Illinois Sports Betting: Best IL Sportsbooks August 2025

The Illinois sports betting market has been growing speedily, thanks to the passionate sports culture around the Bulls, Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, and other local teams. Illinoisbettinghub.com was conceived to teach you how to legally start betting, including how to spot premium sportsbooks and promos, competitive odds, value bets, and more.

Illinois Sports Betting – Key Facts 2025

Is sports betting legal in Illinois? Absolutely. Ever since the state legalized sports betting on June 28, 2019, the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) has ensured that all sportsbooks are licensed and regulated within the state.

To participate in sports betting in Illinois, you must be 21 or older and physically located within the state. The gross gaming revenue, as determined by the Illinois Department of Revenue, stands at 15%, which helps further the development of the field. The state permits betting on college teams, making it one of the few states with an extensive college sports betting market. However, if you want to bet on a local team, like the Fighting Illini, you must do so at a retail sportsbook.

Best Illinois Sportsbooks Ranked 2025

Your betting experience will mostly depend on whether you know how to pick a good sportsbook. That’s where we come in to help you. Our focus was entirely on sportsbooks licensed by the IGB, so you can purely focus on the sports betting side of things.

We considered the quality of the mobile apps, competitive odds, especially on Illinois teams, market variety, and attractive promotions tailored to Illinois players. This expert breakdown highlights sportsbooks in Illinois that deliver top service and provide the most value for Illinois sports fans.

FanDuel – Top Overall Illinois Sportsbook

FanDuel stands out as one of the most complete Illinois sportsbooks. The very first thing that blows you away is their mobile app’s interface. Whether you’re placing a quick bet on Bears game day or exploring futures on Bulls and Cubs, you’re guaranteed a great mobile betting experience.

The odds are consistently above the industry average, especially on major Illinois teams, and the app won’t let you down even during peak betting moments. You can also count on a variety of FanDuel local promotions and special offers, like second-chance bets and loyalty rewards.

DraftKings – Best IL Sportsbook for Mobile Betting

One of the main reasons why DraftKings has such a good reputation on the IL sports betting market is its mobile app. It loads fast, the interface is easy to navigate, and it’s equipped with cash-out options and other extra features for live betting on Illinois teams.

DraftKings offers competitive odds for a wide range of sports, and goes the extra mile when it comes to college markets, including local teams like the the Bears. DraftKings welcome bonuses and other promos always offer additional value to Illinois bettors, depending on the part of the ongoing season.

DraftKings’ Illinois sports betting app is also excellent at processing deposits and withdrawals, since the average payout time ranges from 1-3 business days.

bet365 – Best Sportsbook for Illinois College Sports

Is bet365 legal in Illinois? Of course. When it comes to betting on college sports in Illinois, bet365 sportsbook is your go-to option. They offer an extensive market coverage for bettors who prefer placing wagers on teams like the the ones from the Big Ten schools.

Besides their reliable mobile app, bet365 also stands out for competitive odds and promo specials during big sports events. The cherry on top is the sheer number of banking options, with withdrawals usually taking less than 24 hours to complete.

Caesars – Best Sportsbook for Competitive NFL & NBA Odds

Caesars sportsbook delivers some of the most competitive odds for major leagues like the NFL and NBA, which makes it a favorite among the Bulls and Bears fans. The platform also offers a respectable mobile betting experience thanks to a high-functioning app and plenty of live betting features.

Caesars online sportsbook doesn’t lack in the promo department either. Their offer for Illinois bettors often includes odds boosts and parlay safety nets, which is great news for bettors looking to maximize their winning potential.

BetMGM – Best IL Sportsbook for Rewards Program

BetMGM Illinois is the sportsbook that has an amazing loyalty program for its long-term users. It’s based on you earning points with every wager that help you rank through ranks and tiers. The higher you climb and the more points you acquire, the better the rewards, such as bonus bets, personally customized promotions, and exclusive BetMGM resort experiences.

