Top Sportsbooks for Betting in Illinois, USA

Top 5 Best Illinois Betting Sites (2025)

1. BetOnline.ag

BetOnline is a powerhouse in the Illinois digital world. This 24 year old Panamanian licensed platform has built an amazing reputation for reliability and transparency. BetOnline stands out with its bold lines on major leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL.

Outstanding features:

• A trusted sportsbook serving Illinois bettors for over 20 years
• Quick crypto payouts that take just hours
• Custom prop builder and same-game parlay features to create your own bets
• A huge gaming library with over 1,110 slots

New players will receive a 100% match up to $1,000 on their first three deposits. Poker fans can grab another 100% match bonus worth up to $1,000. Bets start as low as $1 and maximum limits vary depending on the sport and event.

BetOnline's influence is huge - other Illinois betting sites often use it as a reference point for odds. Many competitors watch BetOnline's moves before adjusting their own lines.

2. BetUS

BetUS is America's oldest online sportsbook and knows exactly what Illinois bettors want. This 31 year old platform started in 1994 and understands American sports fans better than most.

Key benefits:

• America's first online sportsbook still running strong
• A dedicated racebook for global horse racing bets
• BetUS TV brings you expert betting tips and pre-game analysis
• You can bet on 26+ sports in Illinois

BetUS really shines with their bonuses. New players can grab a huge 125% sign up bonus up to $2,625. The platform rewards every deposit and runs a loyalty points program for regular players.

Horse racing fans love BetUS for its fixed racebook odds and exotic bets. This comprehensive approach makes BetUS the go-to platform for Illinois horse racing enthusiasts.

3. XBet.ag

XBet may be newer than others on our list, but since 2014 it's become a major player in Illinois betting. This Curacao-licensed platform keeps your bets safe and legal.

Distinctive qualities:

• Bet from anywhere with their mobile-friendly platform
• All major American sports and betting markets covered
• Great bonuses that change with the seasons
• Multiple payment options including popular cryptocurrencies

Illinois bettors get a sweet deal to start with - a 50% match up to $200 on first deposits, plus 100 free slot spins. Horse racing fans get an extra treat with a 7% daily bonus.

XBet lets you pay your way: credit/debit card ($50-$2,500) takes 1-5 business days, crypto ($20-no limit) takes 10-60 minutes, and bank transfer ($100-no limit) takes 1-7 business days.

4. SportsBetting.ag

SportsBetting.com has been a trusted name since 2003. Illinois bettors love getting early lines and betting options on almost every sport.

Exceptional elements:

• Better odds on popular sports than most sites
• More than 100 sports to bet on
• Unique bets on novelty events, politics, and esports
• A complete racebook covering tracks worldwide with daily rebates

Your first deposit will receive a 50% bonus up to $250. Casino players can claim a separate 50% bonus up to $1,000.

SportsBetting.ag stands out for its huge variety of betting markets. You can bet on esports, politics and entertainment. They also offer fixed odds horse betting on major races - something you won't find everywhere.

5. Bovada

Bovada rounds out our top five as a respected offshore sportsbook that Illinois bettors have trusted for years. This brand is synonymous with sports betting in the Prairie State.

Premier attribut :

• Big bonuses for new customers
• Multiple cryptocurrency options for moving money
• Bet on 8+ esports titles and 23+ real sports
• Take out up to $180,000 weekly

New Illinois bettors will receive a 100% match bonus up to $1,000. Bovada loves crypto - you can use seven different cryptocurrencies and most transactions take less than an hour.

The betting interface is simple but effective. You'll find odds on all major sports, as well as entertainment, politics, e-sports and virtual sports.

