Best Illinois Sportsbooks & Sign-Up Bonuses For 2022
Best For: Overall App
$50 free bet + 20% deposit match up to $1,000 at DraftKings
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI
Best For: Overall App
DraftKings Sportsbook Illinois
Free Bet
$50
Deposit Match Bonus
$1,000
Licensed By
Illinois Gaming Board
DraftKings joined the Illinois market in partnership with Casino Queen in East St. Louis.
DraftKings is an undeniable leader in Illinois and beyond for good reason. The site has a strong, intuitive app, great promotions, and competitive odds. Plus, a DraftKings-branded sportsbook will eventually open at Wrigley Field, further expanding the options for Illinois sports bettors, especially in the Chicagoland area.
New bettors at DraftKings Illinois can get up to a $50 free bet with a $5 deposit plus $1,000 as part of a 20% first deposit match bonus. Illinois bettors can now register from their mobile devices without needing to complete registration at DraftKings’ partner casino.
Terms & Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For: Loyalty Program
First Bet up to $1,250 at Caesars Sportsbook IL
Available On: Android, iOS, Browser
States Allowed: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI
Best For: Loyalty Program
Caesars Sportsbook
Promo Offer
$1,250 First Bet on Caesars
Caesars Promo Code
SHARPBETFULL
Licensed By
Illinois Gaming Board
Caesars Sportsbook became the state’s fifth online sportsbook not long after it launched a retail book at Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.
Now that in-person registration is no longer required, Illinois bettors can download the Caesars app, register, and begin wagering from their mobile devices.
Caesars Rewards, which officially went live for app users last year, is a six-tier rewards program that allows users to collect rewards points during gameplay and exchange them later for free gameplay, on-site benefits at 50 Caesars locations, or benefits with Caesars’ partners.
Bettors in Illinois can claim a first bet up to $1,250 on Caesars (where your first bet is refunded as site credit if it loses) + 1000 Tier Credits + 1000 Reward Credits®. Use Caesars Sportsbook Illinois promo code SHARPBETFULL to claim.
Terms and Conditions apply. 21+
Best For: New Bettors
$1,000 Risk-Free Bet at BetMGM IL
Available On: Android, iOS, Browser
States Allowed: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI
Best For: New Bettors
BetMGM
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
BetMGM Bonus Code
SHARP
Licensed By
Illinois Gaming Board
BetMGM went live in early March 2020, the day after the launch of online registration.
The sportsbook is a frontrunner in Illinois, which makes sense given its origins. BetMGM comes from MGM International, another huge name in gambling, especially in Las Vegas. In fact, with MGM Rewards, bettors can gain comps at MGM properties around the world, along with other nice prizes.
BetMGM offers a risk-free first bet up to $1,000. Use bonus code SHARP to claim the offer.
Terms and Conditions apply. 21+
Best For: Market Depth
$2,000 in second chance free bets at PointsBet IL
Available On: Android, iOS, Browser
States Allowed: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI
Best For: Market Depth
PointsBet Illinois
Second Chance Free Bets
$2,000
PointsBet IL Promo Code
BESTOFFER
Licensed By
Illinois Gaming Board
From its humble roots in Australia, PointsBet has risen to become a powerful force in the sports betting industry. This shines through in the sportsbook’s IL offering.
Standard, fixed odds bets are always on offer at PointsBet. However, PointsBet further makes its case with PointsBetting, a unique betting type allowing for high-risk, high-reward wagering.
On top of it all, PointsBet has a streamlined app and even a “name your bet” feature, which allows you to suggest a wager and possibly have it added to the sportsbook.
The welcome bonus offers 2 second chance free bets. Your first traditional, fixed-odds bet is eligible for a rebate up to $500. Your first PointsBetting wager is covered up to $1,500. The total bonus of $2,000 dwarfs any other operator’s welcome offer.
