Sox are one of the American League's charter franchises and have been playing ball since 1901. The Sox played at Comiskey Park for nearly a century but now play at Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side.
MLB Game Odds: New York Yankees vs. Chicago White Sox
Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming MLB game: Updated October 01, 2023 - Odds Provided by BetMGM - Subject to Change
|
Team |
Spread |
Moneyline |
Total |
|
(-1.5) +100 |
-165 |
Over 7.5 (-115) |
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(+1.5) -120 |
+140 |
Under 7.5 (-105) |
Recommended resource to help you make informed bets on baseball in Illinois:
![NHL logo]()
NHL
NHL![Chicago Blackhawks logo]()
Chicago Blackhawks and PointsBet
Chicago Blackhawks and PointsBetPointsBet is also the official sports betting partner of the Blackhawks. The Blackhawks are one of the "Original Six" teams in the NHL, competing on the ice since 1926. The team plays its home games at the United Center on the Near West Side of Chicago, an arena they share with the Bulls basketball team.
A recommended resource to help you bet on hockey:
![WNBA logo]()
WNBA
WNBA![Chicago Sky logo]()
Chicago Sky - No Sportsbook Partner
Chicago Sky - No Sportsbook PartnerChicago's second basketball team plays on the women's side. The Chicago Sky were founded in 2006 and have played in the Eastern Conference ever since. The Sky have played in five playoffs and reached the WNBA Finals in 2014. They play their home games at the new Wintrust Arena in the Near South Side of Chicago.
![MLS logo]()
MLS
![Chicago Fire logo]()
Chicago Fire FC - No Sportsbook Partner
Chicago Fire FC - No Sportsbook PartnerThe Fire were one of the first expansion teams in the MLS in 1998, and they won the MLS Cup and the U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural season. The Fire play their home games at Soldier Field, home of the Bears, on the Near South Side.
Here's a recommended resource to help you bet on soccer in Illinois:
![NWSL logo]()
NWSL
![Chicago Red Stars logo]()
Chicago Red Stars - No Sportsbook Partner
Chicago Red Stars - No Sportsbook PartnerThe Red Stars were founded in 2009 and have bounced around various women's professional soccer leagues as they've come and gone, competing in the National Women's Soccer League since 2013. The Red Stars are named after the four iconic six-pointed red stars that adorn the city's beloved flag. The Red Stars are the only NWSL team to have made the playoffs in five consecutive years.
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.
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College Football Betting
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football
Even though Notre Dame is technically in Indiana, folks in Chicagoland think of the Fighting Irish as the local team. From the iconic golden-dome helmets to the larger-than-life Touchdown Jesus mural overlooking Notre Dame Stadium, the university is steeped in rich tradition and football history. Players slap the "Play Like a Champion Today" sign as they exit the locker room and head out onto the field where "Rudy" made his name in the eponymous movie.
Illinois Fighting Illini Football
Football hasn't been its finest program in recent years, but the university has a long, proud pigskin tradition. Illinois claims five national championships and 15 Big Ten titles. Few universities can match Illinois's pair of incredible Hall-of-Fame football players in alumni Red Grange and Dick Butkus.
Northwestern Wildcats Football
Northwestern has finally escaped a long period of futility that extended from the 70s into the mid-90s, but the university had reached No. 1 in the polls in 1936 and 1962. Under head coach Pat Fitzgerald, the Wildcats have improved mightily. Northwestern plays its home games at Ryan Field in Evanston.
Northern Illinois Huskies Football
Northern Illinois plays in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). The Huskies have won their conference 11 times and claim one national championship in 1963. NIU plays its games at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.
Recommended resource to help you bet on college football in Illinois:
![NCAA Basketball logo]()
College Basketball Betting
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball
Notre Dame is the local "home" team to many in Chicagoland, even though the Irish play their home games in the Purcell Pavilion at the Edmund P. Joyce Center in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame plays in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in basketball. The Fighting Irish have been led by coach Mike Brey every year this century.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Women's Basketball
Notre Dame's women's basketball team has recently risen to national prominence at the highest level. The Irish have made nine Final Fours, including seven over the past decade, and won national championships in 2001 and 2018.
