The best Illinois sportsbooks are DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM. These platforms offer competitive odds, diverse betting options, and user-friendly interfaces for IL bettors.
Find legal Illinois betting sites, expertly reviewed by our in-house sports bettors.
After rigorously testing the best Illinois sportsbooks available to US residents, we ranked them based on key features.
Read our comparison and reviews to find the best site that suits your needs…
Sporting Post is an independent comparison site for gambling platforms, helping readers find safe and legitimate options. We may earn a commission from some affiliate links, but this does not influence our rigorous and unbiased testing, ensuring honest recommendations and accurate information.
Best Illinois sportsbooks of 2024 compared
RANKING | IL BETTING SITE | Welcome offer | TOP FEATURE | NO. OF SPORTS | PAYOUT SPEED | SPORTING POST RATING |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DraftKings | Best sportsbook for beginners | 25+ | 1-5 days | 5/5 | |
2 | Caesars Sportsbook | Best for sports selection | 20+ | 1-3 days | 5/5 | |
3 | BetMGM | Best for mobile betting | 20+ | 1-3 days | 5/5 | |
4 | FanDuel | Best for promos and bonuses | 20+ | 1-5 days | 4/5 | |
5 | Fanatics Sportsbook | Best for rewards program | 20+ | 1-5 days | 4/5 |
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Illinois online sportsbooks reviewed
When it comes to online sports betting in Illinois, there are plenty of options available for bettors.
Here, we will review the top sportsbooks in the state, covering aspects like promotions, mobile apps, and betting markets.
1. DraftKings - Best Illinois sports betting site for beginners
DraftKings overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo offer | Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VI, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 25+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $5 |
Year founded | 2012 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, VIP preferred check, eChecks, Venmo, Online banking, Wire transfer |
Summary
We would recommend DraftKings as the best sportsbook for beginners.
This highly praised sportsbook is a pioneer within the sports betting industry and offers customers a whole range of user-focused features, making it a great beginner sportsbook.
For users, a top-notch mobile app, seamless interface, fast withdrawals, and great competitive odds means customers can expect to feel right at the center of their service.
Moreover, a Dynasty VIP Club showers members with multiple perks and bonuses, which, for us, really sets it apart from its competitors by offering that exclusivity to customers.
By continuously placing user experience at the core of their work, DraftKings remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering superior and authentic betting experiences to those enjoying its features, especially for gambling novices.
To learn more, read our extensive expert review of DraftKings.
I turned to DraftKings for their NFL betting and was impressed by the instant payouts—much faster than any other platform I’ve used. The integration with my bank account was seamless, making the process hassle-free.
DraftKings excels with its fast withdrawals and extensive betting markets. Their odds boosts and loyalty rewards are some of the best in the industry, offering real value for regular users.
While they could improve the speed of applying promotions, DraftKings’ overall reliability and strong customer service make it a top choice for serious bettors.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 5/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
DraftKings pros and cons
We always put ourselves in the user's shoes and test every top sportsbook, so here are the benefits and drawbacks we experienced when using DraftKings...
- Exclusive VIP program that really rewards loyal customers
- Speedy banking methods that will not keep you waiting
- Competitive odds to offer its users
- The sportsbook does ask for high wagering requirements, which can be off-putting to those looking to bet smaller amounts
- Customer support can be slow at times when we tried to get in touch during testing but we did have access to a representative eventually
2. Caesars Sportsbook - Best Illinois sportsbook for sports selection
Caesars Sportsbook overview
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo offer | $1000 First Bet with Caesars |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC) |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, live 24/7 chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 1966 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, NETELLER, PayPal, ACH Transfer, Discover, AMEX, PayNearMe, Skrill |
Summary
We would recommend Caesars as the best sportsbook for sports selection.
Caesars Sportsbook is a very popular sportsbook and boasts more than 65 million members in the US, a reflection of its focus on the user experience.
