Illinois Sports Betting – How To Bet On Sports Legally In IL in 2023
- Online Sports Betting Available In IL Via Offshore & Domestic Sportsbooks
- Domestic Illinois Sportsbooks Available Via In-Person, Mobile Apps, & Online
- Legislative Movement Toward Sports Betting: IL Sports Betting Is Legal
As part of a state funding bill that includes an expansion of gambling, the Illinois House and Senate passed legislation on June 2, 2019, the last day of the legislative session, to legalize sport betting in-person at the state's casinos, racetracks, arenas, and stadiums - such as Wrigley Field.
The legislation also allows online and mobile app-based sportsbooks to operate inside state lines. Governor J.B. Prizker publicly stated his strong support for the legislation and signed the bill into law on June 28, 2019.
Illinois launched state-licensed sports betting Monday, March 9 in 2020 at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Additionally, Illinois could be poised to become the sports betting capital of the Midwest and is one of the largest markets - at 12.7 million residents - to legalize in-state sportsbooks in the United States thus far.
Between the new state-regulated online and in-person sports wagering opportunities and the sports betting sites operating offshore that have offered services for decades, Illinois residents have no shortage of options when it comes to placing wagers on sports legally.
Is Bovada Legal In Illinois?
Yes, sports bettors that are 18 and over and located in IL can bet at Bovada online legally. Bovada.LV possesses an eGaming license from the country of Curacao and resides in Costa Rica, a regulated gambling district. Because of this status, Bovada Sportsbook can legally accept 18+ bettors in Illinois and allow them to gamble on pro and college games online.
Bovada Sportsbook #1 USA Betting Site
✔ Pros
- Welcome Bonus of 50% up to $1,000
- Operating From The Legal Jurisdiction Of Costa Rica
- Same Day Payouts with Bitcoin
- Options to Use Venmo, Paypal with Vouchers
- Also Offers Casino, Poker, and Horse Racing
- Wide Selection of Sports Coverage & Wagering Options
✘ Cons
- Does Not Accept Players From NJ, NV, DE, NY, or MD
Best Sports Betting Sites In Illinois 2023
Below is a list of the best available sports betting options offered through trusted offshore sportsbooks. Each one of these sportsbooks accepts Illinois players and has been doing so for years.
These brands also provide mobile sports betting apps and live betting capabilities. For readers looking for more information about these online sportsbooks, you can also check out our sportsbook reviews written by industry professionals who are also devoted sports gambling enthusiasts.
| Site Name | Current Bonus | Age | U.S. | Visit Site | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ |  | Visit Site Review |
| 2 |  | 125% Max $3,125 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 3 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 4 |  | 50% Max $500 | 21+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 5 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
| 6 |  | 50% Max $1,000 | 18+ | | Visit Site Review |
Is Sports Betting Legal In Illinois 2023?
Now that governor Pritzker has signed SB690 into law, sports betting is legal in Illinois in more ways than one. Prior to the bill's passage, Illinois residents had only been able to legally bet on sports through online sportsbooks operating offshore.
There were and still are no state laws prohibiting online offshore sports betting. The laws recently authorizing state-regulated sports betting simply expand the range of betting options available to sports fans in IL.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In Illinois in 2023?
Yes! Bettors have two options for legal online sports betting in the state of IL:
- State-regulated online/mobile sportsbooks
- Legitimate offshore sportsbooks sites
The Illinois State Legislature has yet to pass any laws forbidding local gamblers from accessing, joining, and placing bets with an international online sportsbook. The sites listed here represent the best options for online sports betting in Illinois, and they operate offshore with appropriate licensing credentials.
Illinois is one of many legal sports betting states that also permits domestic betting sites to offer their services to players that are 21 or older. Many of the offshore books listed here accept members and allow them to legally bet on sports at the age of 18.
Illinois Sports Betting Bills
The Status of Illinois Sports Betting Legislation for 2023
Now that online, mobile, and in-person domestic sports betting is legal in IL, any further sportsbook-related legislation will involve rulemaking or further regulation. Should any considerable Illinois sports betting legislation arise and spark debate, we'll report on it here.
