Illinois was quick to embrace the online sports betting trend when it became legal in 2019. Today, you can find numerous sports betting sites in IL that offer an array of markets for both major and niche sports. But with so many options, how do you know which platform is worth it?
That’s where we jump in as we’re trying to navigate this dynamic landscape by curating a list of the most reputable and feature-packed sportsbooks. Whether you’re betting on the Bulls or the Bears or even exploring new sports, we’ve made sure to deliver a carefully ranked list of Illinois betting sites. Dive in and explore the best Illinois sports betting sites.
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Top Licensed Illinois Sportsbooks Betting Sites August
When you choose any sportsbook listed on this page, you’re placing your bets with platforms approved and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). The IGB oversees the licensing of all sports-wagering operators in the state, whether retail or online. Under the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, passed in June 2019, sports betting became legal across Illinois — with the first legal wagers accepted starting March 2020 for retail venues and June 2020 for online sportsbooks.
To feature on our list, IL sportsbooks must secure a master or management-services license (or partner with a license holder), pass regulatory scrutiny, and comply with state rules governing betting, payouts, age verification, and responsible gambling. Using an IGB-licensed sportsbook gives bettors assurance that their deposits and winnings are protected by state-backed consumer protection mechanisms.
Affiliate disclaimer
Our content includes affiliate links. While we may earn a commission on registrations and deposits made through these links, it is important to note that SiGMA Play only recommends licensed casinos that adhere to relevant regulations.
We will in no way endorse a site that has not undergone our thorough vetting and testing processes.
Any operator not listed on the IGB’s official “authorized operating sportsbooks” roster is considered unregulated and therefore not eligible for inclusion. All recommendations follow SiGMA Play’s strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, safety, and a fair evaluation for Illinois bettors.
Disclaimer
Sports betting in Illinois is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB). Only IGB-licensed operators are authorized to offer real-money wagering in the state. Players must be 21+ and physically located within Illinois to place bets. Always use approved sportsbooks to ensure secure transactions, verified payouts, and responsible gambling protections.
Our Review and Approval Process for Illinois Sportsbooks
Every sportsbook featured on this Illinois page has been independently reviewed and tested to ensure full compliance with state regulations. For you to have more confidence in choosing from our featured list of Illinois online sports betting sites, here is a brief overview of how we select and rate sportsbooks:
Trust & Safety
We verify licensing through the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and ensure each operator complies with the Illinois Sports Wagering Act. Only sportsbooks that pass strict fair-play checks, use secure payment protections, and meet Illinois’ responsible gambling standards make our approved list.
Player Experience
We assess how well each sportsbook performs for Illinois bettors, including odds quality, availability of trusted local payment methods, mobile responsiveness, and overall customer support. Only platforms that deliver a smooth, reliable, and locally optimized experience are recommended.
Illinois Sports Betting Laws and Regulations
Illinois legalized sports betting through a series of major legislative and regulatory milestones. Below is a clear, chronological overview of how the state moved from initial approval to a fully regulated online legal gambling market.
Player Eligibility: Must be 21+ and physically located within Illinois to wager
Illinois Sports Betting Timeline
2019
SB 690 Signed into Law
Governor J.B. Pritzker signs the Illinois Sports Wagering Act, legalizing sports betting. Online sportsbooks become legal, but players are required to complete in-person registration at licensed retail sportsbooks.
2020
Official Market Launch
The IGB issues the first sports wagering licenses and launches the regulated betting market. Retail betting begins in March 2020, followed by online operators in June 2020.
2021
HB 3136 Expands Betting Options
The bill permits betting on in-state college teams (with restrictions). Wagers must be placed in person and cannot be based on individual athlete performance.
2023
SB 1508 Introduced for Player Protection
New responsible gaming requirements mandate hourly pop-up reminders showing bettors how much they have wagered, supporting safer play across Illinois sportsbooks.
2024
Progressive Tax Structure Implemented
The flat 15% tax rate on sports betting revenue is replaced with a tiered progressive system. Operators are required to pay between 20% and 40% based on their adjusted gross receipts, substantially increasing state revenue from betting.
Disclaimer
Operators must use certified identity verification and geolocation technology approved by the Illinois Gaming Board to confirm players are 21+ and physically located within Illinois before wagers are accepted.
How to Sign Up and Bet Legally with Illinois Sportsbooks
Betting legally with a licensed sportsbook in Illinois is straightforward if you follow these steps:
Step 1:
Create an Account
Visit a sportsbook licensed to operate in IL and click “Sign Up” or “Register.” Provide your personal details, such as name, email, phone number, and create a secure password.
