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Illinois
Having launched legal sports betting right before the COVID shutdowns of 2020, Illinois quickly adjusted its rules around mobile registration to become a true Monster of the Midway in the sports wagering sector.
Our Best Illinois Sports Betting Offers
Disclaimer: For those outside of Illinois, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
About Sports Betting in Illinois
After legalizing sports betting in 2020, Illinois accepted its first in-person sport wager in March 2020 -- the same month that the COVID-19 pandemic caused brick-and-mortar businesses around the country to shut down.
Ever resilient, the Land of Lincoln quickly adjusted its rules around mobile betting registration to become a true Monster of the Midway in the sports wagering sector. The state now routinely handles north of $1 billion in sports bets to rank among the leaders nationwide.
Wagering on college sports is somewhat limited relative to other states, but the multitude of Chicago pro sports franchises and Illinoisans' passion for athletic competitions in general more than make up for any regulatory roadblocks. This explains why sportsbook operators big and small have flags firmly planted in Illinois, offering bettors a buffet of options.
Illinois Sportsbooks
Currently Operating Sportsbooks
Current Sportsbooks
9
Grand Victoria Casino: 250 S. Grove Ave, Elgin IL 60120
Harrah's Metropolis: 100 East Front Street, Metropolis, IL 62960
Club Hawthorne: 13148 Rivercrest Dr, Crestwood, IL 60418
Crazy Pour Sports Bar: 105 E North Ave, Villa Park, IL 60181
Hawthorne Race Course: 3501 S. Laramie Ave., Stickney, IL 60804
Players Pub & Grill: 1250 River Rd, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing: 9301 Collinsville Road, Collinsville, IL 62234
Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino: 21 Blackjack Boulevard, East Peoria, IL 61611
DraftKings at Casino Queen: 200 Front Street, E. St. Louis, Illinois 62201
DraftKings Sportsbook at Wrigley Field: 1012 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613
Mobile Sportsbook
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Sports Betting Legalization in Illinois
Illinois Sports Betting Law Highlights
- 20-40% tax on gross gaming revenue, with funds allocated to public infrastructure projects like schools and recreational facilities.
- Official league data required for in-game and prop betting; all bettors must be at least 21.
- No betting on in-state colleges and no prop bets on any college athletes.
- $10 million initial license fee for retail sportsbooks, $20 million for online operators, with a $1 million renewal fee every four years.
- In-person registration for online sports betting accounts no longer required.
- College bets restricted to moneyline, spread, and over/under wagering.
Legalization Timeline
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Gov. Pritzker signs sports betting into law
June, 2019
Sports betting becomes legal in Illinois with the stroke of Governor JB Pritzker's pen. At first, sports bettors must register in person for online accounts, compelling several major mobile operators to partner with land-based gaming facilities.
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First in-person sports wager placed
March, 2020
The first in-person sports wager is made at the sportsbook at Rivers Casino in the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines. Retail sportsbooks and casinos would soon find themselves temporarily shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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In-person registration for online sports betting suspended
June, 2020
With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the temporary shutdown of in-person gaming facilities, Gov. Pritzker suspends the requirement that sports bettors register in person for online accounts. The in-person registration requirement would be permanently abolished in March of 2022.
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First online sports bet accepted by BetRivers Sportsbook
June, 2020
The first online sports wager in Illinois is accepted by BetRivers Sportsbook, a subsidiary of the Chicago-based company Rush Street Interactive.
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College wagering restrictions take effect
July, 2024
The Illinois Gaming Board implements a ban on betting on in-state college teams. Previously, Illinois bettors could wager on in-state college teams at retail sportsbooks, but not through online platforms. The IGB also eliminates the ability to place prop bets on all college athletes, and legal college wagering of any kind is restricted to moneylines, spreads, and totals.
FAQs
Is sports betting legal in Illinois?
Sports betting is legal in Illinois. Governor JB Pritzker signed sports wagering into law in Illinois on June 28, 2018. The first in-person bet was placed at Rivers Casino Des Plaines near Chicago on March 9, 2020, and the first online wager was made through BetRivers Sportsbook on June 18, 2020.
Who can bet on sports in Illinois?
People who are 21 or older can bet on sports in Illinois provided they are physically located within the boundaries of the state. In order to bet online, you must first register for an account with a licensed sportsbook, although it is no longer necessary to do that in person.
Who regulates sports betting in Illinois?
The Illinois Gaming Board regulates sports betting and casino gaming in Illinois. The IGB is a five-member board that is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the State Senate
What can I bet on in Illinois?
Illinois' Sports Wagering Act allows master sports wagering licensees to offer bets on any professional sport and any college sport except for those involving Illinois collegiate teams. Following is a fairly comprehensive list of events that Illinois sportsbooks typically offer wagering on: football, basketball, ice hockey, tennis, MMA/UFC, soccer, golf, Australian Rules Football, baseball, bowling, boxing, cricket, cycling, darts, motorsports, Gaelic Sports, handball, rugby, snooker, surfing, table tennis, and volleyball.
What can't I bet on in Illinois?
Illinois has adjusted its stance on in-state college sports wagering several times since sports betting was legalized in the state. But since July 1, 2024, Illinois sports bettors have been prohibited from betting on events involving college teams from the state of Illinois. Bettors are also not allowed to place prop bets on any college athletes, and college betting is restricted to moneyline, spread, and over/under bets.
Is DFS legal in Illinois?
Yes, thanks to a 2020 Illinois Supreme Court ruling that declared daily fantasy sports contests to be games of skill and not illegal gambling.
Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Illinois?
It is legal to bet on horse racing in Illinois. The state has two active racetracks, Hawthorne Race Course and FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (formerly known as Fairmount Park). Between them, they maintain more than a dozen off-track betting parlors around the state, some of which also boast sportsbooks. Illinoisans may also wager on simulcast racing online through advance-deposit wagering platforms like TwinSpires and Xpressbet.
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Responsible Gambling
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