Illinois Fighting Illini Men's Basketball
Illinois has risen to prominence as a basketball school in the Big Ten in recent years, and the Illini were one of the top teams in the nation during the 2020-21 season with Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn leading the way. Illinois plays its home games at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
DePaul Blue Demons Men's Basketball
DePaul basketball plays in the newly opened Wintrust Arena in Chicago's Near South Side. The Blue Demons compete in the Big East Conference. They reached their peak in the 1970s and 80s including a Final Four in 1979, one of two such appearances.
Northwestern Wildcats Men's Basketball
Based out of Evanston, the Northwestern Wildcats are often regarded to as, “Chicago’s Big Ten Team." Northwestern is the second piece of representation Illinois has in the Big Ten, even though their history is not as decorated as the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Loyola Chicago Ramblers Men's Basketball
The Loyola Chicago Ramblers are a basketball team that play in the Missouri Valley Conference. Sister Jean and the Loyola Chicago Ramblers have made news in recent years at the NCAA Tournament.
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
During non-COVID-19 times, 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.
Possible 'Chicago Bowl' (College Football)
The Chicago Bowl is a proposed (aka yet to ever happen) NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision college football bowl game to be played in Chicago at Wrigley Field. Negotiations for the bowl game had been tabled for now until an agreement can be reached with the Big Ten Conference on a higher ranking team's entrance into the bowl.
NASCAR Cup Series Race at World Wide Technology Raceway
The 2023 Cup Series will include NASCAR'S first-ever street race course in 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. Check out our NASCAR page for more updates.
More Reading on Illinois
Sports Wagering Act (SB3432)
To dive into the specifics of Illinois' Sports Wagering Act (SB3432), you can reference materials from the Illinois State Assembly directly
Public Commentary on Illinois Sports Betting Bills
Illinois’ public had a powerful and impassioned response to the state’s sports betting bill on both sides. You can read public comments here.
ProPublica Illinois and WBEZ Chicago Insights
Read a thorough overview of the evolution of the broader gambling market in Illinois to date in Chicago: Illinois Is Poised to Become the Gambling Capital of the Midwest.
Local News Coverage
For more on Illinois-focused sports coverage to supplement The Action Network, you can check out The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago Sun-Times, and The Daily Herald.
Gambling Support & Resources
Illinoisians have expressed concerns about sports betting. Todd Hefferman, who covers SIU Athletics for The Southern Illinoisan, explores some of the “social costs” he fears sports betting will bring to the state. He recommends a firm investment in education and prevention plans.
Illinois is serious about bettor protection and behavioral support, including the following resources: The Illinois Gaming Board supports a self-exclusion program via the Problem Gambler Registry. The Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) is the statewide resource in Illinois for awareness and education related to problematic issues. Finally, the Illinois Alliance on Problem Gambling (IAPG) is an organization that aims to raise awareness, coordinate resources and prevent underage gambling.
Still have questions on Illinois sports betting? Here is a fantastic deeper dive into common sports betting questions in the state of Chicago. The piece is from Joe Barnas, a fully-community-invested writer at the Illinois Policy Institute and the University of Illinois at Chicago Grad.
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 / Barstool. 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 / Barstool. 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 / Barstool. 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!
Yes, online sports betting is 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.
Anyone inside the state borders can bet.
No, you can not place wagers on any college teams that are located in Illinois while you are betting within Illinois state lines.
The licensing rules are complicated. Online-only operators will 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.
Yes, you are able to place sports bets online in Chicago and the entire state of Illinois as of June 2020. Now that the statewide in-person registration requirement ended on March 5, 2022, bettors can sign up online moving forward.
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.
No, if you are placing bets while located in Illinois you can not wager on players that play for a college located in Illinois.
Yes and no. You currently have to visit a brick-and-mortar casino to sign up for mobile sports betting apps. However, new legislation has passed that allows new users to register completely online as of March 5, 2022.
Yes! House Bill 3136 was passed in October 2021. This bill eliminates the need for first time bettors to sign up at brick-and-mortar casinos. The bill took effect on March 5, 2022. Illinois mobile bettors are now able to fully register and bet online.
Claim Promo Code Offers from IL Sportsbooks
Learn more about the available sportsbooks and promo codes in Illinois:
PointsBet Promo Code | DraftKings Promo Code | FanDuel Promo Code | BetRivers Promo Code | Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code | Barstool Sportsbook Promo Code | Fanatics 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.
- Must be 21 years or older
- Learn about Illinois' Self-Exclusion Program