Illinois officially became the 11th state in the US to offer online sports betting. BetRivers IL is the first Illinois online sportsbook to officially open in the Prairie State.
Can I Sports Bet Online In Illinois?
Yes, you can now bet on sports online in Illinois! Thanks to Governor Pritzker suspending the provision that only allowed online betting applications to be filled out in person.
Where Can I Place A Bet?
Because of the suspension of having to apply for online sports betting in person, bettors in Illinois can now bet anywhere in the state when you sign up for online sports betting. Here is are some landbased sportsbooks that currently are or will be available in Illinois:
- BetRivers Sportsbook at Rivers Casino
- Argosy Casino Sportsbook
- B Connected Sportsbook at Par-a-Dice Casino
- Hollywood Casino Aurora Sportsbook
- Hollywood Joliet Casino Sportsbook
- Grand Victoria Casino Sportsbook
Illinois Sportsbook List
There are currently three Illinois sportsbooks:
- William Hill Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet Sportsbook
Do You Have To Live In Illinois To Bet Online?
You do not have to live in Illinois in order to bet on sports online. However, you must be physically present in the state in order to place wagers. If you’re on a desktop, geolocation will allow the sportsbook to know where you are located, and through mobile sports betting apps, you’ll have to share your location to ensure you’re within Illinois and can legally wager on sports.
Are Online Sportsbooks Legit?
Yes, all Illinois mobile sports betting sites need to be legit as they are licensed and regulated through the Illinois Gaming Board. The Illinois Gaming Board oversees the integrity of gambling and gaming in the state, covering casino gambling, video gaming, and sports wagering. They abide by the Illinois Gambling Act of 2019, signed into law by Gov. Pritzker.
Can I Win Real Money At An Online Sportsbook?
Yes, you can win real money wagering at licensed, legal IL online sportsbooks! If you bet using real cash at these sites or make use of the Illinois mobile sports betting bonuses you’ll find at BonusSeeker, you’ll be able to win cash depending on the outcome.
Illinois Sports Betting Sites
Currently, there are three sports betting sites in Illinois, and as more sportsbooks join the state, we will update the list.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers IL Sportsbook is the first of its kind to open in Illinois, giving bettors a place to make mobile sports bets as well as betting in person at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. They launched in June 2020 with help from Rush Street Interactive. This sportsbook already operates in several states, including Pennsylvania and Colorado.
They do have competitive lines and solid offers, making them worthwhile to check out. The sports betting site itself has a simple layout, but it is easy to navigate, which we appreciate.
DraftKings Sportsbook
It goes without saying that DraftKings is a monster in the sports betting industry. The sportsbook’s biggest competition is FanDuel, which explains that despite being one of the top dogs in the US, they are constantly pushing new promotions, welcome offers, odds boosts, perks, and more.
The DraftKings interface is fun and lively, and there is a market or bet type for just about every sport you can think of, both in the US and across the globe. DK also happens to run some pools and other fun betting events that give players more chances to win money, and sometimes that even includes free entries.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook, like DraftKings, is a name everyone knows in the sports betting industry. The company always seems to offer strong betting lines, promotions (including parlay insurance), and other perks.
But they also have live streaming options for bettors through the app and have one of the sleekest interfaces going. We really like the look and design of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Why Play At A Sports Betting Site Vs. A Land-Based Sportsbook?
Some people prefer to bet on sports in person, but the perks of mobile sports betting in Illinois far surpass those of in-person sports betting.
You can easily point to the convenience of not having to leave your house to bet on sports, or using your phone to do so, but the perks go beyond just comfort and convenience of betting anywhere you are in Illinois. Some examples of perks you may not find with land-based sportsbooks include:
- No deposit bonuses
- First deposit bonuses
- Odds boosts
- Daily and weekly promotions
- Promotional giveaways/sweepstakes
- Controlling your money (deposits, withdrawals) made easier
- More options for how to deposit and withdraw electronically
- VIP rewards that give out bonuses and gifts
How Do Sports Betting Signup Offers Work?