You can keep up with IL sports betting legislation using our bill tracker page.
IL Sports Betting Details
All of the most pertinent details concerning sports betting in IL have been collected below. This includes options for betting at local gambling venues and with the offshore sportsbook sites that we prefer.
- Legal Sports Betting: In-state; Offshore
- Launch date: March 2020
- Minimum Sports Betting Age: 21+
- Land-Based: Casinos, Racetracks, Sports Arenas
- Online: Domestic; Offshore
- Mobile: Domestic; Offshore
- In-Play: Domestic; Offshore
- Online/Mobile: BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel, PointsBet, Barstool Sportsbook, Bally Bet, Circa Sports, Caliente Interactive
- In-Person: Various Casinos And Racetracks In IL
Offshore sports betting sites are able to serve gamblers located in IL legally because there are no laws in place to stop them. The international sportsbook sites listed here are the best online sports betting sites catering to the Illinois region and offer many perks that rank them higher than domestic options.
What You Can Bet On in Illinois:
- In-state: Wagering on professional sports teams, in-game wagering, and betting on game prop bets; Illinois-based collegiate sports wagering is prohibited.
- Offshore: Offshore sports betting is available to the state's gamblers. These online sportsbooks offer action on professional, collegiate, and amateur leagues based in the US or abroad. In addition, you can place bets on lines for player, team, game, and event props, among others.
What You Can't Bet On in Illinois:
- In-state: The state prohibits domestic sportsbooks from accepting bets on IL-based college sports.
- Offshore: The offshore sportsbooks recommended on this page do not impose any restrictions on Illinois betting.
Gambling winnings are taxed at a rate of 24% by the IRS, and 15% by the IL Government. Winnings in Chicago sportsbooks are taxed at 17%.
Options for Legal Sports Betting in IL
Where Can I Bet On Sports In Illinois?
- Online sportsbooks operating offshore legally have their doors open to IL residents 24/7. Illinois has also authorized state-regulated betting options for brick-and-mortar, online, and mobile sportsbook gambling.
Where Can I Bet on Sports Online in IL Without Breaking the Law?
- The offshore sportsbooks we recommend are unquestionably operating legally within the international sports betting market, governed by a legitimate jurisdiction. The table above includes a link to an in-depth review of each of these sportsbooks. Online sports betting is also permitted domestically in IL to 21 and older patrons.
- Is Bovada legal in Illinois? Yes. Current IL laws do not prohibit offshore sportsbooks like Bovada, making it perfectly legal to join as a member and bet on games. The Bovada Sportsbook operates legitimately with licensing from the Curacao government. Visit Bovada Now.
- Is MyBookie legal in Illinois? Sure is. MyBookie is also an offshore sportsbook and ranks among are best, MyBookie.AG possesses the appropriate licensing to accept IL-based gamblers and delivers a secure online environment. Visit MyBookie Now.
- Is BetOnline legal in Illinois? Uh huh! With over a decade of top-rated sports betting services offered to the IL region, BetOnline.AG is a name that commands respect. If you're in IL, you can bet on sports at BetOnline without breaking state or federal gambling laws. Visit BetOnline Now.
- Is XBet legal in Illinois? Totally! Xbet.AG is a sister site to MyBookie and operates using the same licensing credentials with reliable sports betting services. Their options are similar to MyBookie but differ enough to make them also worthy of membership. Visit XBet Now.
- Is BetUS legal in Illinois? They sure are. BetUS.com.pa has emerged over the last few years as a leading Illinois sportsbook, with unique odds that you won't find anywhere else on the web. Check them out today! Visit BetUS Now.
Illinois Sports Betting Apps
IL is one of the many states that offers mobile sports betting from domestic and offshore operators. While domestic sports betting apps in IL need to be downloaded to devices, the same cannot be said for mobile gambling at offshore sportsbooks.