Comparison of the top Illinois betting sites

Site	Welcome Bonus	Established	Withdrawal Speed	Special Feature
BetOnline	100% up to $1,000	2001	24-48 hours	Industry reference for odds
BetUS	125% up to $2,625	1994	24/7 crypto payouts	BetUS TV for expert analysis
XBet	50% up to $200	2014	10-60 min (crypto)	Daily horse racing rebates
SportsBetting.ag	50% up to $250	2003	24-48 hours	Early betting lines
Bovada	100% up to $1,000	Established	Under 1 hour (crypto)	Seven supported cryptocurrencies

These five Illinois betting sites give you the best mix of reliable service, competitive odds and great promotions. Each platform brings something special to the table, so you're sure to find the perfect fit for your betting style.

How to Sign Up on Illinois Betting Sites

Setting up an account with Illinois betting sites became easy in March 2022. Remote registration is now permanent. The process only takes a few minutes. Let me show you how to register properly and get the most out of your account.

Step 1: Choose a legal sportsbook

You need to choose the right legal Illinois betting site that works best for you. As of 2025, there are eight regulated online sportsbooks operating in the Prairie State. Here's what to think about before creating an account:

• Betting markets offered: Look at the sports and types of bets available. Some sites focus on specific leagues or betting types.
• Welcome bonuses: Different sites give different first-time perks. You might get deposit matches, risk-free bets, or no-deposit bonuses.
• Ongoing promotions: The best sites offer daily odds boosts and loyalty programs that add value over time.
• Banking options: Make sure the site works with your preferred payment methods quickly.
• Mobile experience: Check how the app rates since you'll probably bet mostly from your phone.

Smart bettors often have accounts at multiple sportsbooks. This allows them to find the best odds and take advantage of different promotions. Still, it's best to start with a site that matches what you want to bet on.

Step 2: Download the app or visit the website

After choosing your Illinois betting site, you'll need to get on their platform. You can do this in one of two ways:

Mobile App Installation

For iOS devices:

1. Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad
2. Search for your chosen sportsbook
3. Tap the blue "Get" button
4. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or password
5. Let it download (Wi-Fi works best)

For Android devices:

1. Go to Google Play Store
2. Search for your sportsbook
3. Tap "Install"
4. Verify yourself if asked
5. Wait for the download (use Wi-Fi)

Web Site Access

You can also use their websites from any computer or phone browser. This saves you from having to download anything, but apps often work better and have extra features like alerts for scores and deals.

Step 3: Enter personal and location details

Now you'll create your account using your personal information. This proves that you can legally wager in Illinois and keeps your account secure.

Required information:

• Full legal name
• Email address
• Home address in Illinois
• Phone number
• Last four digits of your Social Security Number
• Date of birth (you must be 21 or older)

Most sites use two-factor authentication and send codes to your email or phone. This keeps your account extra secure.

Illinois law requires identity checks to prevent fraud and underage gambling. You may be required to show a government issued ID such as a driver's license.

Location services are also required. Turn on location services on your device. Illinois betting sites need to know that you're in the state before you can bet. This happens automatically if you allow it.

Step 4: Use promo codes to claim bonuses

New accounts can receive welcome bonuses that will boost your starting balance. Many of these offers require special promo codes when you sign up.

Common bonus types:

• Deposit match: The site matches what you put in up to a certain amount
• Risk-free bets: Get your money back in site credit if you lose your first bet
• No-deposit bonus: Free betting credits just for making an account
• Odds boosts: Better payouts on certain bets

BetMGM will give you up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses when you use code "PLAYBONUS". Caesars Sportsbook will double your winnings on your next 10 bets after your first bet of $1 using code "LSRDYW".

These offers change often, and the best ones don't last long. Look for terms like minimum wagering requirements or play through rules before you can cash out.

Step 5: Make your first deposit

The last step before betting is to deposit money into your account. There are several secure ways to do this with different speeds and limits.

Popular deposit options:

• Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• PayPal
• Online bank transfers
• Play+ prepaid cards
• E-checks (ACH)
• Cash at casino cages (if they have physical locations)

Most sites require a minimum deposit of $5-$10. Maximum amounts vary depending on how you pay and which site you are using.

Money usually appears instantly so you can start betting. Some payment methods may require additional verification the first time you use them.

