Illinois Sports Betting 2026: Best IL Sportsbooks & Betting Apps
Written by Joseph Ryan | Last updated: February 2026
Illinois is a massive sports betting market hiding behind a slightly complicated regulatory history. Chicago is the third-largest city in the US, home to the Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks, and Fire — plus a deep college sports culture anchored by Illinois, Northwestern, Notre Dame nearby, and a dozen other programs. When mobile sports betting finally removed the in-person registration requirement in 2022, the Illinois market opened up fully and has been growing rapidly since.
Best Sportsbooks in IL — Quick Comparison
| Sportsbook | Welcome Offer | App Rating | Live Betting | Online Casino |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | First Bet Offer up to $1,500 | 4.8/5 | ✅ | ❌ |
| DraftKings | Up to $1,200 bonus | 4.7/5 | ✅ | ❌ |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $200 | 4.8/5 | ✅ | ❌ |
| Caesars | First bet up to $1,000 | 4.5/5 | ✅ | ❌ |
| ESPN Bet | Up to $1,000 bonus | 4.2/5 | ✅ | ❌ |
Offers subject to change. Must be 21+ and located in IL.
Is Sports Betting Legal in Illinois?
Yes. The Illinois Gaming Board regulates sports betting under the Sports Wagering Act, signed June 2019. Retail betting launched in March 2020. Mobile wagering launched in June 2020, but initially required in-person registration at a casino — a rule that was finally eliminated in March 2022, allowing fully remote online sign-ups. You must be 21+ and physically located in Illinois. Residency is not required.
Online casino gambling is not currently legal in Illinois — sports betting only. Casino expansion bills have been proposed but not passed.
The In-Person Registration Era and What Changed
From June 2020 to March 2022, signing up for an Illinois sportsbook account required physically visiting a licensed casino — a requirement unique to IL among major markets. Unsurprisingly, this suppressed market growth significantly. Once the requirement was lifted, operator signups surged and the Illinois market began matching its population-implied potential.
If you tried an IL sportsbook before March 2022 and got frustrated by the process, it’s worth giving it another look. The current experience is identical to any other state: download the app, verify your identity, deposit, bet.
Illinois Sports Culture: Why This Market Runs Deep
Chicago sports fans are serious bettors. The Bears generate enormous NFL handle — even in down years, Chicago is one of the top NFL betting markets in the country. The Cubs and White Sox split the baseball market geographically (North Side vs. South Side is a genuine cultural divide that extends into betting loyalties). The Bulls and Blackhawks keep winter interest high beyond football season.
College sports add another layer. Illinois and Northwestern are both Big Ten programs with active betting followings. The proximity to Notre Dame drives Fighting Irish handle in the Chicago suburbs. March Madness with Big Ten and Missouri Valley Conference teams creates sustained college basketball interest from November through April.
BetMGM Illinois
BetMGM is fully licensed in Illinois and has been active in the market since the early days. The product is the same polished sportsbook available across 20+ states — clean live betting interface, strong same-game parlay builder for NFL Sundays, competitive odds on Bears and Cubs games. The app holds up under Chicago traffic, which matters when the entire city is betting on the same game simultaneously.
Line Shopping in Illinois
The Illinois operator field is deep: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, BetRivers, PointsBet, and others are all licensed. That competition makes line shopping meaningful. For Bears games and marquee Cubs matchups, you can regularly find a half-point or better by checking two or three apps before placing. Over a full NFL season, that adds up.
Illinois Sports Betting Tax
Illinois taxes sports betting revenue at 15% — a moderate rate that keeps the operator environment competitive. Welcome bonuses in IL are generally solid, and ongoing promotions are consistent year-round.
Deposits & Withdrawals
- PayPal — Fastest for both deposits and withdrawals. Most major books support same-day PayPal cashouts. BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel all accept it.
- Online Banking (ACH) — Connect your bank directly. Deposits are near-instant; withdrawals take 3-5 business days.
- Debit Card — Instant deposits on Visa/Mastercard. Withdrawal speed varies by operator.
- Venmo — Supported at FanDuel and DraftKings in most states. Fast and convenient.
- Play+ Prepaid Card — BetMGM’s branded prepaid card enables same-day withdrawals.
- Check by Mail — Available everywhere as a fallback. Takes 7-14 days.
Tip: Complete identity verification (government ID + proof of address) before your first withdrawal to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did mobile sports betting fully launch in Illinois?
Mobile betting launched in June 2020, but required in-person casino registration until March 2022. Fully remote online sign-ups have been available since March 2022.
Is online casino gambling legal in Illinois?
No. Illinois allows sports betting only. Online casino games are not currently legal in IL.
Can I bet on Illinois and Northwestern games?
Yes. Illinois has no restriction on wagering on in-state college teams.
What is the legal betting age in Illinois?
21 for all licensed sports betting operators.
Responsible Gambling
Betting should be entertainment. All licensed US platforms offer deposit limits, loss limits, and self-exclusion tools in account settings. If gambling stops being fun, use them.
Free, confidential help: National Problem Gambling Helpline — 1-800-522-4700 (call or text, 24/7). See our Responsible Gambling page for more resources.
Legal Sports Betting in Other States
Connecticut Online Gambling | New Jersey Online Gambling | Pennsylvania Online Gambling | Michigan Online Gambling | New York Sports Betting | Ohio Sports Betting | Colorado Sports Betting | Virginia Sports Betting | Arizona Sports Betting | West Virginia Online Gambling