Illinois Sports Betting Sites – Compare Top 10 Best IL Online Sportsbooks 2024

Comparing Sportsbooks in Illinois

Looking to compare the best IL sports betting sites quickly? If so, check out the table we’ve created below, which tells you everything from bonus size to whether sites stream live sports.

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Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?

Yes, sports betting is legal in Illinois, and has been since the governor signed it into law in June 2019. This is the case for both retail and online sportsbooks, which must be regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board in order to operate in the state.

But what about the offshore betting sites we’ve recommended? Well, they’re legal too, as they’re based abroad. This means that there’s nothing the state can do to stop them from accepting players from Illinois.

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Who Can Legally Bet on Sports in Illinois?

Illinois sports betting is open to most adults in the state. However, to place a bet at the offshore sportsbooks we recommend, you must be 18 or over. If you choose to use one of the regulated sportsbooks instead, you must be 21 or over to bet.

You also must be within state lines to bet at legal Illinois sports betting sites. Geolocation software determines exactly where you are, and if you’re outside the state, you’ll be automatically prevented from betting. There are no restrictions on your location when you use most offshore betting sites.

How to Bet on Sports Online in Illinois

Never bet on sports before? Don’t worry, as it’s exceptionally easy to get started. Just follow the step-by-step instructions below to sign up with BetOnline, our number one Illinois sports betting site.

1. Complete the Registration Process

Visit BetOnline from your browser. Then, click the “Join” button, before filling out all details. Once done, hit the “Get Started” button, then confirm your registration via an email link.

2. Add Money to Your Betting Account

Once you’ve got an account, you’ll need to make a deposit. Go to the cashier and then choose your preferred depositing option. You’ll then need to fill out the details, remembering to enter any BetOnline promo code you might have. Once submitted, the money should be with you within 10 minutes.

3. Choose Your Bet

Now go to the sportsbook and look through the many betting opportunities there are. Once you’ve found the bet you want to make, click it to add it to your bet slip.

4. Enter Your Bet Size

Next, you need to choose how much to wager on your selection – this can be anything from a few cents to thousands of dollars. Enter the amount on the bet slip and then press the “Place Bet” button to make your bet.

5. See if Your Bet is a Winner

You just need to sit down and watch the game – which is sometimes streamed on BetOnline – to see if your bet is a winner. If you do scoop a prize, it will be added to your BetOnline account automatically.

Previous Sports Betting Bills in Illinois

Unlike in many states, the path to legal sports betting in Illinois wasn’t a particularly long one. While other states saw many bills be introduced and shot down before betting was legalized, the process was much easier in Illinois.

2021

• HB 3136. Signed into law in December 2021, this bill removed some of the restrictions on betting on in-state college teams, plus it ended the requirement for in-person registration.

2019

• SB 690. Legalized retail and online sports betting shortly after the House voted to do the same. Signed into law by the governor in June 2019.

Tax on Sports Betting Winnings in Illinois

You will be required to pay tax on your winnings in Illinois. This is because money won from gambling is counted alongside your regular income. So, you’ll be required to pay around 24% of winnings to the federal government, while the Illinois sports betting tax rate charged by the state is a flat 4.95%,

However, you only need to report winnings from sports betting on your tax return if you reach a certain threshold. For sports betting, this is $600 or more over the course of a year. Don’t forget to also consider any losses you’ve made when filing your tax return. Consult with an accountant if you have any concerns about the Illinois sports betting tax rate and your winnings.

Payment Methods Available at IL Betting Sites

Before you can bet at Illinois sports betting sites, you’ll need to deposit some money. You can do this using a range of different options, and we’ve summarized them for you below.

Crypto Betting Options

Cryptocurrency is a hugely popular option for those betting at Illinois sportsbooks. Bitcoin is the most widely used of all cryptocurrencies, but you’ll also be able to use many others at sportsbooks, including Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, and Dash. If you’re new to crypto, check out our crypto guide for beginners.

Crypto has many advantages, including exceptional security and fast transactions – deposits only usually take a maximum of 10 minutes to reach your account. Cryptocurrency is also often the only way to fund an account in the US, as credit card providers and eWallets often block their users from making transactions with gambling sites.

eWallet Betting Options

eWallets come in many shapes and sizes, but the most popular in the US market are PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller. The eWallet acts as a buffer between the betting site and your bank account, ensuring you never need to reveal your banking details. What’s more, eWallet payments are usually exceptionally fast, reaching your sportsbook account in seconds.

However, there are downsides to eWallets, with the biggest being that they don’t always allow transactions with gambling sites. What’s more, you’ll find that you have to pay some significant fees when you deposit or withdraw using an eWallet. The exact size of fee depends on the eWallet you use and the amount of money you send or receive.

Traditional Payment Methods

Many people still prefer to use traditional methods, by which we mean credit and debit cards. Most Illinois sportsbooks will accept deposits using the major card companies, namely Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. Card companies don’t usually charge for transactions, but your chosen Illinois sports betting site might.

