Illinois NFL Betting: Best Sportsbooks & Odds for the Season

If you’re looking to engage with NFL betting sites in Illinois, you’ve come to the right place. Ours is the definitive guide that reviews the best sportsbooks and odds for the NFL season, while also offering some key betting insights.

Illinois NFL betting is underpinned by passionate support for the Chicago Bears and their intense NFC North rivalries with the Packers, Lions, and Vikings. This enthusiasm has only grown since sports betting became legal for 21+ bettors in June 2020.

Best Illinois NFL Sportsbooks

We’ll start by providing an overview of the best NFL betting sites in the state of Illinois. Each of these sites is fully licensed and regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), and they’ve been comprehensively reviewed and ranked by our expert team.

We compare the best Illinois sportsbooks using carefully selected criteria, including mobile app function, market variety and the availability of competitive or enhanced Bears’ odds. Here’s our current pick of the top 10 sites for NFL betting in Illinois:

How to Bet on NFL Games in Illinois

Before we delve deeper into comparing NFL betting odds and markets, we’ll address how you can sign up for an account and place your first wager. The process will remain largely the same regardless of your preferred sportsbook, so you can follow the step-by-step guide below:

• 1️⃣Choose a Sportsbook and Register: You’ll first need to select a licensed NFL betting site and register for an account.
• 2️⃣Enter Your Personal Data: Each sportsbook will then require you to provide your personal information accurately and securely. You may also have to verify this information using physical documentation, which can be submitted now or before requesting your first withdrawal.
• 3️⃣Deposit Funds: You may also be able to activate any welcome offers during the signup stage. Select a qualifying payment method to credit your account, while adhering to the site’s minimum or any relevant bonus T&Cs.
• 4️⃣Place Bets: Once your deposit and bonus funds have landed, you can place your first NFL bets. Choose from the available events and markets, clicking on the accompanying odds to build your bet slip. Finally, enter your stake and confirm.

Legal Status of NFL Betting in Illinois

All legal betting in the state is regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB), which issues licenses and ensures compliance among operators.

To bet on sports in Illinois, you must be 21 or older, within the state’s boundaries, and use geolocation technology to verify your location. Residency is not required for betting with listed sportsbooks.

Currently, no markets or NFL betting lines are prohibited when wagering in Illinois. However, if you want to bet on college football in the state, you’ll be restricted to spreads, totals and moneylines. Betting on collegiate team or player props has been outlawed since July 1st, 2024.

Popular NFL Bet Types Explained for Illinois Bettors

You’ll be able to access NFL betting odds across a broad selection of markets. We’ll explain some of the most popular wager types below.

NFL Moneyline Bets

Moneyline betting simply requires you to pick the winner of a particular NFL game. The statistical improbability of matches being drawn makes moneyline betting particularly popular, with just seven NFL encounters ending in a tie since 2017.

But how does moneyline betting work? To provide context, the Bears are priced at -118 to defeat the Vikings in their opening NFL match of 2025, with these odds implying a 54.1% probability of a win for Chicago. They also reveal that the Bears are the favorites and that you’ll have to stake $118 to win $100.

NFL Point Spread Bets

Point spread bets, which may also be referred to as NFL line betting, can significantly enhance value when wagering on individual matches. For example, you can apply a points handicap to a betting favorite, enabling you to back them to win at enhanced odds.

A virtual points advantage can increase the chances of winning a bet on an underdog, as it pays out in instances where the pick wins or loses by less than the specified margin. For example, in a match between the Bears and Vikings, a -1.5 handicap bet on Chicago at odds of -105 at FanDuel would pay out $100 if the pick wins by two points or more.

In the Bears’ upcoming match against the Detroit Lions, Chicago is the underdog with a +4.5 point advantage, unlocking odds of -105, resulting in a lower potential return but a higher chance of winning.

NFL Over/Under (Totals) Bets

Your NFL betting picks can also include total lines, which refer to the number of points scored during a match. Sportsbooks will set one or more totals as individual betting lines, and you’ll have to select before wagering over or under this threshold.

You can inform your picks by analyzing recent and historic scoring performances. In the NFL clash between the Bears and the Vikings, for example, the over/under line has been set at 43.5.

Minnesota averaged 24.5 points per game in 2024, while Chicago scored at an even lower rate of 18.2 points per match. The Bears were the third-worst rushing team in the NFC in 2024 (averaging just 102 yards on the ground per game), with the combined loss of running back David Montgomery and quarterback Justin Fields taking its toll.

When the Bears entertain the Lions, you’ll see that the over/under line is higher at 48.5. This has much to do with Detroit’s powerful offence, with the Lions averaging 33.1 PPG last season. Before you bet over or under, however, you should also factor in recent head-to-head data and up-to-date injury or suspension news.

NFL Prop Bets and Futures

You can also access a diverse selection of props when betting on the NFL. Team and player props are available, with the latter relating to performance metrics such as passing yards or touchdown scorers.

You can also access futures markets on the NFC North and Super Bowl. Outright betting of this type typically unlocks enhanced odds, with the Bears priced at around +600 to win the former in 2025. These odds imply just a 14.3% probability of success, although you can win $600 for every $100 wagered successfully.