When using Caesars Sportsbook, customers can expect to have access to a range of sports, encompassing popular leagues like MLB, NFL, and NBA, as well as more niche sports like table tennis.
Moreover, we found that Caesars undoubtedly provides the most comprehensive coverage with numerous betting options for each sport.
Adding to this, Caesars offers live NFL streaming, helping you stay informed when placing bets on those big matches.
With its great focus on sports selection and betting coverage, Caesars is pushing other sportsbooks to follow in its track by not only allowing unrivaled access to sports but also giving users the freedom to choose how they want to bet.
Learn more through our detailed Caesars Sportsbook review.
As someone who has tested numerous betting platforms, I was intrigued by Caesars Sportsbook’s sign-up bonus—matching my deposit immediately was a strong start. However, I quickly noticed that losing parlays lingered in the active bets section far too long, which cluttered the interface and made managing my bets less efficient.
Caesars stands out in the competitive sportsbook market with its top-tier promotions and odds boosts, which are consistently among the most attractive I've encountered. These perks provide real value and make the platform worth considering, especially for serious bettors.
While Caesars excels in promotions, the app’s interface and functionality lag behind some of its competitors. Issues like the delayed removal of settled bets and occasional technical glitches can hinder the betting experience.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
Caesars Sportsbook pros and cons
To provide the best recommendations, we put ourselves in the user's position by rigorously testing each top sportsbook.
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of using Caesars Sportsbook...
- Caesars has a great selection of sports to bet on, including very popular sports like baseball and football but also sports like table tennis, giving you a great range of options
- NFL live streaming, which we found alongside the great selection to be an excellent feature for the user
- A swift payout service. There were no issues with payouts and everything was very smooth
- Customer service could have been better and more responsive. Long waits when making a query which led to some frustration
- Mobile betting is not as good as other top sportsbooks. The layout and click response were a little clunky
3. BetMGM - Best IL sportsbook for mobile betting
BetMGM overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo offer | $1500 Back In Bonus Bets |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, DC, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: support.[state intials]@betmgm.com |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2018 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe |
Summary
From our research, we would recommend BetMGM as the best sportsbook for mobile betting.
BetMGM is held in high esteem within the gambling industry for its great features, like customer service.
However, they are unrivaled when it comes to their mobile betting services.
Users can interact with their high mobile functionality, user-friendly interface, and easy navigation structure, making them a leader in the field currently.
Moreover, we were able to customize our betting experience, suiting our needs and making the betting experience a lot more comfortable.
With BetMGM considering this as an important feature for its customers, we feel confident recommending this sportsbook to our readers.
Learn more about the sportsbook with our BetMGM review, written and updated by our expert team.
I signed up for BetMGM, attracted by their generous deposit bonus which matched my $500 deposit with another $500. I was initially cautious after reading some negative reviews, but my experience turned out to be smooth.
BetMGM’s daily odds boosts add significant value, making them a strong contender despite their standard sports odds. Their casino games are particularly robust, offering a great variety for those who like to mix up their betting.
The app is user-friendly and reliable, with quick deposit and withdrawal processes. However, the absence of horse racing is a minor drawback.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 3/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
BetMGM pros and cons
Our team ensures we understand the user completely by testing every sportsbook ourselves.
When it comes to BetMGM, here are the pros and cons of using the platform...
- The mobile betting experience is excellent, allowing for personalization and easy navigation
- Customer service was superb in our opinion and we had no issues getting in contact to solve any issues we had
- Whilst most withdrawals were not a problem, some did take a bit of time coming back into the bank account
4. FanDuel - Best for promos and bonuses
FanDuel overview
App store rating | 4.9 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2009 |
Casino | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe, online banking, Venmo, Wire Transfer, PayNearMe |
Summary
We would recommend FanDuel as the best sportsbook for promos and bonuses.
When testing this sportsbook, we were blown away by the selection of promos and bonuses on offer to customers.
Users can benefit from ‘bet-and-get’ offers, daily parlay boosts, and a variety of free-to-play contests.
