Illinois sports betting has grown into one of the three largest regulated markets in the United States since Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690 into law in June 2019. The Illinois Gaming Board currently oversees 10 licensed online sportsbooks, including DraftKings and FanDuel, alongside more retail betting locations across the state. Illinois sports betting generated a record $14 billion in handle during 2024, cementing the Prairie State as a powerhouse for legal sports betting in Illinois.
Beyond the state-regulated market, Illinois residents also access offshore platforms that combine sports betting with online casino gaming, often with different features, lower minimum age requirements, and cryptocurrency banking options. Offshore operators gained traction with Illinois bettors years before domestic books launched, and several of those platforms continue to offer expanded markets, larger bonus packages, and crypto-friendly banking that licensed operators have yet to match.
This guide covers the legal framework, how to register and place wagers, the types of bets available, banking options, Illinois sports betting apps, and everything IL residents need to know about sports wagering in the Prairie State in 2026.
Offshore Gambling Sites Available To Illinois Players
The following table provides a quick overview of offshore platforms that currently accept Illinois players. Two of these sites operate full sportsbooks alongside their casino products. The remaining three are casino-only platforms that serve Illinois players seeking online gambling options not yet available through state-regulated operators.
Quick-Reference: Sports Betting In Illinois
- Online Launch Date: June 18, 2020
- Online Sportsbooks Available: 10
- Retail Sportsbook Locations: 12
- Legal Betting Age: 21+ (domestic); 18+ (some offshore)
- College Sports Betting: Allowed, except for in-state teams online
- Online Casino: Not legal (HB 4797 pending in 2026 session)
- Regulatory Body: IGB
- 2024 Total Handle: ~$14 billion (top 3 nationally)
Latest News And Updates
- March 9, 2026: SB 4168 is proposed to give Illinois the power to regulate and tax prediction markets.
- February 2026: Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. reintroduces HB 4797, the Internet Gaming Act, seeking to legalise online casino gaming with a 25% tax on operator revenue.
- January 2026: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson allows a 10.25% city-level sports betting tax to take effect, drawing pushback from state legislators.
- November 2025: The Sports Betting Alliance reports 5 million fewer wagers in September 2025 compared to September 2024, a 15% decline attributed to the per-wager tax.
- September 2025: Illinois implements a per-wager tax of $0.25–$0.50 per online bet. DraftKings and FanDuel pass the surcharge directly to customers.
Is Sports Betting Legal In Illinois?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 2019 under the Illinois Sports Wagering Act. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB 690 into law, making Illinois the 15th U.S. state to legalize sports betting following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn PASPA.
Ten licensed sportsbooks currently operate online. All bettors must be at least 21 years old and physically located within Illinois state lines to wager through domestic operators. Remote registration is permitted; no visit to a retail location is required.
No Illinois state law explicitly prohibits residents from accessing offshore gambling sites. SB 690 regulates domestic sportsbooks and does not address international operators. However, offshore platforms are not regulated by the IGB, meaning players do not have access to state-level dispute resolution or the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Registry
Sports Betting Timeline In Illinois
- May 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court strikes down PASPA.
- June 2019: SB 690 passes. Governor Pritzker signs it on June 28.
- March 9, 2020: First legal retail wager placed at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines.
- June 18, 2020: Online sports betting launches with BetRivers.
- March 5, 2022: In-person registration requirement removed.
- July 2024: Online ban enacted on wagering involving in-state college teams.
- September 2025: Per-wager tax implemented ($0.25/$0.50 per bet).
- February 2026: HB 4797 (Internet Gaming Act) reintroduced to legalize online casinos.
Rules And Restrictions For Sports Wagering In Illinois
- Age requirement: Bettors must be 21 or older for licensed domestic sportsbooks. Some offshore sites accept members at 18.
- Location requirement: All domestic bets must originate from within Illinois state lines, verified by geolocation technology. Illinois residency is not required, visitors can register and bet while physically present in the state.
- College betting restrictions: Online wagering on Illinois-based collegiate teams, including the University of Illinois, Northwestern, and DePaul, is prohibited through licensed sportsbooks as of July 2024. In-person retail wagers on these teams remain permitted. Player prop bets on college athletes are not allowed at any domestic sportsbook regardless of team location.