Terms and Conditions apply. 21+
Best For: Local Promotions
$500 Second Chance Free Bet from BetRivers IL
Available On: Android, iOS, Browser
States Allowed: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI
Best For: Local Promotions
BetRivers Illinois
2nd Chance Free Bet
$500
BetRivers Affiliate Code
SHARPRIV
Licensed By
Illinois Gaming Board
Overall, BetRivers offers a solid sports betting experience. The biggest points in the sportsbooks favor are its welcome bonus and its local presence.
The $500 second chance free bet is a nice way to offer a safety net to players. If your first bet loses, BetRivers offers a refund up to $500. This comes in the form of one free bet as opposed to withdrawable cash, but it is still nice to get a second chance at your first bet. Plus, there are no restrictions on the first bet for it to qualify, so the terms are very player-friendly.
Additionally, BetRivers is an excellent choice for Illinois bettors thanks to its roots in the area. Rush Street Interactive is Chicago-based, so BetRivers will often provide amazing bonuses focused on Chicago teams and athletes.
To qualify for this bonus, use affiliate code SHARPRIV at signup. Then use the code SPORTS when making your first deposit.
Terms and Conditions apply. 21+
Best For: Big Bets
Get a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000 at FanDuel IL
Available On: Android, iOS, Browser
States Allowed: IL, IN, IA, KS, MI
Best For: Big Bets
FanDuel Sportsbook Illinois
No Sweat First Bet
$1,000
Licensed By
Illinois Gaming Board
FanDuel was the third IL sportsbook to go live, and has since been thriving in the Prairie State, as it does in almost all states.
The reason for FanDuel’s success is simple: it offers one of the best sports betting experiences in the country. Given that FanDuel was one of the first operators to focus on online sports betting, it has had extra time to perfect the product, and it shows. In short, FanDuel has it all in Illinois, including a streamlined and easy-to-use app, great market depth, solid ongoing promotions, and much more.
FanDuel is currently offering new users a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,000. What this means is that if your first bet loses, you get a refund in the form of site credit.
Terms and conditions apply. 21+
Other Mobile Online Sports Betting Apps In Illinois
Barstool Sportsbook
Penn National Gaming and Barstool teamed up to provide sports betting and brought an app to the Illinois market. The app went live in the state in mid-March 2021.
Golden Nugget (Coming Soon!)
In November 2020, Golden Nugget Online gaming announced its intention to enter the Illinois market. They plan to open a casino location in Danville, Illinois, about 140 miles from Chicago, in March of 2023. Presumably, an online sportsbook app will launch prior to the opening of the Danville casino.
How To Install Online Sports Betting Apps on an Apple iOS Device
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can install a sportsbook app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Choose your preferred sports betting app and download it from the iOS App Store.
- Register for an account. You’ll need to provide some personal information: name, email, address, phone number, etc. You also may need to submit a driver’s license number or social security number to confirm your age.
- Connect your preferred payment method and make a deposit. Keep your welcome bonus in mind when doing so.
- Start betting!
How To Install Online Sportsbook Apps on an Android Device
Now that Google Play Store allows gambling apps on its platform, it’s likely that you’ll be able to find your app of choice there. However, if you don’t see it, simply:
- Pick your favorite sportsbook and visit its website on your mobile browser. You can also search “[Sportsbook] Illinois Android app” and you should get helpful results.
- Scroll down and you should find an icon that has the Android logo and says “Get it for Android” or something similar. Click on that icon.
- The link will take you to a page with instructions to guide you through the installation process. Follow the steps on the page to download the sports betting app onto your Android device.
- Open the app and sign up for an account using your name, email, etc.
- Connect a payment method, deposit, and place your wager.
How Are IL Sportsbook Apps Different From One Another?
Betting on one sportsbook then moving to another can feel like you’re only switching out a color palette. Many sportsbooks are incredibly similar, and that’s because they’ve researched what works and what doesn’t. The fact is, sportsbooks change based on user feedback, which is mostly a good thing.
That doesn’t mean, however, that there aren’t key differences. Most sportsbook apps have similar user experiences, but some are slower than others. Some offer better ongoing promotions. Others offer better odds on the underdog than the favorite. There are also key features that can set a sportsbook apart, such as DraftKings’ free-to-play pools or PointsBet’s Name Your Bet feature.