The BetMGM mobile app is also great for beginners, enabling you to quickly navigate through sections and use multiple sports betting features. They offer a solid range of betting markets followed by odds that meet the industry standard, and the transaction speed is also a plus, considering that withdrawals typically take no longer than 1-3 business days.

Illinois Sports Betting Updates – August 2025

The Illinois betting market is growing fast thanks to players recognizing the high quality of service provided by online sportsbooks. Each year, the number of sports betting sites increases, meaning more customized promotions for Illinois bettors.

To make sure everything’s done within the legal framework, The Illinois Gaming Board watches over the market and regularly announces legal updates whose purpose is to improve consumer protection and licensing processes.

Here are some of the most important Illinois sports betting updates you should be aware of:

How to Start Betting Online in Illinois

This section will walk you through how to start your betting experience in Illinois, from choosing a licensed sportsbook to placing your first bet.

Follow the guide below:

• Choose a Licensed Illinois Sportsbook
• Register Your Illinois Sports Betting Account

Provide your details as follows:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Address
• The last four digits of your SSN (Social Security Number)

This step is required for age and identity verification to comply with Illinois law, which sets the minimum legal gambling age in Illinois to be 21 at the time of registration.

Deposit Funds into Your Illinois Account

You can fund your account using some of the most popular Illinois payment methods, like:

• Credit/Debit cards
• PayPal
• ACH/eCheck
• Play+ prepaid cards
• PayNearMe
• Cash deposits at partner retail locations

Place Your First Bet on an Illinois Betting Site

Stake your wager on any of the following markets:

• Moneylines
• Spreads
• Props, or futures
• Any bet type that’s eligible to be added to your bet slip.

Withdraw Winnings from Illinois Sportsbooks

To make a withdrawal, follow the steps below:

• Log in to your account.
• Visit your balance section.
• Pick a payment method.
• Enter the amount for withdrawal.
• Confirm the payment.

Some sportsbooks will require you to complete an additional verification for your first withdrawal, but once you do that, every other withdrawal should be seamless.

Bet on Illinois Teams: Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs & More

With so many professional sports teams, Illinois has one of the most passionate and loyal fan bases in the US. Online sportsbooks are aware of this, which is why you’ll see plenty of customized promotions and special betting market tied to Illinois teams like the Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks, and others.

We’ll analyze each of the major leagues below and try to point out what types of bets work the best to extract the maximum potential value:

Chicago Bears Betting (NFL)

The Chicago Bears are one of the most popular teams when it comes to Illinois sports betting. They attract a high volume of bets during the regular part of the NFL season and in the playoffs, especially peaking when key divisional matchups against the Packers, Lions, and Vikings are on.

The most common bets for Chicago Bears include:

• Moneylines: Competitive odds when the Bears play at home due to their most recent inconsistency.
• Player Props: Guys like Caleb Williams are perfect for passing and rushing yards, interceptions, and touchdowns.
• Futures: NFC North Division winner or Super Bowl odds.

When Bears are playing at home, you can expect Illinois sportsbooks to offer odds boosts and other specials. Despite the lack of success in recent years, their fast-paced playing style makes them one of the top teams for live betting.

Chicago Bulls Betting (NBA)

Another sports franchise that’s an irreplaceable part of the Illinois sports betting market is the Chicago Bulls. The NBA’s regular season consists of 82 games, which gives the Windy City’s bettors plenty of opportunities to win.

Here’s what Chicago Bulls’ fans like to wager on most of the time:

• Team Props: The Bulls have struggled to create a winning roster over a last decade, so betting on team stats like points and rebounds seems like a way better long-term deal.
• Player Props: The lack of winning pressure allows guys like Coby White and Josh Giddey to go ballistic on some nights and fill all the stat-sheet columns.
• Futures: Reaching the NBA playoffs is a tough, but achievable goal for the current Bulls team, so this bet might be attractive for those more optimistic fans.

The Chicago Bulls are a part of the NBA’s Central Division, so their matchups against Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Indiana are always followed by limited promotions like odds boosts, additional player props, or team-related specials.

