Illinois Sports Betting
IL Online Sportsbooks & Promo Codes
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 Sportsbook, BetMGM, DraftKings, Caesars, ESPN BET, and FanDuel |
✅ Last Verified |
December 25, 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 |
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 No Sweat Bets! |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly + a $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit! |
Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1+, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens! |
ESPN BET | Get a $1,500 First Bet Reset! |
Fanatics Sportsbook
In April 2024, Fanatics Sportsbook replaced PointsBet in IL.
Fanatics Sportsbook Promo
Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat 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), 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
DraftKings is one of the leading sportsbooks in Illinois. Sign up today and redeem the promo code below!
DraftKings Promo
Bet $5, Get $150 Instantly + a $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit!
DraftKings Promo Code
No Code Needed
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 Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options DraftKings vs Other Sportsbooks 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). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). 1 per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: dkng.co/bball. Ends 1/5/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DraftKings.
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
Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!
BetMGM Bonus Code
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 Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options BetMGM vs Other Sportsbooks
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars offers new IL users an exciting bonus bets promo below!
Caesars Sportsbook Promo
Bet $1+, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens!
Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code
Caesars Sportsbook Terms & Conditions
Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY or Washington, DC. New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. Min. qualifying bet amount: $1. Tokens max. bet amount: $25 per token. Tokens bet max. add'l winnings: $2,500 per token. Token(s) expire 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Know When To Stop Before You Start®. Gambling Problem? CO, IL, KY, MD, MI, NJ, OH, TN, VA, WV, WY, Washington, D.C., KS, LA , ME, NC, PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): 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 MD: visit mdgamblinghelp.org or WV: visit 1800gambler.net; AZ: Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP; IN: Call 1-800-9-WITH-IT; IA: Call 1-800-BETSOFF. ©2024, Caesars Entertainment
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
ESPN BET
ESPN BET Illinois is live! Use our promo code for a welcome bonus!
ESPN BET IL Promo
ESPN BET IL Promo Code
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
FanDuel has a seamless sign-up offer and a hard-to-beat promo in Illinois.
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win+3 Months Of League Pass!
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 Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options FanDuel vs Other Sportsbooks
bet365
bet365 is expected to launch in Illinois sometime this year. Learn more about what to expect from bet365 in this bet365 Illinois bonus code review.
bet365 Promo
Coming soon
bet365 Promo Code
Coming soon
Action Network Score
9.5/10. See our bet365 Bonus Code and review for more sportsbook details and step-by-step instructions on how to sign up.
Category Star Rating Bonuses & Promotions Mobile App & Website Registering & Cashiering Betting Options bet365 vs Other Sportsbooks
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 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
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 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 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 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 |
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.
Pro Sports Teams in IL
All professional sports teams are based in and around Chicago.
NFL
Chicago 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.
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
Chicago 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.
Recommended resource to help you bet smartly on basketball in Illinois:
MLB
Chicago 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.
Chicago 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.
Recommended resource to help you make informed bets on baseball in Illinois:
NHL
Chicago 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.
A recommended resource to help you bet on hockey:
WNBA
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.
MLS
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.
Here's a recommended resource to help you bet on soccer in Illinois:
NWSL
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.
College 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.
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.
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.
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.
Recommended resource to help you bet on college football in Illinois:
College 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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 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. Statewide in-person registration requirement ended on March 5 two years ago.
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.
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.
- Must be 21 years or older
- Learn about Illinois' Self-Exclusion Program