- Political and entertainment betting: Licensed Illinois sportsbooks do not accept wagers on political events. Offshore sportsbooks commonly offer political, entertainment, reality TV, and celebrity betting odds.
- Per-wager tax: Since September 2025, Illinois imposes $0.25 per bet on the first 20 million wagers per operator, rising to $0.50 thereafter. DraftKings and FanDuel charge $0.50 per bet; Fanatics and Caesars charge $0.25. This does not apply to offshore platforms.
What Can Illinois Bettors Wager On?
At Domestic Sportsbooks
All professional sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA), out-of-state collegiate events, international sports, and entertainment award shows (Oscars, Emmys). The NFL Draft is a permitted wagering event. Available bet types include moneylines, point spreads, totals, parlays, teasers, futures, player props, same-game parlays, and live in-play betting across all 10 licensed operators.
At Offshore Sportsbooks
Some offshore sites like BetOnline and Bovada impose no restrictions on Illinois-based college team wagering. Both also offer political betting (presidential, congressional, international elections), entertainment props, and full esports coverage. Custom prop builders and contest-based wagering are available at select platforms. These expanded categories represent a core differentiator over domestic options.
Sports And Teams To Bet On In Illinois
- Chicago sports betting drives the majority of wagering activity in the state. The NFL generates more betting volume than any other sport in Illinois, with Bears games producing the highest single-event handle figures. FanDuel is an official betting partner of the Chicago Bulls, while Circa Sports has a multi-year partnership with the Blackhawks and features a jersey patch on home uniforms.
- Professional Teams: Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Chicago Fire FC (MLS), Chicago Sky (WNBA).
- College Programs: University of Illinois Fighting Illini, Northwestern Wildcats, Illinois State Redbirds, DePaul Blue Demons, Loyola Chicago Ramblers, Southern Illinois Salukis. Online domestic wagers on in-state college teams are prohibited, but offshore platforms allow unrestricted wagering on these programs.
- NBA betting centres on the Bulls, with all league games and player prop markets available. MLB action is split between Cubs and White Sox fans; daily game lines, run totals, and player stats are all covered. NHL wagering on the Blackhawks includes standard game lines and expanded prop markets. During March, NCAA tournament betting sees heavy activity, particularly when in-state programs qualify, though domestic online bets on those teams remain blocked.
Registering At A Licensed Illinois Sportsbook
All 10 domestic operators allow fully remote registration. A bettor provides full legal name, date of birth, email, physical address, and the last four digits of their Social Security number. The sportsbook verifies identity and age electronically. Once verified, the bettor deposits funds and can begin wagering immediately. The process typically takes under five minutes.
Registering At An Offshore Platform
The process is simpler, name, email, phone number, and a password. Most offshore sites do not require a Social Security number at signup, though verification may be requested at first withdrawal. Once registered, the bettor deposits and begins wagering.
Placing A Wager
- Log in to the sportsbook app or website and navigate to the sportsbook section.
- Select a sport or league (e.g., NFL, NBA, MLB) from the main menu.
- Browse available games and find the matchup or event to wager on.
- Click or tap on the specific odds (moneyline, spread, or total) to add the selection to the bet slip. The bet slip typically appears on the right side of the screen on desktop or as a sliding panel on mobile.
- Enter the dollar amount to wager in the bet slip. The potential payout is calculated and displayed automatically based on the odds and stake.
- Review all details, selection, odds, stake, and potential payout, then tap “Place Bet” or “Confirm Wager” to submit.
For parlays, repeat steps 3–4 for multiple selections before entering the total stake. Most sportsbooks automatically detect when multiple selections are added and offer a parlay option in the bet slip. Live in-play bets follow the same process but odds update continuously during the event, so confirmations may require a brief odds-acceptance step if the line has shifted between selection and submission.
How Sports Betting Bonuses And Promos Work In Illinois?
Understanding bonus structures is essential before claiming any offer, as domestic and offshore platforms use different models.
Domestic Sportsbook Bonuses
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Crypto bonuses
Offshore platforms consistently offer higher match percentages for cryptocurrency deposits due to lower processing costs. Crypto-specific welcome offers frequently feature match rates 25–50% higher than standard deposit bonuses.