Moreover, FanDuel always tailors their bonuses to different states, meaning users get access to personalized deals - an excellent feature of this sportsbook in our opinion.
For users, it does not matter if you are a newcomer or an existing FanDuel user, you will be rewarded regardless with either sign-up bonuses or loyalty promos, helping to keep users engaged.
FanDuel stands out for its generous and frequent promotions.
Users can benefit from daily parlay boosts, bet-and-get offers, and a variety of free-to-play contests.
FanDuel’s bonuses are tailored to different states, ensuring that users receive personalized deals.
Plus, they also offer great sets of odds, rivaling other competitors out there.
To learn more, read our extensive FanDuel review.
I was immediately impressed by FanDuel’s odds, especially when I placed a 6-leg NFL parlay. The difference in potential payout compared to other platforms was staggering—FanDuel offered nearly five times the return, which confirmed its value for maximizing profits.
FanDuel’s higher payouts on parlays and the flexibility in adjusting spreads make it an essential tool for serious bettors. Their early cash-out feature is particularly useful for managing risk, allowing more strategic control over wagers.
Despite its strengths in odds and market variety, FanDuel could enhance its offering by improving customer loyalty promotions and streamlining the app’s interface. However, the platform’s fast withdrawals and consistent market fairness position it as a top contender in the betting industry.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 3/5 |
FanDuel pros and cons
We prioritize the user by thoroughly testing each leading sportsbook.
From a customer-led point of view, these are the positives and negatives of FanDuel...
- A vast and competitive selection of bonus and promo offers that reward both new customers and loyal customers
- Along with the bonuses and promos, FanDuel also offered excellent odds pricing
- State-specific promos offer customers a great selection of opportunities for betting
- Withdrawals were slow, we found, and often took longer than other top sportsbooks
- FanDuel lacks a loyalty program that so many other sportsbooks offer to their customers
5. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best for rewards program
Fanatics overview
Year founded | 2023 |
Banking options | PayPal, Online Bank Transfer, Apple Pay |
Languages | English |
License | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, Michigan Gaming Control Board, Virginia Lottery, West Virginia Lottery |
Sports Available | Motor Sports, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Tennis, + 6 others |
Bonuses | Up to $1000 in bonus bets |
Mobile app | Android & iOS |
Restricted states | 39 |
Allowed states | AZ, CO, CT, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV |
Summary
Fanatics Sportsbook is a newer player in online sports betting, but it has quickly made a name for itself.
Known for its strong FanCash rewards program, Fanatics allows users to earn rewards with every bet, which can be redeemed for bonus bets or sports merchandise.
The mobile app offers a smooth and user-friendly experience, with live betting, early cash out, and live streaming of select events.
The welcome bonus is substantial, offering up to $1,000 in bonus bets over 10 days.
Fanatics is available in several states and has potential to become one of the top sportsbooks in the U.S.
To learn more, read our detailed expert review of Fanatics.
I was intrigued by their generous refer-a-friend bonus—$50 each, plus 500 free spins just for signing up. I decided to dive in during an NFL weekend and found the variety of props and live betting options impressive. I did encounter a minor glitch while setting up a parlay, but it didn’t affect my overall experience.
Fanatics Sportsbook has quickly become one of my favorites, especially because of their tailored daily bonuses. The $10 daily bonus to play on any game is a standout feature, far surpassing what other platforms offer. The quick and hassle-free withdrawals further cemented my confidence in this site.
While the platform offers a great range of sports and props, there are occasional interface glitches when creating parlays. However, their customer support is responsive and resolves issues swiftly.
Feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 5/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 5/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
Fanatics pros and cons
We always adopt the viewpoint of the user and meticulously test sportsbooks ourselves.
Based on our experience with Fanatics, these are the benefits and drawbacks we encountered...