NFL Parlay Bets

NFL parlays enable you to combine multiple lines and outcomes in a single wager. The best NFL betting sites offer same game parlays (SGPs) too, which can include picks from a single NFL match and unlock incrementally higher odds. However, each of these will need to win for the bet to pay out.

Ahead of the Bears’ season opener against the Vikings, DraftKings is offering several three and four-line SGPs. One predicts over 43.5 points being scored and both D’Andre Swift and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson as anytime TD scorers. This unlocks odds of +600, striking a viable balance between risk and reward.

You can also construct your SGPs at DraftKings and similar sites. Just note that while your potential payout increases with every pick, your chances of winning also diminish.

NFC North Rivalry Betting

NFL betting in Illinois often revolves around the Bears and their fierce NFC North rivals. Here’s an overview of these rivalries and some relevant betting insights.

Bears vs the Lions

The Bears and the Lions have played 190 times since 1930, with the Bears edging the head-to-head with a record of 105-80-5. However, the Lions have been more dominant in recent years, recording successive victories in 2024 and a winning streak of six between 2013 and 2015.

In 2025, consider Detroit’s value in moneyline betting and totals lines, with the early totals line set at 48.5. Betting over this threshold may be worthwhile due to Detroit’s impressive and varied attack.

Bears vs the Vikings

The Bears have also lost their last two matches against the Vikings, including a thrilling 30-27 defeat in November 2024. Minnesota also won 30-12 at the U.S. Bank Stadium. Since the beginning of 2020, the Bears have won just two of the 10 matches they’ve played against Minnesota.

The Vikings hold an edge in the historic head-to-head, too, compiling a 68-57-2 record since 1961. Given this and the fact that Minnesota are the +100 underdogs to defeat the Bears in their upcoming clash on September 8, 2025, early moneyline betting on the Vikings may offer some value here.

Bears vs the Packers

The Bears and Packers have faced 210 times since their first match in 1921. The Packers have a record of 108-96-6 against their rivals, including 11 consecutive victories.

The Packers are currently the stronger franchise, finishing third in the NFC North Division last season and having an 11-6 record. Their previous five victories have produced an 8.8-point winning margin on average, making a negative spread against the Bears highly recommended.

Betting on Other Popular NFL Teams in Illinois

Popular NFL betting odds in Illinois also include the Packers and Indianapolis Colts lines. Green Bay has a huge following in IL, while the team has improved consistently during the previous two seasons. As a result, they’ll be popular futures’ picks in 2025, particularly in the NFC North, where they can be backed at around +220.

Although the Colts are considered less likely than the Bears to win this season’s Super Bowl, they play in the weaker AFC South Division. To this end, they went 8-9 in 2024, finishing second in the division and narrowly missing out on the playoffs. So, some moneyline and spread markets may be appealing when backing the Colts.

Understanding and Comparing NFL Betting Odds

When betting on NFL games and futures, you’ll see that the odds are presented in American format. This features ‘+’ and ‘-’ signs alongside three-digit numbers. The former indicates a betting underdog and your potential return when you stake $100. The latter highlights the favorite and relays how much you’ll have to stake to win $100.

In addition to revealing your potential returns, American odds can also be used to calculate the implied probability of an outcome occurring. There are even formulas that can be used to perform such calculations:

• For negative odds: Implied Probability = Odds / (Odds + 100) * 100
• For positive odds: Implied Probability = 100 / (Odds + 100) * 100

For context, let’s say that you back the Bears to defeat Detroit at odds of +185. Using the relevant formula above, we can calculate Chicago has just a 35.08% probability of success against their rivals.

You should also note that odds can shift in the build up to a match. Such fluctuations occur due to a number of conditions, including betting volumes and trends, injury news and weather conditions. These include the high winds often experienced at Soldier Field.

Comparing Super Bowl Odds in Illinois

As we can see, the Bears aren’t being hotly tipped to win Super Bowl LX, with their best odds of +4000 implying just a 2.43% probability of success. Their rivals are all considered to have a much better chance of success in 2026, particularly the Detroit Lions. If you do want to back the Bears to triumph, however, note that FanDuel currently offers better value odds.

Illinois NFL Mobile Betting

Most of the best NFL sportsbooks operating in Illinois are accessible through native apps on iOS and Android and have sign-up offers for you to grab. This enhances the NFL live betting experience in the state, especially if you want to place micro wagers and leverage changing odds to your advantage. Below, you’ll find our pick of the top three Illinois sports betting apps.

FanDuel Illinois App

FanDuel offers a first-rate mobile betting experience in Illinois. Its native apps provide seamless access to the site’s betting markets and SGP builder, which can unlock numerous lines when backing the Bears.

Both iOS and Android apps also integrate betting markets with livestreams, enabling you to make more informed game and prop picks. The FanDuel app works particularly well on iOS, with the App Store revealing an average rating of 4.9/5 from more than 1.8 million reviews.

