Best Sportsbooks in Illinois 2026
Illinois is the #2 US Market by handle, with 13 licensed operators competing fiercely across Chicago and downstate. $12B+ wagered in 2025, and a moderate 15% operator tax rate make IL one of the most competitive betting markets in the nation.
Why Illinois Is America's Second-Largest Betting Market
Illinois is the undisputed #2 sports betting market in the United States by total handle, processing $12B+ in wagers in 2025. That dominance comes down to two factors: size and regulatory maturity. Chicago is the third-largest city in America, and Illinois has built one of the most efficient regulatory frameworks in the country.
When Illinois signed the Sports Wagering Act in June 2019, the path to online betting seemed slow. Retail sportsbooks opened in March 2020, but the state imposed an in-person registration requirement that was a major barrier to growth. However, in March 2022, Illinois made a critical decision: permanently remove that requirement. That single regulatory change unlocked the market. By June 2020, mobile betting was live. By March 2022, the in-person barrier was gone. By 2023, Illinois was processing over $1 billion per month in wagers — more than every state except New York.
Illinois also benefits from passionate sports culture. The Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Blackhawks create a year-round betting ecosystem. Add college sports (University of Illinois Fighting Illini, Northwestern Wildcats) and you have multiple triggers for heavy action. With13 licensed operators competing aggressively and a moderate 15% tax rate, Illinois offers some of the best welcome bonuses and odds in the nation.
Top IL Sportsbooks — Ranked for 2026
Our expert team has tested every major Illinois sportsbook. These are the best options for IL bettors, ranked by odds quality, bonus value, app experience, and IL-specific perks.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Best OverallIL since 2020Dominant IL market leader with deepest market selection
Why IL Bettors Choose DraftKings Sportsbook
- ✓Largest market share in Illinois — clear #1 choice for IL bettors
- ✓Most extensive prop and alt line coverage for Bears, Cubs, and White Sox
- ✓Best same-game parlay builder optimized for Chicago sports
- ✓Fastest deposit/withdrawal processing in the IL market
DraftKings Sportsbook
PlatinumBet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets
- One of the most popular and trusted US sportsbooks with the best mobile app
- Largest selection of betting markets including props, parlays, and live betting
- Industry-leading same-game parlay builder with the most options
FanDuel Sportsbook
Best OddsIL since 2020Sharpest lines in Chicago — strong same-game parlays
Why IL Bettors Choose FanDuel Sportsbook
- ✓Consistently ranks #2 by IL handle — close second to DraftKings
- ✓Sharpest odds on Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and White Sox primetime games
- ✓Same-day PayPal payouts for all IL players
- ✓Strong promotional calendar tied to Chicago sports franchises
FanDuel Sportsbook
PlatinumBet $5 and Receive $200 in Bonus
- Consistently offers the best odds in the US market on key matchups
- Cleanest and most user-friendly app design among US sportsbooks
- Same-game parlays available across all major sports
Caesars Sportsbook
Best LoyaltyIL since 2020Caesars Rewards integration with IL casino partnerships
Why IL Bettors Choose Caesars Sportsbook
- ✓Caesars Rewards earn Tier Credits on every IL bet — redeem across properties
- ✓Direct integration with Harrah's properties in Joliet and Metropolis
- ✓Regular odds boosts and profit boosts on Chicago sports
- ✓Best welcome offer: up to $1,000 First Bet Insurance for new IL users
Caesars Sportsbook
GoldPlace your first bet of $1 or more and instantly get 20 100% Profit Boosts
- Caesars Rewards loyalty integration for earning hotel stays and dining
- Strong first-bet insurance up to $1,000 for new customers
- Available in 20+ states with rapid expansion
Fanatics Sportsbook
Best for FansIL since 2021FanCash rewards — spend on Bears, Cubs, and Bulls gear
Why IL Bettors Choose Fanatics Sportsbook
- ✓FanCash converts to Fanatics.com credit for Chicago sports merchandise
- ✓Perfect for Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks fans buying team gear
- ✓Daily bonus structure: bet $5/day for 10 days to earn $50+ in free bets
- ✓Modern app with Chicago sports-centric design and fast UX
Fanatics Sportsbook
Silver$1,000 in No Sweat Bets
- Built by Fanatics, the largest sports merchandise company — deep integration with team gear, collectibles, and fan experiences
- FanCash loyalty program earns rewards on every bet that can be spent on merchandise at Fanatics.com
- Available in 20+ US states with rapid expansion into new markets
bet365
Best Live BettingIL since 2021World's largest sportsbook — elite in-play markets
Why IL Bettors Choose bet365
- ✓Best live betting platform in IL with thousands of in-play markets per event
- ✓Early payout offers — get paid if your team goes ahead by set margin
- ✓Live streaming of 100,000+ events annually — watch and bet in-play
- ✓Cash-out available on most pre-match and in-play wagers
bet365
GoldBet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets
- World's largest online sportsbook with unmatched market depth
- Best live betting platform in the industry with thousands of in-play markets
- Extensive live streaming covering 100,000+ events annually
In-Depth IL Sportsbook Reviews
What it's actually like to use each sportsbook in the Illinois market, based on our hands-on testing.