For each IL online sportsbook we feature and review, BonusSeeker gives detailed information to empower you to utilize any no deposit bonus, first deposit bonus, and more that may be offered in Illinois. If you find an offer on our site that you’d like to take advantage of, here’s how to do so:
- Choose the sportsbook in Illinois you’d like to join through BonusSeeker to ensure you get the best bonus
- Click “Get Bonus” or a similar mention on our site to start the registration process
- You’ll be sent to the IL online sports betting site to register, including your identifying information. If they request a promo code, use the code BonusSeeker mentions on our site to get the proper bonus
- If the sportsbook has a no deposit bonus, you’ll usually see the credit immediately after you finish your registration or if they request more information through KYC (Know Your Customer) Procedures.
- If there is a first deposit bonus, follow the directions to ensure you get your bonus
Read and review the terms and conditions for every offer you see to know how to qualify and be able to complete any and all wagering requirements.
Types Of Online Sportsbook Signup Offers
First Deposit Offer
Getting a first deposit bonus at an IL online sportsbook allows you to receive a percentage of your deposit as a matching bonus, usually capped at a certain level. Most first deposit bonuses are a 100 percent match on the initial deposit. A standard cap on that bonus is usually around $500. These bonuses often come with a wagering requirement that must be met before you can withdraw that bonus as cash.
No Deposit Offer
You may also come across a no deposit bonus at BonusSeeker for Illinois sports betting sites. This is a great way to get a bonus just for signing up, allowing you to place bets with this bonus cash and even get to convert it to withdrawable cash depending on the wagering requirements. Sportsbooks will possibly give anywhere between $10 and $30 to new signups through BonusSeeker, so be on the lookout for our operator reviews with this information.
Illinois Sports Betting Apps
Online sports betting apps in Illinois give bettors a great option for wagering anywhere in the Prairie State. You don’t have to be tethered to a desktop as a result, as your phone or tablet becomes a great way to bet.
Most IL sports betting apps are created equal to their desktop counterparts, allowing you to navigate the site and make wagers the same way as you could on a desktop. You can also deposit, withdraw, and take advantage of bonuses and promotions in the same manner.
Can I Bet On Sports With My iPhone or other iOS devices?
Yes, you can easily bet on sports in Illinois with your iPhone or iPad. IL sports betting apps for iOS are found at BetRivers and other sites and give Apple users an easy way to enjoy the site on their mobile device.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Android Phone or Tablet?
Yes, you can bet on sports via an Android mobile device. While sports betting apps are prohibited by the Google Play Store, apps are an easy one-time installation process detailed below in this article as well as on Illinois online gambling sites.
Do I Need To Create A Second Account To Play On An IL Mobile Sportsbook App?
No, you can use the same account you registered for at IL sports betting apps. Just sign in using the same credentials and you’ll be able to use it on your mobile device.
How To Download A sportsbook App For iPhone
Using online sportsbook apps in Illinois for an iPhone is an easy process.
- Sign up through BonusSeeker for your Illinois mobile sportsbook to ensure you get all bonuses coming to you
- You can navigate to its mobile app page on your iOS device to start the installation or search for your online sportsbook app in the App Store
- Click Install to install the app to your mobile device
Some sportsbooks don’t have an iOS app but still allow you to wager via your iOS mobile browser just by installing a Geolocation app.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Android Phone or Tablet?
Yes, you can bet on sports via an Android mobile device. While sports betting apps are prohibited by the Google Play Store, apps are an easy one-time installation process detailed below in this article as well as on Illinois online gambling sites.
Do I Need To Create A Second Account To Play On An IL Mobile Sportsbook App?
No, you can use the same account you registered for at IL sports betting apps. Just sign in using the same credentials and you’ll be able to use it on your mobile device.
How To Download A Sportsbook App For iPhone
Using online sportsbook apps in Illinois for an iPhone is an easy process.
