Illinois has quickly become one of the most competitive and successful states in terms of online sports betting. Bettors have seven apps to choose from, with BetMGM Sportsbook being the latest addition. All these platforms offer bonuses and promotions that can benefit new users – a great incentive for anyone looking to place their first bet.
Moreover, retail casinos throughout the state also open up opportunities for more traditional forms of betting as well. With all these options available at your disposal it’s no wonder why so many people are starting to take advantage of this exciting form of entertainment offered by Illinois’ blossoming sports betting industry.
This is the current state of play with sports betting in Illinois.
What’s happening in Illinois sports betting right now?
January 5, 2023: It was revealed that Circa Sportsbook is ready to launch in Illinois. The book will join other established names to become the eighth sportsbook operator in the state, once The Temporary by American Place Casino opens its doors.
January 4, 2023: The Missouri legislature opened its 2023 session with high expectations – could this be the year that sports betting is legalized? As one of only seven states without such legislation in place, it’s no surprise the attention has been focused squarely upon them for some time now; should they opt to legalize, neighboring Illinois could see their stake dwindle as St Louisans stay at home and bet instead.
December 12, 2022: Illinois became the fourth state to reach a monumental milestone – they generated more than $1 billion in monthly handle during October. To put that into perspective it was enough revenue to break two records; an astounding $102.1 million made and astonishingly leaves behind a hefty income tax sum of around $16.5 million paid back into the government coffers. This is truly incredible news for all who reside within this standout Midwestern US State and befitting their solid reputation as one of the nation’s great success stories when it comes to gambling excellence.
December 5, 2022: The state of Illinois could be in for a major shift when it comes to sports betting. House Bill 5847 would mean that seven professional teams would have their own special license enabling them to enter into an agreement with legal operators.
Bonuses & Offers to look out for in Illinois
Ready to get in the game? Illinois sports betting has never been simpler – all you need is a few minutes at one of the partner casinos to get set up.
With every app vying for your attention, there’s plenty of bonus incentives out there so take time to explore which option makes most sense based on what matters to you.
Always make sure that you take the time to read the fine print of each offer. Some of the most common types of bonuses that IL sportsbook apps offer can be seen below:
Deposit Bonus
When it comes to IL sportsbook apps, you should never presume the details of their offerings until after carefully reviewing all their key information. These offers could come with a host of additional bonuses – ranging from deposit incentive rewards, free bets or even wager refund credits. To make sure that you expose yourself to lucrative opportunities and financial gains through these platforms; be sure to read every detail thoroughly and remember – knowledge is power.
Free Bets
Free bets are a great way to dip your toes in the world of sports betting. For those new to gambling, they present an enticing opportunity: simply choose your sport and make a single wager at no cost. And if luck is on your side, you’ll walk away with some extra cash in tow.
Risk-Free Bets
Making a risk-free wager is one of the safest ways to bet. When you decide to make that gamble, however, sportsbooks have certain conditions in place for your initial stake. If luck happens to be on your side and you win? Then it’s time to collect those profits. But if lady luck isn’t so kind this round then sites offer an alternate consolation – cashback or insurance bonuses given out as site credits equivalent in value with what you wagered initially. Whether it’s winning big or at least not losing too hard, these incentives are always there when placing a risky bet now matter how good our strategies may be.
Major Sports On Offer To Bet On In Illinois
From the Chicago Cubs and Blackhawks to the Bulls, Bears, White Sox – Illinois has a treasure trove of great sports teams for fans from all walks of life. And very soon bettors in the state will get an even more thrilling experience with legal wagering at stadiums across these franchises.
Here are the most popular sports and Illinois teams on which to bet in the state:
- NBA — Chicago Bulls
- NFL — Chicago Bears
- MLB — Chicago White Sox
- MLB — Chicago Cubs
- NHL — Chicago Blackhawks
- MLS — Chicago Fire FC
Chicago sports fans have plenty of thrilling choices when it comes to betting – from the hometown teams beloved by so many, to alluring matchups across leagues and special events such as March Madness or even international competitions like the Olympics.
As well as all that, you can now can place wagers on a variety individual-focused sporting pastimes like tennis matches featuring stars who’ve reached greatness in their fields; mixed martial arts bouts packed with intense fight sequences for thrill seekers; deceptively tranquil games of golf captivating millions around the world every day; and motorsports provides an adrenaline rush that is sure draw some big bets.