DraftKings Sportsbook IL — Best Overall
DraftKings has been the dominant sportsbook in Illinois since the mobile launch in June 2020, commanding the largest market share across Chicago and downstate. What sets DraftKings apart is the sheer depth of market selection — more betting options per game than any competitor, from individual player prop thresholds to novelty markets on Chicago sports matchups.
The same-game parlay builder at DraftKings is the best in Illinois, offering more combination options for Bears games, Cubs vs. White Sox matchups, and Bulls contests than any rival. During Bears primetime games, DraftKings runs aggressive promotional calendars with odds boosts and bet multipliers. The "Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets" offer credits after your first bet settles, and you can deploy those bonus bets across the widest array of markets in the state.
DraftKings also offers integrated DFS and sportsbook from a single account — a major advantage for Illinois bettors who want to parlay daily fantasy winnings into sports betting bankroll. Payouts process within 24–48 hours for e-wallets and 3–5 days for bank transfers.
FanDuel Sportsbook IL — Best Odds
FanDuel ranks as the #2 operator in Illinois by handle and has built a loyal following through consistently sharp odds and a clean app experience. In our ongoing odds comparisons across IL sportsbooks, FanDuel offers the most competitive lines on Bears, Bulls, Cubs, and Blackhawks matchups more often than any competitor. The app design is the cleanest in the market — fast bet placement, intuitive navigation, and a streamlined bet slip that works for beginners and sharp bettors alike.
FanDuel payouts are the fastest in Illinois: PayPal withdrawals arrive same-day, bank transfers within 1–3 business days. The sportsbook is tightly integrated with the operator's DFS and casino products, so IL players can switch between daily fantasy, sports betting, and casino gaming from one account. The welcome offer mirrors the national promotion at "Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets."
Caesars Sportsbook IL — Best Loyalty Program
Caesars Sportsbook entered Illinois through partnerships with Harrah\'s Joliet and Harrah\'s Metropolis, giving IL bettors direct integration with Caesars Rewards. Every bet you place on the mobile app earns Tier Credits and Reward Credits redeemable at Harrah\'s properties and all Caesars casinos nationwide, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
For Illinois bettors, the Harrah\'s Joliet location is particularly convenient — about 40 miles southwest of Chicago. You can earn loyalty credits from mobile betting and redeem them for dining, hotel stays, and entertainment at the resort. Caesars runs regular promotions tied to Chicago sports: odds boosts on Bears primetime games, profit boosts for Cubs and White Sox matchups, and special offers during March Madness for Illinois basketball games.
The welcome offer — up to $1,000 in First Bet Insurance — gives new IL users a meaningful second chance if their first wager loses. This is one of the most generous welcome bonuses in the Illinois market.
Fanatics Sportsbook IL — Best for Sports Fans
Fanatics launched in Illinois in 2021, bringing its FanCash loyalty model to one of America's most passionate sports cities. Every bet you place — win or lose — earns FanCash that converts to credit at Fanatics.com. In Chicago, where fans live and die with the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, and Bulls, the ability to earn official team jerseys and merchandise from your betting activity creates unique value.
The app is modern and fast, built from scratch rather than rebranded from legacy software. The daily welcome structure — bet $5 per day for 10 days to earn $50+ in free bets — appeals to bettors who prefer steady value over a single high-stakes first bet. Market coverage for Chicago's major pro and college teams is comprehensive, and FanCash earned on Bears and Illini bets converts directly to gear at Fanatics.com.
bet365 IL — Best Live Betting
bet365 entered Illinois through a partnership with Bally\'s Chicago, bringing the world's largest sportsbook's live betting platform to the Illinois market. The in-play experience at bet365 is a cut above every other IL operator — thousands of live markets per event, fast odds updates, and depth of alternate lines that serious bettors appreciate.