- Sign up through BonusSeeker for your Illinois mobile sportsbook to ensure you get all bonuses coming to you
- You can navigate to its mobile app page on your iOS device to start the installation or search for your online sportsbook app in the App Store
- Click Install to install the app to your mobile device
Some sportsbooks don’t have an iOS app but still allow you to wager via your iOS mobile browser just by installing a Geolocation app
How To Down A Sportsbook App For Android
Android apps for IL online sportsbooks are a bit more involved initially, but after this one-time installation process, you’ll be able to use it like any other app from the Google Play Store.
- Click through BonusSeeker and complete registration at the online sportsbook
- Navigate to the site’s app page through your mobile device
- You’ll see a “Download For Android” link or button to click, which will allow you to download the .apk file from the site to your mobile device
- Tap the file download notification to begin the installation. It will prompt you to temporarily allow for app installations from unknown sources. Once you allow this, it will complete the installation
- You’ll find the new app icon on your home screen. Every time you launch it, it will check to ensure you have the latest version and prompt you for an easy update if needed.
How To Sign Up To A Sports Betting Site
After looking at BonusSeeker’s information for Illinois online sportsbooks and deciding on one to sign up for, follow our steps to register for the site and claim all bonuses:
- Click our signup link or “Get Bonus” button for the IL sportsbook to get started
- This will direct you to its site’s registration section, which allows you to fill out all your information. That includes your name, address, email, and any other information from its KYC procedures
- If they request a bonus code, be sure to use the one supplied to you by BonusSeeker to make sure you are getting all relevant bonuses you see on our site
- No deposit bonuses will usually show up immediately after registration or within 24 hours. If you have a first deposit bonus, be sure to adhere to its terms and conditions for that bonus and make a qualifying deposit for it
How To Deposit At An Online sportsbook
To fund your IL online sportsbook account and take advantage of the first deposit bonus you’ll get through BonusSeeker, follow these steps below:
- When you complete registration for the sports betting operator through BonusSeeker, navigate to the cashier section of your account
- Click or tap where it says “Deposit” or something similar to start the process
- You’ll be shown the different deposit methods, which can include online bank transfers, PayPal, credit and debit cards, and more
- Choose the deposit method that works best for you and supply the funding information to trigger the deposit
- If there’s a space for a bonus code, be sure to use BonusSeeker’s code to take advantage of the first deposit bonus or other bonuses we mention
- Your deposit should show up in your account immediately unless you choose a method that takes longer
How To Withdraw From An Online sportsbook
Withdrawing is similar to depositing at online sportsbooks in Illinois, and you can normally withdraw the same way you deposited if you’d like. Here’s how to make a withdrawal at IL online sports betting sites:
- Head to the cashier section of the site, which is usually found under your account
- When you click or tap “Withdraw Funds”, you’ll be given a list of the withdrawal methods you can choose from
- All withdrawal methods at sportsbooks in Illinois don’t have fees associated with them but check with your bank or payment processor to ensure you don’t have fees on the receiving side
- Most withdrawal methods take anywhere from 24 to 72 hours to process your withdrawal except for paper checks which can take up to three weeks
Online Sportsbook Payment Options
Online sportsbooks in Illinois give you many types of payment methods to use either to make deposits or withdrawals. Legal online sportsbooks in Illinois offer many deposit and withdrawal methods without fees. Here are some examples of the most common payment options.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are a convenient way to fund your sportsbook account. They usually show up in your account immediately and sportsbooks don’t charge fees to use these cards, although you may want to check with your credit card’s issuing bank to see if they charge any fees for using them on online gambling sites.
You will find sites that use these various credit card brands for deposits:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
Credit Cards are one of the speediest deposit methods you can use, as deposits via credit card usually process immediately. You however cannot withdraw your funds to a credit card, so check with each site to see what your withdrawal options are if you use a credit card for deposits.