Whether the Bulls are winning or losing, you know that the United Center crowd will create noise and an unfriendly atmosphere for any visiting team – this means high chances for scoring runs and momentum shifts, which is what all the Illinois live betting fans consider a treat.

Chicago Blackhawks Betting (NHL)

Despite not making the playoffs this year, the Blackhawks have massive support from Illinois fans, and their betting slips prove it. The sportsbooks offer plenty of markets for the NHL bettors, which makes following the local hockey franchise way more exciting.

Popular betting lines for the Blackhawks include:

• Moneylines: When the Blackhawks win, they do it convincingly, but unfortunately, they lose the same way, too. This makes them a good option for simple moneylines, whether you’re betting on them or their opponent for the night.
• Puck line bets: Don’t let the name confuse you – this betting category is the same as spread in other sports. The Blackhawks rarely win or lose by 1 goal, which is why they’re a perfect team for this type of wager.
• Totals: Since Chicago scores a lot of goals, but also receives a lot of them, betting on totals when they’re playing is a good way to go throughout the NHL season.
• Futures: For the last 5 years, the Blackhawks were close to qualifying for the playoffs but missed them by a slim margin. That’s why the odds on their future bets are high and can be a good betting option for those who still believe in them.

Their main Central Division rivals are the New York Jets, Dallas Stars, and Colorado Avalanche, so every home game at the United Center will be electric and perfect for placing live bets.

Chicago Cubs Betting (MLB)

Wrigley Field is home to one of the most iconic teams in baseball – the Chicago Cubs. With a packed 162-game schedule, MLB betting provides daily opportunities for Illinois bettors to back their local baseball team, whether they’re on a winning streak or in a rebuilding phase.

Top Cubs betting markets include:

• Moneylines & Run Lines: The Cubs’ inconsistent performance often leads to favorable moneyline odds. They also tend to cover the run line better in home games, especially in day games at Wrigley.
• Player Props: With a mix of young talent and veteran bats, player props like home runs, RBIs, and strikeouts are popular bets, especially when hitters like Seiya Suzuki or Ian Happ are on a hot streak.
• Futures: Whether it’s winning the NL Central or just making the playoffs, Cubs futures always attract action thanks to their national fan base and historic pedigree.

The unpredictable nature of the Cubs makes them a team that’s perfect for live betting. Sudden momentum swings, quirky weather at Wrigley, and the team’s tendency to rally late all contribute to strong in-play betting value for Illinois users.

Chicago White Sox Betting (MLB)

Baseball is huge in Chicago, and the fact that they have two franchises creates a special kind of rivalry not just with other teams within the Central Division, but also within the city. While recent seasons haven’t been kind to the team, sharp bettors know that betting against the public or finding value in niche props can be lucrative with this squad.

Here’s how Illinois bettors approach White Sox wagers:

• Totals: The White Sox are known for streaky offense and shaky pitching, which is a perfect combo for betting on game totals, especially in AL matchups where the DH rule is in play.
• First 5 Innings: Because of inconsistent bullpen performances, many local bettors focus on First 5 Innings bets to isolate the impact of starting pitching.
• Player Props: Look for value in emerging players or veterans looking to boost their trade value, especially in games against division rivals like the Twins or Guardians.
• Futures: While long-shot futures on the White Sox to make a playoff push may seem risky, they come with high payouts and could pay off with a surprise second-half run.

The White Sox playing against the Cubs is something no bettor wants to miss, regardless of which squad they support. If you follow line movements and starting pitcher matchups closely, the White Sox are a team that can reward patient and savvy Illinois bettors.

Illinois Fighting Illini Betting (NCAA Football & Basketball)

College sports are also huge in Illinois, and the University of Illinois’ Fighting Illini are the heartbeat of it all. Whether it’s Big Ten football Saturdays or March Madness basketball, the Illini draw plenty of action from loyal fans and local sportsbooks.