Check to see if your payment method works with any of our promotions. Some bonuses don't work with certain payment methods or require a minimum deposit.

This is also a good time to set your betting limits. Many Illinois betting sites allow you to control your daily, weekly or monthly deposits to help you gamble responsibly.

After these five steps, you're ready to bet. You can check out the betting markets and place bets on your favorite sports and events. Most people finish this whole process in under 10 minutes, making it quick to start betting in Illinois.

Types of Bets You Can Place in Illinois

The betting scene in Illinois goes far beyond picking winners. Legal betting sites in the state offer standard bet types that work well for both novice and experienced bettors. You'll get more out of your sports betting experience if you know these betting options. Let's take a look at the different ways to place bets at Illinois betting sites.

Moneyline

Moneyline betting is the easiest way to bet at Illinois betting sites. You pick which team or player will win a game. There are no point spreads or other rules to worry about - just pick your winner.

Moneyline odds show which team is favored to win:

• Favorites: Indicated with a minus (-) sign
• Underdogs: Marked with a plus (+) sign

For example, in a Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers game:

• Bears: +140 (underdog)
• Packers: -160 (favorite)

These odds are simple to understand. A $100 bet on the Bears (+140) would return $240 if they win (your $100 stake plus $140 profit). A $160 bet on the Packers would return $260 if they win (your $160 stake plus $100 profit).

Moneyline betting is popular in Illinois because it's easy and available on all sports from NFL and NBA to MLB and NHL games.

Point Spread

Point spread betting evens things out between teams that aren't evenly matched by using a numerical handicap. This creates better betting opportunities regardless of team strength. The favorite must win by more than the spread, and the underdog must lose by less than the spread (or win outright) for bets to pay off.

A typical NFL point spread looks like this:

• Chicago Bears -8.5 (-110)
• Detroit Lions +8.5 (-110)

Here's what that means:

• Bears bettors need their team to win by at least 9 points
• Lions bettors win if their team loses by up to 8 points (or wins outright)

The (-110) indicates that you must bet $110 to win $100. The half point (8.5) ensures that there are no ties where bets would be returned.

NFL and NBA betting in Illinois loves point spreads, with the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and college teams often showing up in these markets.

Over/Under (Totals)

Over/Under betting looks at the combined score instead of picking winners. The bookmaker picks a number and you bet on whether the final combined score will be higher or lower.

Watch a Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks NBA game:

• Over 220.5 points (-110)
• Under 220.5 points (-110)

An Over bet wins on a total of 221 points or more, while an Under bet wins on a total of 220 points or less. The half point will prevent a tie from occurring.

Different sports have their own typical sums:

• NFL: Usually 35-50 points
• NBA: Around 215-230 points
• MLB: About 7-10 runs
• NHL: Usually 5.5-6.5 goals

Weather plays a big role in the total, especially for outdoor games at Wrigley Field or Soldier Field. Smart Illinois bettors keep an eye on the forecast.

Parlays and Teasers

Parlays combine multiple bets into one large bet. They pay more, but you need every pick to win. Illinois bettors love these high-risk, high-reward bets.

Here's what an NFL parlay might look like:

• Bears +7.5 vs. Saints
• Steelers +1.5 vs. Titans
• Broncos +9.5 vs. Chiefs

With standard odds of -110, this three-team parlay pays about +596. A $20 bet could win $119.16 ($20 bet plus $99.16 return).

Teasers work like parlays, but allow you to adjust the point spread to your advantage for smaller payouts. Basketball teasers typically move 4-6 points, while football teasers offer 6-7 point shifts.

Illinois betting sites have several types of parlays:

• Traditional Parlays: Multiple games or sports in one bet
• Same-Game Parlays: Different bets from one game
• Round Robin Parlays: Smaller parlays from more picks
• Teaser Parlays: Better spreads but lower payouts

Futures

Futures bets look ahead to events that will end later. These bets are open year-round and are big in Illinois.