Debit Cards
Debit cards are used the same way as credit cards at IL online sportsbooks, which also don’t charge a fee for using debit cards but you should still check with your issuing bank to ensure they don’t charge a fee for the deposit.
You can use the following debit cards at online sportsbooks in Illinois:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
Debit cards also credit your betting account immediately but you cannot withdraw funds to your debit card.
Play Plus
A Play+ card is a convenient way to deposit and withdraw using one card at IL mobile sports betting sites. It’s a Discover-branded card that allows you to move money freely between your online gambling account and bank account via the Play+ account. Deposits and withdrawals to and from the Play+ card are free and processed immediately.
Prepaid Cards
You can use prepaid cards much like credit and debit cards at online gambling sites like sportsbooks, and give you a great way to limit the amount of money you can use at any time. Deposits and withdrawals are fee-free and can be processed anywhere from immediately to within 24 hours.
PayPal
PayPal is popular in the US for a reason, as it’s one of the easiest and quickest payment processors to use at online gambling sites. Deposits are processed immediately and withdrawals to PayPal can only happen if you’ve made a deposit first. Withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours.
Skrill
Skrill is another great payment processor that gives you a quick, fee-free way to move your money between it, your gambling account, and your bank account. You can even fund your Skrill account with a paper check mailed to them. Deposits are immediate and withdrawals usually take around 24 hours if you’ve deposited via Skrill within six months.
PayNearMe
PayNearMe, in conjunction with 7-Eleven, gives you a way to deposit to your Illinois online gambling account with cash. You start your deposit online and take your payslip to 7-Eleven. Then pay for it at the cashier with cash and your deposit will go through within 15 minutes. You can only make deposits through PayNearMe; no withdrawals.
ACH
ACH transfers give you a way to deposit and withdraw to your IL online sportsbook account through your bank account. You aren’t charged fees by the operator but check with your bank to ensure they don’t charge fees. Both deposits and withdrawals are processed within 24 hours.
Check
You can only withdraw via check by mail, sent to you usually within three weeks. You cannot make deposits using paper checks. There are usually no fees associated with withdrawing via check by mail.
Cash At The Casino Cage
Online sportsbooks will often partner with land-based casinos in Illinois, which will give you the option to deposit and withdraw at casino cages using cash. Bring your online gambling credentials with you and you can make transfers directly in and out of your account.
What Is The Best Online Sportsbook In IL?
Currently, BetRivers is the only online sportsbook available in Illinois, but it would still be one of the best, if not the best with other sports betting sites joining the state. BetRivers has a ton of markets and betting options, as well as a first deposit bonus up to $250 for new players that comes with an easy to achieve 1x wagering requirement.
New IL Online Sportsbooks
We will continue to update this list as more sportsbooks enter the market.
BetRivers
BetRivers IL is the first Illinois online sportsbook to launch, opening for business in June 2020. This makes the sixth state BetRivers, powered by Rush Street Interactive, has opened for mobile sports betting. BetRivers is partnered with Rivers Casino in Des Plaines to operate within Illinois.
BetRivers is a favorite of many sports bettors because it gives you a great first deposit bonus that you only need to wager once to convert to withdrawable cash. It gives a no-nonsense, easy-to-navigate sports betting site that is easy to use both on desktop and via their sports betting apps on both Android and iOS.
Sports Betting Types
Depending on the sport and event you’re betting on, you can come across dozens of ways to wager at IL sports betting sites. While this isn’t a definitive list of bets you can make, BonusSeeker covers most of the common choices you should expect to find.
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets are the most common way people envision betting on sports, as odds are made on the projected winner of the event. Therefore, you’re simply betting on the winner and the odds associated with that pick.
The moneyline is based on that projection, with the favorite usually receiving a negative line and the underdog a positive line. For example, the Yankees may face the Red Sox and be listed as a -150 favorite while the Red Sox could be a +180 underdog. That means if you bet on the Yankees to win, you’d need to bet $150 to win $100. If you bet on the Red Sox, a $100 wager could win $180.