Most common Fighting Illini bets include:

• Point Spreads: In football, Illinois games are often tightly contested, so betting against the spread (ATS) is popular. In basketball, Brad Underwood’s team is known for covering as underdogs, especially in conference play.
• Totals: Both football and basketball squads tend to play a physical, defensive style, making the under a solid play, particularly in Big Ten matchups.
• Player Props: During basketball season, guards and forwards from Illinois often deliver across multiple stat categories, creating betting value in rebounds, assists, and points markets.
• Futures: From winning the Big Ten to making a deep NCAA tournament run, Fighting Illini futures attract passionate local fans every season, especially when preseason expectations are high.

Whether they’re taking on Michigan on the gridiron or Indiana on the hardwood, the Illini always have the backing of their die-hard supporters. That translates to plenty of live betting swings, especially during emotional home games at Memorial Stadium or State Farm Center.

Other Illinois College Teams Betting (NCAA)

The Fighting Illini may get the headlines, but they’re not the only college team worth betting on in Illinois. Programs like Northwestern, DePaul, and Loyola-Chicago have strong followings of their own, and when March rolls around, they often show up on the betting board with real value.

Bettors in Illinois tend to focus on a few key angles when these teams take the court or field:

• Spread & Totals Bets: Northwestern football games, especially in Big Ten play, draw plenty of action on the spread. DePaul’s fast-paced basketball style also makes over/under bets a regular pick during the season.
• Player Props (when available): Loyola’s basketball team often leans on a few consistent scorers, perfect for betting on individual stat lines when books offer those options.
• Futures: Whether it’s a longshot to make the NCAA Tournament or a dark horse Big East run, these programs can offer better odds than bigger-name schools. That makes them attractive to fans who know their teams inside out.
• Live Bets: College hoops, especially games involving DePaul or Loyola, tend to swing fast. Live betting thrives in those momentum-driven moments, particularly during conference play or rivalry games.

Local sportsbooks usually include these schools in their promos during March Madness or rivalry weeks. They may not be the state’s sports-royalty, but if you’re following closely, there’s plenty of betting opportunities backing these under-the-radar Illinois teams.

How We Rate & Review Illinois Sportsbooks

Every sportsbook we feature has been tested and picked apart by our team, with a sharp eye on what actually matters to people betting in Illinois. From betting on the Bears to cashing out quickly after a White Sox win, we evaluate these platforms with local bettors in mind.

Key factors in our evaluation include:

• Illinois Team Coverage & Mobile Experience: We check how well each app handles bets on local teams like the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, and whether the app itself runs smoothly, loads quickly, and makes live betting easy.
• Odds & Market Selection: Sharp odds matter. We compare lines across sportsbooks, especially for local matchups, and note how deep their markets go, from basic moneylines to niche player props.
• Promos That Pay Off: A flashy bonus isn’t enough. We break down how real the value is – how easy it is to unlock, how useful it is for the way people bet, and whether the sportsbook keeps offering solid promos after sign-up.
• Payments & Payouts: We look for fast withdrawals and no hidden hoops. The test also includes how easy it is to deposit and how long it takes to cash out.
• Support That Doesn’t Leave You Hanging: If something goes wrong, you want help fast. We test live chat, email, and phone support to see how responsive and helpful each sportsbook’s team really is.
• Legal & Safe: Every sportsbook we recommend is licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board. That means your money and data are protected, which means no gray-area apps, and no offshore nonsense.

All of this helps us give you honest recommendations that actually hold up once you start betting. Whether you’re chasing player props during a Bulls game or sweating a same-game parlay on a Sunday, you deserve a sportsbook that delivers.

Online vs. Retail Sports Betting in Illinois

In Illinois, bettors get the best of both worlds – the speed and flexibility of online betting, or the buzz and energy of walking into a retail sportsbook.

Online sportsbooks are the go-to choice for most Illinois bettors. You can bet from your phone, grab live odds during a Bulls game, or cash out mid-parlay without leaving the room. They also offer way more betting options, from same-game parlays to player props, plus regular app-only promos.