The Early Payout Offer is bet365's signature feature: if the team you backed goes ahead by a certain margin, your bet is paid as a winner regardless of the final result. For Bears fans who've experienced more than their share of heartbreaking losses, that free insurance has real psychological and financial value. Live streaming of 100,000+ events and cash-out on most bets round out the most complete live betting package in Illinois.
How to Sign Up for an IL Sportsbook
Creating an account takes about five minutes. Here's the process for all licensed IL sportsbooks.
Download the App
Search for your chosen sportsbook in the App Store or Google Play. All IL-licensed operators have dedicated mobile apps. You can also sign up on desktop. Look for the verified publisher name to ensure you're downloading the official app.
Enable Location Services
Illinois law requires geolocation verification. Allow location access when prompted. You must be physically in Illinois to bet — but you don't need to be an IL resident. Visitors can sign up and bet while in the state.
Verify Your Identity
Provide your full legal name, date of birth, last four digits of your SSN, and home address. The Illinois Gaming Board requires this to confirm you're 21+ and not on any exclusion lists. Some operators may request a government ID photo for additional verification.
Deposit & Place Your First Bet
Fund your account via PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, debit card, or Play+ prepaid card. Minimum deposits are typically $10–$20. Most IL welcome offers activate when you place your first bet — bonus bets are credited after that wager settles. Check whether a promo code is required before signing up.
IL Sportsbook Payment Methods
Illinois sportsbooks support a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options.
| Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal | Instant | Same-day | Fastest | Best overall — fast both ways, accepted at all major IL books |
| Venmo | Instant | Same-day | Fastest | Available at DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, Fanatics |
| Bank Transfer (ACH) | Instant | 1–3 days | Medium | Direct to/from checking account |
| Debit Card | Instant | 3–5 days | Medium | Visa/Mastercard — some banks may decline gambling transactions |
| Play+ Prepaid | Instant | Instant | Fastest | Prepaid card — avoids bank blocks on gambling deposits |
| Casino Cage | In-person | In-person | Instant | Cash at Rivers Casino Des Plaines and other IL casinos |
Our recommendation: PayPal or Venmo for both deposits and withdrawals — fastest in both directions and accepted everywhere. If your bank blocks gambling transactions, Play+ is the best workaround. Chicago-area bettors can also make cash deposits and withdrawals at Rivers Casino Des Plaines.
IL Sportsbooks — Quick Comparison
Side-by-side look at how the top Illinois sportsbooks stack up.
| # | Operator | Bonus | Min Deposit | Rating | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DraftKings Sportsbook Sportsbook | Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets | $5 | 4.9/5 | Play Now |
| 2 | FanDuel Sportsbook Sportsbook | Bet $5 and Receive $200 in Bonus | $10 | 4.8/5 | Play Now |
| 3 | Fanatics Sportsbook Sportsbook | $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | - | 4.7/5 | Play Now |
| 4 | bet365 Sportsbook | Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets | $10 | 4.6/5 | Play Now |
| 5 | Caesars Sportsbook Sportsbook | Place your first bet of $1 or more and instantly get 20 100% Profit Boosts | $20 | 4.5/5 | Play Now |
Can't decide between two IL sportsbooks?
Our head-to-head comparisons break down bonuses, odds, markets, and app experience category-by-category.
Illinois Sports Betting Timeline
How Illinois became the #2 US sports betting market.
Governor JB Pritzker signs the Illinois Sports Wagering Act into law, establishing a framework for both retail and online sports betting.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines opens the first retail sportsbook in Illinois. In-person registration requirement imposed — a significant barrier to early adoption.
Mobile sports betting launches, but with in-person registration requirement still in place. Market growth is constrained by the barrier to entry.
Illinois permanently removes the in-person registration requirement. This single regulatory change unlocks massive market growth — mobile betting becomes truly accessible to all IL residents.
Illinois surpasses $1 billion in monthly handle for the first time. The state rapidly becomes the #2 US sports betting market by total handle, behind only New York.
Illinois legislature proposes graduated tax rate increase (up to 40% for highest earners), but fails to pass. Market continues steady growth with 15% flat tax rate.
Illinois reaches $12B+ in annual handle, solidifying position as #2 US market. 13+ licensed operators compete aggressively across Chicago and downstate.
Illinois legislature discusses additional tax rate increases (potential graduated scale). Market growth remains steady as operators maintain competitive bonuses and promotions.