Offshore Platform Bonuses
Offshore sites use deposit match structures, where a percentage of the first deposit is added as bonus funds. Offers are larger in dollar terms ($250–$1,000+) but carry rollover requirements ranging from 5x to 40x. A 5x rollover on a $100 bonus requires $500 in total wagers before withdrawal. A 40x rollover on the same amount requires $4,000. Lower rollover is always more favourable.
Promo Codes
Some bonuses require entering a specific code during deposit. Failing to enter the code may forfeit the bonus. Not all platforms require codes; some activate bonuses through an account dashboard.
Terms To Watch
Minimum odds requirements, expiration periods (often 7–30 days), maximum bet limits while a bonus is active, and game or bet-type restrictions that may limit how bonus funds can be used. Illinois sportsbook promos from domestic operators tend to have simpler terms but smaller dollar amounts, while offshore offers are larger but demand more wagering volume before withdrawal.
Types Of Bets Available In Illinois
- Moneyline: Select which team or player wins outright. A -150 line means wagering $150 to win $100; a +130 line pays $130 on a $100 bet.
- Point Spread: The sportsbook sets a margin the favorite must exceed. If the Bears are -3.5, they must win by 4+ points for a spread bet to pay.
- Totals (Over/Under): Wager on whether the combined score will exceed or fall below the sportsbook’s projected total.
- Parlays: Combine two or more bets into one wager. All selections must win. Higher potential payout, higher risk.
- Teasers: Adjust point spreads or totals in the bettor’s favor by a set number of points. Reduced payout compared to parlays.
- Futures: Long-term bets on season or tournament outcomes, Super Bowl winner, NBA champion, World Series winner. Odds shift throughout the season.
- Player Props: Bets on individual performance, passing yards, points scored, strikeouts. College player props are only available at offshore sportsbooks.
- Live In-Play Betting: Wagers placed after a game starts. Odds update in real time. Options include next score, adjusted spreads, and live totals.
- Same-Game Parlays (SGPs): Combine multiple bets from the same game, such as a moneyline, player prop, and total, into a single wager.
Illinois Sports Betting Apps And Mobile Sports Betting Illinois
The Illinois sports betting landscape includes 10 licensed mobile platforms: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, bet365, Circa Sports, Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, and theScore Bet. These apps are available through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Each requires the bettor to be physically within Illinois (verified by geolocation) and at least 21 years old.
Online sports betting Illinois through offshore platforms works differently. Offshore sportsbooks and casinos operate through mobile-optimised websites accessible via any smartphone or tablet browser. No app store download is required, no storage space is consumed, and the same URL works across iOS and Android. The primary trade-off is that browser-based access does not support push notifications for odds changes or promotional alerts.
Banking And Payment Methods For Illinois Bettors
Domestic Sportsbook Banking
Licensed sportsbooks accept deposits through
• Visa
• Mastercard
• Online banking/ACH
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Apple Pay
• Play+ prepaid.
Withdrawals process through online banking, PayPal, Venmo, and Play+. All transactions are protected by SSL encryption and comply with IGB data security standards.
Domestic Sportsbook Banking
All major offshore sites accept
• Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.
• Some additionally support Ripple, Stellar, Tether, and USD Coin.
• Crypto deposits are instant; withdrawals process within 24–48 hours.
• Credit/debit card deposits (Visa, Mastercard) carry a 5.9% processing fee after the first transaction.
• Person-to-person options like MatchPay allow PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App transfers at select platforms.
Offshore platforms use SSL encryption and secure socket protocols to protect transaction data and personal information, though they operate outside IGB compliance frameworks, meaning data protection standards are governed by their respective international licensing jurisdictions rather than Illinois state regulation.