Read: FanDuel Promo

DraftKings Illinois App

DraftKings has developed one of the most innovative NFL betting apps in Illinois. The iOS app has been particularly well received, earning an average score of 4.8/5 from in excess of 845,000 reviews.

The DraftKings app unlocks full and partial cashout offers that can be leveraged. You can also place flash bets and participate in NFL betting pools as a user. You’ll even be able to access all the brand’s promos through the app, including a current 25% profit boost on qualifying NFL futures.

Read: DraftKings Promo

BetMGM Illinois App

BetMGM offers one of the best livestreaming experiences through its iOS and Android apps. You can seamlessly construct multi and same game parlays in real-time, using the site’s intuitive and easily accessible tool.

The BetMGM app’s best feature is called Edit My Bet. This means that you can adjust your picks and stake amounts after your bet has been placed (within a restricted timeframe). Both the iOS and Android apps are highly thought of, with the former boasting an average score of 4.8/5 across over 239,000 reviews.

Read: BetMGM Promo

Expert Tips for NFL Betting in Illinois

We’ve already provided some specific tips and strategies when placing NFL bets in Illinois. We’ll expand on these below so that you can create more rounded online NFL betting strategies.

Researching the Bears & Other NFL Teams

Regardless of your preferred market and how you intend to bet on the Bears, it’s important that you first carry out detailed and focused research. It’s also crucial that you target the datasets that are most relevant to your chosen betting markets, from injury news and player rotation to historical information.

For example, before you back the Bears to cover a +4.5 spread against Detroit, you should know that the Lions’ last four victories over Chicago have produced an average winning margin of 14 points. Similarly, the Lions’ powerful attack averaged 33.1 points per game in 2024, so you may want to consider a higher spread or alternative points totals market.

Managing Your Bankroll Effectively

Bankroll management is also key when placing NFL bets in Illinois. To begin with, your bankroll should never exceed an amount of money that you can comfortably afford to lose. This should also be set to cover a finite period, such as a single NFL game week.

Our recommended NFL betting sites all enable you to set personalized deposit limits too, along with all other required tools to help you gamble responsibly. You can use these to manage your bankroll practically, according to the amount of money you must wager with and how frequently you bet. This can also help to combat emotive and betting decisions on the Bears and prevent you from chasing losses.

Understanding Chicago Weather Impact on NFL Betting

Because of the location and structure of the iconic Soldier Field, the venue can often experience high levels of wind. This can have a direct impact on kicking and passing games, which contributed to the Bears’ average points haul of 19.1 per game at Soldier Field in 2024.

The wind can also bring rain and cold weather, further impacting the kicking and passing plays of the Bears and visiting teams. It also influences over/under betting on Bears’ matches, as you’re more likely to edge under a published totals line on average.

Final Thoughts on NFL Betting in Illinois

When engaging in NFL betting online, Illinois offers one of the best and most intuitive wagering experiences. You can certainly access some of the best NFL betting sites when you’re within the state’s boundaries, so long as you’re aged 21 or older.

However you choose to bet on the Bears or their rivals, just remember to prioritize licensed sportsbooks. This way, you can wager safely and securely across a huge range of markets.

Illinois NFL Betting FAQs

Is NFL betting legal in Illinois?

Yes, NFL betting is completely legal and regulated in Illinois. There are nine licensed sportsbooks currently active in the IL market, including industry leaders such as FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM.

How do I place a bet on a Chicago Bears game?

To start with, simply pick your chosen sportsbook and open or log into your account. Then, browse the available NFL and Bears matches, before analysing the odds and making your selections. Remember, sites like FanDuel also let you construct SGPs featuring the Bears.

Where can I legally bet on the NFL in Illinois?

You can wager on the NFL in Illinois at any of the state’s nine licensed sportsbooks. We’d particularly recommend the operators featured in our toplist, while FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM offer the best mobile betting experiences.

What types of bets can I place on an NFL game?

NFL bets include moneylines, spreads, and totals, with sites offering team and player props focusing on scoring performances and passing yards. Most IL sportsbooks allow combining multiple markets in a single wager.

How can I find the best NFL odds in Illinois?

Whether you’re searching for the best regular season or NFL playoff betting odds, it’s important to compare prices across a number of licensed sportsbooks. For example, you currently back the Bears to win Super Bowl LX at odds of +4500 with FanDuel, compared to just +4000 at DraftKings.

Can I bet on the Bears vs. Packers game in Illinois?

Yes, you can. The Bears will travel to face Green Bay on Sunday, 7th December, with the reverse fixture scheduled at Soldier Field just 13 days later. As these games draw closer, our recommended IL sportsbooks will release their match betting odds and any applicable promos.

What is the minimum age for NFL betting in Illinois?

Illinois state legislation dictates that you must be at least 21 to bet. Licensed sites will have to verify your age and identity before you complete your first withdrawal.

Can I bet on player props for the Fighting Illini?

Prop betting is outlawed in Illinois since July 2024, but you can bet on college sports and the state’s Fighting Illini football team. All leading Illinois sportsbooks allow you to bet on college sports and events. The Fighting Illini participate in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl and are a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. However, college bets are restricted to spreads, totals and moneylines.