IL Sports Betting Rules & Taxes
Who Can Bet
Minimum age: 21 for online sports betting
Location: Must be physically in Illinois (geolocation verified)
Residency: Not required — visitors can bet while in IL
ID verification: Required by all operators (SSN + address)
Taxes on Winnings
IL state tax: 4.95% flat rate on gambling winnings
Chicago tax: Residents pay additional 1.25% city income tax
Federal tax: 24% on winnings exceeding $600 at 300:1+ odds
Operator tax: 15% on revenue (moderate rate)
What You Can Bet On
Pro sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, UFC, golf, tennis, and more
College sports: Fully allowed — including Illinois and Northwestern
Bet types: Spreads, moneylines, totals, parlays, props, futures, live/in-play
No restrictions: All bet types available on in-state college teams
Retail Locations
Chicago area: Rivers Casino Des Plaines (first IL sportsbook)
Downstate: Harrah\'s Joliet, Harrah\'s Metropolis, and others
Note: 95% of IL bets are placed via mobile apps
IL Sports Betting Tips from DeucesCracked
Practical advice for getting the most out of the Illinois betting market.
Chicago Sports Culture is Your Edge
The Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks drive massive action in Illinois throughout the year. Every operator runs Chicago-specific promotions during NFL season, baseball season, and playoff periods. DraftKings and FanDuel compete aggressively with odds boosts and same-game parlay bonuses on Bears primetime games. Check all your IL apps before major Chicago matchups because the promotional value often exceeds the standard betting lines. If you follow Chicago teams closely, you have a local knowledge edge over national sharp bettors.
Cubs vs. White Sox Rivalry — Local Arbitrage
The Cubs-White Sox rivalry is one of the greatest in baseball, and Illinois allows full betting on both teams. One unique wrinkle: different operators have slightly different Chicago teams promotions based on their celebrity affiliations and sponsorships. FanDuel may offer a Cubs boost while DraftKings runs a White Sox promotion on the same day. Comparing odds and promos across all 13 IL operators on Cubs-White Sox games can reveal significant value on the less promoted side.
Bet Illinois vs. Northwestern College Games
Illinois allows full betting on college sports, including in-state teams University of Illinois Fighting Illini and Northwestern Wildcats. College lines are generally less efficient than NFL or NBA lines, so if you follow Big Ten recruiting, injury reports, and coaching trends, you have an edge. Illinois football and basketball games generate heavy public action on IL apps, which can create value on the less popular side of the market. Apply sharp analysis to college betting and you'll find better ROI than pro sports in Illinois.
Illinois's Moderate Tax Rate Means Better Odds
Illinois's 15% operator tax rate is moderate compared to Pennsylvania (36%) or New York (51%). Lower taxes mean operators keep more revenue, which translates into more aggressive odds, better promotions, and more generous welcome bonuses for IL bettors. You'll generally find slightly better lines in Illinois than in higher-tax states, especially on less popular markets where operators have more pricing flexibility.
Stack Bonuses Across Illinois's 13 Operators
With 13 licensed sportsbooks, Illinois offers $1,500+ in combined welcome bonus value. Sign up for one operator at a time, work through the bonus, then move to the next. Most "Bet $5, Get $200" offers give you bonus bets after your first wager settles — use those on plus-money lines where the payout is maximized (bonus bets don't return your stake). A disciplined approach to bonus harvesting across all IL operators can add significant bankroll to your first months of betting in the state.
Removal of In-Person Registration was a Game-Changer
Illinois initially required in-person registration for mobile betting — a barrier that suppressed early market growth. In March 2022, that requirement was permanently removed, unlocking explosive market expansion. For current bettors, this means the market is mature and competitive. All 13 operators are fighting for your attention with aggressive promotions, best-odds guarantees, and player-friendly policies. Use this competition to your advantage.
Illinois Does Not Yet Have Legal Online Poker
Unlike Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Nevada, Illinois does not currently have legalized online poker or online casino gaming. Only sports betting is legal as of April 2026.
Illinois Sports Betting FAQ
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
What sportsbook apps are available in Illinois?
Do I still need to register in person in Illinois?
What is the tax rate on sports betting in Illinois?
Can I bet on college sports in Illinois?
Do I need to be in Illinois to place a bet?
What is the minimum age to bet in Illinois?
What are the most popular bets in Illinois?
Are there retail sportsbooks in Illinois?
Does Illinois have legal online poker or casino?
What responsible gambling resources are available in Illinois?
21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling. IL-specific help: Illinois Gaming Board.