Retail Sportsbooks In Illinois
Illinois currently has 12 retail sportsbook locations where bettors can place wagers in person
- BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino, Des Plaines
- DraftKings at Casino Queen, East St. Louis
- DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Caesars Sportsbook at Grand Victoria Casino, Elgin
- FanDuel Par-A-Dice Sportsbook, East Peoria
- FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing at Fairmount Park, Collinsville
- Fanatics Sportsbook at Hawthorne Race Course, Stickney
- Hard Rock Sportsbook at Hard Rock Casino, Rockford
- Circa Sports at The Temporary by American Place Casino, Waukegan
- Bally Bet Sportsbook in the Quad Cities, Rock Island
- Hollywood Casino Aurora Sportsbook, Aurora
- Hollywood Casino Joliet Sportsbook, Joliet
Retail locations accept wagers during casino operating hours, with self-service kiosks available at most venues. Notably, retail sportsbooks are the only domestic option for placing online-prohibited wagers on in-state college teams.
Offshore Vs. Domestic: How The Best Sportsbooks In Illinois Compare?
Illinois players evaluating offshore and domestic sportsbooks face trade-offs in both directions. The 10 IGB-licensed platforms remain the best sportsbooks in Illinois for players who prioritise regulatory protection, while offshore platforms offer broader market access and crypto banking.
| Feature | Offshore Sportsbooks | Domestic IL Sportsbooks |
| Minimum Age | 18+ (some sites) | 21+ |
| Crypto Banking | Accepted at all sites | Not available |
| Per-Wager Tax | None | $0.25–$0.50 per bet |
| IL College Team Bets | No restrictions | Banned online (allowed retail) |
| Political/Entertainment Betting | Available | Not available |
| Consumer Protection | International licensing only | IGB-regulated; dispute resolution |
| Retail Locations | None | 12 locations statewide |
| Mobile Access | Browser-based (no download) | Downloadable apps with push notifications |
| Bonus Sizes | Up to $1,000+ | Typically $200–$500 |
| Withdrawal Speed (Crypto) | 24–48 hours | N/A (crypto not accepted) |
| Security Standards | SSL encryption; international licensing | SSL encryption; IGB compliance |
Many Illinois bettors maintain accounts at both domestic and offshore platforms, using each for its respective strengths, domestic for regulated protection and retail access, offshore for expanded markets and crypto banking.
Sports Betting In Neighbouring States
Illinois operates one of the most active sports betting markets in the Midwest, but neighboring states offer alternatives worth noting for bettors who travel across state lines.
- Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019 and offers 12+ online sportsbooks. The minimum age is 21, and the state tax rate is 9.5%, significantly lower than Illinois’ graduated 20–40% structure. Indiana does not impose a per-wager surcharge on bettors. In December 2024, Indiana generated approximately $570 million in handle, compared to Illinois’ roughly $1.3 billion for the same period, a gap largely explained by population differences (6.9 million vs. 12.7 million).
- Iowa launched legal sports betting in August 2019 with both online and retail options. The minimum age is 21, and the state tax rate is 6.75%, the most favorable among Illinois’ neighbors. Iowa allows wagering on in-state college teams without the restrictions Illinois imposed in 2024, making it notable for bettors who follow Iowa State or University of Iowa athletics.
- Kentucky legalized sports betting with a September 2023 launch. The minimum age is 18 for domestic sportsbooks, the lowest among Illinois’ neighbors and three years younger than the IL requirement. The state tax rate is 9.75%.
- Missouri launched legal sports betting in late 2024 with a 10% tax rate and 21+ age requirement. The market is still in its early growth phase, with fewer licensed operators than Illinois. Wisconsin has not yet legalized online sports betting, though tribal casinos offer limited retail wagering options.
Online Casino Gambling In Illinois: What IL Players Should Know?
Online casino gambling is not legal in Illinois as of March 2026. The state’s framework is built around physical venues, riverboat casinos, land-based facilities, racetracks, and nearly 48,700 video gaming terminals across approximately 8,700 licensed locations. No state-approved website offers online slots, table games, or poker to Illinois residents. Neighboring Michigan is the closest state with a fully regulated iGaming market, its online casino sector generated over $2 billion in revenue in 2024.
Legislative efforts continue. Rep. Edgar Gonzalez Jr. reintroduced HB 4797 in February 2026, which would authorize regulated online casino gaming with a 25% tax rate and up to 51 iGaming platforms statewide. The bill must clear its substantive committee by March 27, 2026, to remain viable for the spring session. Attorney General Kwame Raoul has publicly stated he expects legalization “at some point,” and the Sports Betting Alliance supports the push. However, opposition from video gaming terminal operators and land-based casino companies has slowed progress in prior sessions.