Point Spread Bets
Point spread bets are the next common bet that people use for more favorable odds, especially when it comes to a heavy favorite that could have a line of -300 or more. It gives you an easier way to make a profit on a game that may still be lopsided.
For example, you may not pick the Knicks to beat the Lakers in a moneyline bet, even with favorable odds. But in a spread bet, the Knicks could be a +15, meaning if you added 15 points to their final score as a handicap and they beat the Lakers, you’d win according to those odds. In that way, they may be only a +110, but you have a better chance at a profiting compared to a moneyline bet.
Parlay Bets
Parlays give you a chance to combine multiple bets together to improve your odds and enhance your payout compared to betting on those alone. However, you run a risk in that you have to have every one of your bets win to win the parlay. Even if you lose just one bet in it, you’ll lose it entirely.
At some online sportsbooks in Illinois, you may be able to cash out your parlay early if you have one leg left. You won’t be able to get all of your original payout but it’s a good way to ensure you pocket winnings without relying on the last leg to win.
Teaser Bets
Teasers give you the chance to have multiple teams in the same wager, but you can adjust the point spreads, totals, and other types of wagers to customize your bet more. All legs of a teaser need to hit like a parlay in order for you to win. These can give you more creativity, but each item you customize can change the odds of the bet drastically.
Prop Bets
Prop bets give you the chance to bet on a more granular level besides simply betting winners. You’ll see prop bets for teams scoring first, players scoring over a certain amount, hitting home runs, strikeouts, threes made, touchdowns thrown. Basically, any action that takes place in a game, you could find a prop bet for!
Over/Under Bets
Over/unders allow you to bet the over or under on specific events, like the total score of a game. This is very popular in the NFL, where you’ll see o/u for total points scored in a game. You can also see prop bets for these like total points scored in a half, a quarter, by team, etc.
Futures Bets
Futures bets are the same bets as you’ve seen before, except they’re for events that can be up to months away. That can be overall winners of the Stanley Cup and the Super Bowl, as well as division winners or winners of individual tournaments in Golf, Soccer, Tennis, and more.
In-Play/Live Betting
Live betting, or in-play betting depending on what sportsbook you’re betting on, is a way to bet on sporting events as they happen. The standard way of betting is pregame, before the first pitch, tip-off, kickoff, etc.
With Live Betting, you can bet as the odds fluctuate for various bets mentioned earlier. You can bet during possession changes, at-bats, trading baskets, and more. It’s a high-energy way of betting with great possible rewards.
PointsBetting (only on PointsBet)
PointsBetting is an exclusive type of bet at PointsBet. This is a unique high-risk and high-reward method where you can customize spread bets or over/unders and get paid out as a multiplier based on the result. At the same token, if you come up short in your bet, you’ll have to pay it back based on the same multiplication method. Check out our PointsBet reviews for a more detailed explanation.
Round Robin Bets
Round Robins are similar to parlays, except it basically takes the bets you make and makes many different small parlays to help you possibly win money even if not all legs hit.
What Sports Can I Bet On In Illinois?
With legal online sportsbooks in Illinois, you get the chance to bet on sports that are not only popular in the US, but sports from all over the world. Check out some of the sports and games you’ll be able to wager on in Illinois:
- Football (NFL, NCAA)
- Baseball (MLB, KBO)
- Basketball (NBA, WNBA, NCAA)
- Hockey (NHL)
- Soccer (MLB, EPL, La Liga, Champions League, Bundesliga)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Boxing/MMA
- Motorsports (NASCAR)
- Table Tennis
Learn How To Bet On NFL Online
Illinois College Sports Betting Online
You are able to bet on college sports like NCAA Football and Basketball at IL online sports betting sites. However, the law in Illinois prohibits you from betting on college teams from the state. So if IU is on the March Madness bracket, you cannot bet on them. The same goes for the BCS Championship.
