Illinois Sports Betting — Best Sportsbooks and Apps | Outkick
Illinois Launches Full‑Scale Sports Betting After Two Years of Regulation
After two years of legal groundwork and regulatory oversight, Illinois residents can now bet on sports from the comfort of their homes or at a variety of retail locations across the state. The move followed Governor J.B. Pritzker’s signing of the Illinois Sports Wagering Act on June 28, 2019, and the Illinois Gaming Board’s licensing of the first online operators on June 28, 2020.
From Law to Live Play
The act that paved the way for sports betting gave the Illinois Gaming Board the authority to oversee all wagering activities. By September 2020 the first retail sportsbook, BetRivers at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, opened its doors for in‑person betting. Less than a month later, on June 18, 2020, BetRivers also launched the state’s first online sportsbook, marking the beginning of mobile wagering for Illinoisans.
In March 2022 the state further relaxed restrictions by permanently removing the in‑person requirement for mobile registration. Residents can now register and start placing bets entirely online, provided they are physically located within Illinois and are 21 years of age or older.
The Betting Landscape
Today the state hosts ten legally licensed mobile sportsbook apps. Bettors can download any combination of these apps—there is no cap on how many they can use simultaneously—allowing enthusiasts to compare odds, promotions, and user experience.
Popular apps include:
- BetRivers – the pioneer online sportsbook that debuted with the state’s first license.
- ESPN BET – available at several venues such as Hollywood Casino Aurora and Joliet.
- FanDuel – partnered with Par‑A‑Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria and the FanDuel sportsbook at Fairmount Park.
- Fanatics Sportsbook – found at Hawthorne Race Course and the Par‑A‑Dice Hotel Casino.
- Caesars Sportsbook – operating at Grand Victoria Casino and Harrah’s Metropolis Casino.
- Bally Bet – located at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel in Rock Island.
- bet365 – operating out of Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort in Carterville.
- PENN and Circa Sports – available at Argosy Casino Alton and The Temporary by American Place Casino in Waukegan, respectively.
Retail betting remains robust as well. In addition to casinos, racetracks, and off‑track betting facilities, Illinois offers standalone sportsbooks, providing a wide range of options for patrons who prefer to wager in person.
Promotion and Player Experience
New customers at most sportsbooks receive introductory promotions designed to boost bankrolls and increase potential winnings. Common incentives include:
- Profit boosts that raise the payout on qualifying wagers—sometimes doubling the return if the bet wins.
- Bet‑and‑get offers that award bonus credits after a deposit and a minimal initial bet, often as low as $5.
- Deposit matches that match a portion, or the entirety, of a first deposit with promotional funds.
These offers are intended to give newcomers a taste of the action while also encouraging repeated engagement.
Betting Rules and Restrictions
Illinois law allows betting on a wide array of sports, including professional teams such as the Chicago Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Bulls, and Bears. College sports are also available, though there are strict restrictions: bettors cannot wager on any in‑state college teams, nor can they bet on college player props. Additionally, while non‑residents may bet online, they must be physically present in Illinois at the time of placing a wager.
Looking Ahead
The state’s sports wagering industry has grown steadily since its launch. With a diverse mix of online and retail options, Illinois offers bettors a range of choices. Whether a fan is following the NFL, NBA, or collegiate athletics, the legal framework provides a regulated, accessible platform for sports enthusiasts across the state.