The discerning sports bettor will find the features and options that work for them. When it comes down to it, you should select the sportsbook that best fits your tastes and betting habits. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with betting at multiple sportsbooks.
What Makes For A Good Mobile Sports Betting App?
Navigation
When you play on a sportsbook app, you should be able to quickly and easily find your desired bet. Or, if you’re just browsing, you should never be lost. A good sportsbook app will have simple but intuitive navigation tools, a clear way to place a bet, and helpful tips for beginners.
Access To Promotions
From the minute you sign up, sports betting should be rewarding (even if you don’t always win!) Sign-up bonuses and deposit matches show that a sports betting app cares about gaining customers. Loyalty programs and benefits show that they want to keep existing players engaged. Promotions and bonuses make for a better sportsbook experience.
Seamless Deposits
After you connect your preferred payment method, whether it’s PayPal, your debit card, or online banking, how many clicks or taps does it take to make a new deposit? A top-notch sportsbook app makes this process incredibly easy. Just a few taps of the screen will get you to the deposit page, and you can seamlessly add funds to your account.
Speed
In any given sporting event, seconds matter. They can make a world of difference and determine the outcome of a match. When you place a bet, especially live bets/in-play wagers, the same is true of sportsbook apps. They must process your transactions quickly so you can log your bet and continue watching the game. Speed is a top priority when selecting a solid sportsbook app.
How Can Players Deposit Money in Online Sports Betting Apps in Illinois?
Sportsbook apps make deposits simple and seamless. There are a number of methods available, so you just have to choose the one you prefer and fund your account.
Methods To Deposit Money Using an Online Sportsbook App
Deposit methods can vary by sportsbook, but most apps allow similar options.
Online wallet services such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are fairly popular with sports bettors. Among them, PayPal is the most commonly accepted. Most bettors prefer PayPal because it is rarely rejected, and you are not charged a fee. Other methods can lead to problems in both departments.
Credit and debit cards are another ubiquitous option for depositing funds. Almost every sportsbook will accept them. Just type in your card information to make your deposit. If you’d rather not use your personal card, sportsbook apps typically accept prepaid cards, too.
Online banking options such as wire transfer, ACH, and direct deposit are all common in the sports betting world as well. You can connect your bank account and make easy deposits right from your mobile device.
Apple iOS Users
All of the options above are accessible to anyone using an iOS device. Apple users can connect a payment method and deposit at a sportsbook using a variety of accounts.
You may wonder if you can use Apple Pay or an App Store Gift Card on an Apple device to fund your sportsbook app account. Illinois sportsbooks apps do not accept these methods of payment. Instead, you’ll have to stick to the options above.
Android Users
Payment options for Android users are the same: PayPal and other e-wallets, credit and debit cards, online banking, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.
Is Using a Legal Online Sports Betting App in Illinois Safe?
Illinois has many safeguards in place, both on the legal and technological front, to protect users. Regulated sportsbook providers use world-class security practices to keep your information safe, too.
Are Legal Sportsbooks Okay To Install on My Phone?
Yes. Legal and regulated sportsbook apps are safe to install on your phone. Note that the process to install an Android app may include a notification about installing apps from the web onto your phone. This is required because Google doesn’t always allow gambling apps in its official app marketplace.
As long as you’re using a sportsbook app provided by a company with a license, it’s safe. The Illinois Gaming Board governs sports wagering. The organization’s website has a list of licensees that you can use to confirm the safety of any given sportsbook app.
How Do Legal Sportsbook Apps Protect My Personal Information?
Sports betting providers are legally required to adhere to the Illinois Gaming Board’s rigorous regulations and rules. On top of that, they simply want to keep you as a customer. For both reasons, they’re well-incentivized to keep your information safe.
Sportsbooks use the same high-level encryption tools that protect your data at online shopping websites or online banking institutions.
How Can I Secure My Mobile Sports Betting Account?