Step 2:
Complete Identity Verification (KYC)
Upload a government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport) and any additional documents if requested. This step ensures you are of legal age and helps prevent fraud.
Step 3:
Enable Geolocation
Legal sports betting requires you to be physically located within IL. Enable your device’s geolocation features so the sportsbook can confirm your location before you place bets.
Step 4:
Deposit Funds
Fund your account using accepted methods, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers. Ensure the method you choose is supported by the sportsbook and complies with state regulations.
Step 5:
Start Placing Legal Bets
Once your account is verified, geolocation is active, and funds are deposited; you can begin placing bets legally on sports events in Illinois.
Most Popular Sports and Bet Types in Illinois
Illinois boasts a legendary sports culture, from the iconic Chicago Bears and Bulls to the championship-winning Cubs and White Sox. This passion translates directly to the wagering market, where new US sports betting sites provide extensive coverage of local favorites. Beyond the pros, the Fighting Illini drive significant college action, while bettors utilize diverse markets including moneylines, point spreads, and live in-game betting.
NFL Betting in Illinois
Football dominates the Illinois wagering landscape, primarily fueled by the deep-rooted loyalty to the Chicago Bears and high-stakes playoff action. Fans engage through diverse markets, ranging from straightforward moneylines and point spreads to high-energy live betting. Popular options also include game totals and player props, while same-game parlays allow bettors to combine multiple outcomes for a more comprehensive gameday experience.
NBA Betting in Illinois
Basketball commands significant wagering volume in Illinois, energized by frequent schedules and star-driven Chicago Bulls matchups. Enthusiasts utilize diverse markets, including standard moneylines, point spreads, and totals, alongside detailed player props for points or rebounds. The game’s rapid pace makes quarter-specific outcomes and live betting particularly popular, while same-game parlays provide a dynamic way to link multiple high-tempo variables together.
MLB Betting in Illinois
Baseball culture thrives in Illinois, fueled by the historic rivalry and passionate fan bases of the Chicago Cubs and White Sox. This deep-rooted interest translates into a robust betting market where fans wager on moneylines, run lines, and strikeouts. From predicting home runs and player props to high-stakes live betting and early-inning results, every pitch offers a new opportunity for action.
NHL Betting in Illinois
Hockey betting remains a premier choice for fans, propelled by the Chicago Blackhawks’ storied legacy and the sport’s high-octane gameplay. Enthusiasts engage through versatile markets like moneylines, totals, and the point-spread-style puck line. Whether predicting individual player props, (goals or saves) betting on specific period outcomes, or reacting to live shifts, the ice offers constant, fast-paced wagering opportunities.
NCAA Betting
Illinois law restricts in-state college wagering to in-person sportsbooks and prohibits player props. NCAA sports maintain immense popularity at in-person betting locations. Fans heavily target football and basketball through traditional moneylines, spreads, and totals. Beyond individual games, bettors explore team-specific props and futures markets, tracking conference champions or March Madness outcomes. Despite local limitations, the collegiate landscape offers diverse and high-stakes opportunities.
Other Popular Sports in Illinois
Beyond major leagues, Illinois sportsbooks cater to diverse interests, offering deep markets for soccer, tennis, golf, MMA, and motorsports. Bettors engage through traditional moneylines, spreads, and totals, alongside specialized match props and tournament outrights. The rise of live, in-play wagering has further transformed the experience, allowing fans to react to every goal, ace, or lap in real-time across global competitions.
Bonuses and Promotions
The best Illinois sports betting sites frequently use bonuses and ongoing promotions to persuade new players to sign up and retain the existing ones.
The importance of these sports betting promos cannot be underestimated, as they boost the bankroll of punters and extend their gameplay, thus increasing their chances of landing a handsome win. Let’s look at the most common promos at our suggested Illinois sportsbooks.
Welcome Offer
A welcome bonus is available to newly registered bettors at all our recommended Illinois sports betting sites. Each operator can have a different welcome bonus structure, so it can come in various forms – from deposit match bonuses to free bets; you can expect a high-value bonus upon registration that you can use only once.
Second Chance Bet
Commonly referred to as a risk-free bet, some IL sports betting sites will give you a second chance. This bet will refund your previous wager up to a certain amount if it is lost. As a no-deposit bonus, a second-chance bet will give you a risk-free chance to wager and try your luck again.
