Illinois Sports Betting Sites July 2025 | Best IL Promos

How We Selected the Best Online Sportsbooks in Illinois

Our analysis identifies the best Illinois sports betting sites by testing the sign-up offers, odds, betting options, and platform reliability. With so many licensed operators, the key is identifying which sportsbooks can deliver on their promises. Here’s a quick look at how we choose and evaluate them:

1. Licensing

We only recommend sportsbooks licensed to operate in Illinois. If the Illinois Gaming Board does not approve it, it’s off the list. Legal sportsbooks follow state rules and protect your money and personal information.

2. Security & Data Protection

Every Illinois sportsbook is checked for secure payment systems, account protection tools, and proper encryption. You should never have to worry about your personal or banking details when placing a bet.

3. Bonuses & Promotions

We look beyond flashy offers. Welcome bonuses, odds boosts, and loyalty rewards are only valuable if the terms are fair. This is why we sign up, test them, and call out any fine print that could trip you up.

4. Odds Competitiveness

Consistently solid odds mean more value for you in the long run. We compare moneylines, spreads, and totals across IL sportsbooks to determine which one pays out better, especially for popular teams and events.

5. User Experience

Betting should be smooth from sign-up to cash-out. We test how each sportsbook performs across mobile apps and desktops, checking speed, layout, and how easy it is to place a bet without digging through menus.

6. Betting Markets

A good sports betting site in Illinois offers strong coverage of both local and national sports, from the NFL and NBA to college games and even niche sports. Features like live betting, early cash-out, and bet customization are also a big plus. 

Illinois Sports Betting Laws and Regulations

If you find yourself asking, Is sports betting legal in Illinois? The answer is a resounding yes. It became official when Illinois lawmakers passed the Illinois Sports Wagering Act on June 28, 2019. This allowed both online and retail betting under the regulation of the Illinois Gaming Board. 

Since then, Prairie State has approved over 15 betting shops and nearly 10 online sportsbooks, including major names like BetRivers, FanDuel, and DraftKings. The timeline below shows how online gambling legislation in Illinois has evolved: 

May, 2018 – Murphy v. NCAA overturns PASPA, clearing the way for state-level wagering.

June 28, 2019 – Governor Pritzker signs the Illinois Sports Wagering Act 

March 9, 2020 – Rivers Casino in Des Plaines accepts Illinois’ first retail bet 

June 18, 2020 – BetRivers launches as the first online sportsbook 

October, 2021 – In-person registration requirement lifted for retail in-state college bets 

April 24, 2025 – Illinois Gaming Board bans credit-card funding for online sports betting,

Residents who are over 21 can legally bet through Illinois sports betting sites or at any licensed betting shop in Illinois. Bettors can choose from pro sports, horse racing, parlays, and more. Although online college player props are restricted, retail sportsbooks can still offer them. Esports and politics are also legal betting markets within the state. 

Latest Illinois Sports Betting News

In January: Bettors placed $1.4 billion in wagers, marking a 14.6% year-over-year increase. The growth mainly came from Tier 2 pro and college betting, while Tier 1 pro handle declined.

July 1, 2024: Illinois’ new progressive tax (20-40) hits FanDuel and DraftKings hardest, with a 25-cent per-bet fee starting July 2025, potentially raising your betting cost.

In July 2025: New advertising rules came into effect, banning gambling promotions on university campuses and limiting flashy promotional offers. The changes shift the focus toward responsible gambling.

Illinois Sports Betting Tax Information

Illinois residents who win money from sports betting must pay a 4.95 state income tax. If winnings are over $600, the federal government also takes 24. All gambling winnings must be reported as "Other Income" on both the IRS Form 1040 and the Illinois IL-1040.

Since July 2024, Illinois has used a progressive tax system for sportsbooks. They pay higher taxes as they earn more, starting at 20 for revenue under $30 million and going up to 40 for revenue over $200 million. Big companies like FanDuel fall into the highest bracket.

Additionally, starting July 1, 2025, a 50-cent extra charge will be applied to every bet since Illinois sportsbooks are passing this cost on to customers.

Bonuses and Promotions at Illinois Sportsbooks

IL sports betting sites use a mix of bonuses to attract and keep punters. These offers can boost your balance, soften losses, or reward loyalty, but they come with terms. Below is a breakdown of the most common Illinois sports betting promos and what to watch out for.

Welcome Bonus

Most Illinois sports betting sites offer new users a one-time welcome bonus, like a deposit match (usually 50-100% up to $1,000). or bonus bet. It’s a solid starting point, but the bonus is locked behind wagering rules. Always check how much you must bet before withdrawing.

Second Chance Bet

Several IL sportsbooks offer a second chance or “risk-free” bet, refunding your first wager if it loses. This lets you test the site risk-free, but remember that free bet payouts typically don't include your original stake - a $100 free bet at +200 odds would only pay $200, not $300. These also usually expire within 7 days.

Deposit Match

After your initial welcome bonus, many platforms continue rewarding bettors with smaller deposit matches (typically 25% up to $500). The best Illinois sports betting sites often pair these with special events or seasonal promotions. While not as valuable as sign-up offers, they can definitely extend your playtime, just watch for short claim periods. 

No-Deposit Bonus

Offered occasionally by IL online sports betting sites, no-deposit bonuses give small betting credits just for registering. You can test the platform risk-free, but winnings usually have 1x playthrough and maximum cashout limits that make big payouts unlikely.

Odds Boosts

This bonus gives you better payouts on certain bets. You don’t have to do anything special to use them, but there may be limits on how much you can bet or which games they apply to. It’s easy to get a little extra if your bet wins.