You can secure your sportsbook account in a number of ways. The best path to protecting your data is enabling two-factor authentication (sometimes called multi-factor or strong authentication). With two-factor authentication turned on, you will enter your username and password to log in as usual. But you’ll have an added step. You’ll be required to confirm your login by entering a code sent to your phone (via text) or email address. Two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to your account.
When you use your account regularly, log out after each session to protect your information as well.
On top of its strong online sports betting market, Illinois is bolstered by a wealth of physical sportsbooks. Here’s an at-a-glance look at retail sportsbooks in Illinois.
| Live Sportsbook | Live? | Online | Illinois Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino | Live | BetRivers | Des Plaines |
| Argosy | Live | Barstool | Alton |
| Grand Victoria | Live | Caesars | Elgin |
| Casino Queen at DraftKings | Live | DraftKings | East St. Louis |
| Hollywood Aurora | Live | Penn National | Aurora |
| Hollywood Joliet | Live | Penn National | Joliet |
| Par-A-Dice | Live | FanDuel | East Peoria |
| PointsBet Sportsbook At Hawthorne Racetrack | Live | PointsBet | Cicero/Stickney |
| Fairmount Park Racetrack | Live | FanDuel | Collinsville |
| Harrah's Joliet | No Sportsbook Currently | Caesars | Joliet |
| Harrah's Metropolis | No Sportsbook Currently | Caesars | Metropolis |
| Bally's Quad Cities | No Sportsbook Currently | Bally's | Rock Island |
Generally speaking, you’ll find better bonus offers at online sportsbooks, plus the ability to compare odds from multiple bookmakers. But it’s hard to match the atmosphere of watching a game at your local sportsbook location. It’s second only to attending the game itself.
Keep an eye out in Illinois, as well. Sportsbooks are coming to the state’s big arenas in the next few years.
Illinois Online Sports Betting FAQ
Illinois allows a wide variety of bets at its online sportsbooks. Parlays, moneyline bets, spreads, futures, round robins, and many more bet types are available.
In terms of actual sports allowed, Illinois does not allow for mobile betting on in-state college teams. Betting on these teams is only available at retail sportsbooks, and even then it is limited, with no live betting and no player props.
Yes. NCAA Football, March Madness, and other college sporting events are available on Illinois sportsbooks. However, you can only bet on in-state college teams like Northwestern, U of I, Loyola, etc. at retail sportsbooks, not online. Even in-person, you cannot bet on player props or do any live betting.
No. Right now, there are no esports bets available in Illinois. In fact, esports are absent from the state’s legislation.
Whether esports betting becomes legal in Illinois could be determined by how lawmakers categorize esports in general. Illinois betting laws prohibit wagering on “non-sporting events” such as elections or awards shows. If esports end up in that same category, they could be prohibited.
However, given the rise of esports in recent years and their mainstream popularity, regulators could flesh out regulations that allow esports betting in the Prairie State. For now, it’s up in the air and could go either way.
Fortunately for bettors, Illinois sportsbook operators shoulder most of the tax burden. Operators pay 15-17% on land-based sports betting and 15% for online sports betting. There’s also a $1 million annual renewal fee for operators to stay licensed in Illinois. Initial licensing fees are $10 million for land-based and $20 for online-only sports betting.
That said, your winnings at an Illinois sportsbook will be taxed as income by both the state and federal government.
Illinois allowed for up to 20 sportsbook licenses as part of its initial legislation: ten for the state’s existing casinos, three for the state’s racetracks, and up to seven for large sports venues. License holders can also offer online betting.
In addition to those licenses, Illinois offers three online-only licenses as well.
DraftKings is live in Illinois. DraftKings formed a partnership with Casino Queen, a land-based casino in East St. Louis, Illinois. The company launched online sports betting using Casino Queen’s license in addition to operating a retail sportsbook on-property.
Yes. FanDuel teamed up with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria for an Illinois sports betting license. FanDuel launched Illinois online sports betting on August 28, 2020.
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