Retail sportsbooks, meanwhile, bring the action to life. Spots like Rivers Casino in Des Plaines or DraftKings at Casino Queen in East St. Louis give fans a place to bet, watch the game, and cash out in person. If you prefer the feel of a real ticket and the thrill of betting in a crowd, retail books have their appeal, especially during big NFL Sundays or March Madness.

Most dedicated bettors end up using both. Online apps for convenience, retail spots for the atmosphere. It just depends on how you like to play.

Benefits of Illinois Sports Betting Apps & Websites

It’s hard to beat the convenience of betting on your phone. With Illinois betting apps, you can place a bet from the couch, during your lunch break, or right from the bleachers. As long as you’re within state lines, you’re good to go.

Mobile sportsbooks don’t just make betting easier – they make it better. You get access to live betting, which lets you react to what’s happening in the moment. Down 10 early? Grab better odds midgame. Think a player’s heating up? Lock in a prop bet before the next possession.

You’ll also find more promos through apps: odds boosts, loyalty perks, and bonus bets tailored specifically for Illinois users. And since you’re not tied to one book, you can shop around for the best lines before locking in your pick.

The best apps are fast, easy to use, and payout quickly. They’re built for modern bettors who want a fun and secure experience without waiting in lines, no printed slips, and no hassle.

Retail Sportsbooks in Illinois: Casino & In-Person Betting Spots

If you like the feel of placing a bet in person with ticket in hand, big screen overhead, crowd buzzing – Illinois has you covered. Several casinos around the state now offer full retail sportsbooks where you can bet, watch, and cash out on the spot.

Popular locations include:

• Rivers Casino in Des Plaines
• Hollywood Casino Aurora
• Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria

Each of these venues features dedicated sportsbook lounges, betting kiosks, and plenty of seating to catch the action live. Retail sportsbooks offer a different kind of energy, especially on game days. You’re surrounded by fans, there’s staff on hand to answer questions, and you walk out with your winnings without waiting.

That said, retail books don’t always have the same range of props or live betting options as the apps do. However, for bettors who enjoy the social aspect, or prefer to use cash, these spots remain a go-to across the state.

Illinois Sports Betting Laws – Key Details for IL Bettors

The Illinois Sports Wagering Act hands out licenses, sets the rules, and makes sure sports betting sites are compliant with regulations, while bettors enjoy a safe betting experience. If you stick with licensed apps and sites, your money and data are safe.

Betting Within Illinois State Lines

If you want to bet online in Illinois, there’s one rule that never bends – you have to be inside the state. It doesn’t matter where you live.

Sportsbook apps verify your location for compliance through location tracking. It runs in the background and makes sure you’re inside the borders before they take your bet. Try to place a wager from outside the state and the app will shut you down.

This setup keeps Illinois in line with federal law and helps protect the local market. It also means out-of-state visitors can bet while they’re here. Whether you’re in Chicago for a weekend or downstate for a game, if you’re on Illinois soil, you are in.

Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) – The Regulatory Authority

The Illinois Gaming Board, or IGB, is the authority body that runs the show when it comes to legal betting in the state. They hand out licenses, check the books, and make sure everything’s above board, from sportsbook apps to in-person lounges.

Before any sportsbook can launch in Illinois, it goes through deep background checks by the IGB. Once approved, they’re under constant watch. That means fewer shady operators, tighter rules, and better safety for you as a bettor.

The IGB also steps in when something goes wrong. If you have a dispute with a sportsbook, like a bet being voided unfairly or a payout delay, you can take it to the Board. They’ll review it and help sort things out.

More than just rule-makers, the IGB also backs safe betting efforts like self-ban programs and wager limits. So when you bet with an IGB-licensed sportsbook, you’re not just staying legal, you’re backed by a system built to keep the game clean and fair.

Licensed Operators in Illinois – Betting with Approved Sites

If you’re betting in Illinois, licensed sportsbooks are the only way to go. Names like FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and bet365 are all cleared by the Illinois Gaming Board, which means they’ve passed full background checks and meet the state’s rules for fairness and safety.