Loyalty and Rewards Programs

Regular players at IL sports betting sites earn points that unlock perks like cashback or VIP benefits. While these programs offer genuine long-term value, rewards accumulate slowly, and lower tiers often provide minimal benefits - the real value comes at higher levels that require significant wagering.

Popular Sports to Bet on at Illinois Sports Betting Sites

Illinois sportsbooks offer action on a wide range of sports, while some games consistently draw more action than others, and there is no shortage of passion among Illinois bettors. Here's a closer look at the most popular sports to bet on in Illinois and what to consider before you jump in:

NFL (Football)

Football is the most popular sport to bet on in Illinois, and the Chicago Bears remain central to that action, especially with their improved defense. Fans heavily favor spread and parlay bets during divisional games against the Packers. Prime-time matchups see a higher handle than noon games, especially with cross-regional support for teams like Kansas City and Green Bay. You can discover the best NFL betting sites for the new season here.

NBA (Basketball)

The Chicago Bulls have a loyal following, and that drives steady NBA betting across the state. Beyond basic spreads and totals, seasoned bettors at IL sportsbooks often target first-half lines or matchup-specific player props. While the Bulls have struggled in recent postseasons, their games still draw solid handles, especially during rivalry matchups or when Eastern Conference standings are tight.

MLB (Baseball)

Illinois has a unique MLB scene with two major teams—the Cubs and White Sox—each with passionate fan bases on opposite sides of Chicago. Betting on baseball picks up in spring and peaks through summer. Popular markets include over/unders on the team runs, strikeouts by starting pitchers, and live in-game totals.

NHL (Hockey)

Even during rebuild seasons, Blackhawks games remain a popular pick at bookies in Illinois. Although bettors frequently target the Puck Line, a hockey-specific spread bet, Prop bets on shots, goals, and time on ice are also very common. The Stanley Cup Playoffs bring even more action, with lots of fans chasing upsets and tight moneyline odds.

College Sports

College sports betting in Illinois is a bit limited. You can’t place bets on in-state college teams online or live. The only option is to bet pre-game on final scores, which must be done in person at sports betting shops. Despite that, many fans keep an eye on Big Ten schools like Michigan and Penn State and place future bets on the national title or Heisman Trophy. 

Tennis 

Tennis is popular in the Illinois sports betting community because it offers more than straightforward bets. You can find Tennis betting sites here. Parlay bets are beneficial for mixing live and pre-match wagers, allowing bettors to adapt as matches unfold. This strategic approach helps IL bettors find hidden value beyond the big-name Grand Slams like the US Open or Wimbledon.

MMA & Esports

UFC fights and other MMA events offer exciting bets like picking the winner, how the fight ends, or what round it finishes. Esports, including games like League of Legends and Counter-Strike, are growing fast at Illinois sports betting sites. Punters who follow fighters or pro gaming teams closely often find an edge by spotting matchup trends others might miss.

Daily Fantasy Sports in Illinois

Daily fantasy sports are fully legal in Illinois and are considered games of skill, giving local players a short-term way to engage with pro leagues like the NFL and NBA. Whether you're new or experienced, you can join contests without having to commit to a full season.

You’ll build fantasy teams with a salary cap, selecting real players and earning points based on their performance. Salary‑cap contests and guaranteed‑prize pools (GPPs) give Illinois bettors flexible options instead of long‑term commitments.

Every daily fantasy sports player aged 18 or older can sign up. All you have to do is choose a contest and play responsibly. It's a flexible, fast-paced format that complements traditional betting well.

How to Start Betting at Illinois Sports Betting Sites?

Starting with Illinois sports betting is easy; just follow these straightforward steps to join and play confidently:

1. Choose a Licensed Illinois Sportsbook Start by picking a sportsbook from our list of trusted, licensed Illinois betting sites. These platforms comply with state regulations, safeguard your funds, and provide secure betting options.

2. Create Your Account Once you’ve picked a site, sign up by entering your personal details, such as your name and email. Remember, you must be at least 21 years old to register.

3. Verify Your Identity and Location To follow Illinois laws, you’ll need to upload a valid ID and allow the site to check that you’re physically located within Illinois using your device’s GPS.

4. Deposit Funds Into Your Account Head to the deposit section, choose your payment method (such as credit card or PayPal), and add funds. Most sportsbooks let you start with as little as $10.

5. Place Your First Bet and Enjoy the Action Browse through the available games, pick a bet you like, and enter your stake. Don’t forget to claim any welcome bonuses you qualify for. Play responsibly and have fun!

Mobile Online Sports Betting in Illinois

Mobile sports betting is popular for Illinois residents who prefer quick, on-the-go wagering. All the major Illinois betting apps are available for iOS and Android, making it easy to download them from the App Store or Google Play Store. On these apps, fans often enjoy live betting on popular teams like the Bears, Bulls, and Cubs, placing bets as the games unfold.

Most mobile sports betting apps offer user-friendly interfaces that simplify the registration and deposit process. Below, we’ve listed the best sports betting apps in Illinois to help you choose the right one.

Winning Starts With Illinois Sportsbooks

Illinois has quickly established itself as a trusted, well-regulated market within the broader US sports betting industry. With mobile apps, evolving promos, and expanded betting options, IL sports fans now have more control and flexibility than ever before.

Still, with new fees on each wager and tighter advertising rules, choosing where to bet matters more than ever, especially if you're looking for consistent, long-term value.

That’s why we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to—evaluating top IL sportsbooks based on real-world testing. Explore the best Illinois sports betting sites and sign up with one that fits your betting style.