Illinois Sports Betting Revenue And Market Data
Illinois recorded approximately $14 billion in total handle during 2024, a 20%+ increase over 2023, placing it among the top three U.S. markets alongside New York and New Jersey. Only Nevada has a longer sports betting history, but Illinois has surpassed it in online handle volume. The state crossed $1 billion in monthly handle for the first time in October 2022 and has exceeded that mark consistently since late 2023. DraftKings and FanDuel collectively account for the majority of the state’s online handle, with BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics trailing as significant but smaller operators.
The per-wager tax implemented in September 2025 has produced a measurable impact. IGB data showed five million fewer wagers in September 2025 compared to September 2024, a 15% decline. The Sports Betting Alliance attributed this to surcharges passed to customers, with some bettors shifting to offshore alternatives or exiting the regulated market. Despite the wager count decline, total handle has remained relatively stable, bettors are placing fewer but larger individual wagers.
Revenue is allocated to the State Gaming Fund supporting education, infrastructure, and criminal justice initiatives. Illinois uses a graduated tax structure on operator revenue ranging from 20% to 40% based on annual adjusted gross revenue, one of the highest tax burdens in any U.S. legal sports betting market. A 2% Chicago surcharge applies following the city’s 10.25% local tax enacted in January 2026. The state has collected over $1 billion in cumulative sports betting tax revenue since wagering launched in 2020.
Responsible Gambling Resources In Illinois
Gambling should always remain a recreational activity. Setting deposit limits, loss limits, and time boundaries before each session is a sound practice regardless of which platform a bettor uses. Illinois provides several state-level resources for players who may be experiencing problem gambling
- 1-800-GAMBLER Helpline
- Gamblers Anonymous
- Gam-Anon
- Gambling Therapy
- National Council on Problem Gambling, NCPG
Offshore platforms are not participants in the IGB’s self-exclusion registry but most offer their own deposit limits, time-out features, cool-off periods, and self-exclusion options through account settings. Bettors who feel their gambling habits are becoming problematic should make use of these tools immediately, regardless of platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Yes. Sports betting has been legal since June 2019 under SB 690. Both online and retail wagering are available through IGB-licensed operators, and offshore sportsbooks also accept Illinois players.
2. How many sportsbooks are in Illinois?
Ten licensed online sportsbooks operate in the state: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, bet365, Circa Sports, Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, and theScore Bet. There are also 12 retail sportsbook locations.
3. Do I need to be an Illinois resident to bet?
No. Anyone physically located within Illinois state lines can register and wager, regardless of residency. Geolocation technology verifies the bettor’s position.
4. Can I use multiple sportsbooks in Illinois?
Yes. There is no limit on how many sportsbook accounts a bettor can maintain. Many Illinois bettors use multiple platforms to compare odds and access different promotions.
5. Can offshore sportsbooks be used in Illinois?
No Illinois state law prohibits the use of offshore gambling sites. However, these platforms are not regulated by the IGB, so consumer protections differ.
6. What is the minimum age for sports betting in IL?
Licensed Illinois sportsbooks require bettors to be 21 or older. Some offshore platforms accept members at 18.
7. Can Illinois residents bet on in-state college teams?
Online wagering on Illinois-based college teams is prohibited through licensed sportsbooks as of 2024. In-person retail wagers are still permitted. Offshore sportsbooks impose no such restriction.
8. Do offshore gambling sites accept crypto in Illinois?
Yes. All major offshore platforms accept Bitcoin and multiple altcoins. Crypto transactions are faster and carry lower fees than traditional banking methods.
9. Are sports betting winnings taxable in Illinois?
Yes. The IRS taxes gambling winnings at 24% federally. Illinois imposes an additional 4.95% state tax. All winnings from both domestic and offshore platforms are subject to reporting.
10. What sportsbook apps are available in Illinois?
Ten licensed apps operate in the state. Offshore platforms are accessible through mobile browsers without app downloads.