College Basketball
Betting on College Basketball is one of the most popular ways to wager in the US. While most don’t pay attention to the regular season, which starts in November, the action usually picks up with the start of March Madness as 64 teams vie for the National Championship. However, there are great bets to be made throughout the entire season, so it’s worth your research to expand your mind to the entire season.
College Football
NCAA Football is another very popular sport to wager on in Illinois, and usually has a lot of action from the start of the season in August through Bowl Season and the National Championship in January. The CFB Playoff is a knockout tournament that includes bowl games like the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and more to determine who gets to play in the big game.
Can I Bet On Illinois College Sports Teams?
No, you cannot bet on college teams located in Illinois. The new law legalizing sports betting specifically prohibits betting on Illinois college sports teams, much like the laws in New Jersey.
Can You Earn VIP Rewards From A Sports Betting Site?
Yes, many online sportsbooks offer VIP rewards that can give you rewards for bets you would have already made. It varies depending on what online gambling site you join and is another perk for betting on sports online in Illinois. Some sites like BetRivers will allow you to accrue rewards points both online and in person.
Some of the perks you can earn with these rewards programs include:
- Bonus bets
- Gifts/swag
- Travel and lodging giveaways
- Gift card giveaways
- Concert tickets
The Legal History Behind Sports Betting In Illinois
Sports betting in Illinois hasn’t only recently got off the ground, as it was first introduced on a bill in 2018. Active discussion for legalization kicked up in March 2019. Many gambling options in the state have been around since the Video Game Act of 2009, but sports betting had been explicitly prohibited until the Illinois Gambling Act of 2019 was signed into law by Gov. Pritzker.
The Illinois Gambling act was signed into law in June 2019, making sweeping changes to gaming laws in the state and putting the Illinois Gaming Board in charge of overseeing the launch of IL sports betting and how it will be regulated. Not only is online sports betting now legal in the state, but large sports venues like Wrigley Field, United Center, and Soldier Field can apply for licenses to offer sports betting onsite.
Authorized Online Sports Betting Vs. Illegal Online Sports Betting
BonusSeeker strongly recommends not joining any illegal or unregulated online sportsbooks, especially in states that offer legal sports betting sites like BetRivers.
These illegal online sportsbooks are often run offshore without any regulating body overseeing their transactions, including what they do with your money after you deposit on their site. They may be licensed in a foreign country without a true regulating body and can run the risk of nefarious deals behind the scenes. Some have even been known to simply disappear without a trace, leaving thousands of bettors without a way to get their money back.
Online gambling sites in Illinois are overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board and paid for their license. They will also have to pay taxes back to the state, allowing them to fund education and other parts of the budget that you wouldn’t get using an offshore sportsbook.
Some of the ways you can fall victim in dealing with an illegal sportsbook include:
- No overseeing of financial activity
- Issues with dealing with third-party payment processors or cryptocurrency
- Slow payouts or increased issues in receiving your payout
- Low-quality or nonexistent customer service
- No app to wager on the go
IL Authorized Online Sports Betting
Authorized online sports betting sites like BetRivers have been thoroughly vetted by the Illinois Gaming Board upon receiving their license application and fee. All of their financials are analyzed to ensure they can provide a quality service to bettors from around the state and have the means to pay out all settled bets and wins.
Illegal Online Sportsbooks
Illegal online sportsbooks are considered a scourge in the online gambling community, providing a risky way to wager in an arena that is already full of risk. Often, you will hear stories of stolen money, payouts not received, long waits if you do get a payout, and sites that disappear overnight. BonusSeeker recommends you thoroughly research every online gambling site you join using our operator reviews and making sure you’re using a legal online sportsbook in your state.
Who Can Get An IL Authorized Sportsbook License?
Casinos are getting the first crack at obtaining licenses for online sports betting in Illinois, affording them an 18-month headstart before it’s opened up for national brands like DraftKings and FOX Bet.