Popular futures include:

• Team championships (Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series)
• Division or conference winners
• Regular season win totals
• Individual player awards and stats

Illinois NFL fans can bet on the Bears to win the Super Bowl, take the NFC North, or reach certain win totals. Bulls fans can bet on championship odds or player awards such as MVP.

Futures betting in Illinois is great because:

• One bet keeps you interested all season
• You can win big money
• You support local teams
• You can bet year-round

Most futures odds appear as positive numbers (+). A +500 futures bet pays $500 profit on a $100 bet if you win.

Live Betting

Live betting allows you to bet while the game is in progress, with odds that change as the game progresses. Illinois betting sites love this fast-paced betting style that gives you opportunities to bet throughout the game.

You'll find these live betting options:

• Moneylines that update as the lead changes
• Point spreads that move with the score
• Bets for specific parts of the game
• Player performance bets during play

Live betting makes Illinois sports more exciting because you can react to what's happening. Are the Bears starting hot? Back them at great odds. Bulls struggle early? Bet on them to come back.

Illinois betting sites also allow you to "cash out" during live betting. You can lock in your winnings or cut your losses before the game ends, adding strategy to your bets.

From simple moneylines to complex parlays and exciting live bets, Illinois betting sites have everything you need. Understanding these bet types will help you make smarter choices in the growing world of Illinois sports betting.

What Sports and Teams Can You Bet On in Illinois

Sports fans in Illinois can wager on many different sports through legal betting sites in the state. In the Prairie State, you can bet on professional leagues and some college games, including local teams and national matchups. Let's take a look at the sports and teams you can bet on in Illinois.

NFL: Chicago Bears and more

The Chicago Bears are the biggest draw for NFL betting in Illinois, bringing in huge betting numbers each season. Legal Illinois betting sites allow you to place many types of bets on Bears games, from single-game wagers to long-term predictions.

Popular Bears betting markets include:

• Game bets: Moneylines, spreads, and totals for each Bears matchup
• Season-long futures: Bears to make/miss playoffs, win the NFC North, or capture the Super Bowl
• Player props: Performance metrics for key players like Caleb Williams

NFL betting goes beyond just the Bears. You can bet on any NFL game through online Illinois betting sites. Right now, NFL betting makes up the largest share of all betting in Illinois, with the Bears getting most of the local action.

NBA: Chicago Bulls and league-wide bets

The Chicago Bulls are a major focus of trusted Illinois betting sites that offer many betting options for every game. You can place traditional game bets or try more specific player performance props.

A typical Bulls betting menu is shown below:

• Bulls -2 (-110) spread against opponents
• Moneyline odds at -125 for Chicago to win outright
• Over/Under totals around 220.5 points for Bulls games

Bulls fans can place bets online or at retail locations such as The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan and Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. All nine of Illinois' licensed online betting sites offer Bulls markets, so you can shop around for the best odds.

MLB: Cubs, White Sox, and full-season props

Baseball fans in Illinois have two teams to root for - the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox. Both teams attract a lot of betting interest. The White Sox are rebuilding while the Cubs are looking more competitive.

White Sox games offer several betting opportunities:

• Run line (baseball's equivalent to point spread): White Sox -1.5 (+155)
• Run totals: Over/Under 8 runs (-115/-105)
• Moneyline: White Sox -130 vs. opponents

First five innings markets have become popular because they focus on the part of the game where starting pitchers usually pitch.

Sportsbooks offer many futures and props, including World Series odds (White Sox at +2500), exact World Series matchup predictions, and season-long statistical props.

NHL: Chicago Blackhawks and Stanley Cup odds

The Chicago Blackhawks had a rough 2023-24 season (26-49-7 record), but look ready for better days after getting the #1 overall draft pick and Connor Bedard. Illinois betting sites offer plenty of Blackhawks betting opportunities throughout the NHL season.