Playing on shady offshore sites might sound easy, but it’s a bad trade. These sites aren’t licensed, don’t answer to anyone in Illinois, and if something goes wrong, like a bet doesn’t pay or your money disappears, you’re on your own, with no support and no state laws backing you.

Before you sign up or send money to any sportsbook, it’s smart to check the IGB’s site to make sure they’re on the approved list. If they’re not there, walk away.

Licensed sportsbooks give you more than just peace of mind. You get full access to legal betting, fair lines, faster payouts, and tools to help you stay in control, like deposit limits and self-exclusion if you ever need it.

Tax Implications on Winnings in Illinois

If you win money betting on sports in Illinois, you owe taxes on it. The IRS sees your winnings as income, and so does the state.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Anything you win counts, even small amounts. You’re supposed to report all gambling winnings, not just the big ones.
• If you hit $600 or more on a single win, most sportsbooks will send you a W-2G form, which is a heads-up that the IRS knows about it too.
• Illinois doesn’t take a cut right away, but you’ll need to include those winnings when you file your state and federal returns.

It’s a good habit to keep track of your wins and losses, not just for honesty’s sake, but because you might be able to deduct losses. You can use sports betting tax calculator or do them manually, depending on what you prefer.

Permitted & Prohibited Bets in Illinois

In Illinois, standard bets like moneylines, spreads, totals, player props, and live bets are allowed on all major leagues like the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and others. College betting is allowed to, with certain restrictions that apply with no exceptions.

At one point in time, college player-props were allowed in Illinois if they were placed at retail sportsbooks. Now, that rule applies no more. Also, high school sports are completely prohibited to protect the players and maintain the integrity of those tournaments.

Other Legal Gambling Options in Illinois

Is online gambling legal in Illinois? Yes. Sports betting may get most of the headlines, but it’s far from the only way to gamble in the area. The state offers a wide mix of legal options for players who prefer something different or just want more ways to try their luck.

Casino Gambling in Illinois

From riverboats to land-based resorts, Illinois has no shortage of casinos. Big names like Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, Hollywood Casino Aurora, and Par-A-Dice Hotel Casino in East Peoria draw steady crowds, offering everything from slot machines and blackjack tables to in-person sportsbooks.

Each casino runs under the watch of the Illinois Gaming Board, so the games are above board and the odds are posted fairly. Many also double as weekend getaways, with restaurants, shows, and hotel rooms packed into the same property.

The Illinois Lottery

The Illinois Lottery is as easy as it gets. You just grab a scratch-off or quick pick ticket at a gas station, and you’re in the game. Players can take a swing at state draws or go big with Powerball and Mega Millions.

It’s low effort, low stakes, and fully legal. The state keeps tabs on everything to make sure the odds and payouts stay honest and transparent. If you need help for estimating taxes on winnings, you can use Illinois lottery tax calculator online that’ll do the task for you within seconds.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) in Illinois

Daily Fantasy Sports are legal in Illinois, even though the state hasn’t laid out a formal regulatory system yet. In 2020, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that DFS contests rely more on skill than chance, so they don’t count as gambling under state law.

However, that may change soon. In 2025, lawmakers introduced the Fantasy Sports Consumer Protection Act, a bill that would finally bring oversight to the DFS space. If passed, it would require licenses, set up consumer safeguards, and add a tax structure just for DFS operators.

For now, anyone 18 or older in Illinois can enter contests on platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, and Underdog Fantasy.

Horse Racing in Illinois

Horse racing has deep roots in Illinois and it’s still going strong. Wagers are placed through the pari-mutuel system, where bettors compete against each other, not the house. The Illinois Racing Board (IRB) regulates the sport and licenses both live tracks and off-track betting (OTB) parlors.

The legal betting age for horseracing is 18, and players have plenty of ways to get in on the action.

The state has two major tracks:

• Hawthorne Race Course (Cicero): The oldest running track in Illinois. Offers both harness and thoroughbred racing, plus a full sportsbook and OTB locations.
• Fairmount Park (Collinsville): Focuses on flat racing and serves downstate players outside the Chicago area.

