Top Sportsbooks in Illinois for 2023
If you are looking for the best online sportsbooks in Illinois, you’ve come to the right place. Find below our recommendations for the top sportsbooks in the state, as well as a guide on which sites to avoid and how to gamble safely.
Recommended Illinois Sportsbooks
Blacklisted Sportsbooks in Illinois
With so many online sportsbooks that accept punters from all over the world, it can be difficult to distinguish the wheat from the caff. Luckily, you don’t have to do it on your own. When reviewing sportsbooks, we often come across sportsbooks that do not meet our requirements. These sites are then added to our blacklist, which is a list of sportsbooks we recommend you avoid.
See below the latest additions to our blacklist.
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Overview of Top Illinois Sportsbooks
Find below a short overview of the best sportsbooks in Illinois. With so many great options, you can find a new sportsbook in no time.
Caesars
Caesars is regarded as the top sportsbook in not only Illinois, but the US as a whole. It entered the American sports betting market when it acquired William Hill, a global gambling company from the UK. The years of experience behind the William Hill brand really secured Caesars' spot in the US gambling market.
On to more exciting things—the welcome offer. Caesars matches new members’ first deposits up to $1,500. The site also offers a wide variety of sports to bet on, so we're sure you could put that bonus to good use.
Like any sportsbook worth its salt, Caesars has an amazing loyalty rewards program. Regular bettors receive points for playing, which they can redeem on the website or at any of the land-based Caesars casinos.
DraftKings
DraftKings is best known for its Daily Fantasy Sports offering, which it has expanded to include various other sports betting options. The DraftKings sportsbook also offers an excellent mobile gambling experience with a dedicated mobile app. Today, the sportsbook is available in several US states.
The DraftKings welcome package includes a deposit match bonus up to $1,000 and a free bet worth $50.
PointsBet
PointsBet is quite popular in Illinois. This is most likely due to its unique points betting feature. In points betting, your winnings are only determined at the end of a match. Although the risk is bigger, the rewards are too.
All new members get two free bets as a reward for signing up. The total value of the welcome offer is $2,000. The sports you can bet on include NCAAB, NBA, NFL, MLB, NCAAF, among others.
FanDuel
If you love fantasy sports, you have probably heard of FanDuel before. However, the sportsbook no longer only offers fantasy sports. You can now bet on a variety of sports, including basketball, football, hockey, etc.
Its dedicated mobile app has racked up some excellent reviews for its user-friendliness, layout and design. The welcome package includes a $1,000 risk-free bet and a $100 free bet.
Barstool
The Barstool sportsbook is a product of Barstool Sports, a US digital media and blogging company. Thus, unlike most other sportsbooks on this list, it does not come with extensive sports betting experience. Nonetheless, it remains a top-quality sportsbook.
In terms of bonuses, it offers an amazing welcome bonus consisting of a potential $1,000 risk-free bet plus a $10 no-deposit bonus. In addition, bettors are also treated to a variety of unique promotional offers and bonuses, which can be spent on a multitude of sports betting options.
BetRivers
BetRivers caters to many US states, including Illinois. It promises bettors an amazing betting experience that includes live streaming, in-play live betting, and a variety of bonuses and promotions.
The sportsbook offers a welcome bonus in the form of a 100% match bonus up to $250. Although this might not be one of the biggest bonuses around, it does have some of the most realistic wagering requirements we’ve seen.
Ranking Online Sportsbooks
To bring you only the best sportsbooks in Illinois, we rate them based on the following criteria:
Security: Strong enough encryption software to protect player information
Banking: Plenty of payment methods
Bonuses: Generous and varied bonuses to pick from
Mobile: Should offer mobile gambling.
Customer support: An efficient customer support team should be easily accessible
Markets: A wide variety of sports and betting types
Best Sports to Bet on in Illinois
Illinois has a team in every major league, which means there are plenty of fans just waiting to bet on their favorite teams and players. Below is a list of the top sports to bet on in the Prairie state.
Football
Football is the most popular sport in America. Consequently, it is also the most bet on sport in most states. This is especially true of states that have a team in the NFL, like Illinois, which is represented by the Chicago Bears.
Baseball
Illinois has two professional baseball teams: the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox. This has made for some very entertaining competition, as the two teams vie for support in the state. For this reason, baseball is another popular sports betting option in the state.
Basketball
Illinois is represented by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. With no other teams in the major league, most of the state’s support is geared toward the Bulls. Consequently, betting on basketball is quite popular in Illinois.
Soccer
Soccer is immensely popular, not only in the US but all over the world. Illinois’ biggest soccer team is the Chicago Fire. The popularity of the sport ensures plenty of betting activity.
Horse Racing
Illinois has several horse race betting venues. However, you can also bet on horse racing online.