Deposit Match
A common promotion at all prominent IL sportsbooks, a deposit match bonus will match your deposit up to a certain amount. An example of such a promotion would be you depositing $50 and claiming a 100% deposit match bonus up to the same amount. That way, you will get an extra $50 to play with.
No-Deposit Bonus
A no-deposit bonus usually shows you a free bet offer, so you won’t need to touch your real money balance to place a bet. That way, you can even test the platform and win big prizes. Note that free bet winnings will be subject to wagering requirements, which you must complete before withdrawing.
Loyalty and VIP Programs
IL online sports betting sites greatly appreciate loyal punters so that you can expect rewards for continuously wagering on the site. You will be enrolled in a Loyalty Scheme or a VIP Program, usually a multi-ladder one where perks and prizes will increase with each new level you climb. You can expect personalized bonuses, better cashback deals, faster payouts, etc.
Disclaimer
All bonuses are available only to eligible players located in Illinois. Standard terms, conditions, and wagering requirements apply. Always review the full promotional rules before claiming any offer.
List of Illinois Online Sportsbooks
Below is a quick snapshot of when each licensed online sportsbook officially launched in Illinois. This helps bettors understand how long each operator has been active in the state’s regulated market.
When online betting launched in Illinois, sportsbooks started partnering with professional sports teams to create a more personal betting experience for punters. Here are some partnerships you’ll see while betting on top sportsbook apps:
Betting Site
Local Partner
Year
Description
FanDuel Sportsbook
Phoenix Suns
2021
In-arena betting lounges and exclusive fan promotions.
Caesars Sportsbook
Chicago White Sox
2022
White Sox experiences are available through Caesar’s VIP Program, TV banners, and promotions.
BetRivers Sportsbook
Chicago Bears
2021
Stadium signage, digital, social, and print assets
Illinois Sports Betting Tax Information
Whether you bet on new betting sites or older ones, the state of Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95% on net income, so if you are an Illinois resident and gamble at one of the domestic operators, you must pay tax on your gambling winnings.
In addition to state tax, all players are also subject to federal gambling tax, which is applied at a 24% withholding rate for certain reportable wins (such as large jackpots or payouts requiring a W-2G form). Even when winnings are not automatically withheld, bettors must still report gambling income to the IRS.
Illinois has also introduced the first progressive sports betting operator tax in the United States, requiring sportsbooks to pay tax based on their annual gross revenue (AGR):
40% tax on AGR over $200 million
20% tax on AGR up to $30 million
25% tax on AGR between $30–50 million
30% tax on AGR between $50–100 million
35% tax on AGR between $100–200 million
Disclaimer
Always consult a qualified tax advisor or financial professional to understand your specific reporting obligations and eligibility requirements.
Responsible Gambling in Illinois
Illinois provides several trusted responsible gambling resources to help players stay safe, informed, and in control. If you or someone you know needs support, the following options are available:
Additional Resources: Access tools, treatment referrals, and educational materials via AreYouReallyWinning.org.
24/7 Help: Call 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or text GAMB to 833234 for confidential support.
Self-Exclusion: The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) offers voluntary self-exclusion for sports wagering.
Sports Betting Sites in Neighboring States
Illinois is surrounded by several states that also offer legal sports betting, giving residents and frequent travelers additional options when they cross state lines. To help you find the right platform, check out our dedicated pages listing the top sportsbooks in some neighboring states:
Yes. Online sports betting has been completely legal in Illinois since 2019.
Yes, Illinois has a flat tax income rate of 4.95%. Plus, you must pay a flat 24% federal tax on any winnings you generate while betting online.
Betting on college teams in Illinois is allowed but under special conditions. You must place a bet before the game starts, so no in-play wagers are allowed. Moreover, you are not permitted to back individual performances, and you have to place a specific bet in a sports betting shop in Illinois.
Yes, all the best online sportsbook operators in Illinois optimize their websites for Android and iOS devices. Top bookies will even craft mobile apps that users can seamlessly download on their devices via Google Play Store or App Store.
No, you don’t need to be an Illinois resident to bet online in the state, but you have to be physically located in the state to be able to access the available betting sites.
According to the current Sports Wagering Act, Illinois residents need to be at least 21 years old to participate in online gambling activities.
The transaction speed will differ depending on the payment method you choose. As such, e-wallet transactions tend to be the fastest, with bank transfers and card payments being slightly slower in processing transactions.
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