- Generous FanCash rewards program
- Live betting and streaming available
- Quick transaction processing
- No phone support for customer service
How we rate & rank Illinois betting sites
Our goal is to provide you with objective, unbiased reviews of Illinois sports betting sites, making it easy to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
We use a consistent set of nine criteria to evaluate each platform, ensuring that you can compare them effectively and easily:
Safety: We verify if the sportsbook holds an Illinois state license and review its operating history, ensuring your money is secure. We also highlight any specific safety features.
Mobile betting app: We evaluate the app's layout, functionality, user experience, unique features, and ease of placing bets.
Web betting site: We test the website's features, identify pros and cons, and assess customization options and the bet placement process.
Deposits & withdrawals: We review the range of payment methods, ease of transactions, associated fees, and processing times for deposits and withdrawals.
Markets: We examine the variety of sports available for betting and compare the quality and breadth of markets across US betting sites.
Pre-match betting: We assess the user-friendliness and versatility of pre-match betting features.
In-play betting: We evaluate the live betting experience, including the quality of live markets and usability.
Welcome incentive: We detail current sign-up bonuses and compare them to those offered by other betting sites.
Customer service: We test the quality of customer service, including live chat response times and support effectiveness.
We download and use every betting site ourselves, using our own money to test the quality, to make sure the site is good enough for our readers to use.
Scoring & overall rating
Each criterion is scored on a points system, which is then converted into a star rating.
We average these scores to provide an overall rating for each legal sportsbook, making it easier for you to decide which one best meets your needs.
With our thorough and clear reviews, you can trust that you are getting an honest assessment, free from personal bias.
You can view our dedicated page for more information on how we test and review sportsbooks.
Additionally, you can view all of our sportsbook reviews.
How do I choose a sportsbook in Illinois?
Legality: Ensure the sportsbook is licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB).
Reputation: Research reviews and choose established reliable sportsbooks.
User experience: Evaluate mobile app/website usability and available betting features.
Betting markets & odds: Look for a variety of sports, competitive odds, and special boosts.
Bonuses & promotions: Compare sign-up offers and ongoing sportsbook promotions; read the fine print.
Banking options: Check for diverse deposit/withdrawal methods and fast payout speeds.
Customer service: Opt for sportsbooks with 24/7 support and responsive customer service.
Responsible gambling: Choose platforms with limits, self-exclusion, and support resources.
Location-specific perks: Consider local promotions and in-person registration requirements.
Personal preferences: Select based on interface, special features, and overall ease of use.
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes, sports betting is legal in Illinois.
It was legalized on March 9, 2020, following the passage of a comprehensive gaming bill on Illinois sports betting law.
This law allows for both online and in-person betting options, providing a regulated environment for sports wagering within the state.
Key points:
Legalization date: March 9, 2020.
Types of betting: Illinois permits both online and retail (in-person) sports betting.
Licensed operators: The state licenses sportsbooks to ensure they comply with legal and regulatory standards. Popular sportsbooks include DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers.
Betting scope: Bettors can place wagers on most professional sports, including domestic and international events.
College sports restrictions: Initially, betting on in-state college teams was prohibited, but this restriction has been amended. Now, bettors can wager on Illinois college teams, but only in-person at retail sportsbooks. Additionally, betting on college sports is limited to spreads, totals, and moneylines, with prop bets on college teams and players still prohibited.
Regulation and licensing: The Illinois Gaming Board oversees the licensing process, with fees and tax rates varying based on the operator’s revenue. Sportsbooks are taxed on a tiered system, with rates ranging from 20% to 40% of adjusted gross revenue, depending on the amount.
Data use: Live wagers in Illinois must use official league data.
List of sportsbooks in Illinois
Below is a list of all Illinois sportsbooks currently active in November 2024.