In IL, bettors must be 21 or older to download sportsbook apps and place a mobile wager. Offshore sportsbooks accept members as young as 18 - but some require a minimum age of 21.
iPhones, iPads, Android smartphones, and tablets can click on any sportsbook link on this page for instant mobile access to the latest pro and college betting odds. Browsing does not require joining, so check each one of them out before making your final decision.
iPhone Sports Betting in IL
iPhone sports betting in IL is just a click away if you use a mobile web browser to access any sportsbook listed here. Domestic sports betting apps are also available for Apple devices but need to be downloaded permanently. Apple sportsbook apps in Illinois require a minimum age of 21 to utilize.
Android Sports Betting In IL
If you are in Illinois and use a Google Pixel, Samsung, or any other Android-powered smartphone or tablet, you can bet on sports using local or international sportsbook apps. Domestic sports betting on an Android requires downloading software, but offshore sportsbook applications can be pulled up in web browsers instantly.
Best IL Sportsbook Promo Codes for September 2023
When making a deposit at any of our favorite sportsbook sites, members can enter sports betting promo codes that add bonus cash to their accounts. These options sportsbook promos are extended to new members and are usually available for future deposits.
In order to make the sportsbook promo cash withdrawable, account holders will need to complete all terms attached. This usually involves betting through the cash a few times but read through the conditions to make sure you can finish them in time.
Once all conditions are complete, you can request a payout of the bonus cash and enjoy your winnings. Here's some of the best promotions being offered online in IL right now:
- Bovada Sign Up Bonus: 50% Deposit Match Up To $1000 – Use Bovada Bonus Code BVD1000
- MyBookie Sign Up Bonus: 100% Deposit Match Up To $1000 – Use MyBookie Promo Code MYB100
- BetUS Sign Up Bonus: 125% Deposit Match Up To $3,125 – Use BetUS Promo Code Join125
- Betonline Sign Up Bonus: 50% Deposit Match Up To $1000 - Use Betonline Promo Code BOL1000
PRO TIP: To maximize the sportsbook bonuses and promotions at these sportsbooks, use crypto for your deposits! You'll get more bang for your buck with larger bonuses as well as access to additional reload bonuses.
Anderson A. - Sports Bettor Since 2014
Best Online Sportsbook Payment Methods Available in Illinois
Cryptocurrency Deposits At IL Sportsbooks
You'll not find any local sportsbooks in IL that accept cryptocurrency bets, but all of the offshore sports gambling sites that we feature here do. Bitcoin and other popular altcoins can be deposited and withdrawn safely and securely without any concerns about canceled transactions. Crypto is also available for same-day payouts in most cases.
Person-To-Person Sportsbook Deposits & WIthdrawals
Some of our favorite offshore sports betting sites let Illinoians purchase prepaid sportsbook vouchers through P2P vendors like MatchPay. Some sites, Bovada, for instance, feature MatchPay built in, while others require its use separately to buy and sell vouchers.
Selling vouchers is the only same-day method for a withdrawal in USD. Because P2P sites accept all sorts of payment options, it allows for depositing using PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, Google Pay, and more.
Credit And Debit Card Sportsbook Banking
Most major brands of credit and debit cards are accepted at offshore sportsbook sites, but there is the potential for deposits to be disrupted if a banking institution believes the transfer is for gambling.
There are also fees attached to using credit/debit cards. Gamblers cannot withdraw winnings using CCs because funds cannot flow backward for sportsbook payouts.
IL Online Sportsbooks: Offshore VS Local
Offshore IL Sports Betting
Domestic IL Sports Betting
How To Bet On Sports In Illinois
First, we suggest having a look at each sportsbook recommended here by clicking on the provided link and touring their website. Once finished, think about creating an account with several of them so that the odds can be shopped for each game.
Trapping yourself into one solitary betting line restrains not only your options but your cash-winning potential. Once you've figured out which offshore sportsbook sites you intend to join, follow these instructions to complete your journey.
- Locate the join or join now icon at the top of any page inside the sportsbook site and press it
- Complete your account profile and create a secure sportsbook login
- Verify your account using your phone or email address
- Enter sports betting funds into your account and have a look through the various bonus cash promos before finalizing the deposit
- Once the deposit is verified and funds are in your account, click on the sportsbook tab of the gambling site
- Locate the sport or league you want to bet on (ex., NFL or tennis) and click on that tab.