Credit and debit cards are exceptionally secure, although some don’t like entering their banking details online. However, as with eWallets, many card companies won’t allow transactions with gambling sites. If your card company doesn’t allow them, buy some crypto and deposit using that method instead.

Bonuses Available at Illinois Betting Sites

You’ll find plenty of available sportsbook bonuses and promotions at most sites offering online sports betting in Illinois. Take a look below to find out more about the most popular bonuses and how to make the most of them.

Match Deposit Bonuses

The most common type of bonus you’ll find at Illinois sports betting sites is the match deposit bonus. This adds a set percentage onto your deposit. For example, if you deposit $100 and receive a 50% deposit bonus, you’ll get an extra $50 to spend, usually in the form of bonus money.

You’ll find that match deposit bonuses are the largest bonuses on offer at sportsbooks. They’re often given to those making their first deposits, plus many sportsbooks will also offer reload bonuses, which are applied to deposits made by existing players. BetUS stands out with some of the best match deposit bonuses for sports betting in Illinois, going up to $2,500.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses, as the name suggests, are bonuses given without the need to make a deposit. This means that there’s no risk attached to them at all – which is why they’re so popular with gamblers. No deposit bonuses can come in the form of bonus money or free bets.

Most no deposit bonuses aren’t very large – don’t expect to find one worth more than $25 at Illinois sports betting sites. They also usually have high wagering requirements, plus some also have short expiry dates. However, they’re entirely free, so if you do stumble across a no deposit betting bonus, make sure to claim it straight away.

Free Bets

Finally, there are free bets, which are exceptionally popular with players and sportsbooks alike. As the name suggests, these are bets given to you by the sportsbook. They can vary in size and must usually be used to place a bet with certain odds or higher.

Free bets are often given to new players as a welcome bonus, and they’re also sometimes given to existing players when they make a losing bet. For example, a bonus might state that a player will receive a $20 free bet if they bet $20 on football and their bet loses. If the initial bet wins, the free bet generally isn’t given. BetOnline has several offers for its different betting sections.

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Popular Sports to Bet on in Illinois

You’ll be able to bet on a huge selection of sports at the best sites offering legalized sports betting in Illinois. Take a look below to find out about some of the more popular sports in the state.

NFL at Illinois Sportsbooks

NFL betting is the most popular with gamblers at Illinois sports sites. The start of every NFL season is hotly anticipated, and the Super Bowl is the biggest betting event of the year. Betting is high on every game but is particularly heavy on games featuring the Chicago Bears.

Several bet types are available, including moneyline and spread bets, plus every NFL game can be bet on live at the best sportsbooks. Some bookmakers also run competitions for those betting on the busy football season.

Here is the NFL team in Illinois:

• Chicago Bears – Play in the NFC North. 1 x Super Bowl winners.

NBA at Illinois Sportsbooks

Basketball is also hugely popular in Illinois, with many growing up during the Michael Jordan era, when the Chicago Bulls dominated the game. The best NBA sportsbooks cover all of the matches and usually have loads of props. The intensity definitely increases during the playoffs – especially if the Bulls manage to make them.

As you would expect, you can bet on the NBA in Illinois in several ways. All sites will offer moneyline betting, plus you’ll be able to bet on the spread, and on the under/over markets. Live betting is widespread and really can boost the excitement of every NBA game.

Here is the NBA team in Illinois:

• Chicago Bulls – Play in the Eastern Conference Central Division. 6 x Championship winners.

MLB at Illinois Sportsbooks

Baseball is also hugely popular in Illinois, with Chicago being the home of two teams: the Cubs and the White Sox. Both have been active for over 120 years. All games featuring the two teams attract loads of betting, but the World Series is predictably the most popular event at MLB betting sites.

Every MLB game is covered in detail by offshore sportsbooks, offering you the chance to bet on everything from the winning team to whether a pitcher throws a perfect game. Live betting is also available at all good Illinois sportsbooks.

Here is a list of MLB teams in Illinois:

• Chicago Cubs – Play in the National League Central division. 3 x World Series winners.
• Chicago White Sox – Play in the American League Central division. 3 x World Series winners.

NHL at Illinois Sportsbooks

The NHL is also big business in Illinois, with many of the populace following the Chicago Blackhawks – the only NHL team in the state. You’ll find every NHL game covered in detail at the best sportsbooks, with the Stanley Cup attracting the most betting.

There are various types of bets you can make on the NHL, from moneyline bets on the winning team to futures on the team to win a conference or the Stanley Cup. You’ll also be able to bet live, which adds even more excitement to an already exhilarating sport.

Here is the NHL team in Illinois:

• Chicago Blackhawks – Play in the Western Conference Central Division. 6 x Stanley Cup winners.

NCAA Football at Illinois Sportsbooks

College sports are popular in the state and betting on college teams from Illinois at retail sportsbooks is now permitted, after a recent change to the law. The biggest teams are the Illinois Fighting Illini, Northern Illinois Huskies, and Northwestern Wildcats.

College football betting sites cover every major game, with many also being offered for live betting. You’ll find most of the same bets seen for NFL betting, including moneyline, spreads, and under/over.