Applying for a sports betting license costs $250,000. Upon approval, a sports betting license will run between $3 million and $10 million, which is valid for four years. It can be renewed for another four years for $1 million. Those fees are used for the Rebuild Illinois Plan, which will fund roads, bridges, mass transit, schools, and more improvements within the state.
Illinois Gaming Board
The Illinois Gaming Board had its scope expanded after the Illinois Gambling Act was signed into law in 2019. It’s made up of five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate to administer a regulatory and tax collection system across all gambling in Illinois.
This board’s main job for consumers is overseeing gambling in the state, including online gambling, to ensure integrity and fairness. All operators will be vetted by the board to ensure fairness as well as financial solvency.
Responsible Gaming In Illinois
Gambling can be fun, but it’s up to you to make sure you are gaming responsibly in Illinois. There are many options that can assist you in protecting yourself financially as the Illinois Gaming Board offers quality resources.
A great first step is to make sure you are joining a legitimate online sports betting site that is properly licensed and regulated in Illinois. Any Illinois sportsbook we recommend has been properly vetted by the Board for fairness and gives you a secure place to wager.
Personally, you need to ensure you are using money you can afford to lose for sports betting. Betting on sports is a form of entertainment that can enhance sports for some, but you need to bet with your head and not over it. Consider the wager a cost of the entertainment and limit the amount you can wager.
You can also use utilities like wagering limits, deposit limits, and self-exclusion that you will find on many online gambling sites.
IL Online Gambling Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gambling Illegal In IL?
No, gambling is no longer illegal in Illinois thanks to the Illinois Gambling Act of 2019. While this is only open to sports betting in the state, we could see online casinos open up shop as well.
How Old Do I Need To Be To Gamble In IL?
You must be 21 or older to gamble in Illinois.
Are IL Online Sportsbooks Safe?
Yes, thanks to being overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board, online sportsbooks in IL are safe and secure. Your money is protected and all bets are paid out without incident.
Can I Win Real Money At IL Online Sportsbooks?
Yes, thanks to being overseen by the Illinois Gaming Board, online sportsbooks in IL are safe and secure. Your money is protected and all bets are paid out without incident.
Can You Bet On College Sports In Illinois?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in Illinois. However, you cannot bet on Illinois college sports teams in Indiana.
How Many Sportsbooks Are In IL?
Currently, you will find BetRivers IL operating in the Prairie State.
Is MyBookie Legal In IL?
No, you cannot use MyBookie in Illinois.
When Did Gambling Become Legal In IL?
Gambling in Illinois started with the Riverboat Casino Act, with allowed for the creation of Illinois casinos in 1990. Sports betting in the state did not become legal until 2019 and launched in 2020.
Can I Bet On Sports With My PC or Mac?
Yes, you can use your PC or Mac to sign up for and bet on sports in Illinois.
Which IL Online Sportsbooks Accept PayPal?
You can use PayPal to deposit and withdraw at IL online sportsbooks like BetRivers.
How Do IL Gambling Sites Acquire My Location?
If you use a desktop, it will install a geolocation extension in your browser to keep track of your location. On mobile devices, you will have to share your location with the app to ensure you are within the confines of Illinois.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Winnings?
Yes, you have to pay taxes on your gambling winnings in Illinois. Any gambling income is considered taxable income. You can also deduct gambling losses if you itemize your deductions.
What Is Sports Betting Handle?
Sports betting handle refers to the total amount of money that comes in through wagers at the sportsbook. If you bet $100 on the Bears to win, the $100 is considered part of the “handle”.
Who Regulates Online IL Sportsbooks?
The Illinois Gaming Board oversees IL online sportsbooks as well as all over gambling in the state.
Are There Any Sports Betting Restrictions?
Besides the minimum age and your location requirement, the biggest Illinois sports betting restriction pertains to college sports. You cannot wager on college teams from the state, including in March Madness and the NCAA Football playoffs.