Best Sports Betting Apps In Illinois
If you’re a sports fan, deciding which online sportsbook to join is like finding the perfect fit. With around half dozen options available in Illinois alone, it can be overwhelming trying to determine the best choice for your betting preferences and lifestyle. To simplify matters, we’ve compiled a list of top picks when it comes to key categories plus provided detailed reviews on each app – so that all you need to do is pick one that fits with how and what bettors want.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook has positioned itself as a top-tier sportsbook in Illinois, standing out due to its cutting edge features. The cash-out option allows bettors the flexibility to close their tickets before games come to an end and the personalized betting carousel is specially tailored for each user’s preferences. However, there may be some room for improvement when it comes to existing customer promotions; offering incentives could really emphasize DraftKing’s superior qualities even further.
| App rating: | 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android) |
| Key takeaway: | Innovative app that allows users to update elements that best fit them. |
| Best feature | Betting carousel |
| IL bonus offer: | $1,250 |
Caesars Sportsbook
When it comes to sports betting, Caesars Sportsbook offers a dependable and comprehensive experience. Boasting an impressive library of daily odds boosts on top of its well-established corporate brand, players have access to over 50 different enhanced bets at any given time. Although quality design features are few and far between, the basics are all there: making this app something more practical than too flashy.
| App rating: | 4.6 (iOS), 4.4 (Android) |
| Key takeaway: | Solid sportsbook with competitive odds |
| Best feature | Plenty of odds boosts available throughout the day |
| IL bonus offer: | $1,250 |
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is one of the big names in the industry and very well positioned in Illinois. From classic betting types like spreads and over-unders, to cutting edge features such as Edit My Bet or Easy Parlay – whatever your preference may be when wagering online (within limits!), you’re sure to find something truly special with BetMGM. That being said, one minor downside could be navigation; while not overly complicated by any means, some tinkering here would go a long way in bolstering an already great experience!
| App rating: | 4.8 (iOS), 4.1 (Android) |
| Key takeaway: | Massive variety when it comes to sports and bet types. |
| Best feature | Edit my bet and easy parlay. |
| IL bonus offer: | $1,000 |
PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet has set the online sports betting industry alight with its aggressive expansion and variety of products since it arrived in the US from Australia. Perhaps one area where the app could improve is user accessibility, as some features may be difficult to locate at first glance. Nonetheless, promotional offerings for existing customers are a definite draw – making them all too easy to stick around.
| App rating: | 4.7 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
| Key takeaway: | Different types of betting options used but very worthwhile. |
| Best feature | Promotions and bonus offers |
| IL bonus offer: | $2,000 |
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers Sportsbook is definitely one of the answers that Illinoisans have been seeking when it comes to a reliable home sportsbook. With its exclusive partnership with Chicago Bears and parent company based in North Michigan Avenue, this app has become a central hub for all the state’s sports bettors. What makes them stand out from their competitors is their iRush rewards program as an added bonus of using BetRiver’s platform – benefits that can’t be ignored. Despite having some kinks left to iron out, users are sure to find no shortage of wins on famous teams like the Bears here at your fingertips any day you please.
| App rating: | 2.5 (iOS), 3.2 (Android) |
| Key takeaway: | The app is well tailored for Illinoisans and the Chicago community. |
| Best feature | The BetRivers news feed on the homepage lets you know all the key info. |
| IL bonus offer: | $2,000 |
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook has blossomed in recent years, making its mark as one of the greatest sports betting apps across Illinois. This is largely due to its intuitive and user-friendly interface that makes it especially appealing for experienced bettors looking to take their wagers up a notch with same game parlays. However, there are still some issues FanDuel needs to work out before becoming fully optimized – such as ensuring streamlined biometric logins and more timely customer support responses.
| App rating: | 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android) |
| Key takeaway: | Incredibly simple and easy to use this app. |
| Best feature | Huge range of same-game parlays |
| IL bonus offer | $1,000 |
FAQS
Illinois SPORTS BETTING FAQS
Yes, sports betting is legal in Illinois. The state became one of the latest US states to obtain legal sports betting in June 2019 after Gov J.B Pritzker signed the bill and legislation was passed allowing residents to take part in both online and retail bookmakers.
With the introduction of sportsbook apps in Illinois, betting online is the easiest option no matter where you live. There are also several locations that boast open sportsbooks: casinos, racetracks and specially designated stadiums – each venue setting stage to an array of interesting wagers guaranteed to add more excitement into any live game experience.
In Illinois, sports bettors have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to placing wagers. Some of the best sports to bet on in the state include:
Professional sports:
- NFL: Chicago Bears are the most popular professional football team in Illinois, with a large and dedicated fan base.
- NBA: Chicago Bulls have a rich history and attract significant betting interest in the state.
- MLB: Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs are two major baseball teams that generate a lot of betting action during the MLB season.
- NHL: Chicago Blackhawks, one of the Original Six hockey teams, have a strong following and provide ample betting opportunities.