Hockey
The Chicago Blackhawks was one of the first 6 NHL teams to be created. It has been heavily supported by its home city ever since. The team has won six Stanley Cups over the years.
NASCAR
When it comes to motorsport betting in the US, NASCAR takes the cake. Sports betting operators in Illinois offer betting on race events all year round.
Golf
Illinois has a number of golf venues (including Olympia Fields, Kemper Lakes, and Medinah) where some professional golf championships are often hosted. With golf tournaments being played on home ground, Illinois sports bettors love betting on golf.
Collegial Basketball
Illinois has 13 college teams in the NCAA, including men’s and women’s teams. However, the restrictions on betting on in-state college teams on mobile have impacted the number of bets placed on the sport. However, you can bet on in-state college sports in person.
Collegial Football
College football gets a lot of support in Illinois. This is because the state has two teams in the Big Ten Conference. With the restriction on online college sports betting being lifted this year, there will likely be more betting on college sports events in the state.
Betting Types
There are several different types of sports bets you can place. These include single bets, point spreads, parlays, proposition bets, live bets, and overs/unders. Let’s have a look at each below.
Single Bets
This is the simplest type of bet and requires you to place a wager on what you think the outcome of a game or event will be.
Point Spread Bets
When the casino applies a point spread, it levels the playing field by giving the underdog a start. You can then bet on whether you think the favorite will win or not.
Parlay Betting
This is when you combine several selections in one bet. Every time you win a bet, it rolls over to the next. If you lose one parlay leg, you lose it all.
Live Bets
Live bets are bets placed on events or games that are in play.
Proposition Bets
Proposition bets are bets that have nothing to do with the outcome of a match. With this bet type, you have plenty of options. For example, an individual player’s performance, the half-time score, etc.
Over/Under Bets
Overs/unders are all about numbers. In this type of bet, the sportsbook suggests the total number of points, for example, the number of points scored by a team at the end of a game. You can then bet on whether you think it will be over or under.
Illinois Sports Betting Statistics
Tips for Betting Responsibly
Sports betting is fun, however, there is some risk of addiction. This could, in turn, affect your personal life. Below are some basic gambling tips safely.
- Use responsible gambling resources
- If you feel like your gambling is out of control, seek help
- Bet with a clear mind
- Only bet money you can afford to lose.
Bonuses for Sports Bettors in Illinois
In order to attract new players, sportsbooks offer plenty of bonuses. See below some common ones you can expect at any good casino.
Welcome Bonus
This is the bonus you receive for registering at a sportsbook. It differs from sportsbook to sportsbook, however, most sportsbooks will match your first deposit up to a specific amount.
Risk-free Bets
Risk-free bets are quite self-explanatory. They are bets without any risk. For example, if the player you backed does not win, you get a free bet to the value of the wager you lost.
No-Deposit Bonus
This is the best type of bonus you can get, as it does not require you to make a real money deposit first.
Enhanced Odds
Boosted odds when sportsbooks increase the odds. They are often used to reward regular players.
Parlay Insurance
There’s always a risk of losing an entire parlay due to one bad selection. With parlay insurance, you receive a free bet if you lose one parlay leg.
Loyalty Rewards
Regular bettors receive promotional bonuses to reward them for playing. Loyalty programs often have different levels, and the more you bet the bigger the rewards.
Sportsbooks Frequently Asked Questions
Is it Safe to Gamble at Illinois Sportsbooks?
Top sports betting websites have security protocols in place to protect your financial and personal information. You can thus feel safe when you share information with these websites. In addition, all our recommended sites are completely secure.
Is it Legal to Bet on Sports Online in Illinois?
Yes. Online sports betting has been legal in Illinois since June 2019.
Who Governs and Regulates Sports Betting in Illinois?
Sportsbooks are only legal in Illinois if they are regulated and licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board.
How Many Sports Betting Websites Are Available in Illinois?
Illinois currently has approximately 7 different online sportsbooks, including some of the biggest names in the US sports betting industry. The state also has a number of land-based casinos where you can bet on sports.
How Old Do I Have to Be to Gamble in Illinois?
You have to be 21 or older to bet on sports in Illinois. However, for horse racing, you can bet from the age of 18.
Can I Access Illinois Sportsbooks on Mobile?
Yes. All sportsbook sites recommended on this page can be accessed via mobile. Some also have dedicated mobile apps for your convenience.
What are the Easiest Sports Bets for Beginners?
Single bets. There are plenty of sports bets to choose from, some more complicated than others. Single bets are based on the outcome of an event, which makes them perfect for new bettors.
Which Sports Are You Not Allowed to Bet on in Illinois?
There are some restrictions when it comes to betting on esports. The Gaming Board needs to prove permission before any wagers can be placed on a specific tournament.