- Find the game or match you want to wager on and click directly on the odds, point spread, or total and it will pull up your bet slip and calculator
- Enter the amount of money you want to bet and click submit
- Watch the game or match and collect your winnings when your bet is a success
Pro Tip: Consider joining two or more sportsbooks so that the lines can be shopped to your advantage before the game, match, or event.
Marcus W. - Sports Bettor Since 2011
Popular Sports To Bet On In IL
College Football and NFL betting in Illinois is not limited to wagering on Chicago Bears' odds or the Fighting Illini. All teams and every regular season and postseason game they play across the nation can be bet on at domestic or offshore sportsbooks. While local books require that bettors bet at least 21, some offshore books are 18-friendly.
NBA and college basketball betting in IL can be done with a local or international sportsbook. We prefer offshore sportsbook sites for betting on the NBA or NCAAB in Illinois because they include odds for all games happening on the planet and options for live betting while the clock is running.
If you want to bet on MLB or college baseball in IL, you can do so with a state-regulated sportsbook or one that operates internationally. While domestic gambling is often convenient, doing business with an offshore sportsbook site allows for betting on baseball with cryptocurrency from anywhere in the state that you choose from as young as 18 years old.
There's nothing quite as exciting as a UFC main event on pay-per-view unless, of course, you've got some action laid on one of the fighters. UFC betting in Illinois is no problem, as there are both domestic and overseas options in play. We lean hard toward offshore sportsbooks in Illinois because they cover more MMA events than just the UFC and offer more props than state-regulated books.
Election betting is unique in that it is only offered offshore. Local books in IL won't accept any wagers on election odds, so the sportsbook sites we list here are your only option. Political betting at these sites includes odds for national and local races with futures that are posted for years at times.
Alongside politics, entertainment betting is another gambling category that local sportsbooks have not warmed up to. No problem - offshore sportsbooks provide entertainment odds on anything imaginable in the realm of arts, entertainment, and reality. Options include betting on celebrities, pro wrestling, reality TV shows, awards shows, the plots and outcomes of TV shows and movies, Royal Family betting, and more.
After the game or match begins in real life, the offshore sportsbook sites that we recommend to IL-based players keep the betting lines posted and accept wagers late into the contest. Live betting is a featured betting element at the sites we recommend and will have their in-game lines at the top of the sportsbook homepage.
Active Illinois Betting Sports For September 2023?
The below section includes a list of betting sports that are active and taking action right now at the sportsbooks we recommend for Illinois-based gamblers.
Biggest Sports Betting Cities In IL
Sports Betting In Chicago, IL
Chicago is the largest metropolitan area in the state and home to 5 major professional franchises. With the Chicago Bulls (NBA), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), Chicago Bears (NFL), and Chicago Blackhawks, the city is ripe for betting action.
Although Illinois has legalized mobile and domestic sportsbooks, legal sports betting in Chicago is still in dispute, and there is a current ban on allowing for venues inside the city's stadiums even though state law allows for them.
An ordinance has been introduced to lift that ban, but for now, stadium and arena-based domestic sports betting in Chicago are on ice. The offshore sports betting sites that we recommend on this page service the Chicago area from Soldier Field and beyond right now!
Local Sports Teams To Bet On
Illinois borders the Great Lakes and enjoys all major sports, including NFL Football, NBA Basketball, NHL Hockey, and of course, College Football and Basketball.