Blackhawks betting includes:

• Game-by-game moneylines (typically displayed as Blackhawks -150)
• Puck line wagers (hockey's version of point spread)
• Game totals, often set around 5.5 goals
• Player performance props for stars like Connor Bedard

Year-round futures allow you to pick Stanley Cup winners, division champions and individual awards like the Hart and Vezina trophies. These long-term wagers will keep Blackhawks fans engaged throughout the season.

College Sports: In-state restrictions explained

Betting on college sports in Illinois has special rules. State law used to prohibit online betting on local teams like the Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini.

In December 2021, changes were made to allow some in-state college betting, but with strict limits:

1. Bets must be placed in-person at retail sportsbooks, not online
2. Only "Tier 1" wagers are permitted (game spreads, moneylines, totals)
3. No player props or performance-based bets are allowed

In May 2023, the legislature extended the ban on online betting on in-state college teams until at least July 1, 2024. This means you will have to visit a casino sportsbook to bet on Illinois college teams.

Out-of-state college teams have no such restrictions — you can bet on all markets, including player props and specials, both online and in person.

Legal and Regulatory Overview of Illinois Betting

Sports betting in Illinois underwent a major transformation when Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Illinois Sports Wagering Act into law on June 28, 2019. This comprehensive legislation created one of the strongest wagering markets in America. The market will generate over $1.76 billion in tax revenue for state and local governments in calendar year 2024.

Is online sports betting legal in Illinois?

The Prairie State welcomed legal sports betting with its first wager on March 9, 2020. BetRivers became the first online platform in June 2020. There are now nine fully regulated online sportsbooks operating out of thirteen retail locations throughout Illinois. Yes, it is legal to bet through mobile apps as well as in person, as long as you use state-licensed operators. All offshore and unregistered betting sites are illegal within the state's borders.

Age and location requirements

Illinois has strict rules for sports bettors:

• Age verification: You must be at least 21 years old
• Location tracking: You need to be physically present in Illinois, verified by mandatory geolocation technology
• Self-exclusion option: You can voluntarily restrict your access if you worry about problem gambling

Violation of these protections may result in account closure and you may lose your funds.

Retail vs. online sportsbooks

The Sports Wagering Act creates different experiences between brick-and-mortar and online wagering environments. Master sports wagering licenses are available to casinos, racetracks, and sports facilities with more than 17,000 seats. Sports venues may operate sportsbooks within a five-block radius of their facilities if local zoning permits.

Illinois Gaming Board regulations

The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) controls all licensed casino gaming, video gaming and sports betting in the state. They use a two-tiered approach - tier 1 sets the basic licensing procedures, while tier 2 controls the actual wagering behavior. The IGB can prohibit certain types of wagering or sports altogether.

Tax implications for bettors

Regardless of your residency status, all Illinois gambling winnings, including sports winnings, are taxable for tax years after December 31, 2019. Operators now face a new progressive tax structure (beginning July 1, 2024). They will pay 20% on adjusted gross sports wagering revenues up to $30 million, increasing to 40% on revenues exceeding $200 million.

Why Illinois Betting Sites Are Worth Your Attention

Our largest longitudinal study shows that top Illinois betting sites like BetOnline, BetUS and XBet offer great value. They offer competitive odds, substantial signup bonuses, and simplified user experiences. These platforms strictly follow Illinois Gaming Board regulations, so your funds remain safe while you place your bets.

You can enroll in minutes with remote enrollment capabilities that begin in 2022. Note that verification requirements protect both consumers and market integrity. Once registered, you will have access to many betting options — from simple money lines to complex same-game parlays and dynamic live betting markets.

The state's sports scene offers plenty of betting opportunities across all professional leagues. Local favorites like the Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, and Blackhawks attract a lot of attention. However, there are some restrictions on college sports, especially when it comes to in-state teams and prop betting markets.

Illinois betting sites will continue to evolve with technology and regulatory updates. The state's progressive tax structure (20% to 40% based on revenue tiers) challenges operators. However, the robust tax contribution of $1.76 billion to state and local communities in 2024 demonstrates the positive economic impact of wagering.