If you can’t make it to the track, there are licensed OTB parlors across the state showing live simulcasts from races nationwide. You can also bet online through licensed ADW platforms like TwinSpires, TVG (FanDuel Racing), and BetAmerica.

Whether you’re trackside, watching from an OTB, or betting from home, horse racing remains a fully legal and well-regulated gambling option in Illinois.

Responsible Sports Betting in Illinois (Play Responsibly, 21+)

Sports betting is a form of entertainment. Responsible gaming is mandatory by state laws, and all Illinois sportsbooks must follow and apply it in practice without exceptions.

Check out the practical steps you can observe to maintain control over your betting activities:

Tips for Gambling Responsibly in Illinois

• Decide your limit upfront: Know what you can afford to lose before you open the app. Once you hit that number, walk away.
• Keep it fun: If the bet’s outcome is stressing you out, it’s time to rethink why you’re doing this and fix your perception of sports betting.
• Don’t chase losses: Everyone has bad streaks. Doubling down just makes the hole deeper.
• Step away when needed: If gambling feels like more of a burden than a thrill, it’s okay to hit pause or stop completely.
• Track your bets: Write them down. You’ll spot patterns fast and get a clearer picture of how much you’re spending.

Built-In Tools for Smarter Betting

Every licensed sportsbook in Illinois is required to offer tools that help you stay in control. They’re built into the platform, easy to set up, and can make a real difference if you ever feel like things are getting out of hand.

Here’s what you’ll usually find:

• Deposit limits: Cap how much you can load into your account per day, week, or month.
• Wager limits: Set a ceiling on how much you can stake within a certain timeframe.
• Session time reminders: Get nudges when you’ve been logged in too long.
• Cool-off periods: Take a short break for days or weeks without having to close your account.
• Self-exclusion: Lock yourself out of all licensed betting sites for a longer stretch or permanently.

Illinois Problem Gambling Resources & Helplines

When betting ever starts to feel less like a hobby and more like a problem for you or someone close to you, remember there’s always help available. Check out the contacts below:

• IDHS Gambling Help: Call 1-800-522-4700 for free, private support and local referrals.
• Call or text ILLINOIS REDLINE: 800-889-9789.
• Illinois Gaming Board – Responsible Gaming: Their website has guides, facts, and links to resources that actually help.
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with trained counselors 24/7.

Support is non-chargeable, anonymous, and always there when you need it. Reaching out early can change everything, so don’t feel ashamed to call for help – it’s the bravest thing you can do for yourself or someone you care about.

Illinois Sports Betting FAQs

When did online sports betting launch in Illinois?

Online sports betting went live on March 9, 2020.

What is the legal age for sports betting in IL?

You must be 21 or older to place sports bets legally in Illinois.

Can I bet on sports online anywhere in Illinois?

Yes. As long as you’re physically inside Illinois, you can bet online.

What are the best IL sports betting apps?

FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, and bet365 are among the top options. All are licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board.

Do I have to live in Illinois to bet on sports there?

No. You just need to be within state borders when betting.

Can I bet on Illinois Fighting Illini and other Illinois college teams?

Yes, but only in retail sportsbooks.

How many online sportsbooks are legal in Illinois?

As of 2025, 14 legal online sportsbooks are operating in the state.

Are my sports betting winnings taxed in Illinois?

Yes. Winnings must be reported on both your state and federal tax returns.

Who regulates sports betting in Illinois?

The Illinois Gaming Board handles all licensing and oversight.

Can I bet on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, and White Sox in Illinois?

Yes. Betting on all major pro teams in Illinois is fully legal.

What payment methods can I use for IL sports betting?

Most sportsbooks accept credit/debit cards, PayPal, ACH/eCheck, Play+ cards, PayNearMe, and cash deposits at retail partners.

Is there a limit on how much I can bet in Illinois?

Limits vary by sportsbook and bet type, but most offer flexible options for all types of bettors.