Illinois Professional Sports Teams
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Fire FC (MLS)
Illinois College Sports Teams
- The University of Illinois Fighting Illini (NCAAF/NCAAB)
- Illinois State Redbirds (NCAAF/NCAAB)
- Northwestern Wildcats (NCAAF/NCAAB)
Local Sportsbooks in Illinois
- Rivers Casino (Des Plaines) - BetRivers Sportsbook
- Casino Queen (St. Louis) - DraftKings Sportsbook
- Argosy Casino (Alton) - Barstool Sportsbook
- Grand Victoria Casino (Elgin) - Caesars Sportsbook
- Hollywood Casino (Aurora) - Barstool Sportsbook
- Hollywood Casino (Joliet) - Barstool Sportsbook
- Par-A-Dice Casino (East Peoria) - FanDuel Sportsbook
- Hawthorne Race Course (Cicero) - PointsBet Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing (Collinsville) - FanDuel Sportsbook (formerly Fairmount Park Racetrack)
Nearby States with Online Sports Betting
Since IL already has all forms of domestic and offshore sports betting available to local patrons, there's no real reason to travel to a neighboring state to exploit their gambling options. The only bordering state offering an advantage over IL is Kentucky, and that is because they allow domestic sports betting at the age of 18.
KY is convenient to players aged 18 to 20 that are located in the southernmost part of IL. The drive is way too long for those located near Chicago or the Great Lakes region.
Frequently Asked Questions About Illinois Sports Betting
Illinois residents are not at risk of being arrested for betting on sports as long as bets are placed at offshore online sportsbooks that are operating legally or at any of the state-regulated sportsbooks that are soon to be available.
Betting on March Madness in IL via domestic and offshore sportsbooks is perfectly legal. A minimum age of 21 is required to bet on college basketball at a local book, but offshore sports betting sites like the ones we link to here can handle your NCAAB bet at 18 years old.
Yes. Domestic sports betting apps are available for download in IL to 21+ gamblers. Mobile sports betting can also occur at offshore sportsbook sites in Illinois as young as 18 years old using mobile web-connected devices.
There are no team restrictions when placing bets through online offshore sportsbooks. From passed legislation regarding IL sports betting, the state-regulated sportsbooks will not be able to accept bets placed on IL-based college teams.
Sports betting in IL requires a legal minimum sports betting age of 21 unless you become a member with an offshore sportsbook site that lets 18+ members join.
The Illinois Gaming Board provides regulatory oversight for gambling in the state.
Betting On Football In Illinois In 2023?
How To Bet On College Football in Illinois
Whether you want to lay some action on the Fighting Illini or any other NCAAF team in the country, the best college football betting sites operate offshore and are linked to here on this page. International sports betting sites provide more access for Illinois-based players that want to wager on college football games, the CFP, bowl games, and the National Championship.
How To Bet On NFL Football In Illinois
The Chicago Bears of the National Football League are the most popular NFL team in the state, and betting on them can be done at both domestic and offshore venues. NFL betting can occur at 21 or older at domestic sportsbooks, but some offshore sites allow for membership at 18. Wagering on all 32 NFL franchises can be performed from the preseason through the Super Bowl, and we've listed the best sites for doing so here on this page.
How To Bet On The Super Bowl in Illinois
Gamblers inside of IL can bet on Super Bowl odds using the services of either an offshore or a domestic sportsbook.
Domestic - Betting on the Super Bowl can be done at any domestic sportsbook in the state as long as you have reached the age of 21. SB betting can be done at brick-and-mortar sportsbook locations or remotely using domestic online or mobile sports betting apps.
Offshore - The sites listed here are offshore sportsbook sites, and they allow for betting on Super Bowl odds from anywhere inside Illinois' borders. International betting sites provide a greater number of Super Bowl prop bets and accept members at the age of 18 in some cases.
Illinois Legislative Resources
Legislative Timeline of Sports Betting In IL
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March 5, 2022 – In-person registration is now no longer required for sports betting in IL. Registration can now occur online.
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March 9, 2020 – BetRivers Sportsbook opens for business and accepts the first domestic wager in Illinois.
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June 28, 2019 – Governor Pritzker signs the Sports Wagering Act into law, permitting retail, online, and mobile sportsbooks to operate in IL.
IL Responsible Gambling Resources
We acknowledge the fact that if not played responsibly, gambling on sports can become addictive and lead to negative effects on your financial situation. We encourage everyone in Illinois to play in a responsible manner, but if you feel that your gambling habits have gotten out of hand, please contact the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling for immediate assistance.