Illinois sportsbook | Best for |
|---|---|
BetMGM | Best for original pricing and wide game line offerings |
Caesars Sportsbook | Best for signup promos and daily odds boosts |
FanDuel | Best for parlays and top-rated user experience |
DraftKings | Best for user experience and betting & DFS integration |
Best for market availability and versatile features | |
Fanatics Sportsbook | Best for rewards program and fast-growing platform |
Best for integration with ESPN personalities | |
Circa Sports | Best for high bet limits and handicapping contests |
Best land-based Illinois sportsbooks
Sportsbook | Casino/Location | Address | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
Circa Sports | The Temporary by American Place | 4011 Fountain Square Place, Waukegan | Best for exclusive pricing and future development |
Penn Sportsbook | Argosy Casino Alton | 1 Piasa St., Alton | Best for local betting experience |
Bally's Sportsbook | Bally’s Chicago | Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago | Best for central Chicago location |
DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook | DraftKings at Casino Queen | 200 Front St., East St Louis | Best for DraftKings integration |
DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook | DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field | 1012 W Addison St, Chicago | Best for sports venue betting experience |
Caesars Illinois Sportsbook | Grand Victoria Casino Elgin | 250 S. Grove Ave., Elgin | Best for Caesars loyalty and features |
Penn Sportsbook | Hollywood Casino Aurora | 1 W. New York St., Aurora | Best for suburban gaming experience |
Penn Sportsbook | Hollywood Casino Joliet | 777 Hollywood Blvd., Joliet | Best for ease of access and variety |
FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook | Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino | 21 Blackjack Blvd., East Peoria | Best for FanDuel platform features |
BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook | Rivers Casino Des Plaines | 3000 S. River Road, Des Plaines | Best for overall betting options |
FanDuel Illinois Sportsbook | FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing | 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville | Best for horse racing and sports betting combo |
Caesars Illinois Sportsbook | Harrah’s Casino | 100 E Front St., Metropolis | Best for Caesars experience in Southern Illinois |
Fanatics Illinois Sportsbook | Hawthorne Race Course | 3501 S. Laramie Ave., Cicero | Best for horse racing betting |
Fanatics Illinois Sportsbook | Club Hawthorne Prospect Heights | 1250 River Road, Prospect Heights | Best for local PointsBet access |
Fanatics Illinois Sportsbook | Club Hawthorne Crestwood | 13148 Rivercrest Drive, Crestwood | Best for south suburban bettors |
Fanatics Illinois Sportsbook | Club Hawthorne at Crazy Pour | 105 E. N Ave., Villa Park | Best for casual betting environment |
n/a | Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort | 777 Walkers Bluff Way, Carterville | Best for future development in Southern Illinois |
How to gamble responsibly in Illinois
Before we end this article, we need to caution you to always bet responsibly.
To ensure you’re being cautious, betting sites implement various responsible gambling practices that will help you keep your betting habits in check.
Limits: Sportsbooks allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.
Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site. This prevents you from spending all of your winnings. There’s also the option for early cashout, so you can still get paid if the bet is starting to go sideways.
Help & resources: Betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.
To help, we created a 'How To Bet On Sports' guide, that helps new sports bettors understand the industry better, to play safer and more securely.
Responsible gambling organizations and charities in the US
Organization | Contact details |
|---|---|
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-800-522-4700 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 020 7381 7722 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-888-532-3500 |
Frequently asked questions
How old do you need to be to bet in Illinois?
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What are the Illinois sports betting laws?
What types of promotions and bonuses do Illinois sports betting sites offer?
What are popular sports to bet on in Illinois?
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What deposit and withdrawal methods do Illinois sports betting sites offer?
What are the top Illinois sports teams to bet on?
Do I need to be a resident to take part in sports betting in Illinois?
What other types of gambling in Illinois are available?
What sportsbooks are legal in Illinois?
Who regulates sports betting in Illinois?
Is Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) legal in Illinois?
Can I bet on horse racing in Illinois?
Can you bet on college sports in Illinois?
How many sportsbooks are there in Illinois?
Editorial policy
Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.
This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
References
To test legal online sportsbooks accurately, we dive into analytical research of the gambling industry, to understand what features are best for you.
Below are the references we use when making these decisions:
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