Here is a list of Division I NCAA football teams in Illinois:

• Eastern Illinois Panthers – Play in the Ohio Valley Conference.
• Illinois Fighting Illini – Play in the Big Ten Conference.
• Illinois State Redbirds – Play in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Northern Illinois Huskies – Play in the Mid-American Conference.
• Northwestern Wildcats – Play in the Big Ten Conference.
• Southern Illinois Salukis – Play in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Western Illinois Leathernecks – Play in the Summit League.

NCAA Basketball at Illinois Sportsbooks

As with college football, college basketball is a big deal in Illinois. There are several well-regarded teams in the state, and those in retail sportsbooks in Illinois can now bet on college teams from the state.

There’s a huge range of ways to bet on NCAA basketball. Some like to bet on futures and predict the winners of March Madness, while others bet on individual games, making wagers like moneyline bets and spreads.

Here is a list of major NCAA basketball teams in Illinois:

• Bradley Braves – Play in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• DePaul Blue Demons – Play in the Big East Conference.
• Illinois Fighting Illini – Play in the Big Ten Conference.
• Illinois State Redbirds – Play in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• Loyola Ramblers – Play in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
• Northwestern Wildcats – Play in the Big Ten Conference.

Golf at Illinois Sportsbooks

Golf is another sport that’s incredibly popular with gamblers throughout the world, including in Illinois. Every sportsbook will offer markets on the major golf tournaments, including those in the PGA Tour, European Tour, and LIV Golf.

The most popular bet among golf bettors is a simple wager on which player will win a tournament. However, there are many other betting options, including betting on 3-balls and even on whether there will be a hole in one during a tournament.

Horse Racing at Illinois Sportsbooks

There are several racecourses in Illinois, although the world-famous Arlington Park shut its doors in 2021. It’s possible to bet on horse racing at retail and online sportsbooks, plus there are several pari-mutuel betting sites available in Illinois.

You’ll be able to make a range of bets, from simple picks on the winner of a race to more adventurous exotic bets, such as Superfectas and Super Hi-Five bets. The top horse racing sites cover both US racing and racing from the rest of the world.

DFS at Illinois Sportsbooks

There is some confusion over whether DFS is legal or not in Illinois. However, regardless of its status, the two major names in the industry, FanDuel and DraftKings, accept players from the state. Monkey Knife Fight is also popular in Illinois and Battle Infinity is getting ready to change the game.

As you might imagine, the NFL is the most popular sport at Illinois DFS sites, but NBA and NHL both have plenty of players as well. Soccer is also a top pick, as is MLB.

Live Betting with IL Sports Betting Sites

Every decent online sportsbook now offers live betting, and it’s perhaps the most exciting way to bet on sports. Quite simply, you can bet on games as they’re ongoing, with the odds constantly changing to match the state of the game. You’ll need to use your knowledge of the sport and the teams to analyze the action and predict what will happen.

Live betting on football is incredibly popular, and you’ll be able to bet live on all NFL games, including the Super Bowl. Live betting on NBA matches is also exceptionally popular, as is on baseball, hockey, and soccer.

Many online sportsbooks also offer live betting on esports, which is becoming more and more popular throughout the world. You can bet live on CS:GO, League of Legends, and more. What’s more, many online sportsbooks also stream esports, meaning you can bet and watch the action in the same place.

How Illinois Sports Betting Compares to its Neighboring States

Gamblers in Illinois are lucky, as they now live in one of the most progressive gambling states, with sports betting freely available to all adults. But how does the state compare to its neighbors?

Wisconsin sports betting is currently limited to some sportsbooks at tribal casinos as the state hasn’t legalized online betting. There has been little progress in this regard in the state. Luckily, people in Wisconsin can still access offshore sports betting sites, including the ones listed on this page.

Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in May 2019. The first retail sportsbook was opened in Indiana in September 2019, while the first online sportsbook opened a month later. It is now similar to Illinois as residents have a good range of options to choose from when they want to bet real money on sports.

There have been several attempts to legalize sports betting in Kentucky, but they have so far been unsuccessful. However, offshore sports betting sites can be accessed in Kentucky, ensuring residents of the state have a way to bet online.

Currently, sports betting is not legal in Missouri. This is the case for both retail betting and online betting. However, supporters did come close to legalizing betting in 2022. As with all other states, offshore sportsbooks are available in Missouri.

Sports betting, both in retail settings and online, is legal in Iowa, and has been since May 2019. However, it is not legal to bet on esports in the state.

The Best Betting Site for Illinois

If you’re looking for online sports betting in Illinois, there are several fantastic options. However, our number one site is BetOnline, thanks to its fantastic range of betting options, impressive odds, and great reputation. Not to mention that it has some of the best sportsbook promotions that bettors can ask for.

You’ll find that you can bet at BetOnline using a desktop or any modern mobile device, plus you can also deposit using many methods, including more than a dozen cryptocurrencies. It’s also an exceptionally safe place to play. Why not head over there today and see why we rate BetOnline as